In many ways, we already know that 2025 will be very different from 2024. How can financial advisors prepare their clients for the changes to come?

The simplest answer is to talk to them, although sometimes that’s easier said than done. Some of the most important topics to discuss touch on sensitive topics: politics, personal health issues, and even death.

The most obvious change is that in 2025 the United States will have a new president. In these divisive times, discussing politics – especially in a professional setting – is always risky. But chances are customers are already either very nervous or very excited about the return of Donald Trumpand advisors can help them bring their expectations closer to reality.

But it’s far from the only uncomfortable topic councilors are expected to discuss next year. Also at the top of the list: death. To plan for retirement effectively, advisors need to have a clear idea of ​​how long their clients are likely to live. And even then, thorny questions arise: who should inherit their assets?

Added to all this are two polarizing revolutions to discuss: artificial intelligence and ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing. As AI products have become increasingly popular, ESG appears to have moved in the other direction. And yet, many investors have the opposite attitude: they fear using AI to guide their investments and embrace the use of ESG criteria.

What do customers think about all these topics? How do they want to invest and plan for retirement and beyond? The best way to find out is to ask them. Here are the conversations advisors should be having with their clients in the new year: