Millennials present advisors with the perfect clients: They are entering their peak earning years and they are seeking financial help, according to Ameriprise Financial.
Millennials, those 27 to 42 years of age, are more aware of their need to budget and save for retirement than older generations were when they were the same age, and a majority are willing to listen to financial advisors, according to the Thought Leadership Study compiled by Ameriprise Financial that was released today.
At the same time, although they are facing stiff financial headwinds in the current climate, 61% are optimistic about their futures, according to the research, which was based on a survey of more than 3,500 Americans between the ages of 30 to 70, including millennials with at least $25,000 in investable assets, and Gen X and boomer respondents with at least $100,000 in investable assets.
“This generation is more acutely aware of financial concerns, but they are also taking action to secure their futures,” Marcy Keckler, senior vice president of financial advice strategy at Ameriprise Financial said in an interview. “Those millennials who are working with an advisor (34%) are much more comfortable with their futures.”
The fact that most of the young generation will not have an employer pension to rely on is one factor that is prompting action, she said.
“These factors are combining to create a great opportunity for advisors to make a difference. Millennials are oriented to receiving advice,” she added.
Although they are generally optimistic, millennials also have concerns. Nine out of 10 said they are concerned about inflation, and eight out of 10 said they are worried about rising interest rates. More than half of millennials (56%) reported feeling the pressure of balancing multiple financial priorities, at the same time that 58% said they believe they are doing better financially compared to their peers.
Millennials reported they have received financial help from family members and they anticipate they will receive more help and inherit significant sums from their parents. “However, we would tell them to have a plan B, in case their expectations are not met,” Keckler said.
“Most millennials have lived through major [financial] events in history and weathered the ups and downs of various economic cycles, which has informed their worldview and given them confidence that they will be able to tackle whatever the future holds,” she added. But “just as curve balls have been thrown at millennials in the past, the future will no doubt be full of surprises. The best thing investors of any age can do is to take control of what they can, and work toward their immediate and long-term goals with the help of a professional who can advise them along the way.”
The survey showed investors in this cohort are worried about global issues affecting their financial situation over the next year, at the same time that they are feeling pressure from debt on a personal level.
“Millennials today are in the intense yet rewarding period in life when it’s common to be trying to make progress toward multiple important priorities all at once,” added Keckler. “Rather than letting their circumstances overwhelm them, millennials should know that no matter where they are along their individual financial journeys, there are ways they can feel more confident and in control.
“Now is the time for millennials to crystalize their long-term financial goals. Instead of relying on well-meaning friends, take the next milestone step of consulting a seasoned financial advisor for qualified advice specific to your unique circumstances,” she said.