Retirement

Engaging generational planning

Alan McCarthy

May 23, 2025

5 minutes

Advice is evolving – and so is your audience

Our findings highlight a growing opportunity: younger generations are increasingly proactive about financial planning, but they’re not going it alone. They’re actively seeking guidance and value expertise, especially when it’s delivered in a way that fits their world. The future of advice lies in meeting this generation where they are – online – and supporting them from the start.

46% of Gen Z have taken financial advice with 35% having done so in the last 2 years.

- Source: Bringing retirement into focus 2024, Standard Life

Intergenerational planning

Are you tapping into the full potential of your client relationships? Can you extend your planning conversations into the lives of the people your client cares most about, adult children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Engaging the next generation not only strengthens the trust you’ve built, it opens up new opportunities for long-term value and enduring partnerships across the family network. 

 

Digital-first experience, human touch

Younger generations prefer digital-first, seamless experiences – but they still value human reassurance. Tools like the Risk Profiler and our intuitive online applications help bridge the gap, making it easier for you to connect, build trust, and guide this generation effectively.

More than half (51%) of Millennials and (46%) of Gen X feel financially unprepared for retirement. 

- Source: Bringing retirement into focus 2024, Standard Life

Supporting the mid-life confidence dip

Our findings show that a great number of Millennials (29-44) and Gen X (45-60) are juggling significant financial demands – raising children, covering education costs, paying off debt, and managing a mortgage. Retirement planning often takes a backseat, not because they don’t care but because other financial priorities dominate. The report highlights a critical gap – many people understand the value of a pension but struggle to follow through, especially in peak pressure periods. Unfortunately, for many the trade-off is financial stress, emotional strain, and less security in retirement. This is where structured support is invaluable. By helping clients reconnect with a clear, achievable plan – one that offers the reassurance of flexibility – you can rebuild confidence and align intention with considered action. 

 

The information on this site is for qualified financial advisers and must not be relied on by anyone else. If you are not an adviser please go to our customer website for more information about our products and services.

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