Edelman Financial Engines today announced the launch of Momentum by Edelman Financial Engines, a new holistic financial wellness platform for the workplace.
Momentum offers what the Boston-based independent wealth planning and investment advisory firm calls “a dynamic set of expanded financial wellness, counseling and planning resources—giving employees the momentum they need to accelerate their financial confidence, moment by moment.”
Recent research from Edelman Financial Engines found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of employees expect their employers to provide access to a financial professional when they experience a significant life event. And the need is there: Almost 9 in 10 (89%) said they experienced at least one major personal or professional event during the last five years. Meanwhile, nearly 8 in 10 (79%) confirmed that they hadn’t spoken to a financial professional during those moments; however almost all who did (96%) found the interaction to be highly valuable.
“We know individuals want greater support across their broader financial lives, and they’re looking to their employers for help,” said Kelly O’Donnell, executive vice president and head of Workplace at Edelman Financial Engines. “As a trusted partner that serves thousands of employers and more than 10 million employees every day, we’re expanding our services beyond the 401k to help people at these critical stages—from the first day on the job to the time they retire, and every moment in between.”
Momentum, the company says, answers the call for help by reaching individuals with information and support during their major life events and milestones. These moments include significant family or health changes, transitions at work, such as a new job or a promotion and decisions around saving for college and retirement.
The platform includes a library of dynamic digital content, webinars and educational tools and assessments. Employees also have unlimited access to live, one-on-one counseling and planning sessions with Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Certified Financial Planner credentialed advisors.
One distinctive feature of the program includes tailored content delivered through Employee Resource Groups and advisors who represent diverse populations. The entire program is fueled by personalized, data-driven communications that support four categories of solutions:
- Retirement readiness: Edelman Financial Engines’ in-plan advisory services, which include digital advice, discretionary 401k professional management and access to licensed investment advisors, as well as Edelman Financial Engine’s new retirement income service, Income Beyond Retirement, which debuted in June.
- Life’s financial moments: Omni-channel experiences and specialized guidance that address key financial moments, including new hire onboarding and other personal and professional life milestones (family changes, promotions, equity grants and retirement).
- Everyday wealth and wellness: Ongoing support for everyday financial questions and needs, including saving, budgeting and debt management, as well as advanced planning assistance.
- Diverse employee needs: Individualized experiences designed to address more distinct needs across demographic groups, including targeted webinars for Employee Resource Groups and tailored representative counseling support.
“Financial wellness offerings at the workplace aren’t new, however, there’s a significant opportunity to provide these benefits in a more integrated and effective way,” said Jason Van de Loo, executive vice president and head of Wealth Planning and Marketing at Edelman Financial Engines. “With our ability to deliver unconflicted advice and guidance to clients both inside and outside of retirement plans, we’re one of the only fiduciary advisors that can help employees with 401k account management and holistic financial planning services, while supporting employers with their broader human capital efforts.”
Retirement Readiness, EFE’s flagship retirement advice and management services, will continue to remain available as a standalone offering, while the availability of Momentum’s full suite of services will vary.
SEE ALSO:
• New 401k Retirement Income Solution Debuts from Edelman Financial Engines
• How to Avoid Self-Defeating Financial Wellness ‘Solutions’
• Diversity and Inclusion Key to Financial Wellness Programs
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.
