Those Who Work With An Advisor Are More Confident In Their Financial Future

PARK RIDGE, Ill. (Jan. 16, 2018) — A new study commissioned by the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), conducted online by Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, including over 700 who currently work with a financial professional, examines what consumers think of financial professionals, what clients aim to achieve through financial planning and what they look for in a financial professional.

Of those who currently work with a financial professional, 77 percent say they are more confident in their financial future because they have the advice of a financial professional. The study found that 87 percent of Americans have at least some trust in financial professionals and 53 percent have a moderate amount or great deal of trust.

Thirty five percent of Americans said their trust would increase in a financial professional if they are a member of an industry association, showing an opportunity for advisors to highlight how their memberships benefit their clients. In addition, over half of Americans say their trust would increase if a financial professional communicated with them on a personal level (56 percent) or had several years of work experience (54 percent).

What Consumers Look for in a Financial Professional

When it comes to hiring a financial professional, the vast majority (82 percent) of Americans do not have a preference in regards to gender. Nearly one in five (19 percent) Americans would prefer their financial professional to be older than them if they were to work with one.

Among those who currently work with a financial professional, 62 percent say they hope to set realistic financial goals, 47 percent would like to better understand complicated financial matters and 42 percent want to assess their current financial health.

“The technical know-how with financial planning products is obviously key for professional success,” said James D. Pittman, CLU, CFP, MDRT President. “The results of this study show the greater importance of being trusted partners to our clients and providing the right guidance to help them feel more knowledgeable and confident.”

Millennials as the Next Big Market

The survey found that 62 percent of millennials (ages 18-34) who aren’t working with a financial professional said they would be more confident in their financial future if they did hire one. Also, 78 percent of millennials who work with a financial professional said they feel more confident in their financial future because they work with one. In addition, 26 percent of millennials noted community involvement and volunteering would increase their trust in a financial professional.

“Understanding millennials’ priorities is vital in order to foster positive relationships with our next generation of clientele,” added Pittman. “There is a major opportunity for advisors who can provide them with confidence about their financial future while emphasizing shared values, such as volunteerism.”