Business risk is anything that threatens the continued success of your practice, and it can assume many forms. Unfortunately, many business owners overlook the potential risks that can derail a long-standing business. Why? Generally because they don’t understand the risk, don’t feel the risk is severe, or don’t believe it will happen. But what if it does?

Elder financial abuse has been called the crime of the 21st century for good reason. The North American Securities Administrators Association estimates that each year, $37 billion is stolen from seniors by unknown bad actors as well as by family members, friends, and others in a position of trust. And that number could grow—according to the Social Security Administration, as of September 2018, the average life expectancy for a man turning 65 today is 84.3 years, and the life expectancy for a woman the same age is 86.7. As the number of older Americans increases, so does the number of targets for financial exploitation. So, how can we, as financial professionals in a position of trust, help protect our clients?

It’s not surprising that individuals who work with a financial advisor feel more confident about the security of their financial future. In fact, according to Northwestern Mutual, most Americans with an advisor believe they’ll work beyond retirement age only if they choose to. This optimism is far less evident among those who don’t work with an advisor, with 6 out of 10 indicating they expect to work past retirement age out of necessity.

Although IRAs are intended to be long-term retirement savings vehicles (like employer-sponsored retirement plans), unexpected financial needs can arise, and your clients may find themselves wondering if they should tap into their accounts. Typically, IRA owners who distribute assets from their account before age 59½ are subject to a 10-percent early withdrawal penalty on the distribution amount. But with 72(t) plans, also known as a substantially equal periodic payment plans, IRA owners can distribute assets before age 59½ and avoid that penalty (though normal income tax rates would still generally apply).

For many advisors, the decision to retire is complicated, mainly because it involves transitioning clients, some of whom have become dear friends, to another advisor or sometimes even to another firm. It’s hard to let go of those relationships, and so you stay in the business past your traditional retirement age. But continuing to work comes with a unique set of challenges, including a declining level of energy and mental acuity as you age and dissatisfaction among your successors, who want to step into leadership roles.