John Roberts, Chief Field Officer at Northwestern Mutual, shares insights from the firm’s 2026 Planning & Progress Study, pointing to a growing gap in financial confidence—particularly among younger investors. Gen Z and millennials are increasingly turning to speculative behaviors like crypto, sports betting, and prediction markets as a way to “catch up,” often driven by a sense of falling behind. In contrast, those working with advisors report significantly higher levels of confidence, reinforcing the role of advice in shifting clients toward long-term planning, compounding, and protection.

Roberts also highlights how financial planning is becoming more multi-generational, with a rising number of parents actively saving to help their children purchase a home. That shift, alongside the need for earlier and more deliberate succession planning, underscores a broader theme across the industry. Among top-performing firms, the differentiators are consistent: strong leadership development, intentional talent building, and a focus on engaging the next generation—both as clients and future advisors.

Resources: Northwestern Mutual

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