Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
The Future of Finance: Generation Z
![Alisha Cook headshot](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-thefutureoffinancegenerationz.jpg)
This opportunity is made possible by the generosity of exemplary donor Mary Wright. The research fellowship is not just a position, but a commitment to help shape the future of financial services for those now at the forefront of defining it. With Wright’s standing support, we have the opportunity to delve deep into the world of Gen Z, exploring the perceptions, aspirations, and nuances of our next generation of financial professionals.
According to a report published by Deloitte in May 2023, 65% of financial services institutions reported they expect a shortage of critical workers over the next two years, and only 61% believe their organization is effective in aligning the right talent with the work required.”
As the financial services industry faces significant talent shortages and an aging workforce, ample opportunity arises to attract and align Gen Z talent to fill this gap. In response to this challenge, our research aims to set forth actionable strategies the industry can implement to attract but retain Gen Z talent. So far, through an initial pilot study, extensive literature reviews, personal insights, and discussions with fellow researchers, we have designed a comprehensive survey to be launched this spring. The survey explores a wide scope of topics, from financial literacy to industry perceptions and career intentions. Through a thorough analysis of the respondents, we can gather invaluable insights from Generation Z.
Diverse, dynamic, socially engaged and self-advocating, Gen Z brings a fresh new perspective to the table, and they deserve to not only be heard, but also understood. They're not just looking for jobs; they’re seeking opportunities to make meaningful impact both within and outside of the workplace. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of financial services, let us embrace the insights and aspirations of Generation Z in driving the financial sector towards a more prosperous, diverse, and sustainable future.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Women Working in Wealth on the Road
![Financial professional speaking at conference](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-womenworkinginwealthsmontheroad.jpg)
At these prestigious events, the Center for Women in Financial Services showcased its expertise and dedication to empowering women in the financial industry. Lewis’s presence underscored The College's commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering leadership among female professionals. Here are some of the Center’s favorite takeaways.
Five Key Themes from the Invest In Women Conference and Osaic W Forum
- Empowering Female Clients: The conferences emphasized the importance of empowering financial advisors to effectively address the unique needs of female clients. With a focus on inclusivity and diversity, attendees gained valuable insights into tailoring financial strategies to meet the evolving preferences of women in the rapidly changing financial services landscape.
- Insights Into Longevity Planning: A standout session shed light on the implications of female clients' longevity on Social Security and Medicare planning. Advisors learned valuable strategies to ensure the financial security of their clients in later years, equipping them to navigate the complexities of retirement planning with confidence.
- Supporting Clients Through Major Illnesses: Another session addressed the sensitive topic of assisting clients in surviving major illnesses. Attendees gained practical tools and resources to support clients during challenging times, fostering stronger client-advisor relationships built on trust and empathy.
- Navigating Divorce and Transitions: The conference tackled the harsh reality that marriages often end in divorce, offering insights into the financial implications of divorce and strategies for navigating this complex transition. Advisors learned how to effectively guide clients through divorce proceedings while safeguarding their financial wellbeing.
- Visionary Approaches to Scaling Firms: Attendees explored three visionary approaches to scaling their advisory firms, gaining inspiration and practical knowledge to achieve their professional goals. From leveraging technology to expanding service offerings, advisors left with actionable strategies to drive growth and innovation in their practices.
In summary, both the Invest In Women and Osaic W Forum conferences serve as catalysts for change, ushering in a new era of excellence for financial advisors, industry leaders, and their valued clientele. By empowering advisors to better serve female clients and fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, the event set the stage for a more impactful and inclusive approach to wealth management in the years to come.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Empowering the Next Generation: Women Alumni Leading The College’s Next Gen Advisory Task Force
![NextGen award ceremony](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-empoweringthenextgenerationwomenalumnieadingthecollegesnextgenadvisorytaskforce.jpeg)
The American College of Financial Services’ Next Gen Advisory Task Force stands as a beacon of innovation and forward thinking within the financial services industry. Comprising a diverse group of talented alumni and active students, this task force is dedicated to providing fresh perspectives and driving positive change within the profession. At its helm are a cohort of remarkable women alumni, whose leadership and dedication are shaping the future of the industry.
Purpose of the Next Gen Advisory Task Force
The Next Gen Advisory Task Force serves a crucial role in advancing the mission and vision of The College. Through initiatives like the Next Gen Award, The College’s podcasts, and industry events, the task force aims to provide a platform for the rising generation of professionals to thrive. By fostering transparency in career paths, conducting research, and promoting inclusion and belonging, the task force is attracting and retaining top talent.
Guiding Principles
The Next Gen Advisory Task Force is guided by a clear mission and vision, driving its efforts to enhance financial services through innovative ideas and diversity of thought. Its mission is to attract more next gen professionals to the industry, provide opportunities for learning and growth, and create environments that foster talent retention. With a vision focused on enhancing diversity and innovation, the task force is committed to driving positive change within the profession.
Women Alumni Leading the Way
Among the alumni serving on the task force are a group of talented and dedicated women, each bringing their unique expertise and perspectives to the table.
- Amber Stitt ACP, CHFC®, CLU®, GALLUP®
- Hannah Kanstroom, CAP®
- Katlyn Orton, RICP®
- Kay Blunck, CFP®, CHFC®, CAP®, CRPC®, AEP®
- LeTian Dong, CFP®, WMCP®, RICP®, CHFC®, RMA®
- Lindsey Lewis, MBA, CHFC®, CFP®
- Morgan Marlin, CRPS®, WMCP®
- Stephanie Hohenshell, RICP®, LACP®, LUTCF®
Join our standout women alumnae serving on the task force!
Supporting Women Champions
In addition to the alumni serving on the task force, The College is fortunate to have the support of women who champion its mission and values.
- Anna Kareis, APMA
- Alanah Phillips
- Chandress Williams, CPWA®
- Crystal Roseman
- Diana Cabrices
- Gloria S. Garcia Cisneros, CFP®
- Jackie Wilke
- Jessica Flynn
- Julie Ragatz, PhD
- Kristin Dorm
- Lea Landaverde
- Liv Gagnon
- Mariana Llamas
- Mariel Walker
- Nabia Jenkins-Johnston
- Nicole Casperson
- Paxon Stofcheck
These women are dedicated to supporting The College's initiatives and driving positive change within the profession.
Together, the women alumni and supporters are leading the charge towards a more inclusive, innovative, and vibrant future for the financial services industry. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence will inspire the next generation of professionals and shaping the future of the profession for years to come.
Unveiling Results from the Retirement Income Literacy Study
![A couple speaking with an advisor about retirement options](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-rils2023%20%281%29.jpeg)
The study, which is the fourth iteration of The College's Retirement Income Literacy Study, reveals concerning gaps in retirement knowledge among older Americans. On average, participants scored only 31% on a retirement literacy quiz, highlighting a lack of actionable retirement knowledge.
Dr. Kaylee Ranck, Director of College Research, led the efforts to launch this project on behalf of the American College Center for Women in Financial Services and presented the findings at the event. The study underscores the direct relationship between financial literacy and factors such as asset levels. Respondents with assets exceeding $1.5 million scored twice as high as those with less than $100,000 (50% vs. 25%), indicating that wealthier individuals tend to have a better understanding of retirement planning.
The study also emphasizes the crucial role of financial professionals in educating clients. Advised respondents, those who work with financial advisors, demonstrated higher retirement income literacy and better outcomes compared to their non-advised peers. This finding highlights the importance of professional guidance in navigating the complexities of retirement planning.
The timing of the study is particularly relevant as the United States approaches a demographic shift known as the "Graying of America." The Baby Boomer generation is reaching retirement age, with an estimated 12,000 individuals retiring every day. As the median age of Americans increases, planning for longer, well-lived lives become increasingly important.
The media event in New York City, attended by journalists from leading trade publications and industry experts, served as a platform to disseminate these findings. The Retirement Income Literacy Study not only sheds light on the current state of retirement literacy, but also points to the need for a concerted effort to improve financial education and planning.
In addition to the broader findings, the Center for Women in Financial Services is set to launch a specialized segment of the data focusing on retirement income planning for women. This initiative aims to highlight the distinct outcomes and knowledge levels of women regarding retirement income. The continued examination of the survey results, including this targeted analysis, is essential in providing valuable insights into the state of retirement planning and financial literacy in the United States. As the research progresses, it will remain instrumental in shaping the conversation around retirement readiness and financial education, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of diverse demographics.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Celebrating Women's History Month: Inspiring Inclusion in Financial Services
![Group of inspiring women in financial services speaking together](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-celebratingwomenshistorymonthInspiringinclusioninfinancialservices.jpeg)
International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the strides made towards gender equality while highlighting the ongoing journey to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive society. The theme of “Inspire Inclusion” resonates deeply within the financial services industry, emphasizing the significance of diversity and empowerment in all facets of our work.
In the realm of financial services, inspiring inclusion means celebrating the diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions of women from all backgrounds. It means recognizing and valuing the unique experiences and insights they bring to the table, enriching our industry and driving innovation forward.
At the heart of inspiring inclusion lies a commitment to challenging stereotypes and dismantling barriers that hinder the progress of women in financial services. It involves creating environments where all women feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
As advocates for gender equality, it is incumbent upon us to not only celebrate the achievements of women but also to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable financial services industry. This entails implementing policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of leadership, ensuring women have equal opportunities for advancement and representation.
Moreover, inspiring inclusion requires us to amplify the voices of women from marginalized communities, recognizing their unique challenges and advocating for meaningful change. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging, we can create a more vibrant and resilient financial services industry that reflects the rich tapestry of human experience.
As we honor Women's History Month and International Women's Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to inspiring inclusion in financial services and beyond. Together, let us celebrate the diversity, resilience, and strength of women, recognizing that true progress towards gender equality is only possible when we embrace and uplift all women, without exception.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Kickoff Military Resource Group Consortium Lunch and Learn
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In 2023, the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs partnered with The American College of Financial Services’ Career Services Office and Nationwide’s Military Affiliated Resource Group, led by President, Director of Broker Dealer Licensing, and Advisory Council Member Melvin Smith, USMC (Vet.), to develop a Military Resource Group (MRG) strategy mission and vision:
Mission Statement: “Building Bridges to Success”
Our mission is to bridge the gap between transitioning military scholars who are pursuing careers in the financial services industry through awareness, education, professional development opportunities, and networking with and between esteemed financial services companies.
Vision Statement:
We envision a future where the unique skills and experiences of our military scholars are recognized and harnessed, contributing to a more diverse, resilient, and innovative financial services sector. As a catalyst, we connect scholars with industry professionals, raise awareness for The College, and strengthen Military Resource Groups to shape the future of finance
On February 6th, the Center hosted its first virtual MRG Consortium Lunch and Learn collaborating with multiple financial services companies to discuss several topics key to the military and financial services communities, including:
- Military members transitioning into the financial services industry
- Best practices to foster and grow successful industry MRGs
- Methods to effectively support our military communities
The consortium will support the Center in organizing quarterly webinars to introduce Center scholars to the MRGs and provide educational and professional development opportunities at the 2024 Military Summit.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Center News
![Military veteran sits with financial advisor](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-sitrepq12024story1insight.jpeg)
On January 17th, Admiral Michael Mullen, USN (Ret.), 2023 recipient of the Soldier-Citizen Award and Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs to discuss how he believes military members, veterans, and their spouses provide value to the financial services industry.
Admiral Mullen expressed his gratitude as the award recipient and how special the 2023 Clambake was: “One of the thrills was to see the number of people there who were in financial services who were either veterans themselves or who were employers bringing veterans into the space. This area is a particularly challenging one because it is not well-known to us in the military.”
Admiral Mullen discussed the challenges the military community faces when transitioning during his experience as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His experience led him and his staff to develop a paper called “A Sea of Goodwill,” which connects the goodwill of the American people to support those who serve as they transition through the pillars of education, employment, and health.
“The key for anyone in transition is you need to have a network. There are many things tied to a good transition, but to me that is key, recognizing how hard it is, going somewhere and connecting with those who have done it, and going somewhere you really want to go,” Mullen stated.
He recommended for those in transition to list what they do and do not want in their next career to help identify a purpose, find a company with leadership who supports hiring military members, veterans, and their spouses, and effectively communicate your myriad of skills.
Mullen stated “one of the hardest things is how do you create the right vocabulary for your skillset that would match the vocabulary in the civilian sector. We in the military, right down to the most junior person, bring skills that are really valued in the private sector.”
He emphasized that for those interested in transitioning into the financial services industry, education is key.
To financial service companies looking to hire military members, veterans, and their spouses, Mullen stated, “it is a really good bet for your company, you will find individuals who are proud and young, they are loyal, they are team-oriented, disciplined, selfless, they lead, they perform really well under pressure and in a crisis, they are responsible and accountable individuals, and they can handle change. If you want to hire someone who wants to make a difference in your outfit, go to our community. I have heard it from leaders who have hired vets, and it is one of the best things they have ever done.”
Honoring 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee, Paul Vignone
![Paul E. Vignone receiving award](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-2023halloffameinductee.jpeg)
Alumni Hall of Fame: Paul E. Vignone, CLU®, ChFC®, JD, LLM
The American College of Financial Services’ Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to recognize graduates of The College's designation, certification, and degree programs who have made extraordinary contributions in time, treasure, effort, and energy to the institution, their community, and the financial services industry as a whole. The College is proud to announce Paul Vignone as the 2023 inductee.
Paul is an estate and business planning consultant for The Gaber Group. He spent much of his career with Penn Mutual as a managing partner and then an executive consultant. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned many of Penn Mutual’s employee awards, including its most prestigious, the National Chairman’s Award. In addition, the General Agents’ and Managers’ Association has consistently recognized his contributions to the industry, including honoring him with its coveted First-in-Class Award and 13 Master Agency Awards.
Prior to his work with Penn Mutual, Paul served as general manager for Phoenix Home Life and general manager for Prudential, and from 1974 to 1977, he was a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Active in the industry, Paul is a member of the FINSECA Board of Directors. He is a past president of the New York City Chapter of Financial Service Professionals and served as a past president of the New York City General Agents’ and Managers’ Association, as well as the Northern New Jersey General Agents’ and Managers’ Association.
A past 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Paul is a Vietnam veteran and earned a Bronze Star for Valor during his service. He graduated from LaSalle University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University Law School and was awarded a master’s degree in tax law from New York University.
With this honor, Paul joins a distinguished group of The College’s alumni and partners, and it is an honor for The College to grant him this recognition.
Hear What Experts Say About the New Retirement Income Literacy Study
![Retirement Income Literacy Study](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-rils2023.jpeg)
The American College of Financial Services released the findings of the fourth wave of the Retirement Income Literacy Study at a New York City premiere event attended by invited guests from the media and institutional partners of The College on February 13, 2024.
Based on a 38-question financial literacy quiz, the research aims to assess older Americans’ level of knowledge on topics they need to understand for effective retirement planning. The questions cover various aspects of retirement planning, such as the ideal age for filing for Social Security and the impact of interest rates on bond prices. The results reveal that in the decade since the first wave of research began in 2014, the needle has not moved. On average, respondents only answered 31% of the questions correctly, indicating a lack of financial literacy on topics related to retirement income.
At the premiere event, top academics from The College shared their initial insights and “aha” moments sparked by the new research. Here's a look at highlights from the panel discussion led by Steve Parrish JD, RICP®, CLU®, CHFC®, AEP®, featuring researchers Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Kaylee Ranck, PhD, Chet R. Bennetts, CFP®, CHFC®, CLU®, RICP®, CLF®, and Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®—in their own words:
![Steve Parrish](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb32-steveparrish.jpg)
Parrish: Call it financial literacy, you could call it knowledge, you can call it understanding—but whatever it is, we know that these are important pieces of information [individuals must know] in order to make smart decisions about their own retirement…It's very important because it affects millions of people and affects their well-being. Think about things like the fact that so few of us have defined benefit contracts anymore, right? It's defined contributions and IRAs, and that means that in accumulating you have to figure out how to do it yourself. In distribution and decumulating, you have to figure out how to do it. You don't have your employer doing it. Key decisions like Medicare and Social Security, those are decisions that have to be made fairly early in retirement, but they stick for the rest of your life.
![Michael Finke](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb32-michaelfinke.jpg)
Finke: Target-date funds have been a success in the accumulation stage, but it's actually divorced people from having to make decisions about their own retirement. And what ends up happening is that when people start to see the end zone approaching, once they hit their fifties, they start realizing that they have no idea how much money they've saved, how they've invested, what their options are for generating income in retirement, and they have no idea what sort of risks they're exposed to…There is a general social phenomenon, especially for these generations like the younger Baby Boomer generation and Gen Xers who are approaching retirement, who have been in this sort of soft bubble-wrapped environment of accumulation. Now what do we do with them once they start decumulating? It's no wonder that they're experiencing anxiety.
![Kaylee Ranck](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb32-kayleeranck.jpg)
Ranck: What we find through a lot of the research is that individuals [score better] when they have to experience something. For example, when they get closer to being Medicare-eligible in age, their knowledge score around Medicare increases because it's an experience that they have and the knowledge that they need in order to get through that particular transition. We see that with several of the scores.
![Chet Bennetts](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb32-chetbennets.jpg)
Bennetts: I specifically looked at some of the retirement concerns [and] the two that had the highest average across the board were Social Security cuts and inflation. Those were two of the bigger ones. And that's something I think we can all agree that even the best financial advisor, best financial planner in the world is not going to be able to wave a magic wand and help someone with. Rightfully so, maybe that's a higher level of concern from the consumer with or without an advisor. However, when you added an advisor, there was an impact and those concerns did decrease. And in part, I'm sure, because of the preparation and the conversations [between financial advisors and clients about] “How do we handle…?” or “How do we anticipate those things?” from the psychosocial and behavioral side of it. [What] I thought was cool was the fact that when we have professionals—professionals whom, as an institution, we're charged with training and giving the most relevant information—that dramatically decreased [respondents’ answers] to the tune of 20% on the anxiety side and 25% on the stress side.
![Eric Ludwig](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb32-ericludwig.jpg)
Ludwig: If you ask people how they viewed the stock market over the next 12 months, that was a significant predictor [of what they would do with their portfolio]. Basically for each level of optimism, that led to another 10% higher likelihood that they didn't do anything with their portfolio. Those who had an advisor [were] twice as likely to maintain [their] portfolio during the market volatility of 2022 as opposed to those who did not… From a practical aspect [what we recommend to advisors is] having them check in with their clients and asking them, “How do you view the stock market over the next 12 months, what is your market outlook?” [That may] be a significant predictor of what they're going to actually do with their portfolio.
The research underscores the need for better education about retirement planning geared toward those who are approaching or in retirement age. With robust results from surveying more than 3,765 Americans aged 50 to 75, the Retirement Income Literacy Study research team plans to release additional cuts of the data to provide deeper analysis into topics highlighted here—plus additional topics yet to be revealed.
To learn more about the findings and what the research reveals about the educational role of financial advisors, read the study here.
Recognizing the 2023 NextGen Financial Services Award Recipients
![2023 NextGen Award Recipients](/sites/default/files/inline-images/cb15-2023nextgenfinancialservicesawardlrecipients.jpg)
NextGen Financial Services Professional Award
The NextGen Financial Services Professional Award honors young professionals under the age of 40 who made a significant impact in the financial services industry and have shown outstanding performance and leadership in their careers, with a desire to give back to the community.
The winners from 2023 include:
Michael Acosta, CFP®, CSLP, ChFC®
Michael is a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) at Genesis Wealth Planning, LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina. A first-generation Colombian-American, he attended Wingate University on a lacrosse scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Economics. Michael spent the first four years of his career working for a wealth management platform before transitioning into his current role as a financial advisor.
Kay Blunck, CFP®, ChFC®, CAP®, CRPC®
Kay is a wealth advisor with Inspired Wealth Advisors at Thrivent Financial. She enjoys creating holistic and individualized financial plans for each client’s unique circumstances. Kay also serves on the board of a local nonprofit, Military Missions. She finds joy in meeting with nonprofits and teaching their board members about different gifting strategies her clients are adopting and how they can incorporate these strategies into their fundraising efforts. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky.
Akeiva Ellis, MSFP, CPA/PFS, CFP®, ChSNC®
Akeiva is a CFP® Board Ambassador whose financial expertise has been quoted in numerous media outlets, including Refinery 29, NPR, Business Insider, and CNBC. As the co-founder of The Bemused (with her husband), she has helped tens of thousands of young adults improve their finances through online video content and coaching programs. She has been recognized by the AICPA with a Standing Ovation Award in Personal Financial Planning, been named an industry Rising Star by Financial Planning magazine, been identified as a Luminary in Diversity and Inclusion by ThinkAdvisor, and she is the youngest person to be named to Investment News’ prestigious 40 under 40.
Hannah Kanstroom, CAP®, MSW
Hannah is a Senior Vice President and philanthropic strategist for the National Consulting and Advisory Practice at Bank of America Private Bank, based in Boston, Massachusetts. In her role, Hannah delivers customized consulting and advisory services to nonprofit clients’ boards of directors, investment committees and senior leaders. Her areas of focus include strategic planning, mission advancement, next gen engagement, nonprofit governance, and board dynamics. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College and a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Corporate Social Responsibility and Nonprofit Management from Columbia University.
Padric H.B. Scott, AEP®, CFP®, CAP®, ChFC®, CLU®, WMCP®, CCFC
Padric graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Biology. He then began his Master's at FAMU, until he stopped to accept a contract to play in the
NFL for the Arizona Cardinals. Padric's professional football career spanned five years, with stops in the Arena Football League and the Canadian Football League. Today, Padric serves as both CEO and Founder of Crossroad Capital Partners, a full-service equity and estate planning practice founded in 2018 that serves as an umbrella organization for his consulting engagements, partnered with Northwestern Mutual. Based out of Tallahassee, Florida, Crossroad is currently licensed in 43 states.
From the looks of these five accomplished professionals, the next generation is here now, and the industry is in good hands.