Financial wellness is becoming a larger part of wealth management as clients seek support beyond investment management alone. Industry research shows that 74% of employees say financial stress has affected their mental health, while 54% of Americans report higher financial anxiety than a year ago. Demand for employer-sponsored financial wellness programs has also doubled since 2023. Growing client expectations are expected to make financial wellness an increasingly important part of advisory services.
How Can RIAs Help Clients Manage Financial Stress?
Financial stress often leads to emotional investment decisions and delayed financial planning. RIAs should discuss behavioral finance, long-term planning, and decision-making during regular client reviews.
Industry research shows that 67% of investors say stress has influenced investment decisions, including selling during periods of market volatility. Behavioral coaching is expected to become a larger part of advisory relationships as firms look to improve long-term client outcomes.
Why Should RIAs Partner with Other Financial Specialists?
Many client needs extend beyond investment management. RIAs should work with tax professionals, estate attorneys, behavioral coaches, and other specialists to deliver more comprehensive financial guidance.
Industry research shows more firms are building referral networks instead of expanding internal staff. Demand for holistic financial planning is expected to drive greater collaboration between RIAs and outside specialists.
How Can RIAs Support Business Owners Through Financial Wellness?
Business owners often need personal financial planning alongside employee benefit strategies. RIAs should coordinate retirement plans, executive compensation, and employee financial wellness with broader wealth management goals.
Research shows that 95% of small business owners want advisors who can help improve employee retirement benefits and financial wellness. Competition for talent is expected to increase demand for advisors who can combine personal wealth management with employee benefit planning.
What Overlooked Areas Can Strengthen Financial Wellness?
Financial wellness also includes identifying opportunities to improve a client's overall financial position. Securities class action settlements reached approximately $8 billion in 2025, yet many eligible claims went unfiled because the recovery process required significant manual effort. AI-powered platforms such as 11th.com automate the recovery process and are natively integrated with major custodians and TAMPs, including Fidelity, Schwab, BNY, Pershing, Goldman Sachs, Merrill, Axos, Addepar, Orion, SS&C Black Diamond, and Advyzon, covering more than 85% of the market. These additional recoveries can strengthen a client's financial position while reinforcing the value of comprehensive financial planning.
What Should RIAs Prioritize in 2026?
Client expectations continue to expand beyond traditional investment advice. Firms that combine portfolio management with behavioral coaching,coordinated professional guidance, and broader financial wellness services are expected to strengthen client relationships and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive advisory market.
FAQ
Why are RIAs adding financial wellness services?
Financial stress continues to rise, with 74% of employees reporting an impact on their mental health. Financial wellness helps RIAs address broader client needs and strengthen long-term relationships.
How can RIAs help clients improve financial wellness?
RIAs can combine behavioral coaching, financial planning, and coordinated guidance to help clients make better financial decisions and reduce stress.
Why should RIAs work with other financial professionals?
Partnering with tax professionals, estate attorneys, and other specialists allows RIAs to provide more comprehensive advice without increasing headcount.
How can RIAs support business owners through financial wellness?
RIAs can combine personal wealth planning with retirement plans, executive compensation, and employee financial wellness to support both business and personal goals.
What overlooked opportunity can strengthen financial wellness?
Recovering proceeds from securities class actions can improve a client's financial position by returning assets that might otherwise remain unclaimed.
