It really depends on your own situation, your time, and the educational resources that are available to you. Some employers use very large companies to manage their retirement plans or mutual fund families, which offer free advice on financial planning. And to some, this information is sufficient to help guide them through the many choices that are offered in their retirement plans. Other people need more direct control over their portfolios, and wish to work side by side with an adviser as they move toward their financial goals. So the decision to use a financial adviser really depends on your own personal needs.