I've been having some difficulty in the values conversation with clients not going "higher" than basic needs. It almost seems like I need to cue them that it's OK to go beyond money and that I want to hear about the things that are really important to them. They seem to not understand that and there's nothing in the script to let them know that. To be honest, I’ve deviated from the WIA__TY and the associated framing/bridging framework in order to have clients understand what the exercise is really about...I found it frustrating to keep hearing that money is important to pay bills without anything deeper or more important. Please share your thoughts on these several issues.

Article ID: 583
Last updated: 20 Nov, 2019

Try projecting them into the future w/ this language, “Let’s say you in a place where paying your bills is completely taken care of…. what’s important about being in that position… to you?”

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folder Values Conversation™ -> What's Important About...To You?
folder Values Conversation™ -> Values Conversation™ Misc.


Others in this category
b When I start discussing Values-Based Financial Planning™ to an Old World client, they stop and ask me why I am doing this since I already covered this when we first met. (In the past I would discuss what's important to them before discussing their concrete goals.) They only want to discuss the issues at hand. How do I handle this question?
b I set up an Financial Road Map Interview™ with a client but the appointment, in his mind, is going to be like our previous appointments. It seemed jarring to him to launch into the Values Conversation™. He told me, very nicely, that his mind wasn't geared to think that way for this appointment and he really couldn't think of anything to say. I told him there were no wrong answers and that this was a fun exercise. We tried again and he was still stumped. I set it aside but wanted to know if there was a more graceful exit to the process and a better way to prep my potential clients other than that I am upgrading my business model, etc.?
b Why do you start with the person who doesn't volunteer first for the Values Conversation™?
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 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.
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