How Financial Planner

I remember the first time I sat down with a financial planner. It was after a particularly stressful tax season, when my income had dropped 20% and I had no idea how to get back on track. I had been juggling multiple side hustles, freelance work, and a full-time gig, but the money always seemed to disappear. That day, the planner didn’t just help me create a budget — they helped me see the bigger picture of my finances for the first time. It was like having a map in a maze I thought I’d never escape.^[1]

I used to think financial planning was only for people with six figures in the bank or retirees with a comfortable nest egg. But the truth is, it’s for anyone who wants to feel in control of their money — even if that means starting with $500 in savings and a part-time job. Financial planning isn’t about perfection or being rich — it’s about making smart, consistent choices that add up over time. I’ve been working with planners for over five years now, and I’ve learned that the best financial planners don’t just talk about money — they help you live your life.

One of the most powerful things a financial planner can do is help you see how your daily choices affect your long-term goals. When I first started working with mine, I realized that I was spending $150 a month on streaming services I didn’t use. That’s $1,800 a year I could’ve put toward a rainy day fund or savings for a bigger goal. That was a moment of clarity — and it’s why I want to share what I’ve learned about how financial planners can make a real difference in your life.^[2]

What Is a Financial Planner, and How Can They Help You?

As of September 2026, I used to think financial planners were only for people with a lot of money. But the truth is, they can help anyone who wants to take control of their finances. A good financial planner will start by asking you about your goals — where you want to be in five years, ten years, or even just next month. They’ll help you understand your income, your expenses, and how to grow your savings over time.

One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking that financial planning is about cutting every expense. But the goal isn’t to live without spending — it’s to spend wisely. My planner helped me find a balance between enjoying my life and building my financial future. That meant saving a certain percentage of my income each month, but still allowing myself to take a weekend trip or buy a new piece of art once in a while.

Financial planners can also help you create an emergency fund, set up automatic savings, and plan for retirement. They’ll give you tools and strategies that make managing your money easier, not harder. And the best part? You don’t need a six-figure income to start working with a financial planner — many offer affordable, scalable services.

Part of our Financial planner guide.

How to Choose the Right Financial Planner for You

When I first started looking for a financial planner, I felt overwhelmed. There were so many options, and I didn’t know where to start. I looked for someone who had experience working with people in my situation — like freelancers, artists, and those with irregular incomes. I also asked for references and read reviews from other clients.

Another thing I looked for was how the planner communicates. I wanted someone who could explain things in simple terms, not jargon. My planner didn’t use big words or make me feel like I needed to be an expert to understand their advice. They explained things like compound interest, budgeting, and investing in a way that made sense to me.

The right financial planner should also be transparent about their fees. Some charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage of your assets. I chose a planner who offered a low flat fee, which made it easier for me to afford their services without feeling like I was paying for something I couldn’t use.

Find a planner who communicates clearly and listens — not just talks.

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The 4-Step Process That Works for Everyone

My financial planner used a four-step process that worked for me, and I think it could work for anyone. The first step was to understand my current financial situation — like my income, expenses, and debts. The second step was to set clear, specific financial goals — like saving $5,000 for an emergency fund or paying off a credit card within a year.^[3]

The third step was to create a budget that made sense for my income and expenses. This wasn’t about cutting every little thing — it was about making smarter choices. For example, I cut down on eating out and started cooking at home more, which saved me about $200 a month. That money went straight into my emergency fund.

The final step was to review the plan regularly — every month or every few months — to see if I was on track. This helped me stay focused and make adjustments as needed. I’ve since learned that even a small change, like saving an extra $50 a month, can make a big difference over time.

“I remember the first time I sat down with a financial planner.”— Financial Planning for Artists editors

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How a Financial Planner Can Help You Save More Money

One of the biggest surprises for me was how much I could save by simply making a few small changes. My planner helped me track my spending and showed me where I was wasting money — like on unused subscriptions or impulse buys. I didn’t have to stop buying art or going out with friends — I just had to be more intentional about my spending.

Another way a financial planner can help you save is by setting up automatic savings. I started using a tool that automatically transferred 10% of my income into a savings account every time I got paid. That made saving easier because I didn’t have to think about it — it just happened.

They also helped me build a rainy day fund, which gave me peace of mind. I didn’t feel like I was living on a tightrope — I had a safety net in place. That’s one of the most valuable things a financial planner can do for you.

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How a Financial Planner Can Help You Pay Off Debt Faster

When I first started working with my financial planner, I had over $10,000 in credit card debt. That felt overwhelming, but my planner helped me break it down into manageable steps. We created a plan that allowed me to pay off my debt within 18 months — and it didn’t require me to cut out all my expenses.

The key was to prioritize high-interest debt first and use a strategy called the avalanche method. That meant paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, which saved me over $1,000 in interest. My planner also helped me find a way to increase my income — like taking on a part-time gig — which gave me more money to pay off my debt faster.

I didn’t have to sacrifice everything to get out of debt — I just had to be smart about how I spent my money and make sure I was using the money I had as efficiently as possible.

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How a Financial Planner Can Help You Prepare for Retirement

I used to think retirement was something I didn’t need to worry about — after all, I was only 28. But my financial planner helped me see that starting early made a huge difference. They showed me how even small contributions to a retirement account could grow over time, thanks to compound interest.

My planner helped me set up an automatic contribution to my retirement account — just $100 a month. That might not sound like much, but over 30 years, that could grow into a significant amount of money. They also helped me find a low-cost retirement account that didn’t cost me a fortune in fees.

They also made sure I had a backup plan in case things changed — like if I lost my job or had a medical emergency. That gave me the confidence to keep contributing to my retirement fund without feeling like I was sacrificing my current lifestyle.

Start early, even if it’s with just $100 a month — the future will thank you.

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How a Financial Planner Can Help You Stay on Track

One of the biggest challenges I faced was staying on track with my financial goals. Life is full of unexpected changes — a new job, a health issue, or a major expense. My financial planner helped me build a plan that could adapt to these changes without throwing everything off course.

They also provided regular check-ins — sometimes just a quick phone call — to make sure I was on track and to help me adjust if needed. That made a huge difference because I didn’t feel like I was doing this alone.

Another tool they gave me was a simple budget tracker that I could use on my phone. It helped me stay aware of my spending and made it easier to stick to my financial plan. That’s one of the most valuable things a financial planner can offer — not just a plan, but the tools and support to make it work.

How Financial Planner