Market turmoil pushes boomers to advisors

Boomers have always had an independent streak. But recent stock market turbulence has forced them to seek the advice of a financial advisor.

That’s the take on the boomer market from Scott B. Wirtz, senior investment strategist at Eslick Financial Group in Waterloo, Iowa.

“The bulk of their investments sit inside a 401k, which they have managed themselves,” he says. But after getting bruised in the stock market in 2001-03 and 2008, boomers are now more amenable to seeking out a financial advisor. “By virtue of getting beat up in the markets, I think they are more willing to talk to the experts” Wirtz says.

Many boomers, Wirtz points out, stand to inherit large sums from their parents, which also increases their desire for financial guidance. “Really, you’ve got this perfect storm of people who are looking for competent people to serve them,” he says. “They have kind of done it all themselves to this point and for the most part, not very well. And they are going to have a large influx of money, be it their 401k that they would like to roll over or inheritance or both.”

For more on the unique characteristics of the boomer market, see the upcoming May issue of Senior Market Advisor.