Happy New Year - Now Get Your Finances In Order

Jan 1, 2009 by Mark Maier

When you think about your financial future, what thoughts come to mind?  Do you know people that can advise you through the financial ins and outs of tools and programs to help you?  More than likely, you know part of the 12% of the general population that is considered an "Influencer" of financial matters.  For me it is my Financial Planner and my Accountant but who is it for your audience? Are they neighbors or friends?  I have people ask me questions because they know I have a Financial Planner and an Accountant that I trust and look to for advice.

From The Research Center comes the "Inconspicuous, But Influential", a brief made to let us in on who these "Financial Influencers" are....

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Profile of "Big Circle Influentials" in Personal Finance
Demographics	BigCircle Influentials	Total U.S. Adults
Average Age	45.4	45.4
Average Household Income	$67,900	$65,500
Percent More Likely Than Average U.S. Adult to.....
Own a Home Valued at $500,000 or more	33%
Have Acquired Securities and Investments in Last 12 Months	67%
Have Made 10+ Investment Transactions in Last 12 Months	157%
Have Securities Valued at $150,000 or more	109%
Own an IRA	30%
Own a 401K	20%
Seek Financial Planning Counsel	44%
Source: MRI 2008 Omnibus Study

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The key to this information is finding these people in your audience and getting them to contribute to on-air or online discussions about finances and become a resource to others in your audience.  My Accountant and Financial Planner love the referrals I give them because if I have had a discussions with someone I have shared some of the success I have had.  I am not afraid to tell them about the 40% downturn I have had on a variable annuity in the last quarter but at the same time I can share what my planner has advised to counteract it. 
In the current marketplace, your audience is looking for answers, advice, and solutions.  Try to provide it for them.
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