The challenge for humans is that even though the past growth of technology has been exponential, they continue to think linearly, which is too simplistic. We say things like, “Yeah, I know there has been a lot of progress in technology and I’m sure it will continue.” We have a hard time fathoming how big and fast the world will change. That’s why something like the robo-advisor feels like it snuck up on us.

Good news or bad news? Well, that depends on your perspective and your choices. I believe that humans and machines will learn to coexist in a way that is good for you and good for your clients. I think of this less in terms of the business decisions you’ll face and more in terms of the conversations you need to be having with your clients right now.

Consider this excerpt from Ric Edelman’s column in FA’s February issue:

“Current life expectancies for 65-year-olds are 88.8 and 86.6 years for women and men, respectively. But futurists say the first person to reach 150 years of age has already been born, and some project that people alive today will live 300 years or even longer. The best part: Medical technologies will actually ‘cure’ aging—meaning you could reach 150 but feel as though you’re just 45!”

What if it might be true? Do you have a Singularity client conversation agenda? I get it, you’re afraid your clients will think you’re crazy. What’s crazy is how you and your clients probably came up with the target date for their death and, therefore, how long their money should last.

Advisor: “So, when would you like to retire?”

Clients: “Sixty-two would be good.”

Advisor: “And how long do you think you’ll live in retirement?”

Clients: “Well … our fathers lived into their late 70s and our mothers into their mid-80s … so we’ve got pretty good genes, we’re taking good care of ourselves and people are generally living longer these days. I’d say we should make it into our late 80s or early 90s. Maybe 95 to be on the safe side.”