I have been self-directed since 2005 and think it was the right choice since I am still comfortably retired.
In 2005 I contacted advisors (Certified Financial Planners) and they gave me a “list” of things that I need to collect including what my goals and desires present and the future. As I gathered that info, I discovered free resources that made me confident I should self-direct. I spent a lot of time doing it, but having done the leg work, here is the essence which should be easy to do.
My main recommendation is to read Paul Merriman’s 3 FREE ebooks.
1. First-Time Investor
2. 101 Investment Decisions
3.
Get Smart or Get Screwed (read this first!)
Found at paulmerriman.com
Also on his site are recommended portfolios for using Vanguard, Fidelity, T.Rowe Price or Schwab for DYI'ers. Both tax deferred and tax efficient.
Much good info on his site, just ignore the puffery and sales pitches.
I have used his Vanguard sample portfolio since the beginning with slight modification from Boglehead portfolios and it is still my “go to” mix.
Initially, we also had two small annuities which were bad investments and we withdrew the 10% penalty free until they were gonw/
Also, if you want to know too much about annuities, listen to Stan The Annuity Man® | Brutally Honest Facts About Annuities podcasts.
Podcast - Have Fun With Annuities(R) | The Annuity Man
Last recommendation is
FIRECalc: A different kind of retirement calculator , a Monte Carlo simulation of your future.
Depending on life, you may also need estate planning for which a financial advisor is not the guy.
JMHO