• Fraser Stewart, Co-founder at Lyfeguard


• 13.05.2024 01:30 pm
#financialliteracy #wealthmanagement

The Importance of Financial Literacy

In a world where pensions, investments, and financial products are increasingly complex, understanding your finances is paramount. Financial literacy –– the skills and knowledge to make savvy decisions about your money –– is crucial for long-term stability and wellbeing. Sadly, a recent study highlights that a concerning 73% of the UK falls below the financial literacy benchmark, lagging behind countries like France, Canada, and New Zealand. This lack of understanding can lead to issues like excessive debt, inadequate savings for the future, and vulnerability to financial scams.

Empowering Through Education

This is where wealth managers come in. Beyond managing investments, they play an ever-growing role in educating clients about their finances. Good wealth managers understand that one size does not fit all when it comes to financial education. They assess each client's individual needs, knowledge level, and goals to create a customised educational plan.

This might involve teaching core concepts like budgeting or the power of compound interest, or helping clients navigate complex topics such as tax-advantaged savings or inheritance planning. By explaining financial jargon and market trends in easy-to-understand terms, wealth managers alleviate confusion and empower their clients.

The Critical Role that Wealth Managers Play

Wealth managers don't just educate; they guide their clients in setting realistic financial targets. They break down the complicated process of saving, investing, and paying off debt into clear steps, offering the support and tools necessary to create a practical financial roadmap. This helps clients take ownership of their money and make choices to achieve their long-term goals.

Beyond just growing their wealth, wealth managers offer a far more valuable service. They help their clients gain control. As author Morgan Housel eloquently states, 'Money’s greatest intrinsic value… is its ability to give you control over your time.'  By fostering financial literacy, wealth managers help their clients gain control not only of their finances but of their lives.

The impact of wealth managers' work extends beyond their client base. Financially informed individuals are less likely to accumulate significant debt, have greater financial resilience, and are better prepared for retirement. By prioritising client education, wealth managers aren't just improving individual lives; they're strengthening the financial resilience of the UK.

Of course, wealth managers can't shoulder the responsibility of financial education in the UK alone. But they have the potential to be important players in addressing the gap. As the complexities of financial planning increase, the wealth managers who focus on educating their clients, as well as managing their investments, will become invaluable advisers and contribute positively to a financially literate society.