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If you’ve been wondering for a while whether you should be working with a financial advisor, here’s a thought to consider: Go meet with one. It could bring clarity to your finances, even if you decide you don’t want to take the next step to hire someone.

That’s the path my San Francisco-based colleague Lauren Schwahn took. It’s been a while since she wrote about her first visit with a financial advisor . I spoke with her recently to hear what still stands out about that experience.

Her story may sound familiar: She felt unsure of her family’s financial progress or their next steps, because they were caught up in daily life, trying to make good choices for today and for their future. What did she learn?…