If you are reading this financial planning section, and its talk of stocks, bonds, hedge funds and market caps is making your eyes glaze over, you’re a perfect candidate to visit a financial planner. Actually, even if you do know the difference between a muni and a T-bill, professional assistance is still worthy of consideration.

Many people fear reaching retirement with less income than they need to maintain their lifestyle. Yet few people successfully create and follow a financial plan to maintain their independence after retirement. That’s partially because it can be challenging to craft a savvy financial plan on your own. There’s a lot of information to digest, especially when you’re already worried about the mortgage, the car payment, the job, the kids’ soccer practice and making sure that someone takes the dog for a walk each day.

A financial planner or advisor can help you create a financial roadmap to ensure you stay on track and reach your goals, including saving more income, increasing 401(k) benefits, and possibly even earning higher rates of return. “It’s important to think of financial planning not just in terms of retirement, but also as a means of achieving financial independence,” says Barb Dull, a Scott Township financial advisor.

There are fees included in the process, so be prepared to spend money up front. Besides, investment fees now could eliminate costly, bad decisions down the line.