This is wonderful, Meghaan. I've been coloring a lot with my two-year-old, so I was intrigued by the hook right away. This discussion reminds me of some other research around financial ambiguity between couples. More "structure" (communication, understanding, clear roles) creates happier relationships. The same holds here.
Planners have their structure to follow. The issue is that clients aren't aware of the "7-step planning process." So we need to remember that there are humans with less training/knowledge/awareness of financial stuff on the other side of the table as well. :)
You are exactly right. We want to be very mindful not to take for granted what we know compared to a client. It is okay to be obvious. It just creates more awareness.
This is such a thoughtful and reflection. Reframing financial advising through the lens of the experience economy offers a meaningful shift in how we think about client engagement. Talking about money is rarely just about numbers. It's often about shame, self-perception, and long-standing habits. When someone walks into a planning meeting, they’re not just looking for answers, they’re navigating uncertainty, discomfort, and a fear of being judged.
Approaching this moment as a host rather than a technician changes everything. Clear communication about what to expect, a warm and welcoming tone, and attention to the small details of environment and interaction all help reduce the friction that keeps people from seeking help in the first place.
It's not about turning financial planning into a performance. It's about removing unnecessary barriers so that real conversations can happen. When advisors lead with care and clarity, they create space not just for better planning, but for trust. And that trust is where the real work begins.
This is wonderful, Meghaan. I've been coloring a lot with my two-year-old, so I was intrigued by the hook right away. This discussion reminds me of some other research around financial ambiguity between couples. More "structure" (communication, understanding, clear roles) creates happier relationships. The same holds here.
Planners have their structure to follow. The issue is that clients aren't aware of the "7-step planning process." So we need to remember that there are humans with less training/knowledge/awareness of financial stuff on the other side of the table as well. :)
Thank you for writing this!
You are exactly right. We want to be very mindful not to take for granted what we know compared to a client. It is okay to be obvious. It just creates more awareness.
Pure gold! I love your word pictures and the story you are telling.. compelling, important and with a little luck, advisors will heed the call!
Yeah! I am confident that they will. I think that mindset shift of "having a meeting" to "hosting a meeting" really helps step into what's possible.
This is such a thoughtful and reflection. Reframing financial advising through the lens of the experience economy offers a meaningful shift in how we think about client engagement. Talking about money is rarely just about numbers. It's often about shame, self-perception, and long-standing habits. When someone walks into a planning meeting, they’re not just looking for answers, they’re navigating uncertainty, discomfort, and a fear of being judged.
Approaching this moment as a host rather than a technician changes everything. Clear communication about what to expect, a warm and welcoming tone, and attention to the small details of environment and interaction all help reduce the friction that keeps people from seeking help in the first place.
It's not about turning financial planning into a performance. It's about removing unnecessary barriers so that real conversations can happen. When advisors lead with care and clarity, they create space not just for better planning, but for trust. And that trust is where the real work begins.