Most investors feel they are financially prepared for their inevitable deaths, but few are, according to the Spectrem Group.
Financial advisors should be aware of the probability that their clients’ finances are not in deathbed order, the research organization said in its latest report, “Down to the Last Detail,” released Monday. The study polled 1,791 people with at least $100,000 in assets (not counting their primary residence) who were the decision makers or who shared decision-making with another person in their households. Many of them had dealt with the financial details involved in the death of a loved one.
An overwhelming majority (86%) said they are financially prepared for the end of their lives.
However, only 47% have appointed a medical power of attorney; an almost equal percentage (48%) have created a living will, and only 46% have arranged for a financial power of attorney.
Although a majority of people (67%) have identified beneficiaries for all of their financial accounts and created a will (61%), both percentages are far below the 86% who think they are prepared.
“Advisors need to assist and encourage their clients to have these difficult conversations and put into place the tools that will ensure their financial legacy is executed the way they desire,” said Randy Wostratzky, director of business development at the Spectrem Group, in an e-mail.
“Lacking adequate planning for the end of life can put assets at risk or threaten wealth transfer intentions,” the report said. “A client’s failure to create a comprehensive estate plan can potentially cause advisors to lose assets under management when that client passes away.”
Investors rely on many people other than their financial advisors for assistance in planning their financial lives. Spouses are the most valued source of input regarding the creation of a trust and planning for long-term health care, the report said.
Women are more likely to value the input of a primary financial advisor than men. Women also are more likely to value input from their spouse and other family members than men, who want to rely on themselves, according to “Down to the Last Detail.”
“Advisors need to be aware of the potential for lack of end-of-life planning among clients and prospects,” the report said. “The financial industry needs to do a better job educating and ensuring their clients have the proper tools in place for end-of-life matters.”
“It is also critical for advisors to understand how investors feel about these end-of-life decisions and what impacts their readiness to tackle such sensitive subjects,” the report concluded. “This report reveals to advisors an opportunity to provide end-of-life education, intervention and planning in order to further solidify their relationships with their clients as well as potentially increasing assets under management.”