When Clients Say “We Have a Plan,” What They Usually Mean

When a client says, “We have a plan,” it often means something reassuring—but not always something complete.

They may mean:

• Documents were signed years ago
  
• A structure exists, but hasn’t been revisited
  
• Decisions were made for a different season of life
  

None of this implies negligence. It reflects how life evolves faster than planning does.

Confidence Can Mask Gaps

Clients are often surprised to learn that:

• Decision-makers no longer make sense
  
• Assets don’t align with the intended structure
  
• Assumptions were made that were never confirmed
  

These gaps aren’t obvious until pressure is applied.

Better Questions Create Better Outcomes

Rather than challenging a client’s confidence, advisors can explore it.

Questions like:

• “Who would step in if something unexpected happened tomorrow?”
  
• “Have those roles changed as your family has changed?”
  
• “Does your plan still reflect how things work today?”
  

These conversations invite clarity without undermining trust.

The Goal Isn’t More Planning—It’s Better Alignment

When legal, financial, and personal realities align, clients feel supported rather than scrutinized.

That alignment is where strong advisory relationships are built—and where plans truly serve the people they were created for.