How Often Should I Meet With My Financial Advisor? - Spinnaker Investment Group (2024)

It’s important to remember that although you hire your financial advisor as a professional to perform a specific task, your satisfaction level will be largely based on the relationship you develop. And, as with all relationships, expectations and communication play key roles. Many investors are busy, find in-person meetings burdensome and feel they’ve hired the advisor to do the work and worry for them. Others feel the need to be more involved and, perhaps, reassured with more regular interactions. In addition to striking the appropriate balance for you and your personal situation with your advisor, there are certain times when meetings are essential.

Annual meeting

You should meet with your advisor at least once a year to reassess basics like budget, taxes and investment performance. This is the time to discuss whether you feel you are on the right track, and if there is something you could be doing better to increase your net worth in the coming 12 months.

Estate planning

When you’re creating or making a major change to your estate plan, you should meet with your financial advisor to make sure those plans fit in with your strategic financial planning scheme. Of course, your advisor cannot offer legal advice, but they can ensure your estate plan is proceeding in the right direction.

Significant financial event

Whether it’s coming into more money through an inheritance or promotion at work or acquiring a large debt, a significant financial event should trigger a meeting with your financial advisor. Your taxes, strategies and the structure of your portfolio may be impacted.

Major life-changing event

Your short and long-term financial planning can be altered by events such as marriage, birth of a child, divorce, loss of a job and many others.

Large portfolios

If you are an investor with a large portfolio, it’s likely to be diversified in ways different than the average investor. If so, a quarterly review may be more appropriate than an annual one to, for example, re-evaluate underperforming assets.

Again, one size does not fit all when it comes to financial advice. One way to provide an overview as to where you are with your investments is to visit our quick reality check for your portfolio. You’ll be glad you did.

Disclosure

The information contained herein is based on internal research derived from various sources and does not purport to be statements of all material facts relating to the securities mentioned. The information contained herein, while not guaranteed as to the accuracy or completeness, has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

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How Often Should I Meet With My Financial Advisor? - Spinnaker Investment Group (2024)

FAQs

How Often Should I Meet With My Financial Advisor? - Spinnaker Investment Group? ›

You should meet with your advisor at least once a year to reassess basics like budget, taxes and investment performance. This is the time to discuss whether you feel you are on the right track, and if there is something you could be doing better to increase your net worth in the coming 12 months.

How often should I check in with my financial advisor? ›

“There are years you talk to your adviser every month, and there are years when a single check-in is completely appropriate. I think 2-3 times a year is a good average,” says Jen Grant, a financial planner at Perryman Financial Advisory.

Should I have all my investments with one financial advisor? ›

By hiring a single investment advisor, you receive more streamlined advice as only one person manages all your money matters removing any chance of conflicting advice or any disagreement. This also allows the chosen individual to clear up your doubts and offer guidance to you on how to best attain your financial goals.

Are financial advisors required to meet with clients annually? ›

Key Takeaways

Financial advisors should conduct annual review meetings with their clients so that everyone is on the same page in terms of the current status, any changes, as well as future goals. An annual review should go beyond financial discussions but also cover any personal changes.

Is it smart to meet with a financial advisor? ›

A financial advisor can help you hone in on your goals and map out a way to achieve them. This can be anything from starting to invest, buying real estate, saving for an emergency or retirement, or something else.

How often should your investment advisor contact you? ›

Experts recommend meeting at least annually to review your financial strategies as your living circ*mstances change. These reviews can be in person or via video calls, and many advisors choose to text or email more frequent updates as necessary.

What to avoid in a financial advisor? ›

Here are seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a financial advisor.
  • Consulting with a “captive” advisor instead of an independent advisor. ...
  • Hiring an individual instead of a team. ...
  • Choosing an advisor who focuses on just one area of planning. ...
  • Not understanding how an advisor is paid. ...
  • Failing to get referrals.

Is 2% fee high for a financial advisor? ›

Most of my research has shown people saying about 1% is normal. Answer: From a regulatory perspective, it's usually prohibited to ever charge more than 2%, so it's common to see fees range from as low as 0.25% all the way up to 2%, says certified financial planner Taylor Jessee at Impact Financial.

At what net worth should I get a financial advisor? ›

Generally, having between $50,000 and $500,000 of liquid assets to invest can be a good point to start looking at hiring a financial advisor. Some advisors have minimum asset thresholds. This could be a relatively low figure, like $25,000, but it could $500,000, $1 million or even more.

Should you have more than $500,000 dollars at one brokerage? ›

Is it safe to keep more than $500,000 in a brokerage account? It is safe in the sense that there are measures in place to help investors recoup their investments before the SIPC steps in. And, indeed, the SIPC will not get involved until the liquidation process starts.

How long should you keep a financial advisor? ›

"If judging performance only, clients need to give an advisor three to five years minimum, and realistically, five-plus is probably better," said Ryan Fuchs, a certified financial planner with Ifrah Financial Services. "It may take several years before you can truly see how an investment strategy will work.

Should you be friends with your financial advisor? ›

There are definite risks involved in getting too friendly with a financial advisor, or hiring a friend who is a financial advisor. "It's a good idea for everyone to take a more proactive approach with their own investments," says Vic Patel, a professional trader and founder of Forex Training Group.

When should you talk to a financial advisor? ›

Experts say it makes sense to hire a financial advisor in the following circ*mstances: You don't have the time or inclination to manage your finances. You experience a major life event, such as a marriage, divorce, loss of a spouse, birth of a child, relocation or change in your employment status.

Is a 1% management fee high? ›

Many financial advisers charge based on how much money they manage on your behalf, and 1% of your total assets under management is a pretty standard fee. But psst: If you have over $1 million, a flat fee might make a lot more financial sense for you, pros say.

How much money should you have before hiring a financial advisor? ›

Depending on the net worth advisor you choose, you generally should consider hiring an advisor when you have between $50,000 - $1,000,000, but most prefer to start working with clients when they have between $100,000 - $500,000 in liquid assets.

Should you tell your financial advisor everything? ›

The sooner you can give detailed answers to questions about family, health and career, the sooner and better your planner can calibrate risk exposure and build a plan that secures your finances. It's natural if you're hesitant to talk to your planner about these issues, but remember that it's a big part of their job.

When should I dump my financial advisor? ›

Poor performance, high fees, strained communication and stagnant advice are among the reasons to look for a new advisor.

How much money should you have when getting a financial advisor? ›

Generally, having between $50,000 and $500,000 of liquid assets to invest can be a good point to start looking at hiring a financial advisor. Some advisors have minimum asset thresholds. This could be a relatively low figure, like $25,000, but it could $500,000, $1 million or even more.

How much money should you bring to a financial advisor? ›

Advisors that charge a percentage usually want to work with clients with a minimum portfolio of about $100,000. This makes it worth their time and will allow them to make about $1,000 to $2,000 a year.

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