When to Hire a Financial Planner: How Guidance Boosts Returns, Reduces Risk, and Protects You CFP Board｡Hiring a financial planner can meaningfully improve overall financial preparedness and help individuals better coordinate all aspects of their finances. CFP Board's 2025 Financial Planning Longitudinal Study finds that people who work with a CFP® professional are more likely to have a detailed retirement plan, maintain adequate emergency savings and have their investment strategy regularly rev