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    Another Inconvenient Truth:

    Full Report

    Ingrid R. Goodenow, FLMIDistribution Research

    860-285-7835

    [email protected]

    Polly Painter-EggersDistribution Research

    [email protected]

    Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Futures?

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    A 2

    ANOTHERINCONVENIENT TRUT

    ARE CONSUMERS PREPARED FOR THEIR FINANCIAL FUTU

    2007, LIMRA International, Inc.

    300 Day Hill Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095-4761, U.S.A.

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    CONTENTS

    P

    METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................

    ANOTHERINCONVENIENT TRUTH...............................................................................

    How Ready Are We? .................................................................................................

    Managing the Money at Home ...................................................................................

    Consumers Top Priorities .........................................................................................

    Consumers Secondary Priorities................................................................................

    Age Impacts Priorities................................................................................................

    WHAT ARE CONSUMERS THINKING? .........................................................................

    Taking Action or Just Thinking About it? ............................................................

    THE ROLE OF THE FINANCIAL ADVISOR....................................................................

    Who Do Consumers Look to the Most for Financial Advice?....................................

    How Advisors Are Helping ........................................................................................

    Opportunities for Financial Advice ...........................................................................

    Seeking Professional Advice ......................................................................................

    The Confidence Gap ...................................................................................................

    Bridging the Divide between Knowledge and Action ................................................

    Targeting Levels of Financial Awareness

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    FIGURES

    P

    Figure 1 Among Couples Who Manages Finances ......................................................

    Figure 2 What issues are most important to you? .......................................................

    Figure 3 Consumers Knowledge of Financial Objectives ............................................

    Figure 4 Steps Consumers are Taking.........................................................................

    Figure 5 Consumers Who Seek Regular Financial Advice .........................................

    Figure 6 Financial Advisors Used on a Regular Basis .................................................

    Figure 7 How Primary Advisors Help.........................................................................

    Figure 8 When Consumers Plan to Call Advisors.......................................................

    Figure 9 Financial Triggers: Differences between Men and Women..........................

    Figure 10 Who Consumers Plan to Seek Out..............................................................

    Figure 11 Matching Literacy Levels with Needs ........................................................

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    METHODOLOGY

    LIMRA electronically surveyed more than 1,000 members of a national consume

    in order to gauge consumers financial literacy and their own assessments of their

    financial preparedness for the future. All participants were at least 25 years of age

    minimum household income of $75,000. Research shows that households with in

    at this level or more are far more likely to rely on a financial advisor than those w

    household incomes are less than $75,000 per year. They are also more likely to be

    presented with a myriad of solutions by financial services organizations.Data has

    weighted by gender, age, household income, level of education, and marital status

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    ANOTHERINCONVENIENT TRUTH

    With retirement looming for an estimated 75 million baby-boomers, the nation faces th

    task of planning for its financial future. Social security dangles by a tenuous thread as b

    prepare for their twilight years. People are living longer; all-the-while health care costs

    Health insurance and prescription drug costs are the two largest health care expenses fohousehold. The average household spent $374 for prescription drugs and $1,168 for hea

    payments1. Add to the mix the increasing numbers of companies who are scaling back o

    and other retirement benefits and one can not help but wonder how is this all going t

    For consumers, the writing is on the wall. With fewer government resources to support

    their retirement years, people will be asked to bear more and more of the financial respo

    themselves whether theyre ready or not. Are they aware of the many choices they may

    Do they have the knowledge to make those choices? In an effort to gauge the countrys

    financial literacy, LIMRA asked upper and middle-income consumers how prepared the

    are to address these challenges. Results show that, for most, financial planning is at bes

    unpleasant chore often put off or too daunting, which often leads to inaction. So, are con

    seeking professional advice? The answer is yes and no.

    The complexities of the economic future pose a different kind of challenge to financial

    Finding innovative and efficient ways of attracting and maintaining clients is becomingmore elusive as the complexities grow. While advisors may be able to identify potentia

    the strategies they employ to secure those relationships will ultimately determine how s

    they are.

    HOW READY ARE WE?

    Middle to upper-middle income consumers (households with income of $75,000K or m

    inundated with offers from financial services companies and a broad spectrum of financ

    wanting to help them set and meet their financial goals to the point of saturation. Wi

    radio, telephone, print media and Internet marketing campaigns all competing for attent

    consumers may be overwhelmed with their options Most ads however have common

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    MANAGING THE MONEY AT HOME

    Working on household finances appears to be a job for one person. Sixty-three percent managing their money at home say they have the sole responsibility for getting the job d

    couples a similar pattern emerges. In nearly two out of three couple households, finance

    managed by only one of the couple. This figure is equally distributed among men and w

    39 percent of couples report that managing money is something they do together. One c

    that most money managers have in common, however, is that they tend to be better edu

    72 percent of those who handle the finances have college or post-graduate degrees versu

    dont handle the finances with less education.

    Figure 1

    Among Couples Who Manages Finances

    Husband,30%

    As a couple,

    39%

    Wife,

    31%

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    CONSUMERSTOP PRIORITIES

    Regardless of age, life stage, or affluence, there are some recurring themes among all cowhen identifying their key financial goals for the future. Rising healthcare costs are a m

    for all, so that having adequate hospital and medical insurance coverage is first and fore

    minds. People are also concerned about paying down their debts so that they will be abl

    retirement (See Figure 2). Understandably, younger consumers are looking ahead, more

    about how they are going to make it financially until retirement. Older consumers are co

    about maintaining their health and lifestyle through retirement. Additionally, the subjec

    remains a key factor across all age groups. Younger people fear accruing it and older pe

    challenge of dealing with it.

    Other key findings cross over different demographics depending on the financial topic:

    People of all ages regardless of marital status are most worriethree issues:

    Their ability to pay for hospital and medical coverage

    Their ability to maintain current lifestyle in retirement

    (this result excludes Mature Couples)

    Being debt-free

    Young CouplesandYoung Households believe that having enougcase of job loss was of utmost importance to them. This may be due to their lack oin the job market. They may see themselves as a target for any potential lay-offs or

    situations. Its also possible they may not yet have built up enough savings to fall b

    surprisingly, Young Households also reported that funding their childrens colleg

    was a critical issue for them.

    Singles with No Childrenand Mature Couplesare most concer

    having enough money to live on throughout their life spans. Singles without childr

    typically have an additional income source to rely on if they are suddenly unable to

    illness or an accident. The older group, however, may be uneasy about the rate at w

    financial resources are dwindling while their life expectancy remains uncertain.

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    CONSUMERSSECONDARY PRIORITIES

    Aside from Singles with no Children and Mature Couples, all other reported that having an adequate income stream was only a moderate concern.

    Most people see protecting family income in case of a wage-earners death as bein

    important. Single parents, however, see this possibility as a major concern.

    Most everyone believes that it is somewhat important to have adequate savings in

    wage-earner becomes disabled. Established Couples rated this slightly hi

    AGE IMPACTS PRIORITIES

    While consumers shared many concerns across different demographics, Age stood oudriver when gauging financial plans for the future.

    Older Households and Singles with No Children are more con

    having enough money to last throughout their lifetimes as well as having adequatemedical coverage. Younger households focus more on maintaining their planning for retirement.

    Single Parents, on the other hand, are more concerned with protecting their case of death.

    Young Households are more interested in college savings plans than other

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Figure 2

    What issues are most important to you?

    Top three objectives per life stage

    1 2 3 4 5

    SingleNo Children

    SingleParent

    YoungCouple

    YoungHousehold

    EstablishedCouple

    Having hospital/medical coverage

    Being debt free

    Having hospital/medical coverage

    (in retirement)*

    Having adequate savings in case

    of job loss

    Maintain current lifestyle (in retirement)*

    Having an adequate income stream

    I cannot outlive

    Protecting family income in case

    of death

    Protecting family income in case

    of disability

    Funding long-term care expenses

    Funding (grand)childrens' college

    education

    Paying my or my spouse/

    partners burial expenses

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

    *These questions were asked only of consumers under age 65 White = Least Important Range Purple =

    Life stages:

    1 Not married with no children under 18 living in household

    2 Not married with 1 or more children under 18 living in household

    3 Married, under age 35 with no children under 18 living in household

    4 Married with 1 or more children under 18 living in household

    5 Married, aged 35 to 55 with no children under 18 living in household

    6 M i d 56 d ld ith hild d 18 li i i h h ld

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    WHAT ARE CONSUMERS THINKING?

    With mounting economic and environmental challenges facing consumers today, the ne

    to understand the reality of their financial futures is greater than ever. Do people believ

    knowledgeable about the financial options they have in order to prepare for a lifetime o

    security?

    In our study, we didnt go as far as to test their knowledge, but we did ask how knowled

    people thinkthey are when it comes to making financial decisions. We also asked what

    have taken to prepare themselves for their future financial stability. In general, there are

    financial topics that people feel very knowledgeable about. Whether its managing sa

    investments or purchasing life and long-term care insurance, it appears that consumers

    some things to learn (See Figure 3).

    Consumers think they know the most about

    Saving. Just over half (54 percent) feel they are very knowledgeable about sa

    this group, wealthier and more elderly people believe theyre even smarter abou

    Filing income taxes. Only 45 percent feel they are very knowledgeable about fi

    And while 43 percent say they are somewhat knowledgeable, that leaves 12 per

    population feeling very uneasy every April 15th. The confidence some people ha

    taxes may be due in part to the popularity and availability of software packages

    consumers to manage their own tax returns.

    Consumers think they know something about

    Planning for retirement. Fifty-one percent believe they are somewhat knowle

    about preparing for the later stages of their lives.

    Life insurance. Like retirement, 51 percent feel that they have some knowledge

    topic.

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Consumers say they dont know much about

    Long-Term Care insurance. Forty-seven percent say they know very little or nabout LTC insurance, although 40 percent report being somewhat knowledgea

    Disability Insurance. Forty-seven percent say they know something about this

    while 36 percent say they know little or nothing about it.

    Figure 3

    Consumers Knowledge of Financial Objectives

    14%

    16%

    17%

    22%

    24%

    26%

    30%

    41%

    45%

    54%

    40%

    36%

    47%

    48%

    50%

    51%

    51%

    50%

    43%

    42%

    38%

    36%

    30%

    25%

    22%

    21%

    17%

    9%

    8%

    4%

    6%

    6%

    12%

    9%Long-term care insurance

    Medicare

    Disability insurance

    Investing

    Social Security

    Life insurance

    Planning for retirement

    Health insurance

    Filing your income taxes

    Saving

    Very Somewhat Not very Not at a

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

    TAKING ACTION OR JUST THINKING ABOUT IT?

    Most people have at least considered the options available to them when it comes to enfuture financial stability. Many consumers have made plans for savings and retirement.

    covered their life insurance needs. However, there are a few holes in their plans, particu

    comes to long-term care and disability insurance needs (See Figure 3). This makes sens

    compare how poorly informed consumers believe they are about those options. Whether

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Consumers have done this:

    76 percent have developed a plan to

    pay down debt, though that leaves 24 p

    of people who are not dealing with their financial futures. Eighty-two percent of co

    between the ages of 25 and 34 are taking steps toward managing their debt, which

    than any other group.

    A majority have decided how theyre going to invest their savings in addition toestablishing an emergency fund.

    Well over half have determined their

    life insuranceneeds, though that leave

    of people who have done nothing to address this need. As might be expected, youn

    (between the ages of 25 and 34) make up the majority of those who havent though

    Once people reach 35, however, their interest in life insurance continues to rise wi

    58 percent of people have calculated theirretirement needs, though 36 peronly considered what they should do.

    Consumers have only considered or never even thought about

    Long Term Care Insurance. Of the 79 percent of people who havent purc

    insurance, just about half have considered it. But, it has never even occurred to alm

    quarter.

    Disability Insurance. Fifty-five percent of consumers have thought about it,

    one quarter have never even considered it.

    College expenses. Even though 40 percent of consumers have made plans to p

    childrens (or grandchildrens) college education that leaves 60 percent without pl

    (These results may be somewhat biased in that parents and grandparents were give

    weight. Also, households without children have understandably not considered thi

    Results for married couples with children under 18 (still at home) are somewhat hi

    Forty-nine percent have already set up a college fund, 45 percent have considered i

    6 percent have no plans.

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Figure 4

    Steps Consumers are Taking

    29%

    40%

    45%

    58%

    60%

    67%

    69%

    69%

    76%

    49%

    33%

    40%

    36%

    33%

    24%

    28%

    28

    16

    2

    Determined my long-term care insurance needs

    Calculated (grand)child's college expenses

    Determined my disability insurance needs

    Calculated how much I need to save for retirement

    Created a monthly budget

    Determined my life insurance needs

    Established an emergency fund

    Determined how to invest my savings

    Developed a plan to pay down debt

    Have done this Have considered but not done it Have not thought abou

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    THE ROLE OF THE FINANCIAL ADVISO

    While many consumers say they have not taken any steps themselves to prepare for thei

    financial stability, others have turned to outside advice. Sixty-one percent of consumers

    $75K or more seek professional financial advice on a regular basis. Not surprisingly, of

    seekers, many more have either seriously considered taking action or actually taken stepto prepare for their future financial security. Whether or not they are satisfied with the c

    decision-making is another matter.

    Figure 5

    Consumers* Who Seek Regular Financial Advice

    Non-seekers,

    39%

    Seekers,

    61%

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

    WHO DO CONSUMERS LOOK TO THE MOST FOR FINANCIAL ADVICE?

    Among the sixty-one percent of advice-seekers, people rely on different professional ad

    different reasons (See Figure 4). There are ten different sources of financial advice cons

    from, but there are a few that stand out among the crowd. In some cases, there are demo

    cohorts that make certain advisors well-suited to certain customers. For example:

    Accountants are the top choice among all consumers, no doubt driven by taxThirty-six percent of people rely on them.

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Lawyers are the advisor of choice by people over the age of 65 as well as peophighest income brackets ($150K or more).

    Investment Managers and Stockbrokers are each utilized by onlyof consumers, most frequently by the highest income earners of $200K or more.

    Only 8 percent of middle class consumers rely on theirEmployers the most fadvice, mainly by people under the age of 55.

    Figure 6

    Financial Advisors Used on a Regular Basis

    7%

    8%

    8%

    10%

    11%

    13%

    16%

    29%

    36%

    2%Other

    Mutual fund broker

    Employer

    Stockbroker

    Investment manager

    Banker/loan officer

    Lawyer

    Life insurance agent/broker

    Financial planner or advisor

    Accountant

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    HOW ADVISORS ARE HELPING

    Of those people who currently rely on a financial advisor, particular situations call for d

    of advice. People tend to go to their primary advisors when making investment decision

    shopping for financial products (See Figure 7). Likewise, there are situations that stand

    people dont talk to their financial advisors. Interestingly, financial advisors arent wide

    counselors, despite the fact that many advisors may see themselves in that role. It also

    as a surprise that people dont go to their financial advisors for their insurance needs. Th

    driven by the age old concept of insurance being sold, not bought.

    Advisors help the most when it comes to

    Getting impartial advice.

    Choosing appropriate investments.

    Matching products with individual consumers needs.

    Advisors help somewhat when it comes to

    Identifying how much people need to save.

    Providing encouragement on financial goals.

    Helping people monitor their financial progress toward their goals.

    Advisors dont help at all when it comes to

    Serving as a financial counselorIdentifying insurance needs.

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Figure 7

    How Primary Advisors Help*

    18%

    19%

    24%

    32%

    33%

    36%

    42%

    43%

    44%

    34%

    38%

    43%

    37%

    41%

    42%

    36%

    33%

    44%

    48%

    43%

    33%

    31%

    26%

    22%

    22%

    24%

    Serving as a "financial counselor"

    Identifying my insurance needs

    Identifying how much I need in savings

    Recommending a specific company's

    product or service

    Helping me monitor progress t oward

    my goals

    Providing encouragement to maintain

    my financial plan or strategy

    Identifying what products are best

    for my situation

    Selecting app ropriate investments

    Providing impartial advice

    A great deal Somewhat Not at all

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

    OPPORTUNITIES FOR FINANCIAL ADVICE

    People who arent seeking advice are under the impression that something dramatic mu

    will push them into it. Among the 39 percent of consumers who are not actively seeking

    advice, there are two occasions that would prompt them to do so (See Figure 8):

    Being on the receiving end of a financial windfalland/orManaging the family estate after a death in the family

    Not to minimize the impact of a financial windfall or a death in the family, but consume

    seek advice only under these circumstances obviously dont see the benefits an advisor

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Figure 8

    When Consumers Plan to Call Advisors

    26%

    35%

    36%

    47%

    54%

    8%

    11%

    11%

    17%

    22%

    24%

    Birth or adoption of a child

    Career change or loss of job

    Paying for college expenses

    Preparation for marriage or divorce

    Saving for retirement

    Filing income taxes

    Dealing with a serious illness

    Purchase or sale of primary or

    second home

    Starting or selling a business

    Dealing with death of sp ouse or

    other family member

    Receipt of inheritance or other

    large sum of money

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

    Different Financial Triggers for Men and Women

    Not surprisingly, men and women dont always agree when it is the best time to call on

    For example, even though a mere 8 percent of the population would consult an advisor

    arrival of a child, 80 percent of those are women. Similar differences, though not quite

    observed when it comes to purchasing a home, dealing with a death in the family, and s

    selling a business. Most notably, however, women are far more likely to consult a finan

    b f tti i d di d (S Fi 9) O lt t th ld ti

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Figure 9

    Financial Triggers: Differences between Men and Women

    20%

    33%

    38%

    39%

    40%

    42%

    42%

    42%

    43%

    43%

    48%

    70%

    80%

    67%

    62%

    61%

    60%

    58%

    58%

    58%

    57%

    57%

    52%

    30%

    Birth or adoption of a child

    Preparation for marriage or divorce

    Purchase or sale of p rimary

    or second home

    Dealing with death of sp ouse or

    other family member

    Starting or selling a business

    Receipt of inheritance or other

    large sum of money

    Dealing with a serious illness

    Filing your income taxes

    Saving for retirement

    Paying for college expenses

    Career change or loss of job

    None

    M ale Female

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

    SEEKING PROFESSIONAL ADVICEWho are non-seekers likely to consult on that occasion when they may need advice? Fin

    planners or advisors were the first choice for 51 percent of non-seekers, followed by law

    (45 percent) and accountants (34 percent). This paints a somewhat different picture from

    are currently seeking advice Accountants and financial planners are currently the advis

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Figure 10

    Who Consumers Plan to Seek Out

    51%

    45%

    34%

    17%

    8%6%

    3% 3% 2% 1%0%

    10%

    20%

    30%

    40%

    50%

    60%Financial planner or advis

    Lawyer

    Accountant

    Investment manager

    Life insurance agent/brok

    Banker/loan officer

    OtherMutual fund broker

    Employer

    Stockbroker

    *Responses based on Household Incomes of $75,000 or more

    THE CONFIDENCE GAP

    On the surface, it appears that many upper and middle-class consumers have made som

    plans when it comes to managing their financial portfolios. But, somewhere along the li

    disconnect developed between the actions people are taking and their opinions about th

    People recognize the importance of making financial plans, but they are not sure whethe

    have done the right thing. Consider the following:

    69 percent of consumers have determined how theyre going to invest their savings

    54 percent think they know a lot about saving.

    67 percent feel they have determined their life insurance needs, but only 26 percen

    knowledgeable about the subject. In fact, 68 percent of people report having som

    much knowledge at all when it comes to life insurance.

    58 percent feel they have established their retirement needs, but only 30 percent of

    very knowledgeable about the subject.

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    BRIDGING THE DIVIDE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION

    Most people (with household incomes of $75K or more) have made at least some plans

    future of their financial security. They have been inundated with information from the f

    services industry that has elicited a general awareness among people about the importan

    financial plans. Most have some ideas about their options and have even taken steps tow

    establishing a plan for the future.

    So, why dont they feel more knowledgeable about their finances?

    Keep in mind that most people are going it alone when it comes to managing the househThey may feel isolated in their decision-making, creating unease. Furthermore, whether

    themselves are responsible for their financial planning or their financial advisors, peopl

    appear to be comfortable with the decisions that have been made. Unfortunately, this is

    endorsement for the financial advisors of the world, considering that almost two-thirds

    class consumers seek professional advice outside their family on a regular basis. One co

    that most of those people leave everything up to their financial advisors and let them wo

    But, that doesnt really get to the heart of the matter.

    When it comes to financial literacy, people need to have certain skills: they need to be i

    able to distinguish between a good financial decision and a bad one; and, feel confident

    decisions once theyve made them. The question ultimately lies in who is responsible fo

    financial literacy of the country consumers, the people advising them or both?

    TARGETING LEVELS OF FINANCIAL AWARENESS

    Based on our findings, middle to upper-income consumers typically fall into one of thre

    when it comes to financial literacy. Among these categories, there appears be a built-in

    regarding levels of expertise. For consumers who are basically oblivious about their fin

    an education in the basics of financial literacy would be the most logical starting place t

    involved. Other research, particularly when it comes to life insurance needs, supports th

    educate consumers before selling products to them2. Procrastinators, who have the know

    the desire to act, need encouragement and a call to action. Lastly, those who do have an

    financial literacy and have begun to take steps need more specific guidance in how to m

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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Figure 11

    Matching Literacy Levels with Needs

    Suggestions for Advisors and Financial Services Companies:

    Market products and services targeted to consumers needs based on a clients needIn other words, dont try to sell products to an uneducated consumer; rather, try to

    A procrastinator doesn't need educating, but encouragement to take action. An edu

    consumer already has knowledge and has taken action. Working with him on the fi

    his financial plan would benefit him the most.

    Match needs with products, particularly when it comes to insurance. Consumers do

    think of how insurance plays a role in their financial futures. This is an opportunity

    to educate as well as fine-tune their customer plans. Whether insurance needs are s

    long-term, advisors should address insurance concerns when looking at the overall

    Emphasize how consumers can help themselves, rather than focusing on selling pe

    products than they can handle. Educating people also helps to build relationships.

    Clarify the scope of your business to consumers. If you are able to manage a broad

    of financial needs, market yourselves as such.

    Consider offering workshops and/or courses to consumers so they can become mor

    their own decision-making. In turn, advisors can benefit by working with educated

    so that the focus of discussions can be on what choices to make, rather than clarify

    choices are.

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    CONCLUSION

    Preparing for the future financial needs of the population has become a great challenge

    consumers and financial service providers alike. Consumers feel uneasy about their situ

    regardless of whether or not theyve prepared themselves. Financial advisors should tak

    heed the call to action. The key to success will be matching needs with the particular fin

    services that best meet those needs. Understanding whether or not individual consumers

    educating, encouragement to act, or specific advice should be the driving force behind a

    target new or existing markets. Clearly, consumers and advisors both have some respon

    achieving the overall goal: a financially prepared and literate population that can approa

    with confidence.

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    RELATED LINKS

    The following links are valid as of 01/22/07.

    LIMRAEvery Excuse in the Book(2006)

    Last year, LIMRA identified the potential for new life sales among 48 million U.S. hou

    say they don't have enough life insurance. New insights into why they don't buy the cov

    say they need and what it will take to convert them into buyers is the focus of LIMRA's

    of the underinsured life market. This report highlights what consumers desire when goi

    life insurance buying process, and points out the changes the industry will need to make

    to reach these potential customers.

    http://www.limra.com/members/abPdf/5370.pdf

    Triggers and Thresholds for Financial Advice (2004)

    Financial advice is a staple of the financial services industry, but people do not seem to

    use of financial professionals in their financial decision making. This report summarize

    on use of financial advice by consumers. A model is presented that captures what must

    consumers to make use of a financial advisor.

    http://www.limra.com/members/abstracts/4741.aspx

    Generations X and Y The Financial Attitudes of Tomorrows Market Today (2003)

    Generations X and Y have the potential to impact the financial services industry in the U

    close to 46 million persons born between 1965 and 1976, Generation X makes up 16 peU.S. population. The 31 million adult members of Generation Y, born between 1977 an

    represent 11 percent of the population. Together these two generations comprise more t

    quarter of the U.S. population. In the next 20 years, as the majority of baby boomers en

    the financial services companies will face at least two challenges: to retain the money th

    http://www.limra.com/members/abPdf/5370.pdfhttp://www.limra.com/members/abstracts/4741.aspxhttp://www.limra.com/members/abstracts/4741.aspxhttp://www.limra.com/members/abPdf/5370.pdf
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    Another Inconvenient Truth: Are Consumers Prepared for Their Financial Future

    Issues Surrounding the Use of Financial Advisors (2001)

    To better understand what factors consumers weigh when deciding whether to seek assi

    financial advisor, the kinds of help they desire, and the attributes they consider importaselection of a financial advisor, LIMRA International conducted a series of eight consu

    groups in one Canadian and three U.S. cities. The groups were segmented by life stage

    differences in opinions and attitudes among young couples, young families, older famil

    empty nesters. Within each of these categories, participants in one group were more up

    those in the other. Discussions in the groups centered on what participants perceive to b

    financial needs, who in the household is involved in financial decision making, and wh

    apt to surround the selection and use of an outside advisor.

    http://www.limra.com/members/abPdf/3430.pdf

    http://www.limra.com/members/abPdf/3430.pdfhttp://www.limra.com/members/abPdf/3430.pdf
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    HARTFORD MIAMI TORONTO LONDON MELBOURNE SHANGHAI

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    Phone: 860-688-3358 Fax: 860-298-9555 Web: www.limra.com

    2007, LIMRA International, Inc.

    This publication is a benefit of LIMRA International membership. No part may be shared with

    other organizations or reproduced in any form without LIMRAs written permission.

    007511-0307-250-LRN0

    http://www.limra.com/http://www.limra.com/