A new study by the Spectrem Group's Millionaire Corner found that half of 401(k) plan participants between 50 and 64 aren't using a financial advisor as they prepare for retirement. Among those who do, just 40% say they rely on their advisor's guidance for the majority of their financial needs.
The report, "Advisor Usage Among DC Plan Participants," found a third of respondents were referred to their advisor by a friend or family member. Referrals from people they knew were far and away the most popular way investors learned about an advisor.
Just 9% of respondents said they found their advisor on a website, and 7% said they were introduced at a seminar or special event. Only 6% said they were contacted by an advisor first.
While both men and women were more likely to rely on a referral, men were more likely than women to say they found their advisor online. Thirteen percent of men went online to find an advisor, compared with 5% of women. Nearly half of women said they chose their advisor based on a referral, compared with 27% of men.
