Financial Advisor: 5 Practical Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your Advisor in 2025

By Atfinance

Introduction

You’ve found a trusted financial advisor, whether in Montreal, Laval, or elsewhere in Quebec. That’s a major milestone toward building a more secure financial future.

But here’s something most people overlook: Having a financial advisor doesn’t automatically mean your finances are optimized. To achieve real results, you need more than just a good advisor—you need to become actively involved in the relationship.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 5 practical strategies to help you get the most out of your advisor, increase your financial clarity, and strengthen your path toward long-term success.

1. Define Your Financial Goals from the Start

A great advisor can help you design a strategy—but only you can clarify what you really want.

🎯 Why it matters:

• Vague goals lead to generic advice.
• Clear objectives help prioritize decisions.
• You avoid jumping between scattered projects.

🛠️ What to do:

• Write down your goals: retire at 60, buy a home, build passive income, create a legacy, etc.
• Rank them by priority and time horizon: short, medium, and long term.
• Discuss these goals in your next meeting.

👉 Pro tip: A skilled advisor will help you turn those goals into clear, measurable milestones with dates and dollar amounts.

2. Be 100% Transparent About Your Financial Situation

Your relationship with your financial advisor should be built on honesty and transparency.

🤐 What people often hide:

• Personal debt
• Unreported income
• Past tax problems
• Financial mistakes or poor habits

⚠️ Why it’s risky:

• Your financial plan will be based on incomplete or incorrect data
• You may receive unsuitable recommendations
• You limit your advisor’s ability to offer strategic, tax-efficient solutions

✅ What to do:

• Share a full picture of your finances: income, expenses, assets, debts, investments, insurance, etc.
• Don’t be embarrassed—your advisor is there to help, not to judge.

3. Actively Follow Up on Recommendations… and Ask Questions

Financial planning is not a “set it and forget it” activity—it’s a dynamic process.

📆 What you should be doing:

• Schedule regular follow-up meetings—at least once a year, or more often if your situation changes
• Review your advisor’s suggestions, ask for clarification, and request alternatives if needed
• Take action—don’t wait six months before implementing key steps

💬 Why this matters:

• Markets evolve, tax laws shift, and your life changes
• Updated plans remain relevant and accurate
• You’ll avoid surprises and take advantage of new opportunities

👉 Pro tip: Keep a running list of questions between meetings. There are no “stupid questions” when it comes to your financial future.

4. Expect Clear Explanations—No Jargon

Finance is your advisor’s world—not yours. It’s their job to make things clear, accessible, and relevant to your situation.

🚫 Avoid:

• Vague advice like “this product is better”
• Heavy jargon like “duration,” “beta,” or “after-tax annualized returns”
• Overwhelming graphs with no context

✅ Ask for:

• Simple comparisons (Option A vs. B)
• Visual aids, charts, or tables adapted to your plan
• Real-life examples and analogies

Your advisor should speak your language. If they don’t, speak up—they’re there to empower you, not confuse you.

5. Use the Right Tools to Monitor Your Finances

A well-equipped advisor will give you access to tools and dashboards so you can track your progress in real time.

🧰 Useful tools include:

• Secure client portals
• Retirement and cash flow simulators
• Tax planning reports
• Monthly or quarterly progress summaries

📊 What you should be tracking:

• Growth of your assets and net worth
• Key financial goals (education, property, business, retirement)
• Account balances and contributions (RRSP, TFSA, RESP, etc.)
• Important deadlines and renewal dates (insurance, conversions, etc.)

👉 Bonus tip: If your advisor doesn’t offer these tools, ask for a simplified one-page roadmap with key targets and next steps.

Conclusion

Working with a financial advisor doesn’t mean giving up control—it means co-creating a plan that reflects your goals, values, and reality.

By applying these 5 strategies, you will:

• Get maximum value from your advisor
• Make better-informed financial decisions
• Feel more confident, proactive, and engaged in your financial life

Your advisor is your guide—but you remain the decision-maker. Own your financial journey.

❓ FAQ – 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Working with a Financial Advisor

1. What if I don’t understand my advisor’s recommendations?

Ask for a clearer explanation using everyday language. A good advisor will adapt to your level of understanding and never make you feel inferior.

2. Do I really need to review my plan every year?

Yes. Annual reviews allow for:

• Tax law updates
• Life changes (job, kids, health, inheritance)
• Market fluctuations
• Rebalancing and retargeting

3. What if I’m uncomfortable with a strategy my advisor suggests?

Speak up. A good advisor will never pressure you. They should offer alternative paths and respect your comfort zone.

4. Do I have to follow every recommendation?

Not necessarily. Your advisor gives suggestions—you make the final call. But it’s worth understanding the trade-offs of each option before declining.

5. How do I know if I’m paying too much in fees?

Ask for a detailed breakdown: hourly fees, asset-based fees, commissions, etc. Compare that to the value you’re receiving (plan quality, tax savings, returns, peace of mind).

6. Can I manage everything on my own with apps?

Some can, but most people benefit from the structure, accountability, and expertise that a professional advisor brings—especially when life gets complicated.