Even the most detailed financial plan is useless if the client doesn’t understand it. As a consultant, your job isn’t just to build a plan — it’s to present it in a way that is clear, relatable, and actionable.
Start by avoiding jargon. Replace terms like “asset allocation strategy” with “how your money will be split across different types of investments.” Focus on what matters to the client — outcomes, not formulas.
Use visuals wherever possible: pie charts for allocation, bar graphs for growth projections, and timelines for goal milestones. Most people process visual information more effectively than dense text.
Personalization makes the plan more engaging. Link each part of the plan to the client’s specific goals — buying a home, retiring at 60, sending kids to university. This connects abstract numbers to real-life outcomes.
Break the plan into sections:
- Current financial snapshot
- Goals and timelines
- Recommended actions
- Risk analysis
- Review schedule
Highlight short-term wins as well as long-term goals. If a client can save R5,000 in tax this year or reduce a debt by 20%, those quick victories build momentum and trust.
Lastly, always leave room for questions and feedback. Encourage clients to be active participants, not passive listeners. A good plan is a living document, not a one-time report — and clients should feel ownership of it.
