The market falls sharply. Financial headlines turn unsettling. Then an email from your advisor arrives explaining what happened and reminding you not to make an emotional decision.

The message may be useful, although it raises the question: Why is this one of the only times I hear from my financial advisor?

Maybe you've worked with the same person for years. You receive account statements, occasional market updates, and perhaps an annual review. But are you having many personal conversations about your retirement, spending, taxes, family, or upcoming decisions?

Can you relate to this? You open an account statement and notice many of the same funds, stocks, or investment products you've owned for years. Meanwhile, your career, family, financial priorities, and retirement date have changed considerably.

An obvious question comes up: Is my financial advisor managing my portfolio?