The Emerging Professional sometimes referred to as a millennial or Gen Y,  The Emerging Professional can be a college graduate, mid-20s to mid-30s in age.  She is likely working in a professional setting – law, medicine, accounting, engineering etc.  The Emerging Professional often has some type of professional license or designation that is required in her field.  The Emerging Professional enjoys a high income and may be considering a major career event – moving to a new firm or perhaps starting a business.

Some of the planning issues facing The Emerging Professional are debt reduction, family formation, solidifying investment strategy, saving for children’s education, making a housing change, Roth or non-Roth IRA/401(k) retirement saving, risk management decisions, maximizing employee benefits.

The Emerging Professional is comfortable with investments perhaps even using an algorithm based service (robo-advisor) although having a personal relationship with a live advisor may be reassuring.  Paying directly for financial advice makes sense.  Paying fees monthly like a gym membership, Internet or Cell service is preferable.  The Emerging Professional is sensitive to fees, although not fee-averse, she recognizes there must be value in exchange for fees. 

Emerging Professionals are looking for an advisory relationship that puts their interests ahead of the advisor so a written Fiduciary agreement is crucial.  Complex, costly financial product offered by company sales staff is a non-starter.

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