Money can be tricky. Some days, it feels like you’ve got a handle on it. Other days, you’re wondering how you’re going to cover everything and still have anything left to save. You’re not alone. A recent study shows that 70% of American households are financially unhealthy, and for many, day-to-day money struggles are only getting worse.
So how do you know when it’s time to bring in a financial planner? If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to get some professional financial advice.
1. You’re not sure where your money goes
If you make a decent income but still feel broke, it could be a sign your budget isn’t working—or maybe you don’t have one at all. A financial planner can help you track spending and figure out where things are slipping through the cracks.
2. You have no savings—and haven’t for a while
In 2025, 13% of Americans said they have no savings, just like last year. If your savings account hasn’t seen a deposit in months (or years), it might be time to change how you’re handling your money.
3. You’re dealing with debt and don’t know how to pay it off
Whether it’s credit cards, student loans, or medical bills, being stuck in debt is stressful. The average credit card debt is now around $6,580, and if that isn’t bad enough, the average interest rate on accounts with balances assessed interest hit 22.80% in November 2024. With rates like that, it’s easy to get trapped in a cycle of only making minimum payments and watching your balance grow. A financial planner can help create a realistic plan to tackle it without draining every paycheck.
4. You’re earning more but not feeling more secure
Making more money is great, but if your financial stress hasn’t changed, you may not be managing that growth well. Financial planning helps turn bigger paychecks into long-term stability.
5. You don’t have a retirement plan—and you don’t know where to start
Here’s a tough stat: Americans are 15 times more likely to save for retirement if they have access to a plan at work. But nearly 57 million people don’t have that access. If you’re one of them, or just feel behind, a planner can help you build a strategy based on your income, lifestyle, and goals.
6. You’re experiencing a big life change
Getting married? Starting a business? Inheriting money? Big life moments usually come with financial decisions. A planner can help you sort through your options and avoid making moves you’ll regret later.
7. You feel overwhelmed trying to plan for the future
With the average U.S. life expectancy now at 79.4 years, planning for the future isn’t something to put off. If the thought of figuring out insurance, estate planning, college savings, or retirement gives you a headache, financial planning might be what you need.
8. You want peace of mind
Maybe things aren’t falling apart—but you’d just like to feel better about your money. A financial planner can help you set goals, build a plan, and feel more in control.
Don’t Wait for “Someday” to Get a Plan
If a few (or all) of these signs sound like you, it might be time to talk to someone. At Hilltop Wealth & Tax Solutions, we make financial planning approachable and personal. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been trying to figure it out on your own for a while, we’re here to help.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation, and let’s start building a plan that works for your life.
