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Do I Need a Financial Advisor?

Published Jan. 22, 2026
Jake FitzGerald
Author: Jake FitzGerald
Jake FitzGerald
Jake FitzGerald
Editorial Strategist

Jake FitzGerald is a full-time Editorial Strategist and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, leading content production and distribution while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, and other financial products. He has more than a decade of experience editing and shaping financial content to give readers clear, trustworthy money advice. His work focuses on delivering practical insights that empower people to make smarter financial decisions. Off the clock, he’s a fan of college football tailgates and still loyal to his favorite putter -- despite what his short game suggests.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation.

A financial advisor is not someone who picks hot stocks for you.

They are more like air traffic control for your money. They help make sure all the moving pieces in your financial life do not collide. Investments, taxes, retirement accounts, insurance, estate planning. All coordinated and headed in the right direction.

You don't need that level of help when things are simple. But once your finances get busier, having someone watching the full picture can matter more than you expect.

Signs you might benefit from a financial advisor

You don't need to be rich to benefit from a financial advisor, you just have to have financial decisions that hit some benchmarks.

Here are some common signs.

Your tax burden is growing

If your income has climbed and your tax bill keeps surprising you, that is often the first red flag.

An advisor can help coordinate retirement contributions, investment placement, and withdrawal strategy in ways that reduce lifetime taxes. This is not about loopholes. It's about structure.

Once taxes become a recurring stress point, outside perspective can pay for itself.

You have major life changes on the horizon

Common examples include:

  • Getting married or divorced
  • Having kids
  • Changing careers
  • Receiving an inheritance
  • Planning to retire within the next 10 to 15 years

Each of these moments creates decisions that are hard to undo later. A financial advisor helps you slow down, map out tradeoffs, and avoid emotional or rushed choices.

Your income or assets are getting harder to manage

As accounts grow, complexity compounds.

Multiple retirement accounts. Taxable brokerage investments. Stock compensation. Side income. Real estate. Old employer plans that never got rolled over.

When your financial life stops fitting on one spreadsheet, coordination matters more than optimization. That is where advisors are most valuable.

You feel unsure, even if things look "fine"

Many people have solid finances on paper but constant uncertainty in their head. They wonder if they are saving enough, investing correctly, or missing something obvious.

A good advisor manages your money, but they also calm your nerves. That confidence alone can be worth the cost of hiring an advisor.

You want guidance, not just products

If someone is trying to sell you specific investments first and asking questions later, that is a warning sign.

Many people prefer a fiduciary advisor, which means they are legally required to act in your best interest. That difference matters when advice starts influencing long-term outcomes.

Who probably does not need a financial advisor

You may not need one if:

  • Your finances are simple and automated
  • You are comfortable managing basic investing decisions
  • You are early in your career with limited assets
  • You enjoy learning and staying hands-on

In those cases, good habits and low-cost investing can take you very far.

The goal is not to outsource responsibility. It is to get help when complexity or stakes rise.

Is it worth it to have a financial advisor?

The real value of a financial advisor is not beating the market.

It is helping you:

  • Avoid costly mistakes
  • Stay disciplined during market swings
  • Coordinate taxes, investments, and retirement timing
  • Make confident decisions during life changes

For many households, one avoided mistake can outweigh years of fees.

That said, not all advisors are the same. Fee structures, specialties, and experience vary widely. Knowing what to ask matters. This guide walks through smart questions to ask before hiring anyone.

Where to start

If you are considering help but don't know where to start, a matching tool can be useful. SmartAsset's free tool can connect you with vetted financial advisors in your area, letting you compare options before committing.

A short questionnaire from our partner, SmartAsset, helps match you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest.