Regular financial reviews could be a valuable tool for helping your clients remain calm and on track to achieve their goals during volatile times.
Now more than ever, financial planners may play a crucial role in providing crucial support, guidance and reassurance.
Indeed, the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK and President Trump’s trade tariffs have contributed to an uncertain economic climate that may lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
So, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the Ipsos Economic Optimism Index fell to a historic low in April 2025, with 75% of UK adults saying they expect the economy to get worse over the next 12 months.
Your clients may also face personal challenges and life events, such as divorce or a bereavement, that could make them feel on edge about their financial wellbeing.
Importantly, a 2020 study by Royal London found that individuals who seek professional financial advice feel less anxious about money and more able to cope with life’s shocks. Moreover, those who speak to their financial planner regularly and feel close to them are more confident about the future.
Read on to find out how regular financial reviews could help your clients navigate volatile times.
Adapt a financial plan to meet shifting circumstances and goals
Following a financial plan without meaningful goals in place is a bit like using a sat nav without inputting a target destination. Either way, your clients are likely to end up somewhere they don’t want to be, and they may struggle to get back on track.
In contrast, having a clear objective in mind could make it easier to:
- Track progress
- Stay motivated long term
- Make better financial decisions.
This goal-driven approach to financial planning may be especially valuable during periods of volatility, as it could provide reassuring focus and direction.
However, your clients’ needs and aspirations may shift in response to personal, economic, or legislative changes.
As such, regular reviews with a financial professional could allow your clients to adapt their financial plan, ensuring that it remains relevant and useful.
For example, an unexpected loss of employment might result in an immediate switch of priorities from long-term financial goals, such as saving for retirement, to short-term needs, such as covering essential living expenses.
Read more: 3 life transitions where your clients could benefit from financial advice
Provide an objective overview of investment performance
2025 has been a testing year for investors, who have seen significant market fluctuations, in large part due to ongoing uncertainty around Donald Trump’s fiscal policies.
Moreover, PensionsAge recently reported that “exceptionally volatile” markets are expected to continue throughout 2025.
During such periods of high market volatility, your clients may feel anxious about their investments – especially if they are experiencing disruption in their personal lives, too.
This could lead to emotional decision-making, such as panic-selling shares when prices fall, or rushing to invest in a trending fund. Unfortunately, trying to time the market in this way often results in missed opportunities and unnecessary stress.
In contrast, through regular reviews, a financial planner can help your clients tune out the noise of market volatility and take an objective view of their investments. This could allow them to refocus on their long-term goals and remain confident in their investment strategy.
Read more: 4 compelling reasons to focus on “time in the market” rather than “timing the market”
Use cashflow modelling to forecast future income needs
Your clients might find it challenging to estimate what their income needs might be in 10, 20, or 30 years.
During volatile times, when the future may feel uncertain and unpredictable, this may be even more difficult.
So, one of the most valuable ways a financial planner can support your clients during a review is by using cashflow modelling software to provide a clear picture of what their future financial needs might be.
Being able to visualise what their current circumstances might lead to – such as when they can afford to retire – could help your clients craft a realistic and data-driven action plan for achieving their financial goals.
If their circumstances change, a financial professional can use cashflow planning software to explore how this might affect them in the future.
What’s more, by taking part in regular reviews, your clients can monitor their progress. This may provide important reassurance during times of change and allow them to adjust their strategy as needed.
Get in touch
If you’d like to find out more about setting up a regular financial review with one of our expert planners, please get in touch. Email hello@sovereign-ifa.co.uk or call us on 01454 416653.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate cashflow planning.
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.
Approved by Best Practice IFA Group Ltd on 19/05/2025