At the end of a thorough financial planning engagement, an advisor hands their client a beautiful spiral-bound packet of information and says, “Here is what you need to do to accomplish your goals!” Three months later, they are exasperated with a client who hasn’t implemented any of their recommendations. If this sounds familiar, you’re not […]
Life Transitions
Get Out of the Waiting Room: Designing Your COVID Life
Life is a continuum, an accumulation of experiences that makes us who we are and influences how we view ourselves and the world around us. As we review these experiences, we realize that our lives are constantly and continually permeated with change. Therefore, how we choose to respond to and initiate change can have everything […]
Reflections in the Time of COVID-19
The current global pandemic and resulting economic uncertainly have had a profound effect on our sense of safety and control. As individuals, we are looking for ways to protect ourselves and our families, and as financial professionals and business owners, we are looking for ways to support our coworkers and guide our clients. The […]
Retirement in Metamorphosis
The concept of retirement is undergoing a metamorphosis. Demographic, societal, and workplace trends have all converged to offer a stage of life that is much more fluid and flexible than what most of us previously imagined. In fact, retirement has become a matter of personal definition. Adding fuel to the fire of retirement reformation is […]
Five Trends will Redefine Retirement for Your Clients
Life is a continuum—an accumulation of experiences that shape how we view ourselves, our families, and our world. And, when we reflect on these experiences, we come to realize that our lives have been and will be permeated by change. Of course, the same is true for your clients as well. Therefore, it is […]
Nurturing Resilience
Everyone experiences both expected and unexpected transitions in their lives. However, those who are resilient are better able to navigate change, bounce back from disappointment, and welcome new opportunities. They persevere during difficult times and have a positive outlook even when experiencing trials and tribulations. Fortunately, resiliency is a trait or personal characteristic that […]
Helping Clients to Prepare for Old Age with Meaning & Purpose
It is not uncommon for individuals to avoid thinking about growing old because it conjures up feelings of dread and anxiety as well as images of inactivity, sadness, and decline. The truth is, however, that life can remain rich, satisfying, and meaningful throughout one’s lifespan. Each life stage offers challenges, but incredible rewards as well. […]
Helping Clients to Move from “Change” to “Transition”
Life is a continuum—an accumulation of experiences that makes us who we are and influences how we view ourselves and the world around us. As we review these experiences, we realize that our lives have been permeated with change, and the same is also true for our financial planning clients! In fact, as ironic as it may seem, […]
Boomers and the Meaning of Life
In terms of adult development theory, turning 50 is typically a time in life when individuals rethink the direction their lives are taking, confront their own mortality, and dare to ask themselves, “Am I really happy?” However, what distinguishes Baby Boomers from previous generations is that they wear their mid-life angst on their sleeves. […]
The 3 R’s of a Successful Retirement Transition: Resiliency, Resourcefulness, and Renaissance Spirit
Individuals and retirement planning experts alike are recognizing that a successful and satisfying retirement experience depends on more than a healthy nest egg. In fact, financial reporter John Wasik contends, “Financial security and retirement are not the two peas in the pod they used to be.”
Instead, retirement should be thought of as a major life transition that deserves thought and preparation in all areas of life. For example, one study found that it was the size of a retiree’s social network—and not the size of his or her portfolio—that had the strongest influence on life satisfaction.