Retirement planning is one of the most consequential financial decisions you will make. So when people across Central Ohio start asking whether they need a financial planner to guide that process, it is a fair and important question. The short answer is: not necessarily, but the credentials your advisor holds matter more at this stage of life than at almost any other.
Here is what you actually need to know before choosing who helps you plan for retirement in Columbus.
What a Financial Planner Actually Does in Retirement Planning
A financial planner has a broad base of knowledge spanning investments, insurance, estate planning, retirement planning, and tax efficiency, which is exactly why the title is so relevant when someone is approaching or entering retirement. Retirement is rarely a single-topic conversation. It involves coordinating Social Security timing, managing tax-efficient withdrawals, reviewing insurance coverage, addressing long-term care risk, and often, thinking through what happens to your estate.Financial planners receive rigorous training in financial planning, covering areas such as tax efficiency, investments, and retirement income planning.
For a family in Dublin weighing whether to take Social Security at 62 or wait until 67, or a couple in Upper Arlington deciding how to draw down a 401(k) without triggering a large tax bill, those decisions do not exist in isolation. They affect each other, and they affect your overall plan for the next 20 to 30 years.
The Retirement Savings Reality in Ohio
Average annual retirement expenses in Ohio in 2025 are approximately $53,308, and most financial professionals recommend planning for a buffer to cover travel, healthcare, and discretionary spending.1 At the same time, a recent study identified $1.26 million as the amount needed to retire comfortably in 2025, a figure that underscores just how much is at stake in the decisions made in the years leading up to retirement.2
Whether you are a longtime Worthington homeowner with a solid 401(k), a small business owner in Gahanna thinking through a succession plan, or a professional in Grandview Heights starting to shift from accumulation to distribution mode, the complexity of retirement planning grows considerably as you get closer to your target date. That is when having an advisor with verified credentials can become valuable.
Do You Need a Financial Planner?
No. There is no requirement to work with a financial planner when planning for retirement. And anyone can call themselves a financial planner. That is precisely the problem.
There is a wide variety of financial professionals who can help with retirement planning, but they do not all have the same experience and education. The designations after the name of an advisor indicate that they have received rigorous training in the subjects of retirement planning, estate planning, insurance and investments. When you are making decisions that will affect your financial life for 20 or more years, designations such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, ChFC®, CLU®, and CASL® matter*.
What you are really looking for is an advisor with both the credentials and the scope of knowledge to see your full financial picture, not just one piece of it.
What to Look for in a Retirement Planning Advisor
Beyond credentials, a good fit requires an advisor who communicates clearly, listens carefully, and prioritizes your goals, alongside a transparent fee structure. Retirement planning is a long relationship, not a one-time transaction.
- Here are the practical questions worth asking any advisor you are considering:
- What credentials do you hold, and are they current and verifiable?
- What does your retirement planning process actually look like from start to finish?
- How do you coordinate investment strategy with tax efficiency and Social Security timing?
- How are you compensated, and does that create any conflicts of interest?
These are not aggressive questions. They are the standard of due diligence anyone approaching retirement should apply, whether they are in Bexley, Reynoldsburg, New Albany, or anywhere along the I-270 outer belt.
How Centric Financial Group Approaches Retirement Planning
Our retirement income strategies are built around exactly this kind of comprehensive, multi-factor approach. Our team on Townsfair Way in Columbus holds designations mentioned above, which means your plan is not built around a single area of focus. It is built to cover the many facets of your situation.
Whether you need help with investment strategy, long-term care planning, estate preservation, or simply figuring out how all of these pieces fit together, our financial advisors and professionals are equipped to guide you through it.
You can verify any advisor's credentials independently through FINRA BrokerCheck before your first conversation. We encourage it.
Start the Conversation
If you are within 10 to 15 years of retirement, or already there, now is the time to try to make sure your plan reflects the full picture. Schedule a consultation with our Columbus, OH team and let us show you what a comprehensive retirement plan actually looks like.
ChFC® - Chartered Financial Consultant
CLU® - Chartered Life Underwriter
CASL® - Chartered Advisor for Senior Living
Frequently Asked Questions
I hear people use the terms financial advisor and financial planner interchangeably. Is there a difference?
A financial advisor is a broad term that may describe many types of financial professionals. A financial planner typically focuses on comprehensive financial planning, including retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, investments, and risk management as part of an overall financial plan.
What does a financial planner do for retirees?
A financial planner helps retirees create income strategies, manage investments, reduce taxes, evaluate insurance needs, coordinate Social Security claiming strategies, and plan for long-term care expenses. The goal is to help ensure retirement assets last throughout retirement.
What is the best age to start retirement planning?
The earlier you begin retirement planning, the more options you may have available. However, many individuals begin working with a financial planner more seriously during their 40s and 50s as retirement goals become more defined and financial decisions become increasingly complex.
Can a financial planner help reduce taxes in retirement?
A financial planner can help identify tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, Roth conversion opportunities, required minimum distribution planning, and other retirement income strategies designed to help reduce the lifetime tax burden on retirement assets.
Should I meet with a financial planner before claiming Social Security?
Yes. Claiming Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you will make. A financial planner can help evaluate when to begin benefits based on your retirement income needs, health considerations, tax situation, and long-term financial goals.
Can a financial planner help with long-term care planning?
Yes. Many financial planners help clients evaluate long-term care risks and explore strategies to address potential healthcare expenses in retirement. This may include reviewing insurance options, asset protection strategies, and retirement income plans designed to account for future care needs.
What questions should I ask a financial planner before hiring them?
Ask about their credentials, retirement planning experience, planning process, compensation, investment philosophy, and how they coordinate tax efficiency Social Security, and retirement income strategies. You should also verify professional licenses and credentials independently.
How often should I meet with my financial planner during retirement?
Most retirees meet with their financial planner at least annually, while some prefer quarterly reviews. Regular meetings help ensure investment strategies, withdrawal plans, tax considerations, and retirement goals remain aligned as circumstances change.
Is it worth paying for a financial planner?
For many retirees and pre-retirees, the value of a financial planner comes from helping avoid costly mistakes related to taxes, Social Security timing, investment withdrawals, and healthcare planning. The potential financial impact of these decisions often exceeds the cost of professional guidance.
What are the benefits of working with a financial planner?
Working with a financial planner can provide clarity, accountability, and professional guidance throughout your financial life. A financial planner can help you create a retirement strategy, manage investment risk, coordinate tax strategies, and make informed decisions about major financial milestones.
Should I work with a local financial planner or an online advisor?
The most important factor is finding a qualified professional who understands your goals. Many people prefer working with a local financial planner because retirement planning often involves ongoing conversations and personalized guidance. A local advisor may also better understand regional economic conditions, retirement trends, and community resources available in your area. Online advisors often provide convenience and digital accessibility.
1 Eck, J. A. (n.d.).How much do you need to retire comfortably in Ohio? A budget-based guide.Stage Ready Financial Planning. Retrieved July 2, 2026, fromhttps://stagereadyfp.com/blog/how-much-needed-to-retire-ohio/
2 Northwestern Mutual. "Americans Believe They Will Need $1.26 Million to Retire Comfortably According to Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning & Progress Study." April 14, 2025.
https://news.northwesternmutual.com/2025-04-14-Americans-Believe-They-Will-Need-1-26-Million-to-Retire-Comfortably-According-to-Northwestern-Mutual-2025-Planning-Progress-Study
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