re: How do I retire with money?

A CFP is someone who will be able to help you make investment decisions so that you can retire (that is a pretty basic definition).

They will make you fill out a questionnaire to find out how you feel about risk and return and then will find out some other pertinent information that helps them figure out how to diversify your portfolio.

In general, they will put you in a riskier portfolio when you are younger and a safer portfolio later in your life. They adjust your portfolio as time goes by.

You do have to pay them a fee (around 2%), but if you are completely in the dark about how financials work, then you really do need to have a certified professional explain it to you.

Also, if the CFP can't explain different investment options to where you understand what he or she is talking about--go somewhere else. You shouldn't invest your money in something unless you have a grasp on what it is.