Desert Living Now

Fidelity Study Finds Families Need Better Communication About Financial Planning

Having a financial plan is important, but making sure family members understand that plan can be just as critical.

New research from Fidelity Investments finds that only 37% of older adults have peace of mind about their planning, highlighting a gap between having a plan in place and preparing loved ones to carry it out.

Chandler Riggs, vice president and financial consultant at Fidelity Investments, says many parents have completed important planning tasks but have not shared enough information with their adult children.

That disconnect can leave family members uncertain about their loved ones’ wishes or what steps to take if an unexpected illness, loss or other major life change occurs.

Riggs describes a “transition-ready family” as one that prepares both its financial plans and the people who may need to help manage them. That preparation can include aging, healthcare decisions, estate planning and transferring wealth to the next generation.

He recommends three steps families can take to improve their preparedness.

First, start the conversation. Families can begin by discussing their goals and values before moving into more complex topics, such as healthcare wishes, estate plans and financial responsibilities.

Second, get organized. Important information about financial accounts, estate plans, healthcare directives and other records should be documented and accessible to the appropriate family members.

Third, revisit the plan regularly. As families grow and circumstances change, financial and estate plans should be reviewed and updated.

Riggs says having wealth does not necessarily guarantee peace of mind. Families may still worry about whether loved ones understand their plans or know where to find important documents when needed.

More information and planning resources are available at fcfe.fidelity.com.

By: NBC Palm Springs

October 16, 2026

Fidelity InvestmentsChandler Riggsfinancial planningestate planningfamily financesretirement planningwealth transferhealthcare directivesfinancial preparedness
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
151

The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings

138

Strong winds are expected across Southern California today, with speeds reaching 25 to 35 mph. Officials warn of possible falling trees, downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Southern California Edison says emergency crews will be on standby for possible power outages. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. #SouthernCalifornia #CoachellaValley #WindAdvisory #PowerOutage #SouthernCaliforniaEdison NBCPalmSprings

17

Sordid Lives is returning to Palm Canyon Theater October 30 through November 15! Playwright Del Shores joins NBC Palm Springs’ Tod Macofsky to talk about the beloved production and its long history in the Coachella Valley. Want to see the show? NBC Palm Springs is giving away two tickets! Enter on the promotions page at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SordidLives #DelShores #PalmCanyonTheater #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley DesertEntertainment NBCPalmSprings

189

🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews

19

☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?

512

Now Open! The new Agua Caliente gas station on Highway 111 in Cathedral City is officially open. A new stop for drivers in the Coachella Valley. Have you checked it out yet? #CathedralCity #AguaCaliente #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprin

165

A fire broke out Thursday morning at the KESQ News Channel 3 station in Thousand Palms, disrupting its morning broadcast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire has been extinguished, and restoration efforts are underway. Station leaders told NBC Palm Springs they planned to return to the air at noon. We’re glad everyone is safe. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. #ThousandPalms #KESQ #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings

110

🚨 FIRE AT KESQ WHILE ON AIR! A fire broke out inside the KESQ news station in Thousand Palms around 5 a.m. this morning, forcing the station off the air. 🔥 The fire started in an equipment room where cameras and batteries are stored. Thankfully, NO ONE WAS INJURED. The cause and extent of the damage remain unknown as the station works to get back on air. ❤️‍🩹 #KESQ #ThousandPalms #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley

32

☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Four or against daylight saving?

69

James Talarico is advocating for a solution to immigration enforcement that rejects "the extremism on this issue in both parties." Talarico said, "Joe Biden failed us during his administration." And now, under the Trump administration, Talarico said there is a "different kind of extremism" in enforcement.

Fidelity Study Finds Families Need Better Communication About Financial Planning