As an accountant, people assume I have every corner of my finances perfectly managed. After all, I spend my days analyzing numbers, planning for taxes, and helping clients make sound financial decisions. So when I tell people I have a financial advisor, the usual reaction is:

“Why would you need one?”

Here’s why and why I think more people should consider it.

1. Accounting and Advising Aren’t the Same Thing

My job is to track, analyze, and report financial data. I’m focused on accuracy, compliance, and clarity; usually about what’s already happened. A financial advisor, on the other hand, helps me look forward. They focus on long-term strategy: investments, retirement planning, wealth growth, and risk management. Yes, I could research all of that myself, but it’s not my specialty and having someone who lives and breathes that world saves me time and keeps me ahead.

2. Avoiding the “Cobbler’s Children” Problem

I’ve spent years making sure my clients’ financial shoes fit perfectly… while mine didn’t always get the same attention. With deadlines, client demands, and tax season chaos, my own planning often got pushed to the bottom of the list. My advisor makes sure my financial life isn’t an afterthought.

3. The Value of an Outside Perspective

Even as a professional, I have blind spots. It’s like a surgeon trying to operate on themselves, technically possible, but not smart. My advisor challenges my assumptions, helps me avoid emotionally driven decisions, and keeps me accountable to my goals.

4. Guidance Through Big Life Decisions

Selling a property, structuring an investment portfolio, planning for retirement – these moments are about more than just tax efficiency. My advisor helps integrate tax planning (where I shine) with investment strategy, estate planning, and insurance. The result is a more complete and confident plan.

5. Freeing Up My Time and Mental Energy

I could manage every investment and financial detail myself, but that would mean even longer hours and less time for my clients or for my life outside work. My advisor gives me the freedom to focus on what I do best, while knowing my own finances are being actively managed.

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Bottom line:
Being an accountant doesn’t mean I don’t need help with my own financial strategy. In fact, partnering with a financial advisor has made my personal financial life stronger, more strategic, and a lot less stressful. Even financial pros benefit from having their own pro in their corner.