Encourage Life Balance
Stress is a socially acceptable cancer that steals health, vitality, and joy. Your sandwich generation woman client needs you to have courageous conversations with her about ways to reduce stresses in her life. While you can’t always alter circumstances, as a trusted advisor, you can suggest activities that will manage stress and promote balance. Simple suggestions like getting regular exercise, connecting with a support group, asking for help and managing energy demonstrate your engagement and desire to promote not only a solid financial life plan but a strong personal life plan as well.
Women who care for children and aging loved ones struggle under enormous pressures. Understanding their needs and helping with advanced preparation, acting as a quarterback and connector, will demonstrate your value as a trusted advisor. Partnering with female clients has been one of the richest and most rewarding aspects of our business. Understanding the complexities of the sandwich generation woman’s life has helped me be a better advisor, and I know the opportunity is there for you as well.
Sharon C. Allen, CFP, CTFA, is the president and co-founder of Sterling Wealth Management and the co-author of “Caught in the Middle: How Does the Sandwich Generation Woman Not Get Squeezed?”