Lately, I’ve caught myself reaching for AI on all sorts of everyday things. Drafting a quick email. Mapping out a trip. Getting a rough first take on a question before I dig into it myself. If you’re doing the same, it’s a short step from using AI in daily life to expecting it where your money is concerned. In a recent study of affluent investors, nearly 73 percent said they now expect AI to be part of their investment experience. So the real question isn’t whether technology is changing how you manage your wealth. It’s how fast. [1]
What Your Peers Are Already Doing
The research paints a pretty clear picture of what investors like you expect. Almost everyone wants to reach their advisor digitally (97.6 percent), execute trades online (93.8 percent), and get real-time alerts (91.5 percent). These aren’t nice-to-haves anymore. They’ve become the baseline. Most investors now also expect to manage their money largely from a phone, with the majority preferring mobile apps to handle investments and stay in touch with their advisor. [1,2]
AI is the more interesting story. Among the wealthiest investors, about 46 percent say they flat-out love it, while another 53 percent see real benefits but approach it with some caution. I find that split refreshingly honest. Younger investors are pushing adoption fastest, but the curiosity runs across every generation. Think of these numbers as a mirror, not a lecture. They’re a useful way to see where you stand next to people in a similar position. [1]
AI Helps, But Judgment Still Leads
Here’s what stands out to me: the pace. AI’s effect on productivity, meaning how much one person can get done, has picked up quickly, and not just inside tech companies. One analysis found that the industries most exposed to AI drove a noticeable jump in output per worker last year, with the gains starting to spill into fields like finance, law, and insurance. Tasks that used to take hours now take minutes. [4]
That speed cuts both ways, though. Being early with a tool isn’t the same as being effective with it. A recent McKinsey study found that while nearly nine in ten companies had put AI to work somewhere in their business, most still weren’t seeing significant value from it. The lesson I take from that is simple. The tool matters far less than how thoughtfully you use it. In wealth management, I’ve found AI is at its best when it supports good judgment, not when it tries to stand in for it. [3]
What This Means for Your Financial Life
The CEG Insights research I mentioned earlier also found that 75.8 percent of investors say high-quality digital content from their advisor deepens the relationship. That tracks with what I see every day. The best planning experiences tend to pair strong technology with personal, values-driven guidance. One without the other usually comes up short. [1]
Every month seems to bring a new tool or capability, and the expectations of investors are climbing right alongside them. Part of my job is staying ahead of it on your behalf, so the tools we lean on actually serve your plan and your goals rather than complicate them. If you’ve been curious about how AI and the newer digital tools might fit into your financial life, give me a call and let’s talk about it.
Sources:
- https://www.ceginsights.com/upcoming-research
- https://www.liferay.com/blog/current-experiences/the-state-of-digital-transformation-in-wealth-management
- https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/where-ai-will-create-value-and-where-it-wont
- https://www.aei.org/economics/hints-of-ai-powered-efficiency-gains/
Sean Gerlin, CFP®, CPWA®, ChFC®, CLU®, is the Founder and Principal of Envision Wealth Planners, a fee-only financial advisory firm serving clients across Central Florida, including Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, and nearby communities. In 2025, he was honored with both the Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award and the Best of BusinessRate 2025 award, recognizing his commitment to exceptional client experience and long-term relationship-focused planning. Sean specializes in helping high-income families, business owners, and commercial real estate executives align their wealth with their values through a comprehensive Financial Life Planning approach. Learn more about EWP at envisionplanners.com.
This material has been edited with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools. The information presented is based on sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of publication. This material is for educational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of the author, presenter, or affiliated organizations. It should not be construed as investment, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation before making any decisions.