The American College Center for Retirement Income’s RICP® Volatility Flash Survey Report asked over 170 professionals holding the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation to share how their clients reacted to volatility spikes and how they helped their clients safeguard their retirement plans and maintain peace of mind despite market upheaval. 

Client Impact 

Most respondents reported that clients needed additional reassurance in the wake of volatility but were able to stay on track. 

More Calls, More Meetings—61.4% of respondents experienced increased contact from retired clients after the market turbulence, highlighting the advisor's role in addressing client concerns during volatile markets. 

Staying Calm—57.3% of respondents reported that their retired clients made no changes to their retirement plans due to market volatility, suggesting that their plans already accounted for such events. 

Some Wealthy Clients Fared Better—42.3% of respondents noted that their high-net-worth clients were less concerned about market volatility than their lower-net-worth clients, while 44.8% reported no difference. 

The Role of Advisors 

When asked how they helped retired clients deal with market volatility, respondents reported a range of strategies (see Figure 1). 

The American College Center for Retirement Income. RICP® Volatility Flash Survey Report. 2015. 

Specifically, advisors chose to: 

• Plan for Volatility—These advisors reported that their plans already account for volatility through cash and guaranteed income positions. 
• Stay the Course—This approach emphasizes proactive communication with clients to provide psychological assurance during periods of market volatility. 
• Reevaluate Risk Tolerance—For these respondents, market volatility required them to re-address their clients’ risk tolerance levels and adjust their plans accordingly. 
• Trade—These professionals saw market volatility as an opportunity for the clients. 

Safeguarding Retirement

The survey results highlighted the important role that advisors can play in protecting clients’ retirement and helping them deal with periods of uncertainty. This role can include: 

• Staying in touch with clients through market volatility to provide reassurance. 
• Building floors of guaranteed income that is not subject to market volatility. 
• Using a cash reserve that can be tapped in a down market. 
• Creating multiple portfolios for different time periods in retirement and making the longest-term portfolio the most aggressive.

For more insights, download a summary of the survey now.

The Defined Contribution Rollover Survey conducted by The American College New York Life Center for Retirement Income seeks to answer these questions through a survey of recent retirees.The study focused on important decisions surrounding retirement such as the decision to rollover or retain a 401(k) and when to collect Social Security. 

To qualify for participation in the study, respondents had to be at least 60 years old, retired from full-time employment within the past three years, and have had at least $75,000 invested in their former employer’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan at the time of their retirement. 

View the reports to read about the study's key findings, including: 

• Whether or not rollover decisions are viewed by consumers as important retirement planning decisions
• What are the important factors when making a rollover decision ?
• Whether or not advisors are seen as adding value to rollover decisions

Summary Report

Research Report