Financial Wellness: Preparing for a New Era

This post was also published on FinTECHTalents

The year 2020 has felt like a lot of things for many of us, ‘the worst year ever’ among one of them, according to The Guardian. And if this year were to play a character from a Hollywood film, I’d cast her as Catwoman in 1992’s Batman Returns. To refresh your cinematic memory, Michelle Pfeiffer played a quiet and unassuming character named Selina Kyle in the legendary Batman franchise, who suddenly switches to a life of crime as Catwoman after her evil boss, Max Shreck tries to kill her.

The events of the past six months have felt like multiple attacks on Catwoman’s nine lives – a merciless pandemic, devasting high unemployment, terrifying market volatility, and political unrest – and somehow, Americans are getting through it all. Unlike Catwoman, however, consumers’ wallets cannot rely on the myth of nine lives. Instead, it’s time to take action and bridge the gap between our collective financial inertia and the future.

Prior to the pandemic, the Federal Reserve reported 41 percent of U.S. adults could not pay for an unexpected $400 emergency expense, despite having benefited from a bear market the last ten years. COVID-19 not only revealed the fragility of Americans’ finances, but it has exposed the country’s lack of financial literacy overall. The Standard Poor’s Global Financial Literacy Survey ranks the U.S., one of the world’s largest economies, at No. 14 in financial literacy. That is an alarming low rank for a country drowning in $13.86 trillion in consumer debt.

American consumers may have been unaware of their financial gaps prior to the pandemic, but like our favorite feline villain, there is no going back to the naivety of our innocent pasts. Savings and spending habits have changed, creating new opportunities for financial institutions and FinTech companies to join and bridge the gap toward U.S. financial wellness.

U.S. Wallets and Mindsets in Need of a Makeover

The coronavirus crisis has many Americans paralysed with fear about consumer spending, savings, retirement, and everything in between. On one hand, spending money is vital to reboot the economy, and on the other, it’s apparent that many Americans are in no place to contribute to the economy in a significant way. It’s a paradox all too familiar to economists. Recessions tend to cause consumers to spend less and save more, and government assistance, though helpful in the short-term, might hinder individuals’ financial progress in the long-run in terms of retirement.

America is long overdue for a mindset makeover when it comes to financial wellness, and no-one is better equipped to lead the charge than the financial organisations and FinTech companies that are improving financial literacy and resources for U.S. consumers. Start-ups like Financial Gym and female-led wealth management firm, Ellevest, have created money memberships that educate and guide Americans, particularly women, on how to invest, save, and manage their financial wellbeing.

Participants of the F.I.R.E. movement (Financial Independent Retire Early) are also looking for new opportunities, re-evaluating their portfolios, cutting back, and looking for new income streams, reported CNBC. Annette Lease, SVP of Financial Planning and a speaker at FTT Virtual North America, points out that innovation will help lead Americans on the path to financial wellness “provided that it’s anchored to a familiar experience and paired or supported by a human experience, such as a financial coach.”

For years, banks have grappled with how to humanize themselves for today’s economic environment and digital consumer. Meanwhile, emerging FinTech companies like Venmo and Plaid have swept in and won over the hearts and minds of consumers with tech savviness, convenient tools, and resources. Ron Long, Head of Aging Client Services Center of Excellence at Wells Fargo and speaker at FTT Virtual North America points out how small, incremental changes in technology in financial wellness can lead to massive changes in the industry. “Innovation can play a significant role in financial wellness and it starts with small incremental improvements. Consider how the changes to driving safety technology, such as brake assist and lane departure, have led to the huge potential for a self-driving car. Innovation tied to helping consumers protect their wealth could be just as impactful. Is there a more effective way to notify consumers when they need to apply the proverbial “financial” brakes?,” he asks. Ultimately, the way forward is to unite both sides of the aisle in order to help Americans get back on track with their finances post-pandemic. “It’s about anticipating what is around the curve so that consumers retain the finances they worked so hard to gather,” adds Long.

As Lease points out, “Newcomers have a unique niche in this space in a way of programming and tools, but will likely need to partner with incumbents who serve as an established relationship channel to the consumer.” Certainly, there is room for everyone in the quest to achieving financial wellness in the U.S.

In times of economic uncertainty, creativity and ingenuity shines. Financial institutions and wealth management firms are perfectly poised to create new resources and tools for their established clientele and help meet their demand for financial knowledge and security. FinTech companies are also in a unique position to establish trust among users by offering resources that can reach younger, digital-savvy generations who lack financial literacy or education outside their immediate social circles. As the next chapter of the 2020 saga continues, it’s up to FinTechs companies and financial institutions to decide if they will remain flavourless and stagnant like Selina Kyle, or bold, daring, and creative like Catwoman.

 

 

PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.