Behind every hero who overcame some great obstacle to save the day or win the big game is a guide who was there helping them every step of the way.

Think about it: Did Luke Skywalker learn how to use the force on his own? No! He got help from Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda. Did Michael Jordan win all those championships by himself? Absolutely not. The G.O.A.T. didn’t reach his full potential until Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson and his famed triangle offense came along.

Guess what? The same is often true with investing—people look for a Yoda or a Phil Jackson to help them plan and invest for the future. In fact, about 7 out of 10 millionaires (68%) said they worked with a financial advisor to help them achieve their net worth.⁶

A financial advisor’s primary job is to give you information and advice so that you can make informed decisions and ensure your money is managed well. They should have the heart of a teacher, but they’re not there to make decisions for you—that’s your job.

There are plenty of reasons why it’s wise to get a financial advisor or investment pro in your corner to help you along your financial journey, so let’s talk about some of the most important ones.

Ramsey Solutions is a paid, non-client promoter of participating pros.

There are lots of investments out there to choose from—and they’re not all created equal. A financial advisor can help you sort through all the junk investment options and recommend mutual funds or other investments to add to your portfolio.

Ultimately, you should be the one who will make the final decisions, so make sure you have an advisor who’s willing to answer all your questions so you know exactly what you’re investing in and how those investments could help you reach your goals.

One of the worst things you can do is make big decisions when you’re in a highly emotional state. We’ve seen too many folks empty out their 401(k)s in a state of panic after watching one too many cable news shows. And then there are folks who receive an inheritance but spend it all in their grief instead of waiting until they’re ready to make plans with a clear mind.  

Sometimes we can get so caught up in our emotions that we make terrible decisions with our investments. That’s why it helps to have someone in your corner who can give you an outsider’s perspective. A good financial advisor can help you take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and navigate through difficult financial situations.

Not only can financial advisors help you plan for retirement, but they can also offer you counsel and guidance for all kinds of different things. If you have kids, a financial advisor can set up an Education Savings Account (ESA) or 529 plan for your kids’ college education. Need help with estate planning? A financial advisor can help you figure out if your situation needs more than a simple will and whether or not you might need to meet with an estate planning attorney.

It’s a great idea to set up an annual meeting or phone call with your financial advisor to discuss your investments and other things happening in your life that could impact your finances.

If you’re looking for a financial advisor or investment professional, the SmartVestor program can help you connect with up to five pros in your area—and it’s free to get connected!