How To Determine If Your Financial Advisor Is Doing A Good Job Each Year - WiserAdvisor (2024)

The decision to hire a financial advisor is a prudent move. Seeking professional advice can provide valuable insights and a roadmap to achieve your financial goals with strategic planning. But the world of financial advice is crowded. While some advisors bring qualifications, expertise, and a commitment to your financial well-being, others may fall short of expectations. Moreover, your financial advisor’s way of working might not match your style. In such scenarios, it becomes imperative to discern whether your financial advisor is indeed delivering the value you expect. For this, you must knowhow to evaluate a financial advisor’s performance.

This guide will help you understand some simple signs to know if your financial advisor is helping you the way you need each year.

Here are five steps you can take to gauge your financial advisor’s performance:

Step 1: Evaluate the performance of your investment portfolio

Assessing the performance of your investment portfolio is a critical aspect of managing your financial well-being and ensuring that your money is working effectively toward your goals. A thorough evaluation involves examining returns, benchmark comparisons, risk considerations, and the alignment of your investment strategy with your unique financial objectives. You can begin by examining the returns generated by your investment portfolio over a specified period. Returns provide a tangible measure of the effectiveness of your investment strategy in generating profits. Your financial advisor should be able to provide clear and transparent information about the returns on your investments, both in absolute terms and relative to your initial investment.

You can also compare your portfolio’s performance to relevant benchmarks. Benchmarks serve as yardsticks to measure how well your investments are performing compared to the broader market or specific indices. Your financial advisor should be able to articulate why certain benchmarks are chosen and explain how your portfolio stacks up against them. You can consider common stock market indices like the S&P 500 or Dow Jones. These are often cited in financial news. However, it is essential to understand that while these benchmarks are widely recognized, they may or may not align with your financial advisor’s recommended strategies. The S&P 500 includes only the largest 500 U.S. companies, and the Dow Jones comprises just 30. These indexes lack the diversification elements, such as international exposure and bonds, which are often crucial aspects of a well-rounded investment strategy. For instance, many financial advisors recommend a stock portfolio with global diversification that can provide you with a comprehensive overview of global market performance.

When comparing your portfolio’s performance to the benchmark, it is essential to evaluate the returns prudently. Rather than hastily deciding based on a single year’s performance, it is advisable to engage in a conversation with your financial advisor. Engaging in a constructive dialogue with your financial advisor can provide valuable insights into the rationale behind their decisions, portfolio construction, and risk management. Most financial advisors adhere to specific strategies, and not all strategies yield positive results each year. Taking a broader perspective and evaluating the strategy’s performance over a more extended period, such as five or ten years, is crucial in understanding the effectiveness of your advisor’s approach.

While your portfolio’s performance is a crucial factor, it is equally important to consider other variables beyond the portfolio alone. Judging a financial advisor solely based on portfolio performance might be misleading. In case of any doubt or discrepancies, it is vital to communicate with your financial advisor openly. You can ask them to explain why they believe their strategy is suitable for the future, considering your long-term goals and market conditions. This can help you understand their point of view. Communication is key in the evaluation of investment performance. Your financial advisor should proactively communicate the rationale behind investment decisions, changes in strategy, and any adjustments made to your portfolio. Regular updates should include insights into market conditions, economic trends, and how these factors impact your investments.

Step 2: See if the financial advisor conducts an annual tax review

Ensuring that your financial advisor reviews your tax return annually is a crucial step in maximizing your financial benefits. If your financial advisor is not keeping a close eye on your taxes, they might be missing out on various opportunities that could impact your financial well-being. An effective financial advisor should be proactive in reviewing your tax plan before the year-end. This involves exploring strategies like charitable contributions, Roth conversions, and tax-loss harvesting to optimize benefits for the current tax year.

Your financial advisor’s annual review of your taxes is not just a routine task. It is a strategic initiative to ensure you are making the most of available opportunities and safeguarding your financial future. For example, there is going to be an increase in tax rates in 2026 due to the onset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Forward-thinking financial advisors should ideally be taking strategic steps in anticipation of the expected increase. Annual Roth conversions can be one measure to tackle the changes. They can help you capitalize on lower tax rates and position yourself favorably for the impending tax increases. This strategic planning can ensure that you make the most of your financial situation while minimizing tax burdens. Check if your financial advisor has appraised you of any expected changes in the future and how they are dealing with them.

One of thequestions to ask your financial advisor during the annual reviewof your taxes is whether they use tax-loss harvesting. Tax-loss harvesting is a powerful tool, especially in the case of portfolio losses. This strategy involves selling funds that have experienced losses and replacing them with new funds. The objective is to maintain the risk and return characteristics of the portfolio while realizing a loss. This loss can be applied to offset up to $3,000 of your ordinary income each year, with the added advantage of an unlimited amount of capital gains offset. Importantly, these losses can be carried forward indefinitely. You need to check if your financial advisor adopts tax-loss harvesting as a strategy. While some traditional financial advisors may practice year-end tax-loss harvesting, they may miss out on significant opportunities during the middle of the year. For instance, events like a market downturn in June 2013 allowed some services to capture losses promptly, providing tax savings for clients. It is crucial to note that tax-loss harvesting is not about avoiding certain asset classes that are not doing well. Instead, it is a strategic approach to maintaining your overall asset allocation and rebalancing goals while taking advantage of tax benefits.

If you are retired, you must make sure that your financial advisor possesses a strong understanding of Social Security taxes. Developing a plan to navigate the complexities of Social Security taxes is essential. This is particularly important if you expect additional income in retirement beyond Social Security benefits, such as pensions and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or 401(k) plan. Failing to plan for Social Security taxes could result in a significant tax rate, so remember to evaluate if your financial advisor is up to task with your taxes.

Step 3: Check if the advisor is aligned to your risk appetite

An essential aspect of successful investing is ensuring your portfolio aligns with your preferred risk level, considering factors such as your age, life stage, income, and financial objectives. Your risk tolerance is a crucial factor that determines the composition of your investment portfolio and should be regularly reviewed by your financial advisor. As you progress through each year, your financial goals draw nearer, and your investment horizon narrows. This underscores the need for a continuous assessment of the risk in your investment portfolio. While this does not necessarily mean making changes every single year, it does imply a need for periodic evaluations and adjustments over time.

Your financial advisor should be capable of customizing your investment portfolio’s risk level to align with your overall financial plan and objectives. This means balancing risk and reward in a way that reflects your financial goals, time horizon, and liquidity needs. Whether you are saving for retirement, a child’s higher education, or other milestones, the risk in your portfolio should be tailored to suit each specific goal. Transparent communication is paramount in risk management. Your financial advisor should clearly articulate the level of risk associated with your investments and provide you with a thorough understanding of how this risk fits into your broader financial plan. This includes explaining the potential for gains and losses and any strategies in place to mitigate risk.

One common strategy employed by some financial advisors to strike a balance with your risk appetite is selling off riskier asset classes. This approach is often referred to as window dressing and involves getting rid of poorly performing individual investments. Some advisors might convince clients that they made strategic decisions to exit risky assets early. However, this tactic can lead to long-term underperformance, as financial advisors may fail to reinvest in the asset class in a timely manner and miss out on potential recoveries. Taking a passive approach to investing can be a more effective strategy to maintain the desired level of risk. This involves maintaining a diversified portfolio with low fees and tax-efficient practices. While markets experience ups and downs, a well-structured passive investment strategy, if properly managed, can outperform many other active strategies in the long run. The allocation of assets should be guided by a comprehensive analysis based on your risk tolerance and a mathematical evaluation of the risk-adjusted performance of different financial products.

Determining whether your investments are appropriately allocated also depends on your unique circ*mstances and risk tolerance. However, some general guidelines can provide you with insights onhow to evaluate your financial advisor’sapproach to risk management. For instance, a 100% stock portfolio is evidently considered highly aggressive. Such a portfolio is typically recommended for very young and extremely risk-tolerant individuals. Your financial advisor should actively assess your circ*mstances to understand your risk appetite. Based on their findings, they can seek the best way to adjust the risk in your portfolio and make adjustments over time. For instance, a 90% stock and 10% bond allocation may be suitable for the youngest and most aggressive investors, while an 80% stock and 20% bond mix are typical for those in their 30s, 40s, and perhaps 50s. As you approach retirement, a 60% to 70% stock allocation and the remaining in bonds becomes more common.

The key takeaway is that asset allocation and risk tolerance are unique to each individual. Your financial advisor should be vigilant in evaluating when to downshift your risk and making necessary adjustments as your financial journey progresses. If you find yourself nearing retirement with the same investment allocation you had in your 40s, it may be a red flag and signal the need for a closer examination of your financial advisor’s investment strategy.

Step 4: Ensure your financial advisor listens

A crucial aspect of a successful financial advisor-client relationship is effective communication, where the financial advisor not only imparts crucial information but also actively listens to the client’s concerns, goals, and unique circ*mstances. Listening is more than just a courtesy. It is an integral part of understanding the client’s financial landscape and tailoring strategies that align with their needs. Financial advisors play a pivotal role in helping clients navigate a spectrum of financial matters, from budgeting and investments to healthcare and retirement planning. However, the effectiveness of these discussions heavily relies on the financial advisor’s ability to listen.

Clients may express various concerns during their regular meetings, ranging from major financial goals to seemingly minor yet significant events. For instance, consider the fear of potential job loss. If a client communicates this concern, a proficient financial advisor will recognize its significance and might suggest increasing the emergency fund. This proactive approach addresses a client’s immediate worry and strengthens their financial preparedness. Another example could involve a client expressing the need to purchase an expensive gift for a special occasion, prompting the financial advisor to adjust the financial plan accordingly.

Effective communication extends beyond face-to-face meetings. It encompasses responsiveness to calls, emails, and questions raised by the client. A good financial advisor should promptly return calls and emails and demonstrate a commitment to open communication. Timeliness is key. Waiting for a week or more to hear back from the financial advisor can hinder your confidence in the relationship. Proactive communication during periods of economic uncertainty is even more important. Financial markets can experience volatility, and economic uncertainties may arise from time to time. In such times, a reliable financial advisor should take the initiative to reach out and provide reassurance and guidance. Waiting for you to initiate discussions during challenging economic periods may be a red flag, as it can leave you feeling unsupported and uncertain about your financial strategy.

You need to reflect on your experiences with your financial advisor during stressful economic times in the past. Did the financial advisor proactively reach out to address your concerns and provide guidance, or did you find yourself taking the lead in initiating discussions? A proactive financial advisor addresses current uncertainties and demonstrates a commitment to staying connected and engaged in your financial journey. Effective listening allows financial advisors to comprehend the nuances of your preferences and financial situation. If your financial advisor demonstrates active listening, responsiveness, and proactive communication, it contributes significantly to a positive and mutually beneficial advisory experience.

Step 5: Analyze their fees and costs

Understanding the fees and costs associated with your investments and the professional advice you receive is a crucial aspect of evaluating the effectiveness of your financial advisor. Your financial well-being is directly impacted by the fees you pay and evaluating them annually is an essential step in ensuring that you are receiving value for the services rendered. If, upon evaluation, you find that your fees are not aligned with the value you receive, it may be worth considering a reevaluation of your financial advisory arrangement to ensure your financial goals are optimally supported.

A good financial advisor should be transparent about the fees and costs associated with their services. This transparency builds trust and helps you understand the actual cost of managing your investments. You need to ensure that you have a clear understanding of all fees, including advisory fees, transaction costs, management fees, and any other charges related to your financial plan. It is also essential to assess whether the fees charged by your financial advisor align with the value of the services provided. Financial advisors offer a range of services, including investment management, financial planning, tax planning, debt management, and ongoing advice. Consider whether the financial advice and guidance you receive contribute positively to your financial well-being and if the fees charged are proportionate to the value delivered. You should also compare the fees and costs from the current year with those of the previous year. Any significant changes should be clearly explained by your financial advisor. If fees have increased without a corresponding enhancement in services or performance, it could be a red flag. A good financial advisor will communicate changes transparently and justify any adjustments. You can also compare the fees charged by your financial advisor with industry standards and benchmarks. Different financial advisors may have varying fee structures, and understanding where your advisor stands in comparison to others in the market can help you gauge the rationality of the fees. This benchmarking process ensures that you are not overpaying for similar services.

It is crucial also to evaluate the relationship between the fees you are paying, and the returns generated on your investments. If the fees are disproportionately high in comparison to the returns, it may indicate that your portfolio is not performing efficiently. Your financial advisor should be able to explain the value they bring that justifies the fees, and this explanation should align with the returns you are achieving. You can also explore different fee structures that may better align with your financial situation and preferences. Some financial advisors may charge hourly fees or flat fees for specific services, while others charge a percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM). Understanding the alternatives can help you determine if your current fee structure is the most cost-effective for your needs. Financial circ*mstances and market conditions can change, and your fee structure should be flexible enough to adapt to these changes. Regularly reviewing your fees and discussing them with your financial advisor ensures that your arrangement remains suitable for your evolving financial situation.

Do not hesitate to seek competitive quotes from other financial advisors. While fees are an essential consideration, it is equally important to evaluate the overall value and quality of the services provided. Comparing quotes can give you a broader perspective on market rates and help you make an informed decision about the appropriateness of your current arrangement.

To conclude

Measuring the success of a financial advisorrequires a holistic approach. You need to consider your portfolio returns, benchmark comparisons, risk-adjusted metrics, investment strategy, the financial advisor’s alignment with your risk tolerance, effective communication, periodic reporting, and more. Regularly evaluating your financial advisor’s performance and being proactive in your communication can help ensure that your financial plan remains aligned with your goals and objectives. If you have concerns or if your financial situation changes, do not hesitate to have open discussions with your financial advisor and consider seeking a second opinion if necessary.

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