Barnum Financial Group to lead the nationwide delivery MetLife’s PlanSmart program

MetLife announced that Barnum Financial Group, a financial planning and wealth management firm headquartered in Connecticut, will lead the nationwide delivery of MetLife’s award-winning PlanSmart® financial education programs, Transition Solutions and Retirewise. Through this strategic alliance, Barnum’s in-house financial experts and advisors throughout their nationwide partner network will conduct financial wellness workshops for workforces across the country, as well as provide guidance to MetLife customers regarding their group life conversion options.

“MetLife has been providing industry-leading financial education to workplaces for over two decades,” said Meredith Ryan-Reid, head of Financial Wellness & Engagement at MetLife. “Our rich history, coupled with Barnum’s market reach and advisor infrastructure, will take our financial education offerings to new heights.”

PlanSmart is a key component of MetLife’s expanding financial wellness focus, addressing workforce demand for products and services that boost financial literacy and confidence. MetLife’s 17th annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study revealed that while 80% of employees want access to financial planning workshops or tools, only 20% of employers offer such programs, highlighting a significant opportunity for companies aiming to build employee resiliency during times of increased stress and uncertainty.

“MetLife and Barnum Financial Group have a shared passion for giving people the tools and insights they need to pursue their dreams with confidence,” said Paul Blanco, CEO, Barnum. “From consulting on money management and budgeting strategies, to offering guidance on investing and financial planning, PlanSmart enables our trained advisors to meet employees wherever they are on their financial wellness journeys.”