EY Introduces Financial Wellness Service

Ernst & Young LLP (EY) has launched EY Navigate, a hybrid digital/human financial wellness service powered by EY professionals.

EY Navigate supports users as they manage the twists and turns of their financial life journeys, breaking down complex tasks, such as retirement planning and debt management, into bite-sized activities. EY also helps users develop a personalized action plan based on their unique situations.

“This latest offering is one of many new digital platforms demonstrating EY’s commitment to offering exceptional and innovative services to meet client needs,” says Kate Barton, EY Americas vice chair, Tax Services and EY global vice ehair elect, Tax Services. “In creating this new financial wellness platform, we designed a hybrid human/digital approach that engages all users in the way that feels most comfortable to them.”

EY Navigate helps users make progress on the financial goals that matter most to them. The service is accessible via secure website and mobile app, as well as by phone. Experienced EY financial planners offer personalized, objective financial guidance on saving, spending, investing, and tax planning. Over time, users are guided toward healthier financial habits and long-term, comprehensive financial wellness.

“Our clients’ employee populations span generations and cover an array of individual preferences,” says Lynn Pettus, national director of Employee Financial Services, Ernst & Young LLP. “Some want personalized attention working one-on-one with a financial planner while others want a more independent approach by utilizing digital tools. Depending on a person’s financial stressors or other challenges, they may be more willing to start with self-help technology and shift toward working with a certified financial planner as they gain confidence and control of their financial situation.”

For employers, when employees are experiencing financial stress it can have a trickle-down effect on organizational success and employee effectiveness. Because of that impact, leading employers are increasingly offering comprehensive financial wellness services at low or no cost to employees.

Ernst & Young recently partnered with MetLife to drive the creation and delivery of a workplace financial wellness solution—PlanSmart Financial Wellness.