Advisers across the country are preparing for their own clients' concerns, emotionally and financially, in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Following the annual National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, advisers said they anticipated an increase in phone calls from clients who are either worried about unfinished financial matters or just need some reassurance. But for now, many said it's been quiet on the home front. "People are still going to be in a period of shock," said Tom Fowler, an advisor in Bellevue, Wash., and NAIFA trustee.
When the calls do start coming in, Fowler said, he would remind clients of the long-term investment strategies already in place within their portfolios.
"This will probably motivate some people to take a look at some things they've put off," said Howard Styron, an advisor with Allstate Financial in Lawton, Okla.
However, advisors will not only wait for clients to call them, but make sure those who may have been lax in their financial affairs are encouraged to solidify details--especially when it comes to insurance and estate planning. "There will be a lot more attention paid [by advisers] to basic needs," said Dee Carter, an advisor from Midland, Texas and past president of his state's chapter. He added that he expects business owners who often travel to be concerned about their permanent insurance coverage.
"They realize it could have been them," said Randi Robertson, a Lubbock, Texas, advisor. "It's amazing what a tragedy does."
