<prompt> Human: My sister uses a financial planner there and claims its really beneficial. What do you guys think?  <response>: Ameriprise Financial is a poster child for why rpersonalfinance is down on financial advisors. Theyre the flavor better labeled salespeople that are more interested in securing their retirements through the sale of needlessly expensive financial products instead of securing your retirement.Also, if youre like most people asking the question here, you probably dont need a financial advisor at all. Spend a weekend learning about the basics and not only will you know as much as what Ameriprise can tell you, youll know why youre getting screwed by them as well. Please read the information found in the FAQ particularly I Have X ... What Do I Do With It?! and the Long-Term Investing Start-Up Kit You may find Your 401k and You: Basic Information and Your IRA and You: Basic Information worth a read as well. 