Financial Counselor or Planner: Which Do You Need?

Updated August 2026

Managing your money can be tough. Whether you want to pay down debt, stick to a budget, or build your credit, you do not have to do it alone. Asking for professional help is a great step toward reaching your goals.

Financial advice may be more affordable than you think. Here is how to find a financial expert who understands your situation and meets your needs.

Why Find a Financial Professional?

People who want to improve their financial outcomes but have limited options often benefit the most from a clear plan. A financial professional can help you:

  • Create a budget that works for your pay schedule.

  • Find ways to pay down existing debt.

  • Make a plan to build or rebuild your credit score.

What Type of Expert Do You Need?

There are different types of financial helpers. Finding the right one depends on your current goals.

Financial Counselors

A financial counselor helps with everyday money tasks. They can help you manage debt, navigate a financial crisis, and set up a basic budget. Many non-profit organizations offer these services for free.

Certified Financial Planners (CFP)

A CFP helps you look at the big picture. They must pass rigorous exams to prove they understand taxes, investments, and retirement planning. A CFP is a good choice if you want to plan for long-term goals.

Questions to Ask a Financial Expert

Before you hire someone, have a quick conversation with them. It is important to find an approachable, respectful, and helpful partner. Here are a few example questions:

  • What services do you offer?

  • How do you charge for your help? 

  • Do you work with people who want to build credit?

  • What is your plan for helping someone in my exact situation?

Tools to Help You Today

Start Building Better Habits Today Finding the right financial professional takes time. However, you can start taking control of your finances right now. At Perpay, we exist to make paychecks work harder for the people who earn them. 

We offer simple tools to help you access what you need today, while building credit for tomorrow:

  • Build Your Credit: With Perpay+, we report your positive payment history to the three major credit bureaus for just $5 a month. On average, members see a credit score increase by 30+ points in the first year.* 

  • Shop for Everyday Needs: The Perpay Marketplace lets you shop for items now and pay over time. Unlock up to a $1,000 spending limit with no hard credit check with the major credit bureaus. Payments are made through automatic, stress-free deductions from your paycheck. 

You don’t have to wait for a financial planner to start making progress. Sign up for Perpay and take the first step toward your financial goals today

*Access to the Perpay Marketplace is offered by Perpay, Inc., and is only available to eligible consumers residing in the United States. The Perpay Marketplace is subject to credit approval. Applying for a Perpay account will not affect your FICO® or Vantage® score. However, we may obtain information from Clarity which may affect your credit profile with this alternative credit bureau.

Perpay does not provide financial, legal, or regulatory advice. The content is for general informational purposes only. Any views expressed are those of Perpay, not its partner institutions. We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any linked third-party information. Links to Perpay products are advertisements. All external brand names belong to their respective owners.