Financial planners help you arrange and plan your finances. They use your current income, savings, and investments to project what you will have when you’re ready to retire. They also help you decide what to do with your money to help you reach your goals.

The terms “financial planner” and “financial advisor” typically mean the same thing. However, not all planners and advisors are alike because there are different ways to become a planner. The level of education, training, and skills a planner has makes a big difference in the quality of the advice you receive. If you handle your own finances, a planner can usually help improve the plans you’ve made.

If you’re thinking about getting some help, it’s good to know what to expect from a financial planner. You’ll need to know how to tell if the person you’re talking to is selling products or if they are giving you solid financial advice and have valid credentials. Learn what to look for and what to expect from a financial planner.