Who needs apples?

A financial adviser today could keep the doctor away.

It seems that working with a financial planner offers a meaningful buffer against many health issues linked to financial stress, such as insomnia, weight change, irritability or muscle tension.

That was the main finding of an April survey by First Command Financial Services Inc. of 530 middle-class military professionals 25 to 70 and their families. The results were released in late June.

For instance, 28% of those without a planner reported having difficulty falling asleep, versus 18% of those who use one.

Similarly, 28% of those who don’t use a planner have muscle tension, compared with 14% of those who do, while 27% of those with no planner reported weight changes, versus 14% of those with one.

“These findings reveal that working with a financial planner can help lessen some of the health issues commonly associated with financial stress,” said Scott Spiker, chief executive of First Command.

The health benefits are on top of the peace of mind that come from using a planner. Among military families with health problems, more than half of respondents who have a planner feel financially secure, versus 28% of respondents who don’t have one.

Moreover, 46% of those with a planner are confident in their ability to retire, as opposed to 20% of those without one.

The results are comparable to the general middle-class population, said Mark Leach, vice president of media relations at First Command.

Others who feel financially stressed may find some comfort in the data, he said.

“People can look at the results and see that they’re not alone,” Mr. Leach said.