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Sandwiched between two of the most talked about generations — baby boomers and millennials — is Generation X (defined as individuals born between 1965 and 1980). Today, Gen Xers are spending more, saving less and struggling with increased anxiety about retirement planning, protecting current levels of wealth, and the rising costs of healthcare.
Yet Gen X households will inherit an estimated $31 trillion over the next 25 years, according to Cerulli Associates, and as wealth accumulates, so does the need for financial advice.
Advice Reimagined
The wealth management industry is on the brink of a massive transformation and advisors need to be prepared.
By 2030, at least 80% of advisors will offer goals-based advice and will "shed their role as investment managers and become more like 'integrated life/wealth coaches,'" according to recent research by McKinsey.
To remain competitive, financial advisors need to evolve their practices and establish partnerships with specialists across multiple disciplines.
Property and casualty insurance is one area that is often overlooked in the financial planning process. Chubb data highlights, 77% of clients expect their advisors to provide support on P&C matters; however, only 28% do.
By partnering with insurance agents, advisors can solve for this "expectations gap" and provide a more robust risk management assessment by taking into account both investment and insurance-related risks.
Advisors need to be proactive and deliver a seamless client experience, especially due to this generation's self-reliant tendencies. GenXers expect prompt replies, transparent interactions — and that advisors fully understand their unique needs, according to Cerulli.
Unlike other generations, many GenXers face increased responsibilities: caring for elderly parents, providing financial assistance to adult children and paying down debt — all while working full time.
