Does the age of your financial advisor matter? (2024)

According to various studies and publications, the average age of financial advisors is somewhere between 51 and 55 years, with 38% expecting to retire in the next ten years.

But does the age of your financial advisor really matter?

Does the age of your financial advisor matter? (2)

Travis Maus

Chief Executive Officer, Senior Wealth Manager

Average age of Financial Advisors

For most of your life, a financial advisor is a coach, your biggest fan, and in many cases considered a close friend. They cheer you on and steer you to a brighter financial future by helping you make good decisions and sometimes even saving you from yourself.

It can feel wonderful to know that someone is watching out for those things that are most important to you. Then “life happens,” and you get older. With age comes retirement, elder care, and then your own estate. No one is immune to this.

What does financial planning cover?

Financial planning is the practice of contingency plan design. Plans are made for so many life happens moments, such as retirement, stock market crashes, disability events, health crises, early death, nursing homes, college tuition, relocation, income reductions, tax law changes, Social Security timing, etc.

There seems to be a plan for everything, except for what happens when your financial advisor (a.k.a. contingency plan expert) has their own life happens issues.

How important is age, and is there a better way?

Age obviously matters, but how are you supposed to contingency plan for losing decades’ worth of trust, experience, and sometimes even friendship?

💡 “Fee-only advisors cannot charge commissions or hidden fees because they are fiduciaries…”

Having a team of financial advisors is how you can plan around losing one financial advisor. It’s also how you can gain access to even more experience and expertise, all while working with younger financial advisors.

A financial planning team should work for you in a fee-only capacity. Fee-only advisors cannot charge commissions or hidden fees because they are fiduciaries who are required to put each individual client’s needs first, so they are most concerned with the outcome of their financial advice.

This is important because as you age, you should be confident that your financial advisor will protect you and those you love from financial mismanagement.

Considerations

No one knows when a life event will happen that will necessitate their dependence on a financial advisor, but we do know the likelihood increases with age.

Shouldn’t you make sure that your financial advisor will be there for you and always obligated to put your needs first when you or your family needs them the most?

Listen to Podcast

Watch Our Intro

Schedule Free Consultation

S.E.E.D. Planning Group LLC (S.E.E.D.) is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) with the Securities Exchange Commission. S.E.E.D.’s team provides investment fiduciary and financial planning services to clients. Our fees are disclosed, easy to understand, and not predicated on product sales.

Does the age of your financial advisor matter? (2024)

FAQs

How old should my financial advisor be? ›

Many financial advisors are in their late 50s and closing in on retirement.

How old are most financial advisors? ›

According to various studies and publications, the average age of financial advisors is somewhere between 51 and 55 years, with 38% expecting to retire in the next ten years.

When should I change my financial advisor? ›

Here are some signs it's time to cross your financial advisor off your Valentine's Day card list.
  • You're afraid to call your financial advisor. ...
  • Your financial advisor doesn't listen to you. ...
  • Your financial situation is changing, but the advice isn't. ...
  • Your financial advisor only calls to trade. ...
  • Your eye is already wandering.
Mar 8, 2024

Should a 20 year old get a financial advisor? ›

Should I get a financial advisor in my 20s? Not every decision requires a financial advisor, but if you prefer to have someone to talk to about major financial decisions, or if you'd like someone to manage your assets, then an advisor may make sense for you.

At what net worth should I get a financial advisor? ›

Generally, having between $50,000 and $500,000 of liquid assets to invest can be a good point to start looking at hiring a financial advisor. Some advisors have minimum asset thresholds. This could be a relatively low figure, like $25,000, but it could $500,000, $1 million or even more.

Should I get a financial advisor in my 30s? ›

Whether you should work with a financial advisor in your 30s depends on various factors, including your financial situation, goals, and comfort level with managing your finances. We generally recommend working with a financial advisor when at least one of these applies to you: I am saving $1k/month or more.

How many millionaires have a financial advisor? ›

The study found that 70% of millionaires versus 37% of the general population work with a financial advisor.

What percentage of financial advisors are over 50? ›

CFP Professional Demographics
AgeNumberPercentage
40-4925,55525.8 %
50-5921,89622.1 %
60-6916,80317.0 %
70-795,4305.5 %
4 more rows

What is the failure rate of financial advisors? ›

It's an investment. Failing to generate leads can lead to stagnant growth or a decline in business. 2. The Statistics: 80-90% of financial advisors fail and close their firm within the first three years of business.

How to spot a bad financial advisor? ›

Here are seven warning signs that it's time to choose a new financial advisor.
  1. They're unresponsive. ...
  2. They don't check in with you. ...
  3. They're inattentive. ...
  4. They have high fees. ...
  5. They push you toward certain investments. ...
  6. You're unhappy with your portfolio's performance. ...
  7. They don't have a good relationship with you. ...
  8. Bottom line.
Jul 21, 2023

What to avoid in a financial advisor? ›

10 Things Your Financial Advisor Should Not Tell You
  • "I offer a guaranteed rate of return."
  • "Performance is the only thing that matters."
  • "This investment product is risk-free. ...
  • "Don't worry about how you're invested. ...
  • "I know my pay structure is confusing; just trust me that it's fair."
Mar 1, 2024

How do you know if your financial advisor is good? ›

Here are four traits you want to look for when gauging whether a Financial Advisor is suitable for you:
  1. They work with you. ...
  2. They take a holistic view of your finances. ...
  3. They develop and customize your investment strategy. ...
  4. They have the support of an investment team. ...
  5. There is a lack of transparency.

Should I get a financial advisor at 23? ›

While not often considered by young adults, financial planning's importance for those in their 20s can't be overstated. This phase usually brings a set of financial hurdles like dealing with student loan debt, landing a first job or planning for significant life milestones such as buying a home or starting a family.

How can a 20 year old be financially independent? ›

  1. Set Life Goals.
  2. Make a Monthly Budget.
  3. Pay off Credit Cards in Full.
  4. Create Automatic Savings.
  5. Start Investing Now.
  6. Watch Your Credit Score.
  7. Negotiate for Goods and Services.
  8. Get Educated on Financial Issues.

Are financial advisors too expensive? ›

While the typical annual financial advisor fee is thought to be 1%, according to a 2023 study by Advisory HQ, the average financial advisor fee is 0.59% to 1.18% per year. However, rates typically decrease the more money you invest with them.

How old is the average CFP? ›

How a young CFP hit the ground running. The average age of a financial planner in the U.S. is nearly 51. With 43% over age 55, it's hardly a youthful profession.

Are Millennials using financial advisors? ›

Forbes Advisor. “Nearly 80% of Young Adults Get Financial Advice from This Surprising Place.” National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. “NAPFA Survey on Americans' Sources for Financial Planning and Retirement Investing Advice,” Page 4.

What percentage of the population has a financial advisor? ›

It is estimated that in the United States, 35% of people have a financial advisor. This indicates that almost one for every three of the population has sought advice from a professional financial advisor in managing their finances and investments.

What is the average age of wealth management clients? ›

The average age of a wealth management industry client is around 64. Next year the average age will likely be 65. And the year after 66.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated:

Views: 5873

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.