Delivering a Financial Plan That Fully Engages the Client

After the planner goes through a discovery and data gathering process with the client and then does the required analysis, they’ll produce a tailored financial plan with recommendations and actions. The plan itself is typically a lengthy document, which most planners agree is rarely read by the client after it’s first been presented.

If the planner produces a one-page summary print-out of the plan in an attempt to simplify the format, this can appear to the client as though they’ve done little more than software data entry and the printing out of the results.

In both cases, clients don’t get to see the behind-the-scenes work that the planner does to get to that point and can, therefore, struggle to understand why they should use a planner at all. So, what is the best way to deliver a financial plan that not only engages the client to keep them on track with their financial goals but also demonstrates the real value that the planner provides?

Before delivering the plan

The adviser should ask the right open-ended questions at the introductory meeting so that they can glean information about the client’s true motivations, life goals and plans for retirement.

At the second meeting, the adviser should offer the client practical help with data gathering and getting their finances organised. Doing this helps to communicate the added value that a professional planner can bring to the process and offers tangible benefits for the client before the plan itself is formed.

Bringing expert knowledge to life

The delivery of the financial plan usually takes place during the third meeting with the client. American financial planning guru, Michael Kitces, believes that one way to establish trust and credibility is to move away from, or minimise, the physical plan and actually show the client how the analysis was done.

Providing the planner has a sound knowledge of their financial planning software, they can walk the client through their analysis, making the giving of advice more of a collaborative discussion and interactive process between both parties.

The adviser can explain how financial planning is a highly integrated, yet focused activity, and how retirement planning, for example, links into the areas of financial management and investment management.

Demonstrating exactly how the planner has reached their recommendations helps validate the advice given – the client receives proof that the advice is accurate. The client can also clearly see how the actions they are about to take (now and in the future) contribute to their overall life goals, and they get the chance to ask questions throughout the demonstration. A simple one-page summary of recommendations and actions could be provided, as a follow-up.

Continuously motivating the client

Delivering the financial plan effectively isn’t just about the knowledge shared and advice given at that particular time; it’s also about ensuring the plan is acted upon so that the client stays on track and motivated.

Leading financial planning coach, George Kinder, teaches (as part of the “EVOKE” life planning methodology) that the adviser should serve as a coach, regularly following up with the client to encourage and congratulate them as the steps in the plan are implemented.

Over time, the client’s motivation may dip, which is where the planner can revisit the client’s life goals and make sure the plan is still fit for purpose. They can amend the plan and subsequent recommendations/actions if need be, and by reconnecting with their client to do this, work towards securing them for life.

Retirement planning: a collaborative process

Financial planning shouldn’t be about product sales. The process should involve working with the client, starting from the very first meeting to ascertain what their key motivations are for living their life to the full now, and in their golden years.

By making sure each meeting with the client is more collaborative and interactive, including the one in which the financial plan is delivered, trust and credibility can be established. Better still, the client is more likely to view the adviser as a professional and realise the value in bringing them on board for the long term to help them with their financial goals.

Amyr Rocha Lima, CFP® is a financial planner who specialises in working with successful professionals age 50+ to help them reduce taxes, invest smarter and retire on their terms.

”Amyr is patient, level headed and an expert financial planner. He has helped us work through our many questions to find sensible answers and to build a financial plan that is realistic, balanced and achievable. I would recommend him to anyone seeking advice on planning their financial future.”

David Claridge
(CEO - Dragonfly)

*****

”Amyr has helped my husband and I hugely as we began our journey of financial planning for our future. He has fantastic knowledge of the big tech corporate landscape and was able to help us uncover some great opportunities for investment, as well as helping us plan for our family's future and for early retirement.”

Emma Lancelotte
(Engagement Manager - Google)

*****

”Amyr did a great job helping us figure out our financial goals and the route to getting there. He was always very clear, available for follow ups or clarifications where needed and left us feeling in control of our finances.”

Ben Freeman
(Product Manager - Facebook)

*****

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