Most of the wealth of this country is concentrated with our seniors. Our responsibility is to preserve that wealth.
I had an appointment recently, which I would guess is similar to many of the appointments you are currently having. An existing client referred me to a couple. Sitting at their kitchen table, I began doing some "fact finding." The husband was 80 years old, his wife 78. They were fully invested in the stock market. Their account, three years ago, had a value of $650,000. I did not immediately ask its current value.
Getting involved
First, I needed answers to some important questions. I started with the basics: had they heard from their current advisor? If so, what advice was given? If none, why not? Did they understand the current and future state of the economy? Did they think things could get worse? Did they know what other financial catastrophes might still be looming? Would the economy return to health in time for them?
This is important. Don't assume they understand any of this. They hear contradicting information from all media sources and this creates uncertainty.
Uncertainty creates fear. Everyone is afraid, and seniors are especially scared because they are running out of time.
My questioning continued. They had Social Security and pensions. They required $1,100 per month from their investments to cover their monthly financial requirements.
Diminished returns
After more than an hour of asking questions, I asked them how much of their investment was left. He said $380,000, and then began to cry. I immediately comforted him and explained that his income requirement could still be met at fixed interest rates. Both were relieved. Furthermore, I had earned their trust because I cared about them, not merely how much money they had.
