When you think about your annual meeting with your financial advisor, does it feel more like…
- a box to be checked off your to-do list, or
- a rare chance to pause and think clearly about your future?
Does your advisor spend the time reviewing investment performance, selling products, and making suggestions that are hard to understand or are not aligned with your goals? Or providing information that matters more to them than you? That can often be a waste of your valuable time, even if it makes the advisor feel productive.
What if there were a different approach?
What if you reached out when something popped into your head or when you were in the middle of a big change? What if your time together focused on what’s on your mind, what matters most to you, and what’s keeping you up at night?
One of my favorite aspects of being a financial advisor is helping people when they need it most. I love celebrating big wins with individuals and families: job promotions, pregnancies, bonuses, and home purchases. And just as much, I deeply value sitting in a space with them when things aren’t perfect, such as a job loss, the need to fund an unexpected expense, or other life challenge.
My job is to be there when you need support and help you in a way that’s meaningful to you. Sometimes that means being a sounding board and steady listener to let you figure things out. Other times, it means getting in the weeds and building a thoughtful savings plan to purchase your next home or fund a child’s education.
Our ability to adapt to each client’s unique needs is what truly sets us apart here at Curio.
If you like the idea of getting real-time financial guidance as life unfolds, don’t wait for a once-a-year meeting. Reach out when things are happening. Accessibility that actually supports your life is invaluable.
Here’s what that might look like for you, and what you can reasonably expect from your financial advisor.
Looking for a financial advisor who takes a more personalized approach? Get in touch with us at Curio Wealth.
What A Meeting Focused On You Might Look Like
“What’s top of mind for you today?”
“What’s keeping you up at night?”
“What are some exciting things you’re thinking about?”
These are phrases I often use when connecting with clients. When given the space to dream, evaluate new opportunities, or navigate responsibilities that feel heavy, most people welcome having a partner who listens and helps map out a thoughtful path forward.
Money is just one piece of the puzzle. Time, skills, family dynamics, and career decisions all matter too. Our role is to give you clear financial insight so you can make confident decisions. We know what your specific situation looks like, and we have the expertise to help you navigate life circumstances more effectively.
At the end of the day, you’re the decision-maker. Whether it’s a purchase, a trip, or a job change, you’re in control. We simply help you move forward with the insight and information you need to make confident, well-informed decisions.
That’s why intentional time matters. It allows you to prepare thoughtfully for life’s many phases — career shifts, growing families, new homes, and everything in between.
Below are a few common life changes (and topics of conversation) to help make your financial advisor meetings more intentional.
Expecting A New Child — Call Us To Share The Exciting News
Congrats! You have time to prepare, and in the months ahead, here are a few topics to discuss with your financial advisor:
- The impact to your (and/or your spouse’s) job
- Parental leave planning
- Changes to cashflow, including childcare cost or reduced income
- Saving for education
- Health insurance updates
A New Job — Share The Change With Us
A new job comes with a lot of changes, hopefully exciting ones! Some important things to review with your advisor include:
- Changes in income and how that shapes your cash flow
- Taxes withholding and how much to set aside each paycheck
- Employer benefits like life insurance, health insurance, vision, dental, etc.
- What to do with your previous employer’s retirement plan
- Your new employer’s 401(k) options and contribution strategy
New Home Purchase — We’re Here To Support Your Decision
Here’s a tip: Involve your financial advisor before you start searching for properties and figuring out where to buy a house! It’s a lot easier to get guidance in advance than to have to make major changes to your lifestyle or alter long-term goals after a purchase has already been made. Conversations may include:
- A reasonable price range for your home
- How much to put toward a down payment
- Timing the sale your current home and purchase of the new one
- Modeling how this purchase impacts your long-term goals
It’s time to see your financial advisor differently.
An advisor shouldn’t be someone you check in with once a year about account balances. They should be a partner who knows you, understands your goals, and walks alongside you through each stage of life in real time.
Stop thinking of this as an annual meeting. Start thinking of it as an ongoing relationship.
If you’re looking for a financial advisor who embraces the intentional mindset, reach out to us at Curio Wealth. No matter what phase of life you’re in, we welcome you to pause, reflect, and make space to think about your future. We’ll do our best to get you there.
