When your clients set goals that are especially meaningful to them, they experience a sense of mission. They feel enthusiasm for the tasks that lie ahead and for what they intend to accomplish. At every stage of life, having a mission gives them a reason to get up in the morning, a reason to bounce […]
Food for Thought
Reflections in the Time of COVID-19
The current global pandemic and resulting economic uncertainly have had a profound effect on our sense of safety and control. As individuals, we are looking for ways to protect ourselves and our families, and as financial professionals and business owners, we are looking for ways to support our coworkers and guide our clients. The […]
Redefining Retirement
The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies conducted a survey to explore the fundamental question, “What does retirement mean to you?” In selecting from a series of words associated with retirement, Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial respondents alike cited “freedom,” “enjoyment,” and “stress-free” as their top picks. However, despite this shared vision of retirement, the […]
What is the Intention of Your Discovery Process?
One of the most challenging tasks for a financial planner is designing an effective discovery process that truly engages their clients’ hearts and minds, while also providing valuable insights about each person’s frame of reference. At Money Quotient, we believe the place to start is by recognizing that each client operates with two minds: the […]
Gratitude
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays, we are also reminded how important it is to pause and reflect on our many blessings. (A growing body of research indicates this practice has a tremendous influence on the quality of our lives—for an example, click here) As I reflect on […]
Thank you, Ed Jacobson
I was saddened to hear the news that Edward A. Jacobson, Ph.D.—my friend and colleague—passed away earlier this month. I will be forever grateful to him for his wise counsel and loyal support of the work we do at Money Quotient. In addition, he served as a beacon for a new way of thinking and […]
Know Thy Client
In our work with financial planners, we frequently make the point that a successful practice is built on knowing and understanding their clients. We also emphasize that this objective can only be met through adopting the intention of getting in touch with each client’s unique frame of reference. The reason this is so important is that […]
What is Wisdom?
Ben Coombs has been a long-time friend of Money Quotient as well as an enthusiastic cheerleader and collaborator. Therefore, I took special note when Michael Kitces invited Ben to publish a guest post on kitces.com titled “10 Wise Lesson Learned About Being A (Better) Financial Planner” In his introduction, Michael explains that Ben was a […]
Nurturing Resilience
Everyone experiences both expected and unexpected transitions in their lives. However, those who are resilient are better able to navigate change, bounce back from disappointment, and welcome new opportunities. They persevere during difficult times and have a positive outlook even when experiencing trials and tribulations. Fortunately, resiliency is a trait or personal characteristic that […]
Money Messages & Money Mentors
Your clients’ attitudes and beliefs about money have their roots in value-laden messages they have picked up along life’s journey. These money messages were not only clothed in the words of others, but in the behaviors they observed as well. To discover the roots of current financial feelings and behaviors, it is important for them […]