I'm a Financial Adviser: Why In-Person Financial Guidance Remains the Gold Standard

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In an era when nearly everything can be done online, it's easy to assume that financial guidance is no different.

With a few clicks, retirees can schedule virtual meetings, move assets between accounts, even open investment portfolios without leaving home.

Convenience is valuable, but for many retirees, there's still something irreplaceable about sitting across the table from someone who knows them, their community and their goals.

After more than 30 years working with clients across Wisconsin, I've learned that the most meaningful financial conversations don't always happen during a video meeting.

They happen in person, often around a kitchen table or in a local office, where people can share their stories freely, ask tough questions and walk away with the confidence that they were truly heard.

Trust is easier to build face-to-face

Finances are deeply personal. Retirees often come to an adviser with a mix of hope, fear and uncertainty, emotions that don't always translate well through a webcam.

A slight delay or pixelated connection can make it harder to pick up on tone or body language, both of which are essential to building trust.

When someone sits across from you, you can sense their sincerity. You can tell whether they're really listening or simply waiting for their turn to speak.

For many of my clients, that face-to-face interaction creates a level of comfort that no technology can replace. It allows me to understand not just the numbers on the page, but the person behind them.

Clarity comes from conversation, not just communication

Financial strategies can be complex, especially when discussing such topics as income distribution, required minimum distributions or estate transitions.

Online meetings tend to rush these conversations, and when a retiree nods politely on screen, it's not always clear that they truly understood the implications.

In person, I can see the moment when a client hesitates or looks unsure. That's my cue to pause, back up and explain things another way. I often sketch out examples by hand or use printouts to walk them through scenarios.

Those simple, real-time interactions make it easier for retirees to absorb information and ask follow-up questions that might not come up otherwise.

Local advisers know the local landscape

Retirement preparation doesn't happen in a vacuum. State tax laws, health care systems and community resources vary widely, and working with someone who understands the local environment can make a big difference.

As an adviser based in Wisconsin, I see firsthand how regional factors affect my clients' decisions. From state-specific retirement tax rules to property taxes and long-term care options, every choice has a local layer.

Virtual advisers who operate nationally might offer sound financial concepts, but they can miss the nuances that directly impact your bottom line.

In-person service creates accountability

Technology makes it easier to postpone a meeting, mute a notification or skim over an email update. While digital convenience is helpful, it can also lead to less engagement, especially for retirees who prefer structure and routine.

Meeting in person naturally encourages accountability. When a client walks into my office or greets me at their home, the conversation becomes intentional.

We review progress, update documents and address changes in real time. Those consistent touchpoints help retirees stay on track, even when life gets busy or markets feel uncertain.

Human connection matters most during life transitions

The years leading into and through retirement bring emotional transitions such as selling a business, losing a spouse, moving homes or welcoming grandchildren.

These are times when people need more than just financial charts. They need empathy and understanding.

Virtual meetings can handle transactions, but they can't replicate the reassurance of sitting with someone who genuinely cares.

I've had clients stop by my office just to talk after a major life change. Sometimes the conversation is more about comfort than calculations, and that's OK.

Retirement guidance should always meet people where they are, emotionally as well as financially.

Blending technology with a personal touch

That's not to say technology doesn't have a place. Many retirees enjoy the convenience of reviewing statements online or scheduling appointments electronically.

Some of my clients who travel for the winter appreciate the ability to meet virtually until they're back home in Wisconsin.

But even for those who use digital tools, there's still value in maintaining that personal connection. The ideal approach isn't choosing one or the other. It's finding the right balance between accessibility and authenticity.

The bottom line

For some retirees, virtual advising works just fine. But for many, especially those navigating complex decisions or emotional transitions, in-person guidance remains the gold standard.

Financial confidence often comes from understanding, and understanding grows best when people can look each other in the eye.

Retirement isn't just about money. It's about relationships, goals and confidence in the future.

Sometimes, the best way to secure all three is still the old-fashioned way, by meeting face-to-face.

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.