In less than three weeks, the annual Oscars^® will be presented for the best films of last year. 

“Are you a fiduciary?” It’s a common question posed by investors, and rightfully so. They want to know that their financial best interests are being served. Although, perhaps the question behind the question is, “Can I trust you?”

Married couples typically can reap the benefits of combined incomes to help build their retirement savings. When both are aligned in their investment strategies, it can be a powerful force. Disagreements about financial goals and spending habits, however, can potentially jeopardize their retirement savings (and their relationship). Perhaps that’s why finances are often cited as one of the main reasons for divorce.¹

Since 1990, the divorce rate for people 50+ has doubled. For ages 65+, the rate has approximately tripled. This is while the divorce rate of younger couples has dropped, all according to the National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau.¹

With divorce rates among older couples skyrocketing, you’ve likely seen evidence of it for yourself. A senior-age woman who has been married for 40 years wants her independence. An older man feels he’s grown apart from his wife of decades.

We all want to be heard and understood. It’s a fundamental human need. Oftentimes, just being heard is more important than any words or response that may come next.

Fraud continues to be a major problem, especially for older Americans. Criminals are becoming increasingly cunning and resourceful in the ways in which they defraud individuals. While phone and mail continue to be used as outlets for criminal activities, online schemes have swept the globe, allowing criminals to target thousands or millions of individuals with the click of a button.

No doubt, you’ve heard about your clients’ hopes and dreams when you’ve met to discuss financial strategies that can help them achieve their retirement goals. For some advisors, the relationships formed with clients go beyond time spent in the office. Perhaps you’ve sat next to them at your child’s sporting events. Maybe you stop to chat with them at the grocery store or volunteer together at a favorite charity.

There are many considerations when helping a client set up a will or estate plan, from assigning an executor or power of attorney, to choosing beneficiaries, to setting up a trust and more. 

Retirement should be a time when your clients glide into the most peaceful and satisfying years of their lives. A time when finances aren’t so critical, and decisions are care-free.

However, retirement has changed, and some trends have reshaped our traditional view of retirement. One factor you may have heard discussed by some retirees is “Social Security regret,” which is them feeling like they made a mistake in their decision to collect. Many feel they’re taking benefits too soon.

What’s going to scare you during Halloween, other than that creepy kid down the block who dresses up as Chucky every year? Getting a good (and temporary) scare can be invigorating and fun each fall. Some fears, however, linger all year long, and some are debilitating.