NAVIGATOR 23 | I Haven't Heard From My Advisor In A Long Time - What Should I Do?

A clear, calm guide to regaining clarity, communication, and confidence in your advisory relationship.

IT'S NOT A GOOD FEELING

At first, it didn’t register. Life was busy. Markets were calm. There was nothing urgent to discuss. Then months passed. No check-in. No proactive note. No reminder that someone was watching the plan.

When headlines grew louder, the silence felt heavier. You didn’t want to overreact. You didn’t want to be “that client.” But you also didn’t want to be invisible. The discomfort wasn’t about performance. It was about presence.

You weren’t asking for constant contact. You were asking for reassurance that someone still knew your story, your goals, and your plan.

The real question wasn’t “Is my advisor bad?” It was more grounded: “What should a healthy advisory relationship actually feel like — and how do I know if mine still is?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS A client-first guide to evaluating advisor communication, expectations, and engagement — helping you determine whether silence is acceptable, what questions to ask, and how to regain confidence without confrontation or panic. This Navigator is about standards, not blame.

A CHECKLIST: To Help You Consider Some Important Questions:

Baseline Expectations

☐ Do I know how often my advisor is supposed to check in?

☐ Were communication expectations ever clearly set?

☐ Do I know what triggers proactive outreach?

Recent Experience

☐ Has it been more than a year since meaningful contact?

☐ Have I only heard from my advisor during transactions or crises?

☐ Has communication felt reactive rather than proactive?

Plan Awareness

☐ Do I feel confident my advisor knows my current goals?

☐ Does my advisor understand why my plan is structured this way?

☐ Would they notice if something drifted off track?

Market & Life Changes

☐ Have markets been volatile without advisor outreach?

☐ Have my life circumstances changed without discussion?

☐ Would I know who to call if something urgent happened?

Relationship Signals

☐ Do I feel comfortable reaching out — or hesitant?

☐ Do I feel like a priority or an account number?

☐ Do I leave conversations with clarity — or more questions?

Value & Engagement

☐ Am I receiving guidance beyond investment performance?

☐ Does my advisor proactively address taxes, risk, and planning?

☐ Do I understand what I’m paying for?

Structure & Support

☐ Is there a team supporting me — or just one busy person?

☐ Is there a documented process for reviews and updates?

Optionality & Agency

☐ Do I know I’m allowed to expect more?

☐ Have I given myself permission to ask for clarity?

Confidence Check

☐ Does this relationship increase my confidence over time?

☐ If nothing changed, would I be okay with that?

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ACTION PLAN

1. Clarify your expectations for communication and engagement

2. Review past interactions objectively (not emotionally)

3. Request a check-in conversation — calmly and directly

4. Ask how your plan is monitored between meetings

5. Ask what proactive communication should look like

6. Evaluate the response, not just the words

7. Decide whether expectations can be reset

8. Explore alternatives only if confidence doesn’t return

WHERE TO START

Do This Today

• Write down what good communication looks like to you — frequency, format, and substance.

Do This This Month

• Request a planning conversation focused on your goals and concerns.

• Ask how and when your advisor monitors your plan.

• Listen carefully to whether the response restores confidence.

Do This This Year

• Reassess the relationship after real engagement resumes.

• Make changes only if silence continues or trust erodes.

YOU ARE RIGHT TO WONDER!

Our team would be happy to review your plan, clarify expectations, and ensure your financial life is actively guided — not passively parked. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gentian Financial | 12740 N River Road, Mequon Wi 53092 | PH 262-518-7575

Any opinions are those of Gentian Financial and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. Hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. and Gentian Financial Inc. Gentian Financial, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.