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A Further Look | Apr 27, 2020

Am I Going to be All Right? Part Two.

David B. Root, Jr.

CFP®

What will the life of a financial advisor look like post-virus? What will change about the way we deliver financial planning and asset management, compared to only two months ago? One of the things that I am profoundly aware of is that we, as financial advisors, are in an important position to do something about the current crisis. While we can’t help with the pandemic, we can play an active and productive role in helping with the effects of the associated financial crisis.

The expertise that we have acquired over the years will prove valuable as we move forward and away from what has happened to our country, and the world, in 2020. That said, the real question is what will our world (figuratively and literally) look like post COVID-19?
I believe the changes in how we do business and live our lives has resulted in a whole new paradigm for financial advice. Let’s start with technology:

New technology for investing has existed for some time, and popularly labeled as ‘robo advice.’ But the acceptance of technology today requires a much deeper dive in terms of utilization. One thing I know for sure, however, is that personally delivered advice in the form of a ‘house call’ from a financial advisor has not gone out of style. Based on the hundreds of incoming and outgoing calls we’ve had with clients recently, it’s clear they have a need to talk to a real and trusted person to help deal with today’s stress.

We have moved from technology influencing how we do our jobs, to influencing what we do. Clients and their advisors will now be looking for more efficient, timely and less costly means to communicate and do business together.

Clients will be empowered. They won’t have to wait for quarterly or annual face-to-face meetings with their advisors anymore. They can now have a teleconference call almost on-demand when they need to review their accounts.

And because of clients’ experience with the current market implosion, good advisors will also be empowered. This has been our opportunity to show our value and if we have been successful, even technology savvy Next Gen investors will respect more than ever the role of the human element in financial advice. In fact, this has been one of our fastest growing segments for our Financial Planning services.

While millennials have led the charge in embracing technology, their baby boomer parents have often stubbornly resisted many of the tools and resources made available – until now. Out of necessity, boomers have consumed automation on a level rivaled only by later generations.

Video conferencing. Digital statements. Online accounts.

All of this opens the door for longer distance client/advisor relationships. We can be together when it’s most convenient and efficient for everyone. Real estate becomes less critical in terms of where advisors invest their resources going forward. That investment can go toward additional qualified staff and human capital being added to teams.

One of the most rewarding aspects for me has been seeing the way our team has organized, communicated and followed through on client needs in a systematic, yet personal manner. We’ve always been good at this, but out of necessity we have confirmed the critical importance of real time communication and advice delivered personally. It makes me even more optimistic for the future.

In a post-COVID 19 world, we’re all going to be okay.

Thanks for reading.

This material has been provided for general, informational purposes only, represents only a summary of the topics discussed, and is not suitable for everyone. The information contained herein should not be construed as personalized investment advice or recommendations. Rather, they simply reflect the opinions and views of the author. D. B. Root & Company, LLC. does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting ramifications, you should consult appropriate professionals for advice that is specific to your situation. There can be no assurance that any particular strategy or investment will prove profitable. This document contains information derived from third party sources. Although we believe these third-party sources to be reliable, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information derived from such sources, and take no responsibility therefore. This document contains certain forward-looking statements signaled by words such as "anticipate," "expect", or "believe" that indicate future possibilities. Due to known and unknown risks, other uncertainties and factors, actual results may differ materially from the expectations portrayed in such forward-looking statements. As such, there is no guarantee that the expectations, beliefs, views and opinions expressed in this document will come to pass. Information presented herein is subject to change without notice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. The impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 on the economy is highly uncertain. Valuations and economic data may change more rapidly and significantly than under standard market conditions. COVID-19 has and will continue based on economic forecasts to have a material impact on the US and global economy for an unknown period.

David B. Root, Jr.

CFP®

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

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