Don’t let COVID-19 distract you from retirement

Don’t let COVID-19 distract you from retirement
The key to success for clients planning for retirement is a regular cadence for questions to be asked and new information to be shared
AUG 23, 2020

Over the past two weeks, InvestmentNews hosted its 14th annual (and first virtual) Retirement Income Summit. Having had the opportunity to moderate and host this collection of leading investment minds, I wanted to share my takeaways for advisers and their clients as we look at retirement planning now.  

First, and foremost, communication must change. The consistent message over the four days, from a variety of voices, was that the key to success for clients planning for retirement and those living in retirement is a regular cadence that allows questions to be asked and new information to be shared.  

Second, while I hate clichés and catchphrases, the current environment does provide the opportunity for a “retirement reset.” That phrase serves as an umbrella for a host of factors affecting retirement, including ultra-low interest rates hitting income planning. And the job market has moved up the decision on when to retire for those losing their jobs and retiring earlier than anticipated. Meanwhile, others with jobs but unanticipated financial insecurity are now looking at working longer.  

Everyone — clients and advisers alike — needs to look at retirement with a fresh eye.  

Finally, RIS reminded us all that the SECURE Act is still out there — that was a massive change that dominated the first months of 2020. Michael Kitces spent nearly 90 minutes breaking it down in his presentation and Q&A. Check out our coverage on pages 12 and 13. Enjoy!

Latest News

What it really takes to serve ultra high net worth clients
What it really takes to serve ultra high net worth clients

Most firms think they are ready for the ultra high net worth market. Most are not.

Stifel settles another complaint involving former star Miami broker
Stifel settles another complaint involving former star Miami broker

Stifel has paid or is on the hook for close to a staggering $200 million in damages and settlements to former clients of Chuck Roberts.

Advisor moves: LPL firm Genesis Wealth adds $725M veteran from JPMorgan
Advisor moves: LPL firm Genesis Wealth adds $725M veteran from JPMorgan

UBS also expanded in the Southeast with six advisors overseeing more than $2 billion, while Osaic lured a $300 million family-led practice from Wells Fargo's FiNet.

Salesforce launches Agentic Advisor as AI notetakers threaten CRM dominance
Salesforce launches Agentic Advisor as AI notetakers threaten CRM dominance

The new AI workspace rollout promises to automate the full advisor workflow just as third-party tools wage a turf war for central control of wealth firms' tech stacks.

Advisor moves: LPL lands UBS veteran as &Partners grows by $1.6 billion
Advisor moves: LPL lands UBS veteran as &Partners grows by $1.6 billion

Mega-RIA picks up $250M advisor, while three firms head for &Partners.

SPONSORED Why direct indexing stopped being optional

Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.

SPONSORED Estate planning isn't a service add-on. It's your retention strategy.

As $84 trillion prepares to change hands, advisors who treat estate planning as peripheral are quietly building a sieve, not a book.