A financial advisor is a professional who helps individuals and businesses make informed decisions about their money by providing guidance, advice, and management services. They can work with clients to develop personalized plans for saving, investing, retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies, and more. Financial advisors typically charge fees or commissions for their services, depending on the type of advisor they are (e.g., fee-only, commission-based). They may also have certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), which demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge in financial planning and management.