A working-class, single woman approaching retirement asks HerMoney CEO Jean Chatzky how she can find a financial advisor who is right for her.

Twice a week, our CEO and resident money guru Jean Chatzky tackles your burning questions in the HerMoney newsletter. We’ve pulled some of the best to feature on our website — and this one made the cut! Got a question for Jean? Send it her way right here.

Q: Today’s question comes from Susan. She writes: “I’m working class, single, and plan to retire in three years. I need help preparing for every aspect of retirement, from taxes to Medicare. I can’t afford to hire a CPA or financial planner. I know a fee-only fiduciary is best, but when I go to websites, they seem to have carved out a specific silo. Is there someone who can help me, a person with less than $500K in investable assets?”

A: Unfortunately, the myth that getting help from a financial professional is something that only wealthy people do is exactly why so many women feel shut out of financial planning. So let’s get one thing out of the way first: you’re not asking for too much, and you’re not too small for good advice.

Many advisors charge a percentage of assets under management, which means they set minimums, and their revenue scales with your portfolio. However, that’s not the only model – and there are places you can look to get the retirement help you’re seeking at a cost that fits your budget. Here’s how to start. 

Begin by asking for recommendations from people you know – and preferably, those with similar finances. From there, you can search directories operated by trade groups (NAPFA, LetsMakeAPlan.org, PlannerSearch.org) or private businesses (Willow, Garrett Planning Network and XY Planning Network are good places to start). You may also find help through your workplace, or your bank or brokerage. 

As you dig in, look for advisors who are willing to be paid hourly for a one-time plan. Then, follow these tips.

Meet for free: Many advisors will offer introductory meetings at no cost. There, you’ll likely get an overview of their fees and planning process – and you may get some of your biggest questions answered free of charge. 

Go in prepared: When you’ve found a good match and it’s time to actually pay for a meeting, make sure you’re making the most of your time by going in prepared with a list of your biggest worries and questions you’d like addressed.

Ask about follow-ups: If you click with your advisor, you may want to continue to meet even after they’ve put together a plan for you. If doing so quarterly isn’t in the budget, perhaps annually is – or you may be able to just schedule a check-in when a big question comes up. 

Lastly, for help with Medicare specifically, every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that connects you with counselors who offer free, unbiased Medicare advice, including help with enrollment, plan comparisons, coverage questions, and more. Find your state’s SHIP here. 

MORE ON HERMONEY:

SUBSCRIBE: Looking for more financial insights delivered right to your inbox? Make this thing official with a free HerMoney subscription today!

Editor’s note: We maintain a strict editorial policy and a judgment-free zone for our community, and we also strive to remain transparent in everything we do. Posts may contain references and links to products from our partners. Learn more about how we make money.