The real question to ask yourself is "Can I afford one?" It's probably not worth the expense if you have no debt or tax-deductible expenses, have less than $1,000 in the bank, and have no short-term financial goals. But if you have competing demands on your finances — saving for college and retirement, paying the tax bill, remodeling the kitchen, and finding room in the budget for a vacation— hiring a financial pro may be money well spent. A planner can also be helpful when a major event, such as a divorce or an inheritance, has an impact on your finances.