You searched “retirement planning near me” because you’re ready to get serious about your future, but you’re not quite sure what kind of help you need.
Maybe you’re approaching retirement and want to make sure you’re on track. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by all the moving parts—Social Security, taxes, healthcare, withdrawals—and wondering if it’s time to hire a professional. Or maybe you’re hoping to take control on your own… you’re just not sure where to begin.
Whatever brought you here, you’re not alone. And the truth is, you don’t need to settle for one-size-fits-all advice or pay 1% of your savings just to feel confident.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to find a retirement planner near you, how to evaluate your options, and why DIY retirement planning with the right tools (it’s the missing link for financial confidence) might be a better fit than you think.
What Are You Really Looking For?
When most people type “retirement planning near me,” they’re not just looking for a name or office location. They’re searching for something more personal:
- Clarity: Am I on track?
- Confidence: Can I really afford to retire?
- Control: What’s the best way to manage my income, taxes, and goals?
The key is figuring out what kind of help you actually need—and what approach gives you the most confidence moving forward.
What Kind of Help Do You Actually Need?
Before you choose a path, ask yourself a few simple questions:
- How involved do you want to be?
- Is meeting face to face with someone important to you? Or, are you comfortable with Zoom meetings?
- Are you comfortable using technology and tools?
- Is your planning focused mostly on retirement, or do you just want investment management?
- How much do you want to pay for advice?
- What kind of professional designations do you want your advisor to have?
Your answers can help narrow the field and lead you toward the right kind of support.
Options for Finding Local Retirement Planning Help
If you want “retirement planning near me,” here are some options for locating a trustworthy resource.
1. Ask Friends for a Local Financial Advisors
Working with a nearby financial advisor can offer peace of mind and hands-on support, especially if you prefer personal interaction.
To find a local financial advisor, start by tapping into your trusted circle—friends, coworkers, family members. Ask who they’ve used for personal financial planning, what services were included, how much they cost, and how satisfied they were. Word-of-mouth can sometimes lead you to a trusted retirement advisor near you.
Pros:
- In-person meetings
- Ongoing support
- Holistic financial services (not just retirement)
Cons:
- Many charge 1% of assets under management (AUM) annually, which can be very costly
- Some prioritize investment management over holistic planning
- Not all are required to act in your best interest (fiduciary standard)
2. Certified Planner Directories
If you’re searching for retirement planning near you, certified directories are a smart place to start. They list verified financial professionals in your area. For example, you can filter by certifications, specialties, or services offered. You can also check if an advisor is a fiduciary. Moreover, some directories highlight experts in healthcare costs, tax strategies, or income planning. As a result, it’s easier to find someone who fits your specific retirement goals. Start with:
CFP® Board Directory – The Standard of Excellence: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals are the gold standard of financial advice. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards and are committed to serving their clients’ best interests. They don’t earn commissions on products they advise you on. They are purely fiduciary.
Fee-Only Fiduciaries: The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is another good organization. They are required to uphold fiduciary standards and charge on a fee-only basis. Garrett Planning Network is also focused on hourly, flat-fee advice
- Fee-Only financial advisors may be paid hourly, as a retainer, as a percentage of assets (AUM), or as a flat fee, depending upon the planner you choose. They will not earn commissions for products they recommend to you.
Flat Fee Advisors: The financial industry is full of different fee structures, and not all of them are in the client’s best interest. Flat fee financial planning eliminates many of the conflicts of interest that exist in other models. A Planner charging a stated fee for a clearly stated deliverable like a written retirement plan. Flat fee advisors do not earn commissions nor will they charge you a percentage of your investments (AUM), which can become costly as your portfolio grows—even if the level of service remains the same.
Define What You Really Need
Before you hire a financial advisor or search “best retirement planner near me,” ask yourself:
- Do I need help with tax optimization or Medicare costs?
- Am I creating a retirement drawdown strategy?
- Do I want estate planning guidance or just budgeting help?
Understanding your goals makes it easier to choose between a local advisor or a DIY retirement planning tool.
Also, when choosing a retirement advisor, it helps to know your timeline. For example, many people wonder how to retire at 62 and what steps are needed. Understanding your target retirement age can guide your planning choices.
In addition, timing your Social Security benefits is critical. Use our Social Security Timing Guide to see how claiming age affects your monthly income.
How to Vet Advisors’ Reputations
Before you trust someone with your financial future, take time to check their credentials, track record, and client experience. Even if you get a recommendation for a local advisor from a friend, you will still want to do your homework. Here’s how:
Understand Local Advisors’ Credentials
Not all financial advisors are created equal. The title “financial advisor” isn’t regulated—so it’s important to look beyond the job title and understand their actual credentials.
Here are five of the most common designations you might come across when searching for retirement planning help:
1. CFP® – CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Again, the CFP® designation is the gold standard for retirement and holistic financial planning. CFP® professionals must complete rigorous education, pass a comprehensive exam, meet ethical standards, and act as fiduciaries—meaning they’re legally required to put your best interests first.
Why they are recommended: CFPs are trained in retirement income strategy, tax planning, estate planning, and more. They offer real planning expertise—not just investment advice.
2. CPA – Certified Public Accountant
CPAs specialize in tax strategy and accounting. Some also hold personal financial planning credentials and can be helpful for retirees with complex tax or business situations.
Best for: Tax-heavy planning, business owners, or those needing help with required minimum distributions (RMDs) and tax-efficient withdrawals.
3. RIA – Registered Investment Advisor
RIAs are firms or individuals who manage investments and provide financial advice. They are typically fiduciaries, but not all focus on retirement income or long-term planning. And, it is important to understand their fee structure.
Best for: Investment management with a fiduciary standard—just make sure retirement planning is part of the offering.
4. Broker or Investment Representative
These individuals often sell financial products and may not be required to act in your best interest (only under a “suitability” standard).
Use caution: Always ask whether they are fiduciaries and how they’re compensated.
Have You Considered Taking Control of Your Own Plan?
Planning software – DIY or supported by a coach or CFP® – puts you in control
When people search for “retirement planning near me,” they often assume they need a professional to take the reins and develop a plan for their life. But that is no longer true. Companies like Boldin are democratizing access to the level of tools used by professionals. (Check out the Boldin Retirement Planner.) And, what many people don’t realize is that taking ownership of your own retirement plan—even partially—can be one of the most empowering financial decisions you make.
Confidence Comes from Control and Understanding
When you build your own retirement plan—whether it’s simple or sophisticated—you gain more than numbers. You gain clarity.
- You can test what-if scenarios: retiring early, downsizing, delaying Social Security, and more
- You understand where your income will come from
- You see how changes in spending, taxes, or timing affect your outcomes
Boldin is a Lot More Affordable than Traditional Financial Advice
Most financial advisors charge around 1% of your portfolio every year—which can add up to thousands of dollars annually, even if you only need occasional guidance. At Boldin, we think there’s a better way.
Let’s take a quick look at costs for someone with $1 million in savings:
- Boldin’s PlannerPlus gives you almost all of the modeling capabilities offered by financial advisors. It is available at only $12 a month ($144 charged annually) but you can get started with a 14-day FREE trial
- A financial advisor charging a one percent AUM would cost $10,000 a year
- Most flat fee advisors charge upwards of $3,000
- Boldin Advisors‘ retirement plan check up from a CFP® professional is a complete review of every aspect of your finances. It costs $2,500.
- Getting reassurance in a 1:1 meeting with a Boldin coach is $250 for a fifty minute session.
Use Boldin to Vet Professional Advice (and Ask Better Questions)
Even if you already work with an advisor, you may wonder: Is this advice actually right for me?
That’s why many Boldin users build their plan first—to:
- Double-check the advice they’re getting
- Run alternative scenarios their advisor hasn’t modeled
- Spot gaps in drawdown strategies, taxes, or healthcare planning
- Ask better questions and have more informed conversations
Think of the Boldin Retirement Planner it as your second opinion—powered by software, not guesswork.
DIY Planning Doesn’t Mean Do it Alone—Unless You To
Planning your own retirement doesn’t mean doing it in isolation. With Boldin, you can:
- Start with free tools to explore your options
- Upgrade to PlannerPlus for deeper planning features and success scoring
- Add support anytime from a financial coach or a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® – collaborating on your plan.
Whether you want to go solo, or tag in an expert, Boldin gives you the flexibility to get the right help, at the right time.
Your Retirement. Your Terms.
No matter your approach, you have options. Whether you’re looking for retirement planning near me or ready to take full control online, Boldin can help. As a result, you get the flexibility, power, and confidence to build the future you want. Start building your retirement plan today at boldin.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retirement Planning Near Me
A: Start by identifying your goals, then explore local financial advisors or use a DIY tool like Boldin to create your own plan. Asking friends for referrals and checking certified directories are also great first steps.
A: You can search the CFP Board, NAPFA, or FPA directories to find a certified financial planner near you who specializes in retirement income planning and personalized financial advice.
A: It depends on your preferences. Many people now use virtual retirement planners or online platforms like Boldin, which offer flexible, expert-level tools without the high cost of traditional advisors.
A: Look for fiduciary advisors with retirement planning experience, transparent pricing, and services aligned with your goals—like tax optimization, Social Security timing, or healthcare planning.
A: Fees vary. Advisors may charge around 1% of your assets under management, a flat rate, or an hourly fee. Online planning platforms like Boldin offer lower-cost alternatives with flexible pricing options.
A: For many people, yes. Boldin’s tools cover everything from budgeting and taxes to Medicare and estate planning. You can build a comprehensive plan and collaborate with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ if you want expert input.