Tools to Build Lasting Income Streams

Franklin Templeton Investments calls the new support program “Income for What’s Next,” and says the service is designed to address the complexities and changing reality of retirement savings in the current economic environment. The firm says its new service for advisers takes into account the lengthening life expectancies, rising health care expenses and other investing concerns currently challenging retirees.

Michael Doshier, vice president of retirement marketing for Franklin Templeton Investments, explains the new services is contrasted with the bulk of retirement planning efforts, which have historically been focused solely on accumulation.

“However, as demographics and economic trends evolve, retirement income is coming more to the forefront as an essential function for advisers,” Doshier says. “They must help clients turn their savings into income—income that pays for their mortgage, their health care and even their vacations—and that must last longer and longer.”

Doshier says advisers can play a vital role in guiding their clients as the more detached logic of accumulation is replaced by the very real emotions and choices of preparing to live in retirement. He says that, for many of today’s retiring workers, retirement is less about slowing down and more about “being able to do what’s next.” That means investors want to work with an adviser that has the tools and expertise to help in defining goals, top concerns, and the right investment and annuitization strategies.

The firm also released a complementary income guide that provides advice on using tactical tools to set retirement goals and identify concerns—using input to suggest potential income sources to fund fixed, rising and discretionary expense needs.

Financial advisers are encouraged to visit Franklin Templeton’s online retirement center at franklintempleton.com/retirement, which includes interactive features, education content and other resources for financial professionals serving employers and plan sponsors, as well as individual investors.