Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult a licensed professional for personalized guidance. The information provided is general and does not account for individual circumstances. FinFinancial LLC does not endorse specific financial strategies or outcomes.

Money decisions can feel overwhelming — and you're not alone in this. A good financial advisor can make a real difference in your financial life, but finding the right time to bring one in isn't always clear.

And here's something interesting: while 27% of Americans work with financial advisors, many others are probably missing out on professional guidance when they need it most. That's because money situations can get complex really fast, and sometimes we don't see the signs that we could use some help.

Financial advisors do more than just manage investments. They're professionals who look at your whole financial picture — from saving for retirement to managing taxes, and making sure your money works as hard as you do. And with new technology changing how we handle money, advisors are bringing in smart tools to give you even better guidance.

So if you've been wondering whether it's time to get professional financial help, you're in the right place. This article breaks down 7 clear signs that tell you it might be time to talk to a financial advisor. We'll help you figure out if you're ready for that step, what kind of help you might need, and how to know if the timing is right.

Understanding Financial Advisors

Money can feel complicated sometimes, but that's why financial advisors are here to help. These professionals do more than give advice — they're partners in your financial journey who bring real expertise to the table. And the field is growing fast: 223,770 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals worldwide are working to help people like you make better money decisions.

Different Types of Financial Advisors (and What They Actually Do)

So you might be wondering what kind of advisor would work best for you. Well, there are a few different types, and each has their own specialty:

Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) are probably the most well-known — and there's a good reason for that. They look at your whole financial picture, from budgeting to retirement planning, and even estate planning. Right now, there are 103,093 CFP® professionals in the U.S., and they've gone through some pretty rigorous training to earn those credentials.

Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) focus more on the investment side of things and are great at creating investment strategies that match your goals. With wealth management assets expected to reach $102.70 trillion by 2025, these professionals are managing some serious responsibility.

Why "Fiduciary" Should Matter to You

Here's something really important that a lot of people don't know about: the fiduciary standard. It might sound like a complicated term, but it's actually pretty simple — and it matters a lot. When an advisor is a fiduciary, they're legally required to put your interests first. Always. No exceptions.

Think of it this way: when you're trusting someone with your financial future, you want to be sure they're working for you, not for their own bottom line. That's what being a fiduciary means, and that's why it's so important to look for one when you're choosing an advisor.

This understanding can help you feel more confident about working with a financial advisor. After all, managing money isn't always easy, and having someone in your corner who knows what they're doing (and is required to work in your best interest) can make a big difference. And not to the signs that you might need to hire an advisor. 

1. Complex Financial Situations Require Expert Help

Money gets complicated really fast, especially when you're dealing with different types of assets and income streams. And if you're feeling a bit lost, that's completely normal — financial complexity can make anyone's head spin.

Multiple Income Sources: A Modern Challenge

These days, having more than one income source is pretty common. In fact, more than a third of U.S. adults are managing multiple streams of income, and that number goes up to nearly half for millennials and Gen Z. While this is great for your bank account, it can make your finances more complicated, especially when it comes to taxes and planning.

If you're freelancing or running a side business (and so many of us are these days), you might want to check out our guide on how to create a financial plan for freelancers. But sometimes, having a guide isn't enough — you might need someone who can look at your whole situation and help you make sense of it all.

When Inheritance Changes Everything

Getting an inheritance can feel overwhelming: one day you've got all these decisions to make about what to do with the money or any other assets, and everyone seems to have an opinion. A good financial advisor can help you sort through your options and create a plan that makes sense for your life and backed by real expertise in similar scenarios. 

Other Investment Decisions That Matter

Some investment opportunities need a careful eye as they can have long-term effects on your financial health, and having someone experienced in your corner can make a real difference.

Advisors can guide you through big life changes, like moving to a new state (where taxes and cost of living might be totally different), or starting your first job after graduation (when you're trying to figure out benefits and retirement accounts).

The key thing to remember is that asking for help with complex money situations isn't a sign of weakness — it's actually a smart move. 

2. Major Life Changes: When Financial Guidance Matters

Big life changes can really shake up your finances — and sometimes it's hard to see the whole picture when you're in the middle of it all. Let's talk about some of these moments.

Marriage and Money Talks

Getting married is exciting, although it’s not just about love, but also about  merging finances. You and your partner might have different views on spending, saving, and investing. A financial advisor can help you both get on the same page about budgeting, figure out how to handle investments together, and create a retirement strategy that works for both of you.

Divorce and Financial Reality

Divorce is tough emotionally and financially — and the costs can be significant. The average divorce costs $15,000 per person, but that number can go up to $100,000 in more complicated situations. A financial advisor can help you understand what your finances might look like after divorce, from splitting assets to planning your new financial future. They've seen these situations before and can help you avoid common mistakes that could cost you money down the road.

Making Sense of an Inheritance

Getting an inheritance can feel overwhelming — there's usually a lot of emotion involved, and you want to make good decisions with the money. A financial advisor can help you figure out the tax situation (because yes, that matters) and create a plan that respects both the inheritance and your own financial goals.

Career Changes and Your Money

Whether you're switching jobs, starting a business, or thinking about retirement, these changes affect more than your paycheck. There are decisions to make about retirement accounts, pension options, and when to take Social Security benefits. And honestly, these choices can get pretty complicated.

A good financial advisor understands that these changes aren't just about money — they're about your life, your relationships, and your future. They can help you look at the big picture while taking care of all those important details you might not think about. After all, making smart financial moves during these big life moments can make a real difference in your long-term financial health.

3. When Financial Stress Takes Over

Managing money can feel really overwhelming sometimes, and if you're feeling stressed about your finances, you're definitely not alone. Let's talk about when those worries might be a sign that you could use some professional help.

When Money Keeps You Up at Night

We all worry about money sometimes, but constant anxiety about your finances isn't something you should have to live with. If you're lying awake at night thinking about bills or investments, a financial advisor might help you sleep better. They can look at your situation with fresh eyes and help you create a plan that makes more sense.

When You'd Rather Not Look

Sometimes it's easier to just put those bank statements aside and deal with them later, right? Well, avoiding financial tasks usually makes things more complicated in the long run. If you find yourself putting off money decisions or letting bills pile up, that's a pretty clear sign you might need some support.

When Decisions Feel Too Big

Making financial choices can feel really heavy — should you invest in stocks or bonds? How much should you save for your child's education? When these decisions start to feel too big to handle on your own, that's totally normal. A financial advisor deals with these questions every day and can help break them down into manageable steps.

When Your Goals Feel Fuzzy

Maybe you know you should be planning for the future, but you're not really sure what that means for you. Or maybe you have some ideas but aren't sure how to make them happen. Financial advisors are great at helping you figure out what you really want to achieve with your money and creating a clear path to get there.

When Mistakes Keep Happening

Look, everyone makes money mistakes sometimes. But if you keep running into the same problems — like overdraft fees or missed investment opportunities — it might be time to bring in someone who can help you create better financial habits.

Getting help with your finances isn't a sign of failure — it's actually a really smart move. Think of it like going to a doctor when you're not feeling well: sometimes you need an expert to help you figure out what's going on and create a plan to make things better. And honestly, having someone in your corner who knows what they're doing can make a huge difference in how you feel about your money.

4. When Financial Knowledge Gaps Hold You Back

Making investment decisions can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. And that's completely normal — the financial world is complex, and nobody's born knowing how to handle investments, market trends, or tax strategies.

The Investment Learning Curve

Let's be honest: there are so many different ways to invest these days, from traditional options like stocks and bonds to newer possibilities like diversifying your portfolio with crypto investments. If you're feeling a bit lost about where to put your money, you're not alone. A financial advisor can explain these options in ways that actually make sense, helping you understand what might work best for your situation.

Reading the Market's Signals

The market changes all the time, and keeping up with economic news can feel like a full-time job. Sometimes it might seem like everyone else knows exactly what's going on while you're trying to figure out what all those numbers really mean. A good advisor stays on top of these changes and can help you understand what matters for your investments.

Getting Real About Risk

Here's something many people struggle with: knowing how much investment risk they can really handle. Sometimes we think we're braver than we are, and other times we might be too careful. Either way can cost you money in the long run. Financial advisors are great at helping you find that sweet spot — the right balance of risk and potential return that lets you sleep at night.

The Tax Factor

Taxes can make your head spin, right? And they get even more complicated when investments are involved. Making a wrong move with taxes can really eat into your returns, but a financial advisor knows how to help you make smart tax decisions with your investments.

The good thing about working with a financial advisor is that they can teach you about all this as you go. Whether you're trying to figure out your 401(k) or wondering about different investment options, they can break down complex ideas into something you can use.

5. When Investment Uncertainty Keeps You Stuck

Making investment decisions can be really tough when you're not sure about your choices. And sometimes that uncertainty can cost you — not because you made bad decisions, but because you might have missed out on good opportunities while trying to figure things out.

The Market's Ups and Downs

It's completely normal to feel unsure when markets go up and down. One day everything looks great, and the next day the news makes you wonder if you should change your whole investment strategy. This back-and-forth can make anyone feel a bit frozen, wondering if they're making the right moves at the right time.

When Financial Products Feel Too Complex

Sometimes it feels like you need a dictionary just to understand what financial companies are offering and the choices can get overwhelming quickly. And that’s when it's getting hard to know which options might actually work well for your situation.

The Research Challenge

Let's be honest — doing investment research takes time, skill, and knowledge that most of us haven't had the chance to develop. You might find yourself reading articles or watching videos about investing, but still feeling like you're missing something important. And that's totally understandable — even experienced investors sometimes struggle to keep up with everything.

Making Decisions Under Pressure

When you're uncertain about investments, two things tend to happen: you might either stay away from investing altogether (which could mean missing out on potential growth), or you might make quick decisions without really understanding the risks. Neither situation is great for your long-term financial health.

A financial advisor can make a real difference in this scenario: they will explain your options in ways that make sense and show you how different choices might affect your financial future. After all, the goal isn't to make perfect decisions — it's to make informed ones that work for your specific situation.

6. Managing Higher Wealth: When Regular Financial Advice Isn't Enough

When you've built up significant wealth, your financial needs become more complex. And while that's a good problem to have, it also means you need different strategies to protect and grow your assets.

Key Areas Where Specialized Help Makes a Difference:

• Tax Planning: Higher wealth usually means more complicated taxes. A specialized advisor can help you structure your finances in tax-efficient ways, looking at both your current situation and long-term planning.

• Cash Flow Management: When you're dealing with larger amounts of money, keeping the right balance between ready cash and investments becomes really important. You need enough liquidity for opportunities and emergencies, but not so much that your money isn't working hard enough for you.

• Investment Strategy: Bigger portfolios need different approaches to balance risk and growth. A specialized advisor can help you spread your investments across different types of assets in ways that make sense for your specific situation.

• Estate Planning: This one's huge, and here's something interesting — only 32% of Americans have a will, and that number actually dropped 6% from last year. Good estate planning goes way beyond just having a will though. It involves looking at trusts, gifts, and maybe even charitable giving that matches your values.

The Long-Term View

Managing higher wealth isn't just about making smart moves today — it's about creating strategies that work for years to come. This might include planning for multiple generations, thinking about business succession if you own a company, or figuring out how to support causes you care about while still taking care of your family's needs.

A specialized financial advisor can look at all these pieces together and help create a plan that makes sense for your specific situation. They can also keep an eye on changes in tax laws, investment opportunities, and estate planning rules that might affect your wealth management strategy.

7. You Need to to Get Pass Your Emotions

Money decisions get made by our feelings all the time — that's just how it works. Your investments might be down right now, and you're probably holding onto them because deep down they feel like they'll recover. A lot of people panic-sold when things look bad in the markets, and that's a normal reaction. And these days quite a few people have their money sitting in cash because putting it in the market feels a bit too scary.

While advisors cannot guarantee financial outcomes, since all investments carry inherent risks,  having someone look at your money who isn't wrapped up in all the feelings about it can make things so much clearer. 

You might hear about an amazing investment opportunity from a friend — something that sounds really good — and your advisor will be there to remind you about spreading your money around, because they've watched that story play out plenty of times before. Sometimes we need someone to stop us from following our gut when it comes to money decisions, and that's exactly what a good advisor gets paid to do.

How to Know If You Really Need a Financial Advisor?

Before you start looking for a financial advisor, it's good to figure out if you actually need one. Here's a helpful way to think it through.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• How clear are your money goals? Take a look at what you want to achieve financially, both soon and down the road. Sometimes we have the knowledge to handle our own goals, and sometimes we need a bit of help — that's completely normal.

• How complex is your money situation? If you've got multiple income streams or different types of investments, things can get complicated pretty fast. A good advisor can help sort through all of that and make sure everything works together well.

• How do you feel about money decisions? Be honest with yourself here — if thinking about your finances keeps you up at night or makes you anxious, that's really important to acknowledge. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, you're definitely not alone.

• What does your schedule look like? Managing money well takes time, and if you're already juggling work and life commitments, it might be hard to give your finances the attention they need. That's totally understandable — we all have a lot going on.

• Where are your knowledge gaps? Everyone has them, whether it's about taxes, investments, or retirement planning. Sometimes just knowing what you don't know is really valuable.

• Are big changes coming up? Life changes like getting married, switching careers, or receiving an inheritance can really shake up your financial situation. Having someone to help you through these transitions can make a big difference.

Making Your Decision

So if you've gone through these questions and found yourself nodding along to several of them, it might be time to consider getting some professional help with your finances. And that's okay — getting help when you need it is actually a really smart move.

Technology has made finding and working with financial advisors easier than ever. Modern platforms like FINNY can connect you with financial advisors who might provide guidance according to your unique circumstances.

Remember, getting financial advice isn't about giving up control of your money — it's about adding expertise to your financial decisions when you need it. 

Get matched with a financial advisor.