Blue Chip Issue 96

BLUECHIPFINANCIAL

BLUECHIPFINANCIAL PLANNING | Wellness solutionsWellness meets wealthWellbeing has become the true measure of success. Now financial advisors and healthcare consultants canoffer more than investment guidance.The wellness economy is valued at over .6-trillion globally. Intoday’s environment of rising economic pressure and shiftingclient expectations, successful advisors are broadening theirrole from traditional financial strategists to holistic wellnesspartners. This shift aligns well with the recent Old Mutual and Medihelpcollaboration, which enables advisors to offer a broader range of integratedfinancial and wellness solutions that better meet clients’ complex needs.From product provider to purpose partnerThis is about reframing the advisor’s role. Today’s younger generationslike millennials and Gen Z are looking beyond investment performancegraphs. They’re in search of purpose, peace of mind and support thatencompasses overall wellness.A wellness advisor:• Builds strategies around a client’s values and long-term goals.• Helps clients budget for self-care, therapy or preventive health.• Understands how emotional, physical and financial wellness intersect.• Recommends holistic, value-aligned solutions, like integrating medicalaid with wellness planning and long-term financial strategies.Advisors should develop an understanding of how factors like burnout,financial anxiety or retirement concerns affect a client’s overall wellbeing.Why now?Encouragingly, Gen Z is already cultivating healthy financial habits: 70%have savings accounts. A growing number of younger people are investingthrough platforms like SatrixNOW, where over half of all new accountholders are under 40. These financial planning indicators show that theyounger generations are tech-savvy, optimistic and more financiallyengaged than ever. But many still struggle with keeping money “sticky”,leaving investments untouched for the long term rather than withdrawingthem to meet short-term needs. Advisors have a unique opportunity tobridge this gap by fostering education around risk, medical aid cover,long-term investment strategy and mental wellbeing – basically beingfinancially fit and smart.Clients today want advisors who:• Offer empathy and life context, not just charts and graphs.• Help them budget for joy, not just retirement.• Understand that values like freedom, purpose or security are just asimportant as net worth.How to position yourself as a wellness advisor1. Start with valuesUse the concept of valuegraphics [1] by simply asking better questions:• What matters most to you?• What brings you peace of mind?• What does success mean to you beyond money?2. Incorporate behavioural scienceHelp clients overcome emotional spending, financial paralysis or scarcitythinking. Future-fit advisors may even collaborate with life coaches.3. Partner strategicallyYou don’t need to become an expert in every area. Team up with:• Mental health professionals• Fitness and nutrition experts• Values-aligned service providers• Medical schemes offering wellness-driven benefits4. Share content that caresBuild trust by offering practical resources, like budgeting for self-care,managing financial anxiety and navigating life transitions.5. Walk the talkClients value authenticity. Show how you live your own wellness valuesin your brand and interactions.?Medihelp’s plans include wellness benefits suchas preventive care, mental health support, a guidedparenting journey and a post-hospital care programmeto reduce the risk of readmission – powerful talking points foradvisors helping clients prioritise their health.Through our recent collaboration with Old Mutual, Medihelpis proud to be the preferred medical scheme partner, supporting anintegrated approach to client wellbeing. This enables advisors to presenta more comprehensive offering that supports holistic wellbeing.Alongside medical scheme membership, advisors can offercomplementary products such as gap cover – an increasingly relevantsolution for clients looking to bridge medical shortfalls and strengthentheir financial resilience.Wellness advising is also smart businessThis isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a clear competitive advantage. Advisorswho prioritise wellness create deeper client relationships and trust.People are more likely to stay loyal to brands and advisors that alignwith their values, especially those prioritising health, balance and overallwellbeing. Wellness-driven advisors naturally identify additional clientneeds like income protection, mental health support, life insurance andestate planning. By aligning with clients’ evolving values, wellness-drivenadvisors can offer more meaningful solutions.The takeaway: relevance through resonanceAdvisors today are uniquely positioned to support clients beyondinvestments by helping them live well, not just retire well. Becoming awellness advisor is about stepping into a role that clients already want youto play: their guide to a meaningful life. When you lead with values andsupport the person, not just their portfolio, you create lasting impact.[1] https://valuegraphics.com/56 www.bluechipdigital.co.za

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