When people think about working with a financial advisor, they often picture discussions about retirement savings, investment portfolios, or tax strategies. But many clients don’t realize that a good financial advisor can also be one of your most valuable partners in navigating career decisions.

The truth is that your career and your finances are deeply connected. Whether it’s evaluating a new job offer, planning a move, or starting your own business, an advisor can help you understand how those choices fit into your bigger financial picture and position you for long-term success.

Seven times your financial advisor should weigh in on your career moves:

1. Evaluating job offers beyond the salary.

A bigger paycheck is great, but so are strong benefits. Advisors can help you assess the value of things like a 401(k) match, stock options, health insurance, and other perks. They’ll also compare how those benefits stack up to what you have now, so you know whether an offer is truly an upgrade. 

2. Running the numbers on going back to school.

Whether you’re pursuing an advanced degree or professional certification, education can be an investment in your earning potential. Your advisor can help you evaluate the associated costs and the realistic return on investment based on your industry and career path.

3. Planning for time away from work.

Thinking about a sabbatical, parental leave, or other extended time off? Advisors can help you calculate how the break will affect your income, benefits, and long-term savings, as well as build a plan to keep you financially secure while you step away.

4. Advising on contract negotiations.

From signing bonuses to relocation packages, your advisor can help you understand the financial implications of each term and identify what’s worth negotiating. For instance, they can calculate the after-tax value of a signing bonus or the long-term impact of a relocation package on your total moving expenses.

5. Projecting the cost of living for a relocation.

A move for work isn’t just about the new city—it’s about adjusting your budget for housing, transportation, and everyday expenses. Your advisor can run projections so you can make an informed decision.

6. Adjusting for raises and promotions.

A bump in income is great, but it often changes your tax picture and savings strategy. Your advisor can help you plan for higher tax brackets and make the most of your increased earnings.

7. Planning for entrepreneurship.

If you’re considering starting a business, your advisor can guide you through the financial realities—startup costs, potential cash flow, tax implications, etc.—and connect you with trusted professionals like attorneys, bankers, and insurance agents to help you get started on the right foot.

Big career moments don’t come along every day, but when they do, they can change the trajectory of your finances for years to come.

By bringing your financial advisor into those conversations early, you’re not just protecting your future. You’re giving yourself a clearer, more confident path forward. Your work is one of the biggest drivers of your financial success, and the right advisor can help align the career moves you make with the life you hope to build.