Need to break the ice with clients who have recently lost their job?
Conversation starter: Ask a client who has recently been fired, “We’re you wrongfully dismissed?” This is a more tactful framing than, “Why’d they fire you?”
Conversation starter: Ask a client, “What are your ‘need’ expenses and your ‘want’ expenses?” This will prevent your client from panicking about cutting back costs.
Conversation starter: Ask your client, “How are you doing with all these changes in your life?” This will help start an open-ended discussion that could reveal other financial issues, or personal needs, that you can address.
Conversation starter: Ask your client, “What are your new career priorities?” This will help you construct a financial plan for your client’s new circumstances.