www.dontjustretire.com
The successful financial advisor will be the one who suceeds in helping his/her senior clients obtain both financial security and adjusting to the unique lifestyle changes in retirement.
An advisor recently said: "With my long-term clients, we rarely talk about finances and more often discuss family and the future. Some years ago, we built a retirement plan, and together, we monitor it closely. I work with each client to secure his or her retirement in its totality."
Some practical steps to get your clients ready for the non-financial aspects of retirement:
- Educate yourself by reading books and articles. Better understand the psychology of aging and myths and misconceptions surrounding retirement.
- Provide clients with recommended readings. Encourage clients to share their views on the materials provided.
- Sponsor a client pre-retirement workshop at which a retirement specialist speaks about non-financial issues.
- Talk about successful retirees you know and steps they took to build a rewarding retirement. Point out the challenges they overcame. Ask your client how he/she can incorporate the lessons in their retirement life.
- Regularly review with each client their vision of retirement and plans for achieving their vision.
- Continue to encourage clients to view retirement not only as a time of change but also a time of opportunity.
Recently, a client said: "I've been asked to move my accounts but I won't. My advisor understands what I'm going through and helps me prepare for life after work. You can't get me out of here with dynamite!"
Now that's something we want to hear.
---------------------------------
Richard (Rick) Atkinson, Founder and President of RA Retirement Advisors, is an expert in pre-retirement planning. He is also author of the best-selling book, Don't Just Retire - Live It, Love It! Rick faciliates workshops for clients of advisors and others.
To contact Richard, call 416--282-7320 or write: 7 Blue Anchor Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. M1C 3N9. ramgt@rogers.com - www.dontjustretire.com
