America's digital financial habits disappoint

Financial firms target technology to help clients save and invest more intelligently
NOV 04, 2017
By  Ellie Zhu
Consumers of all ages are spending their money online, but fewer use digital tools to save and invest. Firms are looking for tools to make it easier. Digital tools can enhance their clients' financial services experience and the overall stickiness of customers. Forward-thinking financial services firms are deploying the newest technologies for clients and they're how firms plan to grab the increasingly digital consumer. Check out how the typical American customer is spending their online lives.
Digital finance tools
Investor use of digital personal finance tools and applications
Advisers emphasize 
investing in emerging 
technologies
Which of the following would be most critical to achieving your firm's goals for growth?
2015
2017
Fully utilizing my firm's current technology
Investing in new and emerging technologies
Technology will not play a significant role in 
my firm's ability to grow
THE 
“DIGITAL 
DIVIDE”
Individuals are 
3.5 
times more likely to have an 
Amazon Prime account than 
a 529 college 
education 
account 
(68% vs. 19%)
66% 
of individuals 
use a payment application, 
such as PayPal, while only 
14% 
have ever
used an online budgeting tool
52% 
of individuals play games 
on their mobile phones, 
while only 
28% 
have ever used 
a retirement 
calculator
Consumer online usage
Average hours spent online daily, by age

Latest News

Michigan insurance agent to stand trial after charges of insurance fraud
Michigan insurance agent to stand trial after charges of insurance fraud

The agent, Todd Bernstein, 67, has been charged with four counts of insurance fraud linked to allegedly switching clients from one set of annuities to another.

NY Appeals court tosses $500M civil fraud penalty against Trump; upholds injunctive relief
NY Appeals court tosses $500M civil fraud penalty against Trump; upholds injunctive relief

“While harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half billion-dollar award to the State,” Justice Peter Moulton wrote, while Trump will face limits in his ability to do business in New York.

Andy Sieg faces internal HR investigation into conduct at Citigroup: Report
Andy Sieg faces internal HR investigation into conduct at Citigroup: Report

Sieg, 58, was head of Merrill Wealth Management, left in 2023 and returned that September to Citigroup, where he worked before being hired by Merrill Lynch in 2009.

Understanding people is key to how financial advice has to evolve
Understanding people is key to how financial advice has to evolve

Technology can do a lot of things, but advisors still have undeniable value

Ric Edelman, ex-Orion CEO Eric Clarke join board for TaxStatus
Ric Edelman, ex-Orion CEO Eric Clarke join board for TaxStatus

Two longtime RIA industry figures have joined the board of directors at TaxStatus, a fintech company that garners thousands of IRS data points on clients to share with advisors for improved financial planning oversight and time savings.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.