3 Questions to Ask Your Financial Planner
Bruce Aken
May, 2026
A strong financial plan is about more than investments it’s about building a strategy that evolves alongside your life. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, growing your wealth, or navigating major life changes, asking the right questions can help ensure your financial plan continues to support your long-term goals.
At Nelson Murphy Insurance & Investment Services, we believe financial planning should never be “set it and forget it.” Life changes constantly, and your financial strategy should adapt with it. That’s why ongoing communication and proactive planning are such an important part of the client experience.
Here are three important questions to ask your financial planner.
1.) Is My Financial Plan Still Aligned With My Goals?
Your financial goals today may look very different than they did even a year ago.
Major life events like retirement planning, career changes, growing your family, healthcare needs, or shifts in lifestyle priorities can all impact your financial strategy. Asking whether your plan still reflects your current goals is one of the most valuable conversations you can have with your financial planner.
At Nelson Murphy Insurance & Investment, we work closely with clients to make thoughtful adjustments throughout the year so their financial plans continue evolving alongside their lives.
Topics to discuss may include:
- Retirement timelines and income goals
- Investment strategies and risk tolerance
- Savings progress
- Tax planning opportunities
- Changes in financial priorities
2.) What Economic or Market Changes Could Affect My Financial Plan?
Financial markets and economic conditions are always changing. Inflation, interest rates, tax laws, and market volatility can all influence your long-term financial strategy.
Rather than reacting emotionally to headlines or short-term market fluctuations, regular conversations with your financial planner can help you stay focused on the bigger picture.
Ask your advisor questions like:
- How could current market conditions affect my goals?
- Should I make any adjustments to my investments?
- Are there new tax-saving opportunities available?
- Is my retirement income strategy still on track?
Communication is one of the most valuable services a financial planner can provide. Our goal is to help clients feel informed, prepared, and confident no matter what the market environment looks like.
3.) Are There Any Risks or Opportunities I Should Be Addressing Right Now?
A strong financial plan isn’t just about preparing for the future, it’s also about identifying opportunities and managing risks before they become larger issues.
Regular financial reviews can help uncover areas that may need attention, including:
- Insurance coverage updates
- Estate planning considerations
- Healthcare or long-term care planning
- Changes in spending or cash flow
- Retirement contribution opportunities
- Tax-efficient planning strategies
How Often Should You Meet With Your Financial Planner?
One of the most common questions people ask is how often they should meet with their financial planner.
At a minimum, we recommend meeting with your advisor at least once a year. An annual review gives us the opportunity to revisit your goals, review your accounts, confirm your information is up to date, and make sure your financial strategy still aligns with your current situation.
However, for many individuals and families, more frequent meetings can provide additional value, especially during periods of significant life change.
We often recommend quarterly meetings during seasons such as:
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a child
- Changing jobs or income
- Buying or selling a home
- Becoming an empty nester
- Losing a loved one
- Preparing for retirement
- Recently retiring
A lot can change in just a few months.
Markets can shift. Personal priorities can evolve. New opportunities can emerge, and unexpected challenges can arise. Meeting more frequently during these times creates opportunities to review progress, make adjustments when needed, and stay informed about your financial future.
At Nelson Murphy Insurance & Investment Services, we are never in “set it and forget it” mode. We believe ongoing conversations and long-term relationships are essential to helping clients navigate life’s transitions with confidence.
Because your life changes, and your financial plan should change with it.
Whether you’re due for your annual review or navigating a major life event, our team is here to help you stay on track and make informed financial decisions every step of the way.
Ready to schedule your next meeting with the Nelson Murphy team? Contact us today to get started.
Ready to Get Started?
Let’s start the conversation about your financial goals. Fill out this quick form, and we’ll set up a time to talk.
What’s in it for you? A friendly financial expert who’s all ears (no sales pitches or fancy presentations, we promise!).