Planning for the Moments That Reshape a Client’s Life

Financial planning has become an increasingly important service advisors provide to clients. Whether purchasing a home or saving for a comfortable retirement, clients want advisors to help them achieve long-term goals.

But life does not always go according to plan. A business gets sold unexpectedly. A parent needs long-term care. A spouse becomes seriously ill or passes away.

It is during these unexpected and stressful moments that advisors can prove their value to clients. They can provide stability and reassurance at a time of uncertainty. Long-term financial planning demonstrates an advisor’s expertise, but sudden events can test an advisor’s ability to respond when circumstances change.

Berthel Fisher provides advisors with the flexibility and support to handle both long-term planning and unexpected life events. With our independent hybrid model, advisors have access to the expertise and resources they need to serve clients through both planned and unforeseen circumstances.

In an emergency or other unexpected situation, time can be critical. Advisors often need answers quickly from the home office. Berthel Fisher’s 1:6 staff-to-representative ratio and direct access to professionals at all levels of the firm help advisors get the support they need without unnecessary delays.

Our broker-dealer and RIA structure also gives advisors access to a broad range of investment products, services and planning resources. That flexibility can be especially important when a client’s circumstances change and the advisor needs to consider different options.

Clients are also looking for broader advice. Advisors expect that 54% of clients will receive comprehensive, ongoing planning advice by 2027, up from 48% today, according to Cerulli Associates. Advisors cite stronger client relationships (83%) and increased client retention (73%) as the most significant benefits of providing comprehensive planning services.

But even the most thorough financial plan cannot anticipate everything that may happen in a client’s life. When circumstances change, advisors need to be equipped to adjust along with them.

That is why financial planning should not be viewed as a static roadmap. A strong plan needs to evolve as a client’s life evolves, particularly when an unexpected event changes their priorities, needs or financial circumstances.

Berthel Fisher gives advisors the flexibility, resources and home-office support to respond when those moments arrive. Long-term planning can help clients prepare for the future, while an advisor’s ability to respond when something unexpected happens can help build trust that lasts for years.