In a recent episode of the March to a Million Podcast, Greg DuPont and co-host Matt Halloran had an insightful conversation with long-term care expert Barclay Sisk. They explored how financial advisors can strategically address their clients' long-term care needs by leveraging innovative software solutions to create comprehensive and flexible plans.
An Introduction to Barclay Sisk's Approach
Barclay, who has over 30 years of experience in the long-term care industry, shared that he began his journey at John Hancock after his father encouraged him to explore long-term care insurance. Over the years, Barclay noticed a lack of tracking mechanisms to gauge the effectiveness of long-term care plans. In response, he developed software that allows advisors to compare various strategies and guide clients in creating a solid plan over time. The software helps clients start with manageable contributions and adjust their funding as their financial situations change due to factors like selling a business or inheriting assets.
Traditional vs. Asset-Based Long-Term Care
The conversation highlighted the differences between traditional long-term care insurance and asset-based plans. Barclay clarified that while traditional plans have often been viewed negatively due to rising premiums, recent regulations have stabilized these costs. He also emphasized that hybrid plans combining long-term care and life insurance can effectively meet client needs. However, it’s crucial to start early, especially in one's 50s, to ensure insurability and build a legacy care fund. The fund can later be expanded when clients inherit money or liquidate their businesses.
Barclay emphasized that advisors should avoid a "set it and forget it" mentality. Instead, they should continuously monitor and refine plans to ensure they remain effective. His software can simulate different scenarios and demonstrate how reallocating pre-retirement assets can maximize leverage and provide a stronger long-term care plan.
Monitoring and Legacy Planning
One major theme was the need for consistent monitoring and refinement of long-term care plans. Barclay argued that traditional policies often fail because clients don’t receive ongoing advice and support. By maintaining regular check-ins and using comprehensive data, advisors can help clients adjust their plans based on changing needs and priorities. For instance, gifting funds to adult children can set them up with their own long-term care plans early, preventing a financial burden on the parents later.
Final Thoughts
The episode reinforced the importance of financial advocates in long-term care planning. Greg and Matt agreed that by understanding each client's unique circumstances and aspirations, advisors could use Barclay's software to address their clients' most pressing long-term care and estate planning concerns.
This tool helps clients articulate their long-term care goals, so advisors can tailor their recommendations accordingly. By tracking these objectives from the start, financial professionals can better anticipate future funding needs and create effective plans that adapt to life’s uncertainties.
In closing, Greg reiterated the importance of educational resources like the March to a Million Podcast in equipping advisors with the tools they need to become trusted advocates. These approaches help ensure clients feel confident in their long-term care strategies, fostering loyalty and peace of mind.
Listen to the full March to a Million episode here: https://marchtoamillion.blubrry.net/2024/04/24/rethinking-long-term-care-planning-with-barclay-sisk-ep-23/
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