👽️ A Vegas Mystery

A strange monolith was found jutting out of the rocks in a remote Las Vegas mountain range earlier this year.

And while it was suddenly taken down by authorities, it’s still a mystery as to how it got there in the first place.

The 6-foot-4-reflective prism was the latest discovery in a serious of mysterious columns that have popped up since 2020.

In an attempt to quell the talk of aliens, Lt. Nick Street of Utah’s Department of Public Safety says, “This thing is not from another world.”

Well…okay, Nick – that settles it! 😉 

Moving on…until the next shiny prism appears in a town near you!

- Team Advisorist

In Today’s Issue 👇️ 

• The one investment Americans trust most in 2024

• 48% of couples AVOID this

• How To Master A Sales Presentation

📈 Which Long-Term Investment Do Americans Trust Most?

A recent study show’s that Americans trust real estate investments far more than any other type of investment, stocks and mutual funds included.

And while real estate is the most trusted investment across all demographics, it’s interesting to note that different income classes have different levels of trust with specific asset classes.

You can see the breakdown for lower, middle, and upper income classes below:

• Upper Income Class: Real estate is by far the winner, with 40% trusting real estate as the best long term investment. Stocks and mutual funds follow closely behind, with gold, savings accounts, bonds, and then crypto. The upper income class values savings accounts far less than the average person.

• Middle Income Class: The middle class is also quite fond of real estate, though the gap between gold and stocks is much smaller than it is in the upper income class.

• Lower Income Class: While the lower income class also thinks real estate is the best long-term investment, they actually put more trust in gold and savings accounts than they do the stock market. Interestingly, they believe in the long-term ROI of crypto more than upper and middle income classes.

🏠️ The Power of Real Estate

The trust in real estate is largely due to the fact that home prices have increased dramatically over the past couple of decades.

The latest data shows median home prices in the U.S. have increased by 175% or more since 2000. (And in many growing markets, prices have 2X’d or 3X’d.)

Interestingly, it’s real estate that has brought more people out of the lower and middle income classes and placed them into the upper income classes – perhaps signaling to those on the outside looking in that real estate is the key to “leveling up.”

👂️ An Advisor’s Responsibility

For advisors, it’s important not to shy away from conversations about real estate. While stocks, mutual funds, and annuities might be your bread and butter, the average investor is more likely to trust an advisor who also has a willingness to discuss the role of real estate within a portfolio.

Headline Roundup

🏠 Affecting Your Clients

• Retirement ‘Super Savers’ Have Biggest 401k Balances [CNBC]

• Fed Judges Block Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan [BI]

• 1-in-5 Student Loan Borrowers Keep Balance Secret From Partner [NW]

📈 Markets & Economy 

• US Auto Sales Expected to slow During Second Half of 2024 [CNBC]

• Concerns About Inflation Peaking Among Americans [CNBC]

• US Treasury to Devote $100M to Affordable Housing [RTRS]

💼 Industry Roundup 

• Fewer Americans Are Buying Insurance [LIMRA]

• Certain Bond Yields Still Beating Inflation [MS]

• Hardship Withdrawals From 401K Plans Skyrocket 40% [MS]

💰️ Couples Are Avoiding Money Conversations

Did you know that 48% of couples avoid having difficult conversations with their partner, fearing a negative reaction and preferring to keep things light?

Research of 2,000 married adults revealed themes of illness and death were too uncomfortable for many to broach.

• 27% of couples would refuse to talk to their other half about how they’d like to be looked after should they get dementia.

• And 19% don’t want to address the subject of will writing.

• When a serious topic is brought up, 42% find their partner tries to change the subject.

Yet 33% believe their relationship would be strengthened if they opened up.

As an advisor, it’s not your job to save marriages or make couples happy.

However, you’re in a unique position where you have the ability to make an impact beyond zeros and commas.

While couples might not always initiate sensitive topics like wills, long-term care, life insurance, and finances…

…you can.

And here’s the best part: Though couples don’t want to initiate these conversations, most people report feeling closer with their spouse after having them.

As an advisor, this allows you to create positive associations with your clients…ultimately resulting in greater client satisfaction and loyalty.

🗓️ Virtual Event of the Week

This week’s Power Hour is a star-studded double-header featuring two of the most respected names in our industry.

Both Tom Hegna and Lloyd Lofton stop by for powerful conversations about thriving in today’s industry.

Tom will come on live to discuss some of the biggest trends happening in the industry right now, and how top advisors are equipping themselves to get bigger and better results in 2024.

Lloyd Lofton will discuss How To Master A Sales Presentation...Without Sounding Scripted, And While Uncovering Real Client Needs!

This Power Hour is for:

• People who feel that their appointments are not sticking

• Advisors who have a hard time with consistent sales results

• People who struggle with objections

• Anyone looking to sell more confidently and close more sales

We’re going to reach max attendance at this week’s Power Hour, so make sure you register and arrive on time!

👉 Click here to register for free!

🧮 By the Numbers

10%

A team of researchers have discovered that one of the keys to making more money is to spend time with the right friends.

More specifically, they found that for every 10% increase in friends of high socioeconomic status, there was a nearly 3% greater chance of stock-market participation for a person with a lower income and a 5% increase in the chance they saved money.

✌️Good Vibes

Earlier this week, Lukas McClish, 34, was rescued after being lost for 10 days in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The avid hiker had set out for what he thought would be a brief 3-hour hike, but things quickly turned dangerous when he became disoriented and unable to recognize landmarks that had been altered by recent fires.

“I left with just a pair of pants, my hiking shoes, and a hat. I had a flashlight and a par of folding scissors,” he said after being rescued.

When asked about his experience of being reunited with family, thanks to the heroic efforts of local rescuers, he had this to say…

“It was just really humbling and I don’t know, it was an awesome experience.”

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