In early 2022, The College reached out to independent financial advisors as part of ongoing research surrounding our RIA Profitability Plan. After hearing from advisors in RIA firms across the country, we heard several things loud and clear: among them, that specialized planning knowledge to serve clients is more in demand than ever; and in particular, planning services to shore up retirement income.

At the same time, WMCP^® Program Director Michael Finke conducted his own study for the American College O. Alfred Granum Center for Financial Security based on consumer priorities; he, too, found that knowledge was a differentiator in the eyes of clients working with financial advisors, and that retirement income planning was the most in-demand service by a wide margin.

You can get the full RIA survey results here, read more about the Granum Center's study here, and learn more about both in our official release.

For more media coverage, read on in these articles from respected publications!

National Association of Plan Advisors (May 25, 2022): IAs, Consumers Agree: Sharper Retirement Focus Needed

401(k) Specialist (May 25, 2022): Retirement Income Planning: Consumers Want It, Advisors Want to Learn More About It

InvestmentNews (May 25, 2022): Surveys Show Americans Prefer Retirement Planners, Lack Plans

ThinkAdvisor (May 26, 2022): Michael Finke Sees a Bull Market in Advisor Education

ThinkAdvisor (June 1, 2022): The 10 Hottest Skillsets in the RIA Business

SmartAsset™ (June 2, 2022): This Is the No. 1 Service Consumers Are Seeking From a Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor IQ (June 10, 2022): Retirement Income Planning a Priority for Clients

Financial Advisor (June 26, 2022): Why Advisors are Rethinking the 4% Rule