It’s easy to let time slip by between meetings with your financial advisor. But when life changes, markets shift, or retirement approaches, staying on top of your investment strategy becomes more critical than ever. A portfolio review with advisors is not just about checking performance; it’s about ensuring your plan works in your best interest, year after year. At Berger Financial Group, we guide clients through purposeful, timely reviews so their portfolios stay aligned with their values, life stages, and financial goals.
Why a Portfolio Review Matters
Your portfolio isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. It requires ongoing adjustments to reflect economic changes, risk tolerance, and personal milestones.
What We Evaluate During a Review
During a portfolio review, several critical areas are assessed:
- Asset allocation and diversification
- Investment performance against benchmarks
- Risk exposure relative to age and timeline
- Tax efficiency of holdings
- Rebalancing needs
- Alignment with short- and long-term goals
We believe a portfolio review with advisors is essential for helping you stay confident, especially during market volatility or life transitions. Regular reviews safeguard your investments and help you remain proactive rather than reactive in managing your financial future.
When Should You Meet With Your Financial Advisor?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but certain times demand a proactive review. Understanding when to schedule these meetings can help ensure your financial strategy aligns with your goals and circumstances.
At Least Annually
A full review once a year allows us to assess whether your strategy is on track. We’ll revisit goals, rebalance where needed, and update projections.
After a Major Life Event
These milestones may affect your portfolio and call for immediate attention:
- Career change or job loss
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Retirement
- Death of a spouse
- Inheritance or a significant financial windfall
Each of these life events can shift your income, expenses, and priorities, making it an ideal time for a portfolio review with advisors. That’s why staying connected with your financial advisor is essential, especially during pivotal moments and at least once a year. These meetings can provide clarity, reassurance, and a structured approach to navigating your financial journey, ensuring you remain on track to meet your goals.
Market Volatility Is a Key Signal
Periods of market uncertainty are another strong cue to revisit your portfolio strategy.
How We Help During Volatile Times
Market volatility can feel unsettling, but it’s also a critical time to ensure your investment strategy is robust and aligned with your long-term goals. Rather than reacting emotionally, a proactive approach can help protect and even strengthen your portfolio. Here’s how we guide clients through turbulent markets:
- Evaluate current holdings against your risk profile
- Identify opportunities to buy, rebalance, or tax-loss harvest
- Ensure your emergency fund and short-term cash needs are secure
- Discuss shifting allocations to more defensive or diversified positions
Staying proactive during turbulence can prevent emotional decision-making and protect long-term outcomes.
Nearing Retirement? Schedule More Frequent Reviews
The closer you get to retirement, the more critical it becomes to shift from growth to preservation and income planning.
What we prioritize before retirement:
- Adjusting asset allocation to reduce volatility
- Ensuring liquidity for upcoming withdrawals
- Evaluating Roth conversion opportunities
- Reviewing income distribution strategies and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
We often recommend semiannual reviews of your retirement portfolio or more frequent check-ins for clients approaching retirement based on changing needs.
Make the Most of Your Review Meetings
Review meetings are crucial for clients and advisors to connect and discuss critical financial matters. We encourage our clients to prepare questions and updates in advance to ensure a productive conversation.
How to Prepare for a Review Meeting
A detailed portfolio review with your financial advisor can be a game-changer. Here’s how you can prepare in advance:
- Bring updates on income, expenses, or goals
- Review your most recent account statements
- Note any upcoming life changes
- Ask about new tax laws or planning strategies
Benefits of working with a financial advisor include a clearer understanding, more informed choices, and long-term confidence in one’s financial path.
Let Us Help You Stay on Track With a Personalized Financial Strategy
Whether you’ve experienced a significant life event, seen your portfolio fluctuate, or just haven’t checked in over a year, it’s time to take action. A timely portfolio review with advisors helps protect your investments, align your goals, and ensure your financial plan remains sound.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your financial journey, contact Berger Financial Group today. Schedule a portfolio review, and let’s work together to keep your portfolio on course through every stage of life. Clients choose us for our comprehensive financial planning approach, integrating deep tax knowledge, fiduciary commitment, a team-oriented mindset, and strategic portfolio management.
