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?

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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? ›

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.

What is the average age of an adviser? ›

The age group with the most advisers was 50-59, which dominated 33.2 per cent of the overall total. After that its was 40-49 (26.5 per cent), 30-39 (17.6 per cent), with over 60s following closely behind with 17 per cent.

Does it matter who your financial advisor is? ›

While many people call themselves financial advisors, not all have your best interest at heart. That's why you have to carefully evaluate potential financial advisors and make sure they are good for you and your money. Part of learning about the different types of advisors is understanding fiduciary duty.

Should I talk to a financial advisor at 18? ›

The recommendation is that you invest in the market on a regular basis at a fixed amount over time and speak to a financial planner about all your financial options. Not only will you get expert advice, but you will learn how to research what makes for a good investment.

At what income is a financial advisor worth it? ›

Depending on the net worth advisor you choose, you generally should consider hiring an advisor when you have between $50,000 - $1,000,000, but most prefer to start working with clients when they have between $100,000 - $500,000 in liquid assets.

Why are financial advisors so old? ›

Financial advisors and their clients tend to skew older for several good reasons. Advisors seek out the assets that senior clients have spent a lifetime accumulating, while many clients value the relevant experience that mature advisors bring to the table when investing their valuable nest eggs.

Is 2% fee high for a financial advisor? ›

Answer: From a regulatory perspective, it's usually prohibited to ever charge more than 2%, so it's common to see fees range from as low as 0.25% all the way up to 2%, says certified financial planner Taylor Jessee at Impact Financial.

What are the disadvantages of a financial advisor? ›

Limited availability: Financial advisors may not be available at all times, which can be a problem if you need urgent advice or assistance. Risk of scams: unfortunately, there is a risk of financial scams in the industry, and it's important to be aware of this risk when working with a financial advisor.

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

The 50/30/20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should be split between savings and debt repayment (20%) and everything else that you might want (30%).

How much money should you have before talking to a financial advisor? ›

Advisors that charge a percentage usually want to work with clients with a minimum portfolio of about $100,000.

Does the average person need a financial advisor? ›

Not everyone needs a financial advisor, especially since it's an additional cost. But having the extra help and advice can be paramount in reaching financial goals, especially if you're feeling stuck or unsure of how to get there.

Do I need a financial advisor in my 20s? ›

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.

At what point should you consider a financial advisor? ›

Consider hiring an advisor if your finances are complex or you experience a major life event. Choose an advisor you feel comfortable with and whose expertise aligns with your needs.

What is the age distribution for financial advisors? ›

Financial Advisor Demographics

Over 60% of advisors are 40 years or older. Most financial advisors hold bachelor's degrees, often in business, finance or economics.

Who is the ideal candidate for a financial advisor? ›

"I think a good financial advisor must have strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to help a client reach their financial goals. Analytical skills, computer proficiency, and the ability to make good sales decisions are also important.

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