When it comes to managing their money, most people are content on their own. That could backfire. Despite reports that many workers are living paycheck to paycheck and not even half of all adults would be able to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense, the majority of Americans are declining any financial help or advice. To that point, 75 percent, of Americans manage their own finances, with no help from a professional or online service, according to a new CNBC and Acorns Invest In You Savings Survey . Only 17 percent said they use a financial advisor. John Holloway, 33, who co-owns a life insurance brokerage in Roswell, Georgia, says he's determined to do it alone, even while supporting a family. "I like to challenge myself," he said. Admittedly he's made some mistakes, like neglecting to save early on, he said. Now Holloway sets aside whatever he can and sticks with a 70/30 split of stocks to bonds in his investments. As of his most recent tally, he has about $250,000 stashed away, including home equity, he said.

For most people, lacking the know-how to handle your own finances comes at a high cost, according to the National Financial Educators Council, or NFEC. Americans said money mistakes cost them $1,230, on average, last year alone, the NFEC found, not to mention the toll that can take on long-term savings goals. Over time, the stakes get much higher. "With debt and living expenses on the rise in much of the country, the importance of setting financial goals — and sticking to them — has never been greater," said Jerry O'Flanagan, the executive vice president of consumer banking at First National Bank of Omaha. However, most people are coming up short, he added. "They're not spending enough time on it."

With debt and living expenses on the rise in much of the country, the importance of setting financial goals — and sticking to them — has never been greater. Jerry O'Flanagan executive vice president of consumer banking at First National Bank of Omaha