Many people spend years saving and investing, but rarely pause to ask a simple question: Is my portfolio really doing what I want it to do? It’s easy to assume that if your statements look positive, everything must be fine. But sometimes, a portfolio that once made sense may no longer fit your goals, comfort with risk, or stage in life.
Sometimes, it helps to take a fresh look and talk things through with a financial advisor you trust. For clients who choose to work with Virtue Asset Management under an advisory relationship, our fiduciary financial advisor team offer fee-only guidance that connects your investments to the bigger plan you have for your life and family.
Taking the time to review your investments thoughtfully can help you decide if you’re still on the right path or if it’s time to make some changes. Here are a few areas you might want to explore when considering whether your portfolio is truly working for you.
Define What “Working” Means for You
Before looking into performance numbers or market trends, it helps to step back and ask: What does “working” mean for me at this point in my life? Everyone has a different idea of success when it comes to investing. For some, it’s about growing wealth steadily over decades. For others, it’s about generating income, preserving capital, or creating a legacy for future generations.
Your definition of “working” can shift over time. What you needed at 35 may look different at 60. Maybe you’re less focused on maximizing growth and more focused on making your money last in retirement. Or you may want to help family or support causes that matter to you. Clarifying your purpose helps you measure progress in a way that actually feels meaningful.
Check for Alignment with Your Goals
Once you’ve defined success, it’s worth checking if your portfolio still aligns with those goals. Life can change quickly, and new family responsibilities, career shifts, inheritances, or even market changes can all affect your plan.
Some questions to ask yourself:
- Does your investment mix still match your comfort with risk?
- Are you taking on more or less risk than you intended?
- Have major life changes adjusted your priorities or your timeline?
A portfolio that feels too aggressive might make you worry more than you’d like. One that’s too conservative could fall short of future needs. Reviewing alignment regularly may help you stay on course.
Review Performance, But Not Just Returns
It’s tempting to focus only on returns. But a single performance number doesn’t always tell the whole story. A portfolio with high returns one year might also expose you to swings you didn’t expect.
It helps to look at the bigger picture:
- How consistent have your returns been over time?
- How much volatility are you willing to accept?
- Are you comparing your results to a fair benchmark?
Chasing high returns without considering risk can sometimes lead to surprises later. Examining the return you’re getting for the amount of risk you’re taking (known as risk-adjusted returns) can help you determine if your money is working efficiently.
Consider Tax Efficiency
Taxes can quietly reduce what you keep over time. Even when your investments are performing well, paying more in taxes than necessary can limit your overall results.
It may help to think about:
- Are you making the most of tax-advantaged accounts?
- Are you using strategies like tax-loss harvesting when appropriate?
- Are your assets structured in a way that makes sense for your situation?
A few thoughtful adjustments could help you keep more of what you earn working for your goals.
Check Diversification and Rebalancing
Diversification has long been a basic idea in investing for good reason. Holding a mix of different types of investments helps manage risk if one area underperforms. But over time, your mix can drift as some assets grow faster than others.
Ask yourself:
- Is your portfolio too concentrated in one stock, sector, or market?
- When did you last rebalance?
Periodic rebalancing helps you maintain your desired level of risk and stick with your plan.
Evaluate Costs and Transparency
It’s worth understanding what you’re paying and what you’re receiving. Do you know your investment costs? Are you comfortable with how your advisor or manager is compensated? Are you getting clear, consistent updates on how your money is being handled?
These questions can help you feel more confident about your financial path.
How a Dedicated Fiduciary Financial Advisor Can Help
Looking at all these areas on your own can feel overwhelming, especially as your financial situation becomes more complex. A dedicated fiduciary financial advisor can help you see how your portfolio fits into your broader goals and help you navigate changing circumstances.
For clients who have chosen to work with Virtue Asset Management under an advisory relationship, we provide fee-only guidance designed to connect your investments to what matters most to you. A fiduciary financial advisor may:
- Review your investment mix and risk level.
- Offer suggestions for tax-aware strategies.
- Help you plan for major life events and market changes.
- Coordinate your investments with retirement, estate, or charitable plans.
Many experienced financial professionals do excellent work for their clients. The key is to find the approach and relationship that feels right for your circumstances.
Your portfolio should reflect your goals, your priorities, and your comfort level with risk. Checking in regularly and asking whether it still works for you may help you make adjustments that support the life you want today and tomorrow.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal and fluctuation of value. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This is not intended to be relied upon as forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy.
Additional information about Virtue Asset Management is available in its current disclosure documents, Form ADV, Form ADV Part 2A Brochure, and Client Relationship Summary report which are accessible online via the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, using SEC #801-123564.
Virtue Asset Management is neither an attorney nor an accountant, and no portion of this content should be interpreted as legal, accounting or tax advice.