fb-pixel

Contents

    5 Ways to Engage Young Adults in Financial Planning

    by | Jun 23, 2023 | Retirement and Decumulation

    As an experienced Financial Advisor, Planner, or Investment Manager, you likely already know how important it is to start planning early for a successful financial future. Unfortunately, many young adults are not in that head space just yet and wind up missing out on years of potential growth and impact.

    Financial planning for younger clients

    How can we get adults in their twenties and thirties engaged with the financial planning process? What types of things do they care about, and what financial questions do they want answers to?

    In a recent financial planning webinar, we’re tackling this exact topic.

    The Case Study prospective client is Charles Thompson, the 33-year-old adult son of our long-time client. He was born in 1990 and he resides in Ontario. He graduated from a Masters program several years ago and is currently employed full time. He has great earning potential for the future and is investing but without much direction. He isn’t necessarily thinking about his retirement just yet, but he is definitely starting to think about his future.

    5 financial questions we can answer

    The financial questions this 33-year-old has for us are:

    • Where am I headed with the savings I’m making now?
    • How can I balance my current and future lifestyles?
    • Should I repay my student loans faster or continue investing?
    • Can I afford to buy a $500,000 home in a few years?
    • Should I be worried about what I’m seeing in the markets?

    Charles’ father, our long-time client, is hoping we can address these questions for his son and essentially prove the value of starting to plan now versus later in life to Charles.

    Please note: Since this tutorial was filmed, new functionality to model the FHSA (First Home Savings Account) has been built and added to Snap Projections financial planning software. You can see that in action here.

    Access the financial planning tutorial

    Watch the webinar to see how we can address these relevant and important financial questions in real-time for Charles.

    For a transparent, easy-to-use and highly flexible financial planning software that can address relevant financial questions in real-time, Financial Advisors and Planners are invited to trial Snap Projections free for 14-days.

    Related:  Fast Financial Planning Software

    What other ways can Advisors connect with younger clients?

    Additionally, there are other things Financial Advisors can do to engage with young adults and help to spark an interest in financial planning.

    Educate

    Education and Awareness: Many young adults may not fully understand the importance of financial planning or the long-term benefits it can provide. Financial Advisors can conduct workshops, seminars, or webinars specifically tailored to this age group, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning. By increasing financial literacy and raising awareness about the potential impact on their future, Advisors can help young adults recognize the value of proactive financial management. Using a financial planning software tool in real-time can help to facilitate group or individual meetings where questions are answered and modelled on the fly. For example, you could model the difference between beginning to invest into a TFSA at age 25 versus 45 in mere seconds. Even when the regular contribution amount starts small, the long-term impact is significant.

    Make it personal

    Personalized Approach: Financial Advisors should take the time to understand each young adult’s unique circumstances, goals, and aspirations. By customizing their advice and demonstrating how financial planning aligns with their individual values and objectives, advisors can make the concept more relatable and meaningful. This personalized approach helps young adults see the direct relevance of financial planning in their lives. This is the exact approach taken in the video above, where the client’s specific questions and concerns are being addressed.

    Make it relevant

    Short & Long-Term Goal Setting: Encouraging young adults to set both short and long-term goals is crucial. Advisors can facilitate conversations about what they want to achieve in the future, such as buying a home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably. By breaking down these goals into manageable steps and illustrating how early financial planning can accelerate their progress, Advisors can motivate young adults to take action.

    Canadian Financial Advisors can now create a one-page financial plan summary report with Snap Projections financial planning software.

    Tech savvy is an expectation

    Technology and Digital Tools: Young adults are typically comfortable with technology and digital platforms. Financial Advisors can leverage this by providing user-friendly financial planning tools, mobile apps, or online calculators that allow individuals to track their progress, visualize their savings, and simulate different scenarios. By integrating technology into the planning process, advisors can enhance engagement and make financial planning more accessible and convenient.

    Related:  Automated Pension Income Splitting for Retirement

    Bring it to life

    Real-Life Examples and Success Stories: Sharing real-life examples of individuals who started financial planning early and achieved their goals can be inspiring for young adults. Success stories can illustrate how disciplined saving, smart investing, and long-term planning can lead to financial independence and a comfortable retirement. These stories can serve as powerful motivators for young adults to take their financial futures seriously.

    Openly communicate

    Collaboration and Support: Financial Advisors can create a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters open dialogue. Young adults may have concerns or questions about financial planning, and Advisors can address these by offering guidance, answering questions, and providing reassurance. By establishing a partnership based on trust and understanding, Advisors can build long-term relationships with their clients and cultivate a sense of accountability.

    Key benefits to planning earlier in life

    Many Advisors we speak with are in the practice of extending planning and Advisory services to their clients’ adult children which can be a cost-effective way to grow the firm. But it can be hard to start those conversations and even harder to get young adults engaged with the financial planning process. If you can get them to see the light, there are countless benefits to starting earlier rather than later.

    Longer Time Horizon: Starting early allows for a longer time horizon to save and invest, which can significantly impact the growth of your wealth. The power of compound interest means that even small contributions made over a longer period can lead to substantial savings by the time you reach retirement age. With the right financial planning software, it is easy to model and show this, rather than simply talking about it and hoping it sinks in.

    Related:  Avoid Asset Rollover Pitfalls in Survivor Situations

    Rising Life Expectancy: Canadians are living longer than ever before. Retirement can last for several decades, and it is essential to have sufficient funds to support your lifestyle during those years. By planning early, you can build a robust financial strategy to meet your long-term needs.

    Decreased Reliance on Government Support: Government retirement benefits, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), are valuable, but they may not be sufficient to maintain your desired standard of living in retirement. By taking charge of your financial planning, you can reduce your reliance on government support and have greater control over your future financial security.

    Rising Cost of Living: The cost of living tends to increase over time due to inflation. It is crucial to consider the potential impact of inflation on your savings and investments. By planning early and investing wisely, you can help mitigate the effects of inflation and protect your purchasing power.

    Flexibility and Financial Freedom: Sound financial planning provides flexibility and financial freedom. By establishing good financial habits early on, you can achieve financial independence sooner, allowing you to pursue your goals and dreams without being burdened by financial constraints.

    Unexpected Life Events: Life is full of uncertainties, such as job loss, health issues, or unforeseen expenses. Building a financial plan can help you create an emergency fund and provide a safety net for unexpected circumstances. This way, you can navigate through challenging times with greater ease and peace of mind.

    Tax Efficiency: Financial planning involves optimizing your finances to minimize taxes. By understanding the tax implications of different investment and retirement savings vehicles, you can structure your investments in a tax-efficient manner, potentially reducing your tax burden and maximizing your returns.

    Overall, starting early with financial planning and retirement savings empowers Canadians in their twenties and thirties to take control of their financial futures, ensure long-term security, and achieve their financial goals. It provides a solid foundation for building wealth, managing risks, and enjoying a comfortable retirement.

    Next steps

    Learn why personalization is key to client retention.

    What you should do now

    1. Try Snap Projections free for 14 days.
    2. Read more articles in our blog.
    3. If you know someone who’d enjoy this article, share it with them via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or email.
    The Financial Advisors Marketing Guide.

    NEW

    The Financial Advisor’s Marketing Guide

    Learn how to build an online presence, create and share valuable content, and engage with prospects and clients through email marketing.