Americans are in an upbeat mood but still have some important things they want to discuss with their financial professionals this year.
More than 6 in 7 certified financial planners say their clients have a positive outlook on 2024, according to the latest CFP Professionals Financial Outlook Survey.
Nearly half of 675 planners surveyed — 48% — say their clients are more optimistic this year than they were in 2023.
Although investors are in a sunny frame of mind, they still have some important topics they want to discuss when meeting with their planners. Here are the topics they are reportedly broaching most often.
1. Preparing for retirement
Certified financial planners who cited this as a top discussed personal finance issue: 77%
Funding a long, happy and prosperous retirement is probably the biggest financial challenge any of us will face during our lifetime. A lot is at stake when crafting a retirement plan, and many of us want expert guidance.
For more on retirement planning, read “Financial Advisers Say These Are the Top 10 Retirement Planning Mistakes.”
2. Inflation/prices
Certified financial planners who cited this as a top discussed personal finance issue: 60%
Inflation is among the biggest threats to financial security that any of us face. If you are worried about rising prices, check out “10 Sneaky Hacks to Outsmart Inflation.”
3. The national economy
Certified financial planners who cited this as a top discussed personal finance issue: 56%
The national economy is a bit of a mixed bag. Job growth is strong, and unemployment is low. Yet, inflation remains high and the threat of a recession in the near future has not completely disappeared.
Many of today’s investors are turning to financial pros in hopes of getting some clarity about where the economy is headed.
Other topics people are focusing on with CFPs
Here are some other key topics that investors are discussing with certified financial planners:
- Affording a major purchase: Cited by 20% of CFPs as a top issue discussed
- Paying off debt: 17%
- Savings/emergency funds: 17%
- Sticking to a budget: 15%
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