Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Your Next Financial Review

A good financial review helps you feel confident about your money and your future.
Asking the right questions makes the meeting more useful and gives you clear answers.

Copy this list and bring it with you to your next review.

1.      Have my goals or life situation changed? 

Have I gotten married, had a baby, changed jobs, bought a house, or had any other big changes? How should my plan be updated?

2.      Am I on track to reach my goals?

Am I saving enough for retirement, a house, my children’s education, or other dreams? What do the numbers show?

3.      Is my investment mix still right for me? 

Does my mix of stocks, bonds, and cash still match how much risk I’m comfortable with? Should we make any changes?

4.      Am I paying too much in taxes? 

Are there simple ways to save on taxes now or in the future? What should I do differently this year?

5.      Do I have enough protection if something goes wrong? 

Is my emergency fund big enough? Do I have the right insurance (life, health, disability, home)? Is my will and estate plan up to date?

6.      How are my retirement savings doing? 

Am I saving enough for retirement? Should I increase my contributions or make any catch-up payments?

 7.      What fees am I paying? 

How much am I paying in fees, and are they reasonable? Is the value I’m getting worth the cost?               

8.      What should I focus on between now and the next review? 

What are the most important things I should do in the next 6–12 months?

9.      How is the economy or market affecting my plan? 

Should we make any adjustments because of interest rates, inflation, or market changes.

10. What’s my next step? 

What exactly should I do after this meeting to stay on track?

Simple Tips to Prepare:

• Bring your latest bank, investment, and retirement statements.
• Think about any major changes in your life or worries you have about money.
• Write down your own questions as well.

Remember:

This is your money and your future. Don’t be afraid to ask anything — even if it feels basic. A good advisor wants you to understand everything clearly.