Managing your money can feel like a never-ending balancing act. From growing your investment portfolio to retirement planning, there are countless financial matters to juggle. But are there signs you need a financial advisor? The big question is, do you need help? Do you need a financial advisor to guide your financial journey, or can you continue doing it alone? The answer depends on your unique circumstances.

To help you decide, here are five signs that you might benefit from hiring a financial advisor to manage your financial future.

1. You’re Facing a Major Life Change

Major life events—like getting married, buying a home, starting a business, or even inheriting wealth—can seriously impact your financial situation. You might suddenly need to manage new investments, plan for the future, or reassess your financial goals. This is when many people start seeking advice from a professional.

A financial advisor can help you manage these big moments. Whether you’re looking to restructure your investment portfolio, build a retirement plan, or ensure your bank account is ready for the changes, financial advisors offer personalized financial planning advice tailored to your situation. They can also help ensure that your current finances are aligned with your long-term goals so you can confidently face life’s transitions.

2. You’re Not Sure About Your Investment Strategy

Have you ever looked at your investment portfolio and felt unsure about your next move—you’re not alone. Managing investments isn’t always straightforward; between monitoring the stock market, balancing risk, and diversifying assets, everything can quickly become overwhelming. A registered investment adviser can offer guidance in this area.

Wealth managers and investment management professionals are experts in crafting personalized investment strategies. They’ll consider your risk tolerance, financial goals, and market conditions to build a plan that helps grow your wealth over time.

An advisor can help you create a smart and diversified portfolio that works for your specific needs, whether you're starting or nearing retirement. So, if you find yourself second-guessing your investment decisions, it’s time to seek expert advice.

3. You Don’t Have a Comprehensive Financial Plan

Not having a clear financial plan can lead to missed opportunities and poor decision-making. If your current approach is to handle things as they come or just wing it, a financial advisor can step in and help you get organized.

Holistic financial planning goes beyond just growing your investment portfolio. It looks at every aspect of your finances, from tax and retirement planning to setting realistic savings goals. An advisor can help you create a roadmap that aligns with your long-term goals, ensures you’re on track for significant milestones, and keeps your finances working toward your ideal future.

4. Taxes Are Becoming a Real Headache

As your wealth grows, so does the complexity of your tax situation. Tax planning becomes more important when managing investment portfolios, properties, and multiple income streams. The good news? A financial advisor can help you create a tax-efficient strategy that ensures you keep more of your hard-earned money.

Whether it’s understanding capital gains taxes, figuring out tax implications on retirement accounts, or working with insurance agents to build a comprehensive estate plan, financial advisors can help optimize your finances. This can save you time, money, and stress when tax season rolls around. So, if taxes are overwhelming, a financial advisor can ensure you’re on the right track.

5. You’re Unsure About Your Retirement Plan

If the thought of retiring comfortably seems distant or uncertain, it’s a clear sign that you could benefit from working with a financial advisor. Retirement planning is one of the most critical aspects of your financial journey. Knowing how much to save, when to start withdrawing from retirement accounts, and which investments will support your future is no small feat.

A financial pro can closely examine your financial situation and help you build a sustainable retirement plan. Whether you’re just starting or quickly approaching retirement age, they’ll guide you in managing your savings and investments to ensure you have enough for the retirement lifestyle you envision. Plus, they’ll adjust your plan over time as your needs change.

The Aligned Perspective: Seeking Professional Financial Guidance

Now, let’s discuss options. Not everyone needs a full-time human advisor, which is where robo-advisors come in. 

Robo-advisors—automated platforms that manage your investments based on algorithms—can be an excellent tool for those with simpler financial needs or smaller portfolios. Robo-advisors use your risk tolerance and goals to build an investment plan without the fees of a traditional advisor.

However, a human advisor offers personalized support that's hard to beat if you’re facing major life events, managing a complex portfolio, or needing holistic financial planning. The best financial advisors provide ongoing financial management, working with you to ensure your plan evolves as your life changes.

For more, read our guide about the right time to work with a financial advisor.