Pinning up a financial planner against an index fund is a false dilemma.  In fact, your financial planner may be investing your money in index funds.  They are not in competition with each other.  This misconception plagues both clients and advisors.  This episode explains why this is such a dangerous comparison to make.  You will learn there many financial planning disciplines.  If an index fund is believed to be the best investment, you would hope any good financial planner would recommend you invest in the index.  There are so many opportunities for improving your finances beyond choosing Dodge & Cox or the S&P 500.  Listen to sort out this false dichotomy.