Here's an interesting pattern: wealthy people don't go it alone when it comes to money. According to the Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning & Progress Study, 74% of American millionaires—those with at least $1 million in investable assets—work with a financial advisor. That's more than double the 34% rate among the general population.

It's one of those chicken-and-egg questions that's hard to untangle. Did professional advice help these people become millionaires, or do millionaires just have enough money to make hiring an advisor worthwhile? Probably both.

The Advisor Advantage

Working with a professional advisor appears to be part of what separates millionaires from everyone else. The study found that wealthy Americans trust financial advisors far more than any other source of financial guidance. Overall, 93% of millionaires say they've received financial advice of some kind, compared to 78% of Americans generally.

But it's not just about having someone to talk to. The research shows millionaires are more likely to have a clear picture of their finances—they know how much they can spend today versus how much they need to save for tomorrow. They understand what they'll need for a comfortable retirement. And they're more likely to describe themselves as disciplined planners.

Here's a concrete benefit: millionaires who work with advisors expect to retire two years earlier on average than millionaires who don't. That's not nothing.

The good news? You don't need millions for financial help to make a difference. A solid financial advisor can help you plan for retirement, sidestep expensive mistakes and prepare for major life changes well before you hit seven figures.

Making the Most of Financial Advice

If you're thinking about working with a financial advisor, here's what matters:

• Start sooner rather than later. Don't wait until you're wealthy to get financial advice. An advisor can help you build smart systems long before you build serious wealth.
• Be clear on your relationship. Every advisor operates differently, so know what you're looking for. You want someone who explains things clearly and offers real guidance, not just someone trying to sell you products.
• Look beyond investments. Ask how your advisor handles taxes, estate planning, long-term care risk and retirement timing. Good financial planning covers more than just your portfolio.
• Regularly review and adjust. Life changes. Markets change. Tax rules change. A good advisor helps you revisit your financial plan whenever circumstances shift.

The pattern is pretty clear: the wealthy tend to seek professional help with their money, and that guidance seems to pay off in tangible ways. Whether you're already a millionaire or working toward it, getting expert advice earlier rather than later might be one of the smarter moves you can make.