How Do I Know If My Financial Advisor Is Doing a Good Job?

Jeff Albaneze
Jun 26
4 min read

Your financial advisor plays a key role in helping you build and protect your wealth. But how do you know if they’re doing a good job? It’s not just about market returns; it’s about whether they’re guiding you with integrity, clarity, and results that align with your long-term goals.

At Atlantic Edge, based in Jacksonville, FL, we’ve spent over a decade working with high-net-worth individuals to deliver not only results, but confidence and clarity in every financial decision. Our fiduciary, fee-only model led by Matthew Cochran, CFA, Kaitlyn Weatherly, CFP, and Jeffrey Albaneze, CFP, CIMA, is designed to put our clients first, always.

In this article, we’ll explain what to expect from a great financial advisor, key performance indicators beyond investment returns, and red flags to watch out for.

What Does a Good Financial Advisor Actually Do?

A good advisor should do more than pick stocks or manage your portfolio. Here’s what they should consistently provide:

Personalized Financial Planning

A strong advisor develops a plan that reflects your unique financial goals, whether that’s retiring early, supporting family, or creating a lasting legacy.

At Atlantic Edge, our goal-oriented financial planning process gives each client a personalized roadmap to align their wealth with life’s ambitions.

Fiduciary-Level Advice

They should act as a fiduciary, meaning they’re legally and ethically required to put your interests first. This should be reflected in both their written agreement and how they make recommendations.

Our Jacksonville-based team is committed to a fiduciary oath and a fee-only structure that removes conflicts of interest.

Investment Strategy and Discipline

A good advisor should clearly explain your portfolio’s strategy, how it's built, how it’s monitored, and how it's adjusted as your needs change.

At Atlantic Edge, investment management is driven by three CFA Charterholders who bring strategic and tactical insights to every portfolio we oversee.

How to Measure If Your Financial Advisor Is Doing a Good Job

Here are specific ways to assess the value your advisor is providing:

1. They Communicate Proactively and Clearly

You should receive regular updates not just about performance, but about financial opportunities, tax planning, and important changes that affect your plan. Good advisors are easy to reach and explain things without jargon.

At Atlantic Edge, we believe no client should ever be confused about how their portfolio is performing or why a recommendation is made.

2. Your Financial Plan Is Current and Customized

Your advisor should be reviewing and updating your plan at least annually. Life changes, marriage, children, and retirement should trigger a review and adjustment.

Ask yourself: Does my plan still reflect my current goals and risk tolerance? If not, your advisor may be falling short.

3. You Understand How You're Being Charged

Transparent, clearly explained fees are non-negotiable. If you don’t understand your advisor’s compensation or if it’s based on commissions from products, you may not be receiving unbiased advice.

Our fee-only model at Atlantic Edge means no commissions—ever. Our compensation comes solely from our clients.

4. You’re Seeing Progress Toward Your Goals

Market fluctuations happen. But over time, your advisor should be helping you make measurable progress toward key milestones buying a home, building retirement savings, or passing down wealth efficiently.

We work to provide tangible, trackable progress for every client we serve.

5. They Coordinate with Other Professionals

Top-tier advisors work alongside your accountant, attorney, or insurance agent to create a unified strategy. This is especially important for high-net-worth clients with more complex needs.

Our family-office experience makes Atlantic Edge a central point of coordination, streamlining communication across your financial network.

Red Flags That Your Financial Advisor Might Not Be Doing a Good Job

Not sure if your advisor is earning their fee? Here are some warning signs:

🚩 They rarely reach out unless the market drops

🚩 You’re not sure what you’re paying or why

🚩 They push proprietary products or insurance frequently

🚩 They don’t talk about taxes, estate planning, or big-picture goals

🚩 You feel confused after meetings, not informed

FAQs: Evaluating Your Financial Advisor

How often should I meet with my advisor?

At least annually, and more often during life changes or volatile markets. At Atlantic Edge, we provide regular updates and schedule reviews based on each client’s preferences and needs.

Is it okay to ask for a second opinion?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s smart. Many firms, including Atlantic Edge, offer complimentary second-opinion portfolio reviews.

Do returns tell the whole story?

No. Market returns are one piece of the puzzle. What matters more is whether your advisor’s guidance is helping you move closer to your personal goals.

Pros and Cons of Working with a Financial Advisor

Pros	Cons
Provides accountability and structure	Advisory fees can be confusing without transparency
Offers access to financial tools and insights	Not all advisors act in your best interest
Reduces emotional investing decisions	Advisor quality varies significantly
Coordinate tax and estate strategies	Some offer limited planning services

Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than Just Returns

If your advisor is only talking to you about performance, they may be missing the point.

At Atlantic Edge, we believe great financial advice is about more than numbers. It’s about helping you feel organized, informed, and confident in your financial decisions today and in the future.

If you're unsure whether your current advisor is serving you well, or you just want a professional second opinion, we're here to help.