what do you expect a financial planner to do for you? what specific questions would you ask a planner? that is, do you have a clear vision of what you are saving/investing for the future and need help putting the pieces of the puzzle together (what insurance, what types of investment), or are you looking for a “coach” to help you figure out where you are and what you are doing?
what do you mean by “not much to show for it”? are you saying that you have leaks in your budget but can’t figure out exactly where, or that you can’t stop yourself from spending in ways that are unsatisfying?
a financial planner can’t help you with either one. they will only give you a notepad to track all your expenses for a month for the former (there i helped you for free) or tell you to stop in the latter (there i helped you again).
they can only help you implement a vision — but you have to define that vision in the first place. i’d be very careful picking a financial planner — there’s no unified obvious credentialing or bonding that goes with the job (like “MD” for doc or $$$ held in trust/insurance for civil engineer if he professionally screws up).
if you want tax advice on specific moves, you’re better off hiring a CPA or enrolled agent (IRS experts).
that said, Marketplace Money’s Chris Farrell (NPR) has repeatedly said to go with a fee-only based planner vs. % types.
that also said, don’t you know our own Dr Piggington works for a financial advisory firm? 😉
