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July 21, 2025 • 11 minutes
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.
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:
The key is figuring out what kind of help you actually need—and what approach gives you the most confidence moving forward.
Before you choose a path, ask yourself a few simple questions:
Your answers can help narrow the field and lead you toward the right kind of support.
If you want “retirement planning near me,” here are some options for locating a trustworthy resource.
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:
Cons:
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
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.
Before you hire a financial advisor or search “best retirement planner near me,” ask yourself:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
#1 Retirement Planning Software
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.
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.
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.
When you build your own retirement plan—whether it’s simple or sophisticated—you gain more than numbers. You gain clarity.
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:
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:
Think of the Boldin Retirement Planner it as your second opinion—powered by software, not guesswork.
Planning your own retirement doesn’t mean doing it in isolation. With Boldin, you can:
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.
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.
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