Why are regular reviews necessary?

Karien Dutton

Financial planners are professionals who help individuals and businesses create and manage their financial plans. They provide guidance on investments, retirement planning, insurance, taxes, and other financial matters. However, creating a financial plan is not a one-time event. It is important for financial planners to review their clients’ financial situations on a regular basis to ensure that their plans remain relevant and effective.

The primary reason for regular reviews is to ensure that the financial plan continues to meet the client’s goals and objectives. As life circumstances change, financial goals may also change. For example, a client may get married, have children, change jobs, or experience a financial windfall. Each of these events can impact a client’s financial situation and require a reassessment of their financial plan.

Regular reviews also allow financial planners to adjust their clients’ investment strategies as needed. The financial markets are constantly changing, and investment performance can vary widely from year to year. A review allows the financial planner to ensure that the client’s portfolio remains aligned with their goals and risk tolerance. If needed, the financial planner can make adjustments to the portfolio to help mitigate risk or take advantage of opportunities.

Another important reason for regular reviews is to ensure that the client’s insurance coverage remains adequate. As life circumstances change, insurance needs may also change. For example, a client may need to increase their life insurance coverage after the birth of a child or purchase disability insurance after a job change. Regular reviews allow the financial planner to identify any gaps in coverage and recommend appropriate changes.

Regular reviews also provide an opportunity for financial planners to review tax strategies with their clients. Tax laws and regulations are constantly changing, and it is important to ensure that clients are taking advantage of all available tax-saving strategies. This can include maximizing contributions to retirement accounts, taking advantage of tax-deferred investments, and charitable giving.

In conclusion, regular reviews are an essential component of effective financial planning. Financial planners must stay up to date with changes in their clients’ lives, the financial markets, insurance needs, and tax laws to ensure that their clients’ financial plans remain relevant and effective. By doing so, they can help their clients achieve their financial goals and navigate the many challenges of managing their finances over the long term.