In a recent Phone Consultation™ I had the referral go all the way up the Values Staircase™ after which we continued halfway up the other one. While this was one of the more extreme number of steps, I do run out every now and then while on level 3. The Financial Road Map® tends to get a little messy as I draw additional steps to the staircase. What would be a practical way with finesse to continue without losing the flow of the conversation?

Article ID: 156
Last updated: 20 Nov, 2019

I just write in the margin until I get to the top of the Financial Road Map®. However, you could continue on a separate piece of paper that you position at the top of the Values Staircase™ and then actually tape that piece of paper to the top of the staircase so it flows well.

I think the way you handled it is fine. Most Values Conversations™ are completed within the steps, so don’t sweat the things that only happen occasionally.

Also listed in
folder Values Conversation™ -> Values Conversation™ Misc.


Others in this category
b I frequently work with wealthy widows. They are not part of a couple, nor are they looking to begin a relationship. Is there a version of the Financial Road Map® that has one Values Staircase™ or do you have any advice on how to effectively handle this situation the best way possible?
b How can an Advisor make sure that what is captured in the "What’s Important About…To You" is positive and inspirational if the answer is phrased as moving away from a negative feeling or situation?
b How do I identify true values in people's answers? Sometimes my clients will say so many different words; I find it difficult to identify which are the keywords.
b I'm new to Values-Based Financial Planning™ and am looking forward to the Academy 1 in October. In the meantime, I wanted your guidance on the following: I've been referred to a young family man who is dying. I'm wondering about how he'll react to a question like, “What’s Important About… To You?” and probably more so to the question about his tangible goals... especially as he doesn't have much of a road to look down. How do you handle conversations with people who are dying, especially young people with families?
b Going into my first Financial Road Map® interview, do clients ever ask or express skepticism/sarcasm at the, ‘What’s Important About…To You’ questions because it's just a fill in the blank formula. I ask because someone I practiced with asked this and I must admit that I felt a similar feeling. I know that the process works and gets to important values, but it feels almost too simple. Please offer your thoughts and perspective.
» More articles