The Quiet Weight Advisors Carry

As financial advisors, we spend years, decades even, walking alongside our clients through life’s milestones. ?We celebrate their successes, navigate their challenges, and plan for futures they hope to see unfold. ?But what’s not often talked about much in our industry is the profound loss we feel when one of those futures is cut short.

We’ve all had clients pass away. ?We offer our condolences, attend a service, help the surviving family members process accounts, and that's really about it. ?For me, this year was similar to most—clients passed away, men and women of varying ages and circumstances. ?Some were elderly, having lived full and meaningful lives. ?Others were far too young, leaving behind grieving families and unrealized dreams. ?Some losses were expected, while others were sudden and tragic.

But this year felt different. ?Maybe it’s because I’m aging myself, I don’t know. ?I’m no longer seeing losses just among those older than me but also peers people my age or even younger. ?It’s a stark reminder of life’s fragility.

Each loss carries its own wave of emotions. ?And while the families bear the greatest burden, we, as advisors, feel the impact in our own way. ?We don’t just work with numbers or investments, we work with people, their stories, and their legacies.? Over time, we hear these stories, meet their families, and become a small but meaningful part of their lives. ?When they’re gone, it’s not just the loss of a client it’s the loss of someone we truly cared about.

But as advisors, we grieve quietly. ?We don’t often talk about it. ?It feels awkward, or maybe that’s not the right word to express how we want to let the family know how much their loved one meant to us, but we also know we need to be their steady support. ?Balancing those emotions can be one of the hardest parts of the job.

The meetings with the surviving spouse or family are especially difficult.? Sitting across the table, we see the weight of their grief, their confusion, and their fear of what’s next. ?We want them to feel comforted, to know their loved one’s plans will be honored, and that we’re here to help. ?At the same time, we’re processing our own emotions grieving for the person who used to sit in that same chair, sharing stories, laughter, and trust.? It’s a complicated, emotional experience, but I think it’s also one of the most important things we do.

This is the side of our work that isn’t often discussed.? We step into our clients’ lives to help them prepare for the future, yet we often find ourselves helping them and their families navigate the end of it. ??And each of those losses leaves a mark on us.

For those of you in this profession, you know what I’m talking about. ?And if you’ve lost a client this year, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the difference you made in their life and the comfort you’ve offered their family. ?It’s not easy, but it matters deeply.

Let’s not shy away from talking about this. ?These relationships are what make this work so meaningful, and the loss we feel is a reflection of how much we care.

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What are your thoughts? ?How have you handled these moments in your own practice? ?I’d love to hear from you.

Ryan Hitchcock, CPWA?

Financial Planner

High Point Captial Group

Direct 414-253-4611

[email protected]

Securities and investment advisory services offered through?Osaic Wealth, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.?Osaic Wealth?is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of?Osaic Wealth.