By Allan Norman, MSc, CFP, CIM on July 30, 2026 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

We’re not wealthy. What can a financial planner do for us?

By Allan Norman, MSc, CFP, CIM on July 30, 2026 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

A reader just wants an assessment of her and her husband’s finances. Turns out that’s the cornerstone of financial planning.

I have an unusual—but perhaps more common than I know—question and I hope that someone could kindly point me in the right direction. Is there a type of planner that could provide me with a “state of the nation” overview of our finances (husband and me) and lay out the best course of action moving forward?

We are not wealthy, however I believe that, no matter what the situation, there is a strategic and smart way to approach our issue. I am 63 years old and my husband is 68 (and still working).

I know this sounds a little cryptic, but maybe there are for-fee advisors that would be willing to do this.

Hi Jackie, your question is not cryptic; it is where all good financial planning starts. If you don’t have a good understanding of your “state of the nation,” how will you make decisions that can’t be undone, decisions that will affect your future? The same goes for your financial planner: how will they give you proper advice if they don’t have a good understanding of you? Even if they give advice, how would you know if it is good or not? You need to know and document the lay of the land. This is the starting point of good financial........

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