5 Signs It’s Time To Meet With a Financial Advisor
We tend to think we’ll call a financial advisor when “we have enough money to warrant one.” But some of the most valuable conversations happen early on. We’ve often heard, I wish I had done this years ago! A key indicator that it’s time to meet with a financial advisor is when things are simply changing. If you’re navigating one of the scenarios below, it may be time to bring in a professional. These moments reveal more than a need for answers — they might be able to offer a chance to unlock opportunities, find clarity, and move forward with confidence.
5 signs it’s time to meet with a financial advisor
#1: A major life change has just hit (or is on the horizon)
Marriage. Divorce. Starting a family. Losing a loved one. Receiving an inheritance — or a windfall. These milestones carry emotional weight and mark a shift in financial responsibilities. Suddenly, there are layers to what seem like straightforward decisions.
How a financial advisor helps: A financial advisor helps clients understand their current financial position relative to their desired future and can identify gaps they may not have been aware of otherwise. When life shifts occur, there’s a lot to consider and manage, including updating beneficiaries, planning for a windfall, and adjusting insurance and estate plans. In addition to the tactical aspects, a financial advisor provides a calm, experienced voice to walk with you.
#2: Compensation just got more complicated
When equity and income grow and become more complex, the stakes rise. It’s not just about making money — it’s about keeping it, managing taxes, and staying aligned with long-term goals.
How a financial advisor helps: An advisor can help create a smart, intentional strategy around equity compensation. From determining when to exercise and sell to minimizing tax exposure and diversifying concentrated risk, a financial advisor may be able to turn complex scenarios into opportunities for lasting growth.
#3 The question is, “Can I afford this?”
The idea of early retirement, a second home, taking a sabbatical, or helping a child with education costs is exciting — but also intimidating. When compound interest comes into play, it’s not simple arithmetic, and determining whether you have enough assets can be challenging to pinpoint. The uncertainty around the decision can lead to paralysis. These are life-shaping choices that go beyond spreadsheets — and an advisor may give you the confidence you need to enjoy those goals – or tell you how to achieve them if it’s not in the cards today.
How a financial advisor helps: Advisors bring those “what ifs” into focus. They model different scenarios and help clients understand the ripple effects of big financial decisions. Retirement timelines. Cash flow tradeoffs. Risk tolerance. A good advisor might be able to give people the confidence to move forward — not with guesswork, but with grounded certainty.
#4: Things are going well, but I feel disorganized
On paper, everything looks solid. But behind the scenes? It’s more like a patchwork — siloed accounts, outdated documents, and to-do lists that never quite get done. Success doesn’t always feel in control.
How a financial advisor helps: An advisor can help bring order to complexity. By coordinating investments, taxes, insurance, and estate planning, a financial advisor ensures all the moving parts are aligned. Instead of reacting to financial needs as they arise, clients may shift into proactive mode — making decisions with purpose, not pressure.
#5: There’s just no time to keep doing this alone
Work is full. Life is busy. There are aging parents to consider, kids to support, and trips to plan — and barely enough time for lunch, let alone fine-tuning a financial plan. Even for people who are great with money, the mental bandwidth isn’t there.
How a financial advisor helps: A great advisor may act as a financial quarterback — someone who knows the full picture and can provide insight, strategy, and, depending on the setup, execution. They reduce decision fatigue, simplify complexity, and give clients space to focus on the people and priorities that matter most. Of course, outcomes vary and depend on each individual’s circumstances— nothing here should be taken as a guarantee.
You don’t have to have already made it financially to benefit from advice. The people who benefit most often hire an advisor sooner. A financial advisor might be able to help turn uncertainty into clarity, success into strategy, and complexity into confidence.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, a first conversation could be the most valuable hour of your financial year.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized advice or a recommendation for any specific product, strategy, or course of action. Brighton Jones, its affiliates, and employees do not provide personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice through this communication. This material is not intended to, and does not, create a fiduciary relationship under ERISA or any other applicable law. For individualized advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult with your adviser.
