The Value of Regular Financial Check-ins with Your Trusted Advisor

Why staying in touch with your financial advisor can make all the difference

Let’s be honest—life moves fast. One minute you’re figuring out a monthly budget, the next you’re dealing with a career shift, a new home, or thinking about retirement (or all three!). Your financial life doesn’t stay still—so why should your financial plan?

At B.I.G. Investment Services, we believe true financial planning isn’t just a one-and-done event—it’s an ongoing journey. And like any successful journey, it requires checkpoints along the way. That’s where financial check-ins come in.

Whether you’re preparing for a major life milestone, adjusting to unexpected changes, or simply making sure your plan still fits your goals, regular financial check-ins help you stay on track and move forward with confidence.

In this post, we’ll break down why these meetings are so valuable, what you can expect during a financial review meeting, and how to make the most of your relationship with a trusted advisor.

Why Financial Planning Is an Ongoing Process

You wouldn’t build a house and never inspect it again, right? The same logic applies to your financial plan. Financial planning is not a set-it-and-forget-it process. Life evolves—so should your financial strategy.

Some reasons why financial plans need ongoing attention:

• Your goals shift: Maybe your dream retirement changed locations. Maybe a new baby arrived. Maybe you inherited some money. These things matter.

• Markets move: Investment performance and market conditions are dynamic. What worked a year ago might not be ideal now.

• Laws and tax codes change: These changes can affect your strategies, your returns, and your options.

• Your income and expenses evolve: Promotions, layoffs, healthcare costs, tuition—financial inputs and outputs are rarely static.

  
  

That’s why regular financial check-ins are a critical part of any long-term financial success. They allow us to keep your plan flexible and responsive, not rigid and outdated.

Life Happens—And Your Plan Should Adjust Accordingly

You might not always see it coming, but major life events often signal the perfect time for a financial advisor check-in. Here are some common triggers for a financial planning review:

Life Events That Warrant a Check-In

• Marriage or Divorce

• Birth or adoption of a child

• Job change, promotion, or business ownership

• Retirement or early retirement planning

• Buying or selling a home

• Major health event

• Receiving an inheritance or financial windfall

• Sending kids to college

These moments affect your finances directly—so it’s crucial your plan evolves with them. A quick financial wellness check ensures your goals are still in reach, even as your life changes course.

The Importance of Regular Financial Check-Ins

Let’s dig into what makes regular check-ins with your advisor so valuable—not just in big life moments, but consistently over time.

✔️Keeps Your Plan Aligned with Your Goals

Your dreams today may not look like your dreams five years from now. During a financial planning review, we make sure your strategies still support what matters most to you—whether that’s an early retirement, helping your kids graduate debt-free, or traveling the world.

✔️Encourages Proactive Adjustments

Markets change. So do tax laws, inflation rates, and economic conditions. Meeting with your financial advisor regularly gives you a proactive edge. We can make timely adjustments that help you avoid pitfalls and seize opportunities—before they pass you by.

✔️Boosts Your Financial Confidence

Let’s face it—financial stress is real. But ongoing financial advice helps replace stress with clarity. When you know where you stand and where you’re headed, you feel more in control. That’s what regular check-ins are all about.

✔️Strengthens Your Financial Advisor Relationship

The better we know you, the better we can serve you. When you show up consistently for your financial review meeting, we build a relationship based on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding. That’s how truly personalized financial planning happens.

What to Expect During a Financial Review Meeting

If it’s been a while since you’ve met with a financial advisor—or if you’ve never done a review before—you might be wondering what it’s like.

Here at B.I.G. Investment Services, we aim to make every check-in as valuable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what a typical financial check-in looks like:

Your Meeting Will Include:

1. A review of your current financial positionWe’ll look at your accounts, income sources, debt levels, savings, investments, and overall financial picture.

2. An update on your goalsMaybe your retirement timeline has changed or you’re thinking about buying a vacation home. We’ll talk through what’s new and what needs adjusting.

3. A performance review of your portfolioWe’ll evaluate how your investments have performed and determine whether your current asset allocation still fits your risk tolerance and goals.

4. Discussion of tax and legal considerationsWe’ll flag any changes in tax laws, estate planning, or legal requirements that might affect you and suggest next steps where necessary.

5. An opportunity to ask questionsNot sure about your 401(k)? Wondering whether to refinance? Curious about health care costs in retirement? We’re here to help make sense of it all.

6. Clear action items moving forwardYou’ll walk away with a simple, actionable plan for your next steps—whether that’s rebalancing your portfolio, increasing savings, or following up on tax documents.

You don’t need to come with a perfect spreadsheet or all the answers. That’s what we’re here for. You bring the questions—we’ll bring the clarity.

How Often Should You Schedule Financial Check-Ins?

While the frequency can vary depending on your needs, we recommend at least one full review annually, with additional check-ins whenever a major life or financial change occurs.

Some clients benefit from quarterly or semi-annual updates, especially during periods of transition or market volatility.

The key here is consistency. The more regularly you review, the more aligned your plan stays—and the more peace of mind you’ll enjoy.

Building a Relationship That Lasts

Here at B.I.G. Investment Services, we believe the best financial planning happens through strong, ongoing relationships. We don’t just want to meet you once and wish you luck—we want to be your go-to team through every stage of life.

We take the time to get to know you, your values, and your goals. Our role isn’t just to manage your investments—it’s to help guide your financial decisions with insight, experience, and heart.

Because when life throws surprises your way (and it will), we want you to know exactly who to call.

So Don’t Put It Off—Check In Today

Financial planning isn’t something you do once and forget about. It’s a living, breathing process that needs attention and adjustment over time. With regular financial check-ins, you get to stay in control, reduce stress, and make decisions with confidence.

Whether you’ve worked with a financial advisor for years or you’re just starting out, there’s real value in sitting down, checking in, and updating your plan. The future is full of possibilities—and we’re here to help you make the most of them.

Ready for Your Next Financial Check-In?

At B.I.G. Investment Services, we specialize in guiding individuals and families across Delaware and Maryland through every stage of the financial journey. From catching up on retirement savings to building a long-term plan, we’re here to help you navigate it all.

Let’s talk. Schedule your next financial review meeting today and let’s make sure your plan is working as hard as you are.

Call us or Schedule online to get started with a no-pressure consultation.

Disclaimer:

Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful. Boothe Investment Group, Inc. does not provide tax or legal advice. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.