^{Source: The Economic Times}

Breaking Down Your Financial Position

At 47 years old, you are in a strong financial position, but with many moving parts that require strategic planning. Your key assets and financial structure include:

• Pension: $4,300/month if taken early, $5,000/month at IRS retirement age.
• Savings: $419,000 in a high-yield savings account earning 4.9% APY.
• Mortgage: $180,000 remaining at a 3.25% interest rate.
• Debt: Minimal credit card balances, all under $25.
• Employment Benefits: Your employer fully covers your family’s healthcare costs.
• Investment Risk Tolerance: Moderate-to-aggressive, with an openness to working for another 10-15 years.

Given these factors, it’s understandable to wonder if you need professional guidance to optimize your wealth.

Should You Hire a Financial Adviser?

A financial adviser could provide value, especially in areas like pension optimization, investment strategy, and long-term wealth planning. Certified financial planner (CFP) Josh Trubow emphasizes that aligning investment decisions with your goals can help avoid excessive risk.

The Case for DIY Financial Planning

Some of your concerns—like mortgage management and retirement withdrawal strategies—are arithmetic problems that you could solve independently. Robert Persichitte, CFP, compares it to making your own shoes: possible, but not always worth the time when you can pay an expert for a better result.

If you’re comfortable analyzing different financial scenarios and have the discipline to manage long-term strategies, you might handle your finances without a paid adviser.

When an Adviser Adds Value

A fee-only fiduciary adviser might be a worthwhile investment since they are legally required to act in your best interest. David Maurice, CFP, suggests that comprehensive financial planning can provide financial confidence and clarity—something a professional can facilitate.

Blaine Thiederman, CFP, recommends interviewing multiple financial planners, comparing their philosophies, and getting a second opinion before making a decision.

Active vs. Passive Investing: Which Strategy is Best?

You mentioned interest in REITs, mutual funds, CDs, and treasury bonds and questioned whether actively managed investments could outperform the market.

The Reality of Active Management

While active management promises market-beating returns, research shows that most actively managed funds underperform the market over the long term due to high fees. Trubow and other financial experts advocate for low-cost, diversified index funds that mirror market performance while minimizing expenses.

The Role of REITs in Your Portfolio

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can provide diversification, but they aren’t necessary for everyone. Joe Favorito, CFP, suggests including REITs as a portion of your portfolio, but they shouldn’t dominate your investment strategy.

Life Insurance Considerations

Your preexisting immune condition has made life insurance difficult to secure as an investment tool. However, life insurance is typically meant for income protection rather than investment growth. If no one is financially dependent on you, you may not need it.

Pension and Retirement Planning

Since you plan to work for another 10-15 years, delaying your pension until the IRS retirement age would maximize your monthly benefits. Eric Uchida Henderson, CFP, suggests this would be a constructive strategy given your timeline.

Mortgage and Savings Strategy

Your 3.25% mortgage rate is exceptionally low compared to current rates. Paying it off aggressively may not be necessary, as your high-yield savings account earns 4.9% APY, outpacing your mortgage interest rate.

Given your moderate-to-aggressive risk tolerance, shifting some savings into market investments could provide higher long-term growth.

Final Verdict: Is a Financial Adviser Worth It?

If you enjoy managing finances and have the knowledge to navigate investment decisions, DIY financial planning may work for you. However, if you want expert guidance to optimize your pension, allocate investments strategically, and plan tax-efficient withdrawals, hiring a fiduciary adviser could add significant value.

Regardless of your choice, take time to compare options, understand the fee structures, and ensure any adviser you choose aligns with your financial philosophy and long-term goals.

‍