Check out Jeremy’s latest podcast on retirement planning by listening on “Apple Podcasts” or “Google Podcasts” or read below for 5 Signs To Consider If You Should Fire Your Financial Advisor (And How To Fire Them).

[156] – Should you fire your financial advisor?

In this episode, Jeremy Keil goes over the 5 signs that maybe you should: when your advisor only does the bare minimum, when they don’t specialize in your specific needs, when they only communicate with one spouse in a couple, when you have an uneasy feeling about the advisor, and when they consistently fail to meet your financial goals. 

He talks about how you can identify them, and how to leave your current financial advisor and find a new one. Jeremy also explains what a promissory note is and emphasizes the importance of communication and trust in the advisor-client relationship. 

Jeremy discusses:

One of the telltale signs that it might be time to part ways with your financial advisor is if they are only doing the bare minimum. Financial advisors should offer comprehensive guidance, including retirement planning, tax strategies, investment advice, and more. If all they provide are a couple of stock recommendations or mutual funds without addressing the broader financial picture, it’s a red flag. 

Your financial future deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach, and it might be time to consider a new advisor who can provide a more holistic and tailored approach to your financial goals.

Another important aspect to consider is whether you align with your financial advisor’s niche. Financial advisors often specialize in certain client demographics or financial needs. If your advisor’s expertise doesn’t align with your specific situation, it can lead to suboptimal results. 

For instance, if you’re focused on retirement planning and your advisor primarily serves younger clients or concentrates on different financial areas, it may be time to look for an advisor whose specialization matches your financial goals and needs more closely.

In a relationship or marriage where both partners are actively involved in financial decisions, your financial advisor needs to recognize and respect this dynamic. If your advisor communicates with only one spouse while excluding the other, it raises concerns. 

A healthy advisory relationship should involve both partners equally, as financial decisions often impact both individuals. If your advisor disregards one spouse’s input or doesn’t make an effort to include both parties in discussions, it may be a sign to reconsider your advisor-client relationship. 

A good advisor understands that it’s a relationship of three: the two spouses and the advisor working together toward common financial goals.

Sometimes, your gut feeling can be a powerful indicator. If you have an uneasy feeling about your financial advisor’s recommendations, their actions, or the overall direction of your financial plan, don’t ignore it. Trust your instincts. 

Financial planning should provide you with confidence and peace of mind, not uncertainty and unease. If your advisor’s advice or actions make you uncomfortable, it’s a clear signal that it might be time to explore other options and find an advisor who aligns better with your financial values and goals.

Feeling ignored by your financial advisor is a significant red flag. Effective communication and regular updates are crucial components of a successful advisory relationship. If your advisor doesn’t return your calls or emails promptly, fails to provide updates on your portfolio or financial plan, or simply seems disengaged, it’s time to address the issue. 

Your financial advisor should be proactive in keeping you informed and addressing your concerns. If you feel neglected or unheard, it’s a valid reason to consider terminating the relationship and seeking an advisor who prioritizes your needs and provides attentive service.

When it comes to parting ways with your financial advisor, the first step is to find a new advisor who aligns better with your financial goals and values. This ensures you have a trusted professional to transition your investments and financial plan seamlessly. 

If you need help finding your next advisor, here are 3 Things You Should Know Before Choosing A Financial Advisor.

While you don’t necessarily have to inform your current advisor, it’s courteous to send them an email explaining your decision and the reasons behind it. This feedback can help them improve their services and might benefit future clients. 

Additionally, if you’re paying fees to your current advisor, consider contacting your custodian (e.g., Schwab or Fidelity) to remove the advisor from your accounts while you search for a replacement. This way, you can stop paying fees for services you’re no longer satisfied with.

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To learn more about why you should fire your current financial advisor and how to hire a new one, check out the resources below!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us using the contact information provided below!

Disclosures

Videos/Podcasts/Blogs (media) published prior to June 30, 2025, were recorded and approved while the advisor was affiliated with Thrivent Advisor Network. These media reflect the advisor’s views and interpretations at that time. The information and disclosures contained in those media were believed to be accurate and complete as of the date of recording, but may not reflect current market conditions or Alongside, LLC, policies.

All content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Read below for current disclosures and potential conflicts of interest.

This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy.

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