In my example, I felt all the answers were somewhat higher than necessary. Remember, these are the people who sell insurance the bias is likely to be high. A planner will work with you through a series of questions to help determine your needs. Most financial planners can help you set goals for your retirement, your savings and your life insurance. All of them have computer models available to help crunch the numbers after you express your opinions.
Planners can be very helpful in providing guidance to uncertain questions.
But be careful. Most financial planners are paid by commissions on the products they sell. Consequently, whether they intend it or not, you may find the answers have a bias toward the product they make the most money on. An independent financial planner is paid a fee like an attorney. A fairly straightforward plan may cost several thousand dollars.