4 Questions To Ask Your Financial Advisor in 2026
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Money stuff can feel weirdly intimidating — especially when the calendar flips and suddenly it’s 2026. The rules shift, the markets evolve and whatever worked a few years ago might not be doing you any favors now.
That’s why having the right conversations with your financial advisor matters more than ever. Whether you’re checking in, starting fresh or just want to make sure your plan still makes sense, these are the questions worth asking this year.
How Do You Handle Clients’ Taxes? Are You Tax-Sensitive?
According to Paul Karger, co-founder and managing partner at TwinFocus, some firms have in-house tax attorneys and experts, while others partner with a client’s external tax advisor.
“Some may have specialized expertise in the complicated tax matters surrounding alternative and cross-border investments, while others may be more limited in scope,” he said.
How Often Will We Communicate?
Karger equally noted that communication frequency and method can vary at different stages of the client-advisor relationship, but finding the right fit for your needs and preferences is key.
“If you prefer frequent face-to-face or phone conversations, will someone be available?” he said.
Another important question to ask: If you prefer digital communication, does the firm offer texting or an online portal?
“Privacy and information security during all of these interactions should be top priorities,” Karger said.
How Will I Know ‘How I’m Doing’ If We Work Together? What Does Reporting Look Like?
Karger also encouraged asking: “Will I receive real-time, custom, comprehensive reports about my investments and total balance sheet?”
Beyond that, it’s worth digging into how that information is delivered and how often. Will updates come on a set schedule, or only when you ask? Can you easily access your data online, and does it clearly show progress toward your specific goals — not just market performance?
Is This a Tool That Makes Sense Given My Personal Financial Situation?
How would you know using a certain money tool, app or service is right for you?
Dean Schuler of Schuler Wealth Planning recommended asking if this is a tool makes sense given your personal financial situation, or if there are other ways to better manage and plan for expenses. Capping buy now, pay later service payments as a percent of monthly take-home pay, tracking it in a budgeting app or spreadsheet and prioritizing paying off high-interest revolving debt first are all wise tactics.
“I would encourage an open and honest conversation with your advisor,” Schuler said. “A mindset shift from free money to debt with BNPL could be helpful for many.”
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