There are a lot of social media networks, but LinkedIn stands out among the rest as a place where professionals can share their insights, grow their sphere of influence and virtually rub elbows with other industry thought leaders, clients and prospects.

Having a presence on LinkedIn to represent your professional advisory role may be a good idea, but it’s important not to treat it the same way you would a personal account. There are boundaries to keep in mind when sharing LinkedIn content and engaging with others. 

The COVID-19 pandemic was an obvious call-to-action for employers to consider their employees’ physical wellness. Many stepped up to help provide safety measures or remote work opportunities for their workforces. But many employers could not weather the financial impact brought on by the pandemic, forcing them to lay off employees or adjust spending in other ways.

Now, in addition to physical wellness, many are seeking ways to address the financial wellness of their employees, both now and into retirement. But with lingering economic uncertainty, some find it a challenge.

For all the stereotypes directed toward Millennials, being astute planners for retirement hasn’t typically been one of them. But recent findings indicate otherwise.

The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during their prime earning years, in combination with the Great Recession and other global events over the last 20 years, may have impacted Millennials to a greater extent than other generations. The result is a less hopeful outlook about the future and their finances.

While not an official federal holiday, many remember August 14th as Social Security Day in celebration of the signing of the Social Security Act on August 14, 1935.¹ 

As the day approaches, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of this critical income source for many retirees and its impact on their retirement plans. Take a look at these interesting Social Security facts and consider how these benefits play a role in the advice you give to your clients.

In addition to the pandemic’s impact on people’s health and emotional wellbeing, COVID-19 has taken a major toll on many Americans’ finances. As a result, you may have gotten some surprising calls from clients or discovered concerning developments when checking in with them.

After seeing record unemployment and an economy that came to a virtual standstill, many U.S. adults were forced to shift their retirement goals as a result of the financial impact. In fact, almost one in five (19%) indicate they’ve been forced to delay retirement or not retire at all.¹

Today’s young adults, including the youngest millennials and older members of Generation Z, are experiencing a first working decade that’s very different from those of generations before them. Among the differences: high levels of educational attainment, significant student debt, a greater proportion of gig work, fluid expectations for their career paths and a practically unfathomable retirement target date.

Older generations may tend to judge the choices of younger people, but it’s important to recognize the ways work, life – and retirement savings – have changed over the course of decades.

As an asset class, cash generally elicits one of two responses from investors: “cash is king,” or “cash is trash.” Most of your clients are probably in one camp or the other, while some could be conflicted. On one hand, they may see the positive benefits of holding onto cash — shielding against the unexpected or having more flexibility to invest as opportunities arise. On the other hand, they may harbor a genuine fear of missing out on possible investment returns and resulting portfolio growth.

It’s estimated that more than six million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia today. This number could more than double by 2060 if medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure the disease aren’t developed.¹ Given the aging U.S. population, these statistics may not be particularly startling; however, they should serve as a wake-up call for financial advisors.

If you’re asked to envision a typical investor, who comes to mind? Chances are the individual you picture is a male. Through the years, however, you’ve likely seen an uptick in the number of women who’ve shown an interest in investing or who control the finances in a household.

There are many factors that may have caused this shift, whether it be the setting aside of traditional norms or the move toward more gender equality. However, there is data to suggest that women are bearing more of the financial brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial advisors generally understand and accept that volatility is inherent in the stock market, but not all clients are as immune to the natural ebb and flow of investing.  Market dips may grip clients with fear, leading to a reactive leap out of their long-term investment strategy.

In “panic mode,” having a big picture discussion about the economy or market cycles may briefly calm clients. It likely won’t take long, however, until they once again worry themselves into considering poor financial choices.

As their financial advisor, part of the value you bring to the advisor/client relationship is a voice of reason to combat the fear. Acknowledging your clients’ concerns as valid has a twofold benefit. It reinforces that you take your clients seriously and that, by wanting to help, you are on their side. From there, leaning into a conversation about the situation and next steps may prove easier and more advantageous.