The Rise of DIY Finance
In today’s society, where information is so readily available, I don’t blame the average person for thinking that paying for a financial advisor doesn’t make sense.
After all, with the amount of free resources out there like robo-advisors and budgeting apps, it’s easier to take control of your finances than ever before.
As someone who was primarily self-taught, I’m glad to see that financial literacy among the population has seemingly increased. With that said, there are still real benefits to working with a financial advisor.
In the same way most people can probably put together their own fitness routine, hiring a personal trainer can help you reach your goals more efficiently and effectively. Here are some advantages of partnering with an advisor instead of going fully solo:
Technical Expertise
Financial planning isn’t just about setting your budget or investing — there are many components to creating a successful plan.
Many advisors have passed rigorous exams, such as the CFP® or Series 65, which ensure they possess deep and broad financial knowledge.
These areas of expertise often include:
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Investments
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Tax planning
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Estate planning
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Risk management
Even the most financially savvy clients I’ve worked with are often unaware of the advanced strategies advisors are trained to use throughout their careers.
Opportunity Cost
We only have 24 hours in a day, so even if you can do it yourself, the real question is: do you want to?
Managing investments, tracking tax law changes, and monitoring your financial progress takes time and mental energy.
Having an advisor helps streamline these processes so that you can focus on what matters most — your personal life.
Think of it like hiring a mechanic: sure, you can watch a YouTube video and change your own oil, but it’s usually faster, safer, and more efficient to let a professional handle it.
Emotional Waypoint
Money touches every part of our lives — which means our financial decisions are often more emotional than we realize.
Even disciplined investors can panic when markets dip, making short-sighted decisions that hurt long-term goals.
A good advisor provides a steady, objective perspective and keeps you focused on the bigger picture. That outside voice often pays for itself by preventing costly mistakes, where good decisions can compound over time.
Accountability and Ongoing Guidance
An advisor doesn’t just help you build a plan — they help you stay on track.
Regular check-ins and adjustments as your life evolves create accountability that’s difficult to replicate alone.
When major life events happen — like marriage, children, or career changes — an advisor can help guide you through each transition with confidence.
DIY vs. Guided Planning
You definitely can do it yourself, and I encourage everyone to learn as much as possible to build a foundation of financial literacy.
However, finding someone who listens closely and plans for every aspect of your financial life can bring a level of peace and confidence that’s hard to achieve on your own.
Final Thoughts
DIY is great for learning and can be empowering — but advisors add value through expertise, time savings, objectivity, and accountability.
If this article got you thinking about your own situation, let’s keep the conversation going.
I offer a no-cost introductory call where we can explore your goals and challenges.
