When should I get a financial advisor?

There is no single right age or income. The better trigger is rising complexity — a big life change, nearing retirement, receiving a large sum, or simply feeling unsure about your money.

How do I check a financial advisor's background?

Use free public tools: FINRA BrokerCheck and adviserinfo.sec.gov (the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure / IAPD site) show an advisor's history — you can look up both individual advisers and firms there — and the CFP Board confirms the Certified Financial Planner mark.

Choosing the Right Financial Advisor

June 10, 2026

Overview

Choosing an advisor is a big decision, and a clear process makes it easier. This section walks through when to seek help, how to find and vet candidates, what to ask, how advisors compare to robo-advisors, and whether the cost is worth it.

In this section

How to use this section

If you are not sure you need an advisor yet, start with when to find one. When you are ready to search, follow how to find and vet an advisor and bring the questions to ask to your first meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I get a financial advisor?: There is no single right age or income. The better trigger is rising complexity — a big life change, nearing retirement, receiving a large sum, or simply feeling unsure about your money.
How do I check a financial advisor's background?: Use free public tools: FINRA BrokerCheck and adviserinfo.sec.gov (the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure / IAPD site) show an advisor's history — you can look up both individual advisers and firms there — and the CFP Board confirms the Certified Financial Planner mark.