You may wonder why an entire chapter of a book about self-directed investing would be dedicated to working with a financial advisor. The reason is simple. Before you've gained some solid knowledge and experience, you can benefit from the wisdom of someone who's been doing this for years. Think of your financial advisor as a mentor, someone to guide you through the rough spots as you begin investing. When it comes time to make your first purchase decisions, you'll be in the driver's seat — but it can be comforting to have a seasoned navigator sitting next to you.