Client relations

Like many planners, Shane Larson never received any training in psychology. Now he finds using basic counseling skills can help make relationships with his clients stronger.

By educating themselves and clients about these possibilities, advisers can diffuse some retirement planning worries.

It begins with recognizing that this is a critical investment for succession planning and cultivating the next generation of clients.

Planners need to understand the needs and goals of athletes, and parlay those insights into a plan.

Miscalculations, assumptions, planners missing the point — find out how it all can go awry, and what can be learned after the dust settles.

One criticism of online advice providers is that they must improve how they communicate to their customer what to expect when support is provided.

Many advisers have been suggesting saving too much, at the cost of living frugally before retiring.

Focus on the numbers when talking about risk.

Their low or no upfront costs can bite down hard on an adviser’s future profits.

Changes in consumer behavior means demand and acceptance of financial advice has changed dramatically, says Deloitte consultant Gauthier Vincent.