While robo-advisors are definitely helpful, sometimes they just won’t be as beneficial as an actual financial advisor. Some situations are too personal for an algorithm to put you in the best position. Suppose you want to know how to deal with the tax consequences of an inherited IRA, or a family member suddenly leaves you a large sum of money, for example. These are circumstances where you’d want a human who can understand your situation’s totality to help you make decisions.
If you are suddenly facing a new or drastic change to your finances, like receiving a large inheritance that you aren’t sure how to invest, a financial advisor will help decide what to do with your money and how to handle any tax fallout. If you are about to retire and aren’t sure how or when to start withdrawing from your 401(k) and other retirement accounts, you may also benefit from hiring a financial advisor.