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Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
What Today's Retirees Need From Their Financial Advisors
Robert Cannon, Managing Partner of ExperityCPA. Retirement isn't what it used to be. Not long ago, it often meant leaving the workforce at 65, collecting a pension and settling into a predictable, quieter chapter of life. But today's retirees are rewriting that script entirely. People are living longer, and many stay active well into their 70s and 80s. Meanwhile, retirees are also facing a complex financial environment. This shift is reshaping the way advisors support clients. Retirement planning now requires a more dynamic, personalized and emotionally attuned approach because longevity, purpose, healthcare and taxes all play a larger role than ever before. Here's how I believe advisors can adapt. Consider how longevity changes the game. One of the most significant forces reshaping retirement is longer life expectancy. A healthy 65-year-old today may be planning for 25 or even 30 years of retirement. That kind of timeline brings new challenges and opportunities. Retirement planning is no longer about just reaching a number, but making that number last over decades. As an advisor, you'll need to shift your focus from accumulation to long-term sustainability. This includes building income strategies that can adapt over time, preparing for inflation and market downturns and creating flexible portfolios that evolve with clients' lives. Recognize that many retirees look beyond dollars and search for meaning. More and more, I'm finding that retirees are asking not only, 'Do I have enough?' but also, 'What comes next?' Financial security is important, but it's often a means to something deeper. Many clients see retirement as a new beginning. Some pursue second careers, passion projects or world travel. One couple I worked with sold their business and used their next chapter to launch a nonprofit focused on environmental education. For them, that wasn't just retirement; it was reinvention. Advisors today need to help align financial plans with what truly matters to clients. Purpose, fulfillment and legacy aren't side topics; they're central to the conversation. Don't overlook the impact of healthcare expenses. Healthcare is one of the most unpredictable and potentially expensive aspects of retirement. While Medicare might provide a foundation, it doesn't cover everything. Costs related to long-term care, like assisted living, in-home support or memory care, can quickly derail an otherwise solid plan. That's why it's so important to address healthcare proactively. Whether you help your clients explore long-term care insurance, set aside dedicated funds or plan for the possibility of future care needs, preparing for health-related expenses is a crucial part of modern retirement planning. Remember that tax planning is more important than ever. I've seen many retirees surprised by how much of an impact taxes can have on their retirement income. Required minimum distributions, the taxation of Social Security benefits and other state-specific rules can create a hefty and unexpected tax burden. Educate your clients on the importance of thoughtful tax planning, such as phased Roth conversions, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and charitable giving tools, for example. This can help retirees keep more of what they've earned and increase the longevity of their portfolios. It's no longer just about investment returns; it's also about how much clients keep after taxes. Prioritize flexibility. The idea of a single retirement 'formula' is outdated. Some clients want to retire early. Others prefer to keep working part-time or spend freely while they're healthiest. The modern retirement experience is as diverse as the people living it. That's why flexibility is essential. You can use strategies like bucketing, dynamic withdrawal models and individualized risk assessments to design plans for clients that can adapt over time. Retirement isn't a single event. It's a series of transitions, and planning should reflect that reality. Remember that while technology can help, people still matter most. As expectations evolve, so does the client experience. In my experience, many retirees, especially those in younger generations like Gen-X, appreciate the convenience of client portals, secure messaging and real-time access to their financial data. Technology is improving transparency, responsiveness and engagement. Still, remember that no app can replace the value of human connection. A quiet conversation or a simple check-in often reveals more than a full report. The emotional side of retirement is real. Many retirees experience identity shifts, family changes and fears about the future. The most effective advisors are not just financial professionals; they're trusted guides through one of life's biggest transitions. Meeting The Moment Today's retirees are looking for more than financial plans. They want guidance, clarity and a partner who can help them navigate both the numbers and the nuance of retirement. As the landscape continues to evolve, so must the way advisors serve. By combining financial expertise with empathy, embracing technology without losing the human touch and creating flexible, purpose-driven plans, advisors can not only help clients retire but also help them thrive in the years that follow. The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Real Estate Syndication Companies: What They Are And How To Invest
Feras Moussa is the Cofounder and Managing Partner of Disrupt Equity. Real estate has long been one of the most reliable and effective ways to build wealth. But until recently, many investors lacked access to the larger, more stable opportunities in the space. Today, real estate syndication companies are changing that. By enabling individuals to invest passively in professionally managed commercial real estate deals, syndication has opened the door to broader participation in this important asset class. In this article, we'll explore what real estate syndications are, how investors can find reputable syndication companies, what qualifications are required to participate and the key benefits and considerations involved. What Is A Real Estate Syndication? A real estate syndication is a structure that allows a group of investors to pool their capital to purchase a large property or portfolio of properties. It is often used for acquisitions that would be difficult or impossible for an individual investor to pursue alone. Such as apartment communities, industrial parks or mixed-use developments. The typical structure involves: • A Sponsor Or Syndicator: A real estate firm responsible for sourcing, acquiring, managing and eventually selling the asset. • Limited Partners (LPs): Passive investors who contribute capital to the deal and receive a proportional share of income and profits. How To Find Real Estate Syndication Companies Identifying trustworthy and experienced real estate syndication companies is key to successful investing. Here are several practical ways to start: 1. Professional networks and referrals: Many investors first learn about syndicators through referrals from wealth advisors, accountants or fellow investors. I find that word-of-mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to identify reputable firms. 2. Industry events: Real estate investing conferences, webinars and summits often feature syndicators presenting case studies or participating in discussions. These forums can help investors evaluate a company's expertise and philosophy. 3. Online research and educational content: Many syndicators produce blogs, podcasts or newsletters. A firm that invests in transparent, informative content is often signaling a long-term commitment to investor education. 4. Due diligence: Regardless of how you find a syndicator, thorough due diligence is critical. Investors should review the company's track record, fee structure, communication practices and approach to risk management. Investor Qualifications: Accredited Versus Sophisticated Investors Participation in real estate syndications is regulated by U.S. securities law. Most syndications are offered under SEC Regulation D, typically as 506(b) or 506(c) offerings: Rule 506(b) offerings can accept an unlimited number of accredited investors, but participation by sophisticated non-accredited investors is limited to no more than 35 individuals. Sophisticated investors must have sufficient knowledge and experience to evaluate the merits and risks of the investment. General solicitation (advertising) is prohibited. With 506(c) offerings, these are open only to accredited investors who must meet certain net worth or income thresholds: $1 million net worth (excluding primary residence), or $200,000 annual income ($300,000 jointly) for the past two years with a reasonable expectation of maintaining that income. General solicitation is permitted, but accreditation must be verified. Prospective investors should understand their eligibility before pursuing syndication opportunities. Benefits Of Partnering With Real Estate Syndication Companies I find that investing through syndication offers several advantages compared to direct real estate ownership: • Access To Larger Properties: Syndications enable individuals to invest in assets that would otherwise be out of reach—such as large-scale multifamily properties with professional management and economies of scale. • Passive Investment: Limited partners contribute capital and receive returns, but are not responsible for day-to-day operations or property management. This makes syndication appealing for those seeking passive income streams. • Portfolio Diversification: Syndication allows investors to diversify across property types, geographies and operators, helping to spread risk. • Professional Expertise: Syndicators bring market knowledge, operational experience and established networks to the table. These are advantages that can enhance deal sourcing, execution and management. • Tax Efficiency: Many syndications pass through tax benefits such as depreciation, which can help offset taxable income from distributions. Key Considerations While the benefits of investing in real estate syndications are compelling, again, it's important to conduct due diligence and fully understand the risks: • Real estate is an illiquid investment, and your capital may be tied up for several years. • Market conditions, property performance and operator execution can all impact returns. • Syndication structures and fee arrangements vary; transparency is essential. Taking time to understand the mechanics of syndication, carefully vet potential partners, and align investments with personal goals is key to long-term success. Final Thoughts Real estate syndication companies are helping democratize access to some of the most compelling opportunities in commercial real estate. For investors seeking to diversify into this space, education and due diligence are crucial first steps. By approaching syndication with the right knowledge and a focus on thoughtful partnership, investors can benefit from both income and appreciation in this historically resilient asset class. The information provided here is not investment, tax, or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
