Britons are at a precarious tipping point.
Household indebtedness is rising, according to figures from the Bank of England, whether housing, credit card or car financing related.
Britons are being encouraged to spend, spend, spend when their inclination is to save, save, save Meanwhile the thousands of job losses announced as a result of Covid-19 and the privations caused by locking down the economy are set to rise exponentially once the extended furlough scheme has finished.
Amid all this, Britons are being encouraged to spend, spend, spend when their inclination is to save, save, save.
Where do we go from here? Advisers are in the unique position of knowing exactly how to help people make the most of their savings, while keeping up with necessary protection and pensions contributions.
Sadly, the very people who need advice the most are the least likely to get access to it; employers who use a financial adviser should do more, and provide virtual staff forums where the adviser can take questions from staff.
Meanwhile urge your clients to introduce you to family members who might be in the house with them during lockdown; get their children and young adults asking questions and setting them on the right track.
Consider creating apprenticeships as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme. Look locally for youngsters keen on a career in finance.
And use your collective voices to lobby government for fairer policies on pensions, social care budgets and universal credit.
Whatever you are doing, let Financial Adviser know so we can help share great ideas across the industry.
More importantly, the Chartered Insurance Institute wants to hear from anyone who can help identify what people can do to build and maintain their independence.
