8 Things a Great Financial Planner Should Be Doing for You
Have you ever hired a financial advisor and thought, “I’m not exactly sure what they’re doing for me?”
That’s a big problem. Because great financial planning isn’t about fancy reports or product sales—it’s about guidance, consistency, and trust.
I’m Aiden Boorstein, a financial planner at RockCrest Financial in Somers Point, New Jersey. In this article, I’ll walk you through the eight things every great financial planner should be doing for you.
These are practical, real-world actions that separate average advice from the kind of planning that actually helps you build a secure future.
1. Build You a Real Financial Plan
A financial plan isn’t just a 12-page report with pie charts. That’s a brochure.
A true financial plan is living and dynamic. It evolves as your life evolves: marriage, new job, retirement, even buying a boat.
Your plan should adapt as your goals and circumstances change.
2. Coordinate with Your Other Financial Professionals
A strong financial advisor should work with your CPA, estate attorney, and insurance agent to ensure your strategies align.
This coordination can save you money, reduce mistakes, and create a consistent long-term plan.
3. Lead with Your Goals and Values
Great financial planning starts with questions like:
- What’s important to you?
- What do you want your money to do for you?
That’s why at RockCrest Financial we use a flat-fee model, so the focus stays on your life, not on how much you have invested.
4. Review All of Your Assets
Your advisor should review everything:
- 401(k)s and IRAs
- Brokerage accounts
- Real estate
- Private equity
- Even cryptocurrency
If your advisor ignores certain accounts, they don’t have the full picture of your risk or opportunities.
5. Help You Plan for Taxes
Your CPA files your taxes, but your advisor should help you plan them.
That means strategies like:
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Roth conversions
- Opportunity zone funds
- Credits and deductions
A great planner should quarterback your tax strategy, not watch from the sidelines.
6. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance isn’t about selling products—it’s about managing risk.
A great financial planner helps you figure out:
- Coverage you need
- Coverage you don’t need
- Where you might be overpaying
At RockCrest, we don’t sell insurance, so our advice is always commission-free.
7. Review Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is often delayed until it’s too late.
Your advisor should guide you in working with an attorney to create a plan that:
- Protects your family
- Reduces costs and conflict
- Reflects your values and legacy
8. Have Time for You
This is the most overlooked but most important point: your advisor should have time for you.
If they take weeks to respond, if you feel like a low priority, or if you’re always chasing them—it’s time to reconsider the relationship.
Your life and future deserve attention.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Financial Planner
If your advisor is doing all eight of these things, you’ve found a great one. If not, it may be time to make a change.
At RockCrest Financial, we believe financial planning should be comprehensive, personal, and client-first.
👉 Learn more about working with RockCrest Financial.
FAQs About Choosing a Financial Planner
What should I expect from a good financial planner?
A good planner should create a real financial plan, coordinate with your professionals, focus on your goals, review all your assets, help with tax and insurance planning, review your estate plan, and—most importantly—have time for you.
Is a flat-fee financial planner better than commission-based?
Flat-fee planning removes conflicts of interest. You pay for advice and services, not for products sold or how much money you have invested.
Do financial planners handle taxes?
Your CPA files your taxes, but a financial planner should help you plan your taxes by suggesting strategies that align with your retirement, investment, and estate goals.
Should my advisor review accounts they don’t manage?
Yes. Your money is important no matter where it is held. A great advisor looks at your entire financial picture.
