5 financial planning topics to bring up with clients in 2025

5 financial planning topics to bring up with clients in 2025

In a number of ways, we already know 2025 will be very different from 2024. How can financial advisors prepare their clients for the changes ahead?

The simplest answer is to talk to them, though sometimes that’s easier said than done. Some of the most important topics to discuss touch on sensitive subjects — politics, personal health issues, even death.

The most obvious change is that in 2025, the United States will have a new president. In this divisive era, bringing up politics — especially in a professional setting — is always risky. But chances are, clients are already either very nervous or very excited about the return of Donald Trump, and advisors can help bring their expectations closer to reality.

But that’s far from the only uncomfortable topic advisors should bring up next year. Also high on the list: Death. To plan effectively for retirement, advisors need a clear idea of how long their clients are likely to live. And even then there are thorny questions like, who should inherit their estates?

Added to all this, there are two polarizing revolutions to discuss: artificial intelligence and ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing. While AI products have grown more and more popular, ESG appears to have moved in the other direction. And yet many investors have the opposite attitude: They fear using AI to guide their investments and embrace the use of ESG criteria.

How do clients feel about all these topics? How do they want to invest and plan for retirement and beyond? The best way to find out is to ask them. Here are the conversations advisors should be having with clients in the new year:

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