I was conducting a Phone Consultation with a prospect (Approximately 40 years old). During the Goals Conversation, she told me her goal was, “financial independence”. I then asked by when, she told me March 7, 2018. I then asked how much net spendable money yearly or monthly would she like to have? She said, ‘I would like to make $100,000 by 2018’. In her mind, “financial independence” was an income goal related to her employment, not a future amount of spendable income. What would you say to get her back on track as to the types of goals that go on the Financial Road Map® that are NOT employment related, which I really have no control over and cannot help her with?

Article ID: 579
Last updated: 20 Nov, 2019
"Oh, I think I might have asked the question wrong. When I asked, 'Tell me about a goal that requires money and planning to achieve,' I meant something you'd like to achieve in the future that will require you to save money for. Does that make more sense now?" Ask the question again. If it were to need further clarification, "Your income is where you'll get the money to save for and achieve your future goals. Tell me about one of your goals that requires money and planning to achieve."

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b When running through the Financial Road Map® with existing clients that are older clients, is there a different way we should approach the tangible goal questions as it seems the older the clients, the less tangible goals that they have and what happens if a client cannot think of a tangible goal, how do you proceed from there? I have quite a number of older clients aged in their 70’s where this would occur.
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