Periods of heightened market volatility can create real stress for households—especially when retirement timing and income decisions feel close at hand. A July 2025 Edward Jones study conducted with Cerulli Associates suggests financial advisors are hearing more concern from clients today about market volatility and retirement planning than they did five years ago. At the same time, many advisors report they are generally not recommending major plan changes in response to headlines or short-term uncertainty, reinforcing the value of staying focused on long-term goals. The findings also point to the growing role of financial planning in advisory practices as clients seek clarity amid shifting markets and ongoing wealth transfer conversations.