A quick gut check for a very different financial reality.
A lot of us start out working with our parents’ financial advisor because it feels familiar and simple — but at some point, the advice can start to feel… off. Not wrong, just not quite you.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your parents’ advisor really understands your financial reality, this quick five-question audit will tell you fast.
The 5-Question Audit
1. Do they understand the economy you’re navigating — not the one your parents built wealth in?
Housing affordability, student debt, career volatility, and near-zero cash yields shaped your adulthood. If your advisor still talks like it’s the era of 8% CDs and cheap homes, that mismatch matters.
2. Are they updating their investment philosophy for today’s return environment?
For most of your working life, bonds have significantly underperformed stocks — which changes the math on what a “balanced” portfolio should be. If their advice hasn’t evolved, the plan may not serve your reality.
3. Do they build your plan around your life — not the traditional milestones they assume everyone has?
Your goals may not look like your parents’ goals. Your advisor shouldn’t treat marriage, kids, homeownership, and retire-at-65 as the default path unless it actually fits you.
4. Do they help you navigate millennial-specific challenges?
Student loans, caregiving, childcare, mental health costs, career pivots, equity comp — these are real financial drivers for your generation. Your advisor should understand and plan for them.
5. Do you feel seen, understood, and respected?
If you don’t feel comfortable being honest about your goals or your circumstances, the advice will never fully serve you. The relationship matters as much as the recommendations.
What Your Answers Might Mean
Mostly Yes
Your advisor may be older, but they’re adapting to today’s world — and to you.
Mostly “Not Sure”
There might be gaps you haven’t named yet. These are great starting points for a conversation.
Mostly No
You may have outgrown the advisor who was perfect for your parents. That’s normal — different generations need different planning.
You deserve advice built for today — not for 1985.
If this audit raised questions for you, or if you’re ready for financial guidance built around your goals and your generation, I’d love to help.