Here's the framework I use for deciding when it's worth paying a professional for financial advice.

A fee-only financial planner (CFP) charges hourly or project-based fees. No commissions, no ongoing AUM fees. Worth consulting for: comprehensive financial plan if you've never had one ($1,500-3,000 one time), specific complex situations (business sale, divorce, inheritance, early retirement), and tax optimization that exceeds standard CPA scope.

A CPA worth consulting for: any year where your taxes are materially more complex than W-2 income with standard deductions — self-employment income, real estate, stock options, business ownership, significant investment activity.

A regular financial advisor (AUM-based) is rarely worth the ongoing 1% fee unless you need ongoing behavioral coaching that you genuinely can't provide yourself. Even then, explore whether a fee-only advisor doing quarterly check-ins is cheaper.

For most people with straightforward finances: tax software handles taxes, a one-time CFP engagement handles the financial plan, and index fund investing handles investments. Total ongoing annual cost: near zero.