Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your journey toward financial independence. This relationship should be built on trust, clear communication, and a shared understanding of your goals, not just a quarterly statement or a once-a-year phone call.

Yet many people stick with an advisor out of loyalty, inertia, or fear of change, often to their detriment. If you’ve ever had a nagging sense that something’s off, or wondered whether you’re truly getting the support you need, it may be time to get a second opinion.

Here are some clear signs that it might be time to reevaluate your relationship with your financial planner.

1. You're Always the One Initiating Contact

A healthy advisor-client relationship should never feel one-sided. If your financial professional only checks in when the markets dip or when you reach out first, that’s a signal they may not be actively managing your financial wellbeing.

Regular check-ins, whether quarterly, semi-annually, or in response to key life changes, are essential. Your advisor should be a steady, proactive presence, not someone who only shows up when the Dow drops or tax season rolls around.

In a truly client-centered firm, you should feel the advisor is staying one step ahead: reviewing your plan regularly, adjusting to changes in your life, and providing guidance even when you haven't explicitly asked for it.

2. They Don’t Know Who You Are Beyond the Numbers

Financial planning isn’t just about managing assets, it’s about helping you build a life that aligns with your values, dreams, and responsibilities.

If your advisor hasn’t taken the time to understand what retirement looks like for you, what your biggest worries are, or what brings you joy, whether that’s travel, philanthropy, or simply peace of mind, they’re missing a vital part of the equation.

The best financial plans are deeply personal. They account not just for dollars and cents, but for the real human emotions behind every financial decision. You deserve an advisor who knows more about you than just your account balances.

3. There’s No Emphasis on Education or Empowerment

You should never feel like you're being told what to do without being given a clear explanation of why. If your advisor doesn’t take the time to educate you, or worse, if they speak in confusing jargon that leaves you feeling disconnected, they’re not fulfilling a key part of their role.

A truly collaborative financial planning relationship is one where you're encouraged to ask questions, gain confidence, and understand the rationale behind every decision. Whether you want to dive deep into the strategy or just want the key takeaways, you should always feel empowered, not in the dark.

Clarity breeds confidence. When you understand the “why,” you’re more likely to stay on track and feel peace of mind through inevitable market ups and downs.

4. The Conversation Starts and Ends with Investments

If your advisor only talks about performance or which funds you’re in, you’re only seeing one piece of the puzzle. Wealth management is far broader than investments. It should include tax planning, retirement projections, risk mitigation, estate considerations, insurance strategy, and cash flow optimization.

Here’s something many people overlook: taxes are likely the single biggest expense you’ll face in your lifetime—yet many advisors don’t have a proactive tax planning process in place.

A comprehensive financial plan will help you minimize taxes, maximize your wealth, and simplify your decisions. If your current advisor isn't addressing this, it's worth asking what else might be falling through the cracks.

5. No Personal Connection, or Worse, You Dread Your Meetings

A great advisor-client relationship should feel comfortable and natural. You should enjoy your conversations, not fear walking into their office or logging into a Zoom call. If you feel unheard, disrespected, or even judged, something isn’t right.

Here’s a simple test: Would you recommend your advisor to your spouse, your children, or your best friend? If the answer is “no,” that’s your intuition speaking.

Your advisor should also get along with your partner and make them feel included and respected in the process. Financial planning for couples is often emotional, and a skilled advisor knows how to navigate those dynamics with care and empathy.

6. They Haven’t Planned for Their Own Exit

If your financial advisor is nearing retirement, or hasn’t shared what happens if they suddenly step away from the business, there’s a serious gap in continuity.

What happens to your plan if something happens to them?

In the same way that your advisor helps you create contingency plans for life’s curveballs, they should also have one for their own practice. Whether that’s a succession plan, a junior advisor stepping in, or a larger firm with established support, you need to know that someone will be there to guide you through retirement and beyond.

Especially during those pivotal years when income turns into withdrawals, and planning decisions can’t wait, you need an advisor, or team, that’s going to be present.

7. You’ve Outgrown Their Expertise

Sometimes, your life evolves faster than your financial plan. Perhaps you’ve sold a business, inherited money, started exploring charitable giving, or are now ready for more advanced tax strategies.

Not all advisors specialize in these areas, and that’s okay. But if they haven’t introduced new ideas, updated your plan, or brought in experts as needed, it may be time to upgrade.

You deserve a team that grows with you. A firm that recognizes when your needs evolve and has the tools, knowledge, and partners to support your journey at every stage.

A Different Kind of Relationship

Here at our firm, we don’t see ourselves as simply managing portfolios, we view ourselves as partners in your financial life. We prioritize open, honest communication, timely responsiveness, and a deep commitment to understanding your goals, values, and vision.

What we offer is a collaborative planning process, where your input is as valuable as our expertise. We want every client to feel heard, supported, and confident—and above all, excited about the future they’re building.