Even the toughest-skinned advisors will feel the blow when they hear the news: Americans are twice as likely to visit their dentist than they are their financial advisor.
More than eight in 10 Americans (84%) expect to see their dentist this year for regular cleanings while less than half (43%) plan to meet with their financial advisor to review their investment strategies, according to a survey on retirement from The PNC Financial Services Group.
Americans by and large view money management as a huge chore with 67% admitting that they procrastinate over financial matters, the survey found. Most of the 1,020 adults polled (62%), for example, have not taken steps to prepare a retirement income plan.
Americans put off investment and retirement planning more than they do going to the gym, the survey also found. Seven out of 10 said they plan to get more exercise regularly in 2013 while only 46% plan to increase saving and investing.
“People are finding it easier to develop habits devoted to physical fitness than for financial fitness,” Stephen Pappaterra, head of wealth planning for PNC, said in a statement. “As with physical fitness, reaching a retirement goal doesn’t happen by chance. Advisors and clients must have better conversations to create a realistic plan built around their goals and dreams while taking into account their current financial situation.”
The nationwide survey canvassed 1,020 adults age 35 to 70 with more than $100,000 in investable assets and at least $25,000 in liquid investable assets. It was conducted online in January 2013 by Artemis Strategy Group.
