5 Clear Signs You're Ready for a Financial Adviser (and How to Find a Good One for Free)

Not everyone feels ready to bring in a financial adviser. In fact, a lot of people assume they don't need one until they're "rich." But that idea misses the point entirely. You don't hire a financial adviser because you're wealthy—you hire one so you can build and protect wealth more effectively. The truth is, the moment your finances get even slightly more complicated than a checking account and a 401(k), it's worth considering a professional. And if you have at least $200,000 in investable assets, it might actually cost you more not to work with one.

Here are five clear signs that you're ready to talk to a financial adviser—plus how to get matched with the right one, for free.

1. You've passed the $200,000 mark and want to do more than "just save"

When your net worth is growing and you're sitting on $200K or more in savings and investments, you're officially past the stage of basic financial hygiene. At this point, the stakes are higher—and the opportunities are greater. An extra 1–2% in returns, smarter tax planning, or better diversification could add tens of thousands to your future wealth. But very few people are equipped to optimize all of that on their own.

You might already be using an app or brokerage account, picking ETFs or target-date funds, and feeling good about your progress. But the real question is: What's your long-term plan? What's your drawdown strategy? What happens when tax laws change? How do you pass assets on efficiently, or plan for early retirement?

That's where a financial adviser becomes essential—not just to manage your money, but to help you make the most of it, while keeping it aligned with your goals and lifestyle. Services like WiserAdviser make it easy to find a qualified adviser who works specifically with people in your position, and the best part? The match is free.

2. You've hit a life milestone that changes the financial equation

Life rarely moves in a straight line. Maybe you've just sold a home. Or inherited money from a parent. Or started earning significantly more in your career. Maybe you’re newly married, divorced, or expecting your first child. These types of events are often when financial decisions become less about basic budgeting—and more about navigating complexity.

Suddenly, you're asking questions like: Should I pay off my mortgage early? How should I invest this windfall? What's the smartest way to save for my kids' future? Should we combine finances or keep them separate? These aren't just financial questions—they're emotional ones, and they deserve thoughtful answers rooted in both strategy and experience.

A financial adviser can offer clarity at precisely the time when you're juggling competing priorities. They bring structure, objectivity, and planning tools that most people don't have access to on their own.

3. You're self-managing your finances—and starting to feel out of your depth

A lot of financially savvy people take pride in handling things on their own. You might read investing blogs, follow personal finance influencers, track your net worth in spreadsheets, and stay up to date on economic trends. But there's a point at which self-management hits a ceiling.

It's not about how smart you are—it's about how much time and expertise you can realistically dedicate. As your portfolio grows, so does the complexity: tax optimization, rebalancing across accounts, Roth conversion timing, capital gains harvesting, estate planning, required minimum distributions, and more. And with so much information out there, the risk of doing nothing—or making the wrong move—only increases.

Working with a financial adviser doesn't mean giving up control. It means bringing in a strategic partner who helps you make more confident, informed decisions—so you can spend less time second-guessing and more time building your future. If you already do a lot of the heavy lifting yourself, you'll likely benefit even more from having a pro in your corner to take you to the next level.

4. You want to retire early, or retire right

Retirement planning used to be simple. You hit 65, took your pension, and lived off Social Security and savings. Today? It’s a different ballgame entirely. People retire earlier, live longer, switch careers midlife, or plan to semi-retire with part-time work or side income. And whether you want to travel the world at 55 or ease out of full-time work over time, you need a strategy that actually supports that.

Advisers can help answer some of the biggest retirement questions you're probably already thinking about: How much can I safely withdraw each year? Will my money last if inflation stays high? Am I on track for the retirement I actually want, or just the one I think I can afford?

If you've saved $200K+, you're likely at a point where these questions are more than just hypothetical—they're urgent. And getting them right now can save you from major regrets later.

5. You want someone in your corner—who's not trying to sell you something

One of the biggest hesitations people have about working with a financial adviser is trust. Nobody wants to feel like they're being upsold on life insurance or funneled into some firm's prebuilt investment products. That's why it’s important to find a fiduciary adviser—someone legally obligated to put your interests first.

WiserAdviser makes this easy. It's a free matching platform that connects you with independent, vetted fiduciary advisers based on your goals, preferences, and situation. You don't pay to get matched. You're not obligated to work with anyone. And you won't get spammed with product pitches. You just answer a few questions, review your matches, and take the next step when you're ready.

Why Waiting Too Long Can Cost You

There's a common misconception that you should wait until you're "wealthy" to work with a financial adviser. But in reality, the earlier you start, the more value you'll get. Advisers don't just protect wealth—they help you build it faster, avoid costly mistakes, and make decisions that compound positively over time.

So if you're hovering around $200K in savings, facing a financial crossroads, or just feeling unsure about what comes next—now is the time. Getting a second opinion doesn't have to cost you anything, but it might help you make smarter, more confident decisions for years to come.

Ready to see who's the right fit for you? Start your free match today at WiserAdviser and get connected with a licensed, fiduciary adviser in your area.