WealthTech on Deck The Hidden Costs of Caregiving—and How Advisors Can Help with Ken Dychtwald and Ken Cella
This week, Jack Sharry talks with Ken Dychtwald and Ken Cella. Ken Dychtwald is the Founder & CEO of Age Wave. He is a psychologist, gerontologist, and author of 19 books. For decades, Ken has been regarded as the nation's foremost thought leader on population aging and its profound business, social, financial, and cultural implications for the healthcare workforce.
Ken Cella is the Head of External Affairs at Edward Jones, where he is responsible for fostering strategic partnerships and expanding relations with policymakers, industry leaders, and other influencers to make a greater impact on society. He is also a member of the Edward Jones Enterprise Leadership Team, which guides the firm's strategy to grow its impact and create value for clients, colleagues, and communities today and into the future.
Together, they unpack one of the most overlooked and under-discussed financial issues in American households: caregiving. Drawing on insights from research commissioned by Edward Jones in partnership with Morning Consult and Age Wave, Ken Cella and Ken Dychtwald share the emotional, financial, and societal costs of caregiving. With nearly half of all Americans either serving as or expecting to become caregivers, this conversation sheds light on what it truly means to care for a loved one and what financial advisors can do to better support clients in navigating these challenges.
In this episode:
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(00:00) - Intro
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(02:29) - Edward Jones’ groundbreaking study on caregiving
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(04:25) - The wide-ranging impact of caregiving on families and society
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(06:57) - Why Edward Jones is investing in caregiving research
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(11:06) - Caregiving’s reach: a reality for nearly everyone
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(13:47) - Edward Jones’ transformation toward holistic financial wellness
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(18:29) - Culture, community, and client well-being at the center
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(21:18) - Balancing technology with timeless values
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(23:59) - Building trust in the advisor–client relationship
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(27:45) - Ken Cella on the emotional toll—and fulfillment—of caregiving
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(30:05) - Ken Dychtwald’s key insights and takeaways
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(32:30) - Ken Cella's interests outside of work
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(33:25) - Ken Dychtwald's interests outside of work
Quotes
"Caregiving takes a toll beneath the surface, and a lot of times, people don't talk about it." ~ Ken Cella
"We're in the business of helping people feel competent and secure in their financial future. So, we want to improve retirement security for families and caregivers." ~ Ken Cella
"Edward Jones is really serving the fabric of America in a way that's unique. We want to be part of a solution where business and society come together to create better outcomes for families through financial wellness." ~ Ken Cella
"It's not just the super-wealthy who need someone in their corner. It's everyday folks who need a guide, someone to direct them and help them." ~ Ken Dychtwald
"I have never encountered a firm that I thought cared more about both its work, the people who work there, the population it serves, and the community. So, I've grown a lot of respect and affection for the people of Edward Jones, and I feel proud to be affiliated with Edward Jones." ~ Ken Dychtwald
"There's a lot of strain, disruption, and unhappiness that can come with seeing somebody you love struggle. But there was also a sense of honor and a sense of doing something good for a loved one. The fact that Edward Jones is taking the lead in representing the purpose of caregiving, its high intention, and the quality of life that comes from it is to be applauded." ~ Ken Dychtwald
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