This study aims to examine the association between financial knowledge, the use of a financial planner, and the financial planning horizon. Additionally, we investigate the moderating role of financial planner usage on the relationship between financial knowledge and the financial planning horizon. For the empirical analysis, we used a pooled dataset from the 2016–2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), allowing for a comprehensive view across multiple time points. Our findings offer valuable insights for educators, practitioners, and policymakers by highlighting how financial knowledge and professional guidance can shape individuals’ long-term financial planning behaviors. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how personal financial management strategies and access to financial expertise can influence financial preparedness and planning horizons.
