When it comes to choosing a financial advisor, most people start with the big questions:
- Are they honest?
- Are they a fiduciary?
Let’s get this out of the way: yes and yes. These aren’t bonus points—they’re the baseline. If those boxes aren’t checked, it’s a hard pass. But assuming you're working with someone who acts in your best interest and upholds integrity, the best trait to look for in a financial advisor is: clear and frequent communication.
Have you ever left a meeting with your financial advisor and thought, “Wait… what did we just talk about?” Or worse—realized you haven’t had a meeting in over a year?
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Why Communication Is the Real MVP
Think about it. Your advisor is helping guide your financial future. That’s not something you want to leave on read for weeks at a time. Whether the market’s booming, dipping, or holding steady, you deserve to know where you stand—and what your advisor is doing behind the scenes.
Here’s why top-tier communication matters more than you might think:
1. It Builds Confidence in the Plan
Even the best financial plan can feel like a black box if your advisor isn’t walking you through it. Great communication means your advisor explains strategies in a way that actually makes sense. No jargon clouds. No generic emails. Just straightforward conversations that help you understand the "why" behind the moves.
And honestly? I hear it all the time—“I never hear from my advisor.” That’s a red flag, not just a minor inconvenience. You shouldn’t be left wondering what’s going on with your money. If your advisor only surfaces once a year with a report and a smile, it’s time to ask: Is this relationship actually working for me?
2. It Keeps Emotions in Check
Markets move. Emotions follow. And sometimes, the scariest thing is the silence.
A financial advisor who reaches out during turbulent times—or proactively sets expectations before the storm—can be the calm in the chaos. Frequent check-ins help prevent knee-jerk reactions and keep you focused on long-term goals instead of short-term noise.
“Time is your friend; impulse is your enemy.”
— John C. Bogle
3. It Puts You in the Driver’s Seat (With GPS)
This is your money, your future, your goals. A communicative advisor doesn't just talk at you—they talk with you. They ask questions, listen actively, and make sure your financial plan evolves with your life.
Promotion at work? New baby? Thinking about retiring early? Advisors who communicate well will adjust your plan accordingly—because they actually know what's going on in your life.
4. The Devil is in the Details
Sometimes, the biggest financial issues aren’t the ones keeping you up at night—they’re the ones you don’t even realize exist.
Maybe it's an outdated beneficiary designation. Maybe it's a portfolio that's taken on more risk than you're comfortable with. Or maybe it's a small tax oversight that could snowball down the line. These aren’t always the kinds of things you’ll think to ask about—but a great financial advisor will.
That’s where communication makes all the difference.
An advisor who regularly checks in, asks the right questions, and truly listens is far more likely to uncover hidden issues before they become real problems. On the other hand, a reactive advisor—the kind who only responds when you reach out—might miss those critical details altogether.
Think of it like visiting the doctor only when something hurts versus having regular wellness checkups. One approach catches problems early. The other crosses fingers and hopes for the best.
5. It Shows They’re Paying Attention
If you only hear from your advisor once a year—at review time—you might start wondering what’s happening the other 364 days.
A great financial advisor doesn’t disappear between meetings. They provide updates, share helpful insights, and reach out when something changes that might affect your portfolio. Communication is how they show they’re not just managing accounts—they’re care about you and your relationship.
How to Spot a Communicative Advisor
When interviewing or evaluating advisors, here are a few questions to ask:
- “How often will we meet or talk?”
- “Do you reach out proactively, or only when I contact you?”
- “How do you prefer to communicate—email, phone, in-person?”
- “Will I have access to ongoing updates or resources between meetings?”
You want someone who communicates clearly, consistently, and on your terms. Bonus points if they respond quickly and explain things without making you feel like you’re back in a finance lecture hall.
“Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.”
— Woody Guthrie
How Much Communication Do I Need from My Financial Advisor?
To be fair, not all clients need the same level of communication. For example, for a client in their 30's who is accumulating their wealth, one meeting per year could be plenty. On the other hand, an individual who retires next January may need multiple meetings and touchpoints in preparation for this life change. Additionally, simpler cases may not require heavy communication while business owners and high net worth individuals may require more sophisticated planning that can't be done just one time per year.
The real question to ask is, "Do I feel like my advisor is meeting my communication needs?" If the answer is no, try talking to them to reset your relationship and get on the same page. Already tried that? It may be time to look for a financial advisor who is a better fit.
Caring Starts With Clear Communication
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
In the world of financial advising, technical knowledge is essential—but it’s not what earns trust. What sets a truly great advisor apart is their ability to communicate in a way that makes clients feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. When your advisor takes the time to listen, check in regularly, and explain complex topics in plain language, it shows they’re not just managing your money—they’re invested in your life. Consistent communication isn’t just professional courtesy; it’s how a caring financial advisor earns the right to guide your financial future.
The Bottom Line
Honesty and fiduciary responsibility are the foundation. But communication? That’s the glue. The best financial advisor isn’t just someone who builds a great plan—it’s someone who keeps you in the loop every step of the way.
Because when it comes to your financial future, silence isn’t golden. Communication is. That is why it is the best trait to look for in a financial advisor.
Are you looking for an advisor that keeps you in the loop? Find advisors who listen and care at White Cloud Wealth Management. As fiduciaries, we prioritize your best interests, offering comprehensive financial planning designed to inspire confidence in your financial future. Our proven process is designed so that you get the care and communication you deserve.
Whether you prefer an in-person meeting or a remote consultation, we’d be delighted to discuss your goals and answer any questions you have.
Click to schedule your personalized consultation.
By Jacob Nye, Wealth Management Advisor
Disclosure
This blog reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the White Cloud Wealth Management employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by White Cloud Wealth Management. The views reflected in the blog are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this material constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security.