Isn’t that the way, though? We cherish memories that almost always involve people we care about and doing something fun. What do your clients find fun? In most cases, the answers will probably be things that are a lot less exciting than hurtling through the air from 11,000 feet. Just getting together with friends or family and laughing boosts happiness levels. Watching cable news does not. You can help clients make that connection.
Money
Research indicates that once a level of basic needs is satisfied, additional funds do not boost happiness levels. More money can help facilitate some of the experiences discussed above, but money alone does not buy happiness. In fact, as any financial planner knows, money is often the source of profound stress and unhappiness.
The key to minimizing money as a source of stress is to help clients develop a healthy relationship with money. What triggers their stress? Their own self-destructive behavior? Their reaction to news? Their loathing of politicians? Fear of an unknown future? A sense they can not go back to the workforce?
Financial planning is a fantastic service and a fulfilling line of work. Financial planners can’t make someone healthy, give them a sense of relevance, assign a hobby or conjure assets from thin air but they can boost a retiree’s or would be retiree’s awareness of the issues and encourage them to think about and talk about these issues. For some that may be the most valuable assistance you ever give them.
Dan Moisand, CFP, has been featured as one of the America’s top independent financial advisors by Financial Planning, Financial Advisor, Investment Advisor, Investment News, Journal of Financial Planning, Accounting Today, Research, Wealth Manager and Worth magazines. He practices in Melbourne, Fla. You can reach him at [email protected].