In the Trust & Will 2025 Financial Advisor Report, one message rings clear: the role of the financial advisor is evolving—and estate planning is no longer optional.
A striking 70% of Americans now expect estate planning to be part of their financial advising experience, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward more holistic financial care. And advisors like Michael Fiammetta, Wealth Planner at 4 Generations Wealth Management, are meeting the moment by integrating estate planning into their practices in meaningful, human-centered ways.
From Transactions to Life Planning
“Gone are the days of just reviewing a portfolio once a year,” says Fiammetta. “When you start asking clients real questions about what matters—about their family, their goals, their fears—estate planning naturally comes up.”
Fiammetta emphasizes that conversations often begin subtly: a client mentions helping an aging parent, or worries aloud about their children’s future. These moments spark deeper discussions around wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and multi-generational planning—all essential components of a comprehensive estate plan.
By proactively addressing these topics, Fiammetta isn’t just protecting his clients’ assets—he’s helping them build confidence and peace of mind, knowing their wishes will be honored and their loved ones protected.
Why Advisors Can’t Afford to Ignore Estate Planning
Still, not every advisor has made the leap. And Fiammetta warns that those who delay could face real consequences.
“There’s vulnerability in not offering estate planning,” he explains. “Clients talk. If someone hears that their friend’s advisor reviewed their trust, discussed long-term goals, and helped them prepare documents that reflect their wishes—that becomes the new standard.”
Advisors who don’t evolve risk losing both prospective and current clients to those who provide a more well-rounded experience. As Fiammetta puts it: “You have to make up for that value somewhere else—otherwise you’re not just behind; you’re at risk.”
Trust is the Foundation
The study also uncovered something deeply human: 43% of clients say they share personal family dynamics with their advisor, and nearly 1 in 5 share “everything”—even details that feel like too much information.
Fiammetta calls it financial therapy. “You’re not just a planner—you become a trusted friend, a confidant. Someone who helps them see clearly, not just financially but personally.”
He believes this depth of trust is only possible when advisors genuinely listen. “You ask about their life, their hopes, their fears. And when they feel seen, that opens the door to real, lasting connection.”
The Next Generation is Driving the Shift
Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge in estate planning interest—a trend Fiammetta attributes to both lived experience and access to education.
“They’ve seen what happens when families don’t plan ahead—when things end up in probate court, when assets are lost or contested,” he shares. “They’re smart. They're curious. And they’re realizing that having a plan in place is not just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to protect what they’re building.”
Fiammetta encourages younger clients to create their estate plan early, not as a reaction to wealth accumulation, but as a proactive step to secure their values, relationships, and legacy.
Bridging the Education Gap
The study also revealed that clients crave clear guidance and collaboration from their advisors—especially when it comes to estate planning. But legal terms, structural nuances, and potential pitfalls can feel overwhelming.
“Most clients aren’t lawyers,” Fiammetta notes. “They don’t always understand the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust, or the implications of naming the wrong power of attorney.”
That’s where platforms like Trust & Will step in—offering easy-to-understand, attorney-approved estate planning solutions that advisors can integrate seamlessly into their practice.
“You’re not expected to have all the answers,” says Fiammetta. “But having the right tools—and the right partners—means you can give your clients the education, access, and peace of mind they’re looking for.”
Estate Planning is the New Standard
The 2025 Financial Advisor Report confirms what the industry is already feeling: estate planning has become an essential part of financial advising. It’s what clients want. It’s what families need. And it’s what defines a modern, meaningful advisor-client relationship.
By embracing this shift, advisors can deliver more value, build stronger relationships, and safeguard their clients’ legacies—now and for generations to come.
“You’re not just helping them grow wealth,” says Fiammetta. “You’re helping them protect it—and pass it on with intention.”
Ready to Bring Estate Planning Into Your Practice?
With Trust & Will for Advisors, you can offer your clients the estate planning support they expect—without adding complexity to your workflow. Start referring or integrating estate planning directly into your advisory model.
Interested in partnering with Trust & Will to enhance your own clients’ estate planning needs? Learn more about how you can join over 17,000 financial advisors and firms who are delivering peace of mind to their clients by offering a comprehensive estate planning solution. Schedule a free demo today.
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