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CONVERSATION STARTERS

Resources for better client conversations

Advisors often find that client conversations about market performance, retirement, and other life events are more effective when they have the right resources. Explore our library as you prepare for your next client meeting.
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Answer today’s tough questions

AI bubble one-pager thumbnail

Are we in an AI bubble?

While the surge in AI and tech stocks compares to the early 2000s dot-com bubble, today’s environment differs, giving investors reason for optimism.
Download client talking points Download client talking points
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Government shutdowns and potential market implications

Explore how markets have fared during prior government shutdowns.
Download client talking points Download client talking points

Discuss how limiting losses can help maximize investment returns

Share our chart with clients to explain why limiting portfolio losses during a downturn can have a bigger overall impact across market cycles than capturing returns in a bull market.
Download 'Win more by losing less' Download 'Win more by losing less'
Win more by losing less chart

Explain the variability of how asset classes perform

Asset class outperformance is unpredictable year-to-year. Show clients how a diversified portfolio can help them seek steady returns and manage risk over the long term.
Download 'Asset class returns' Download 'Asset class returns'

Help clients focus on long-term investment goals

Clients can get sidetracked from long-term investment goals when short-term volatility and large losses occur. Use our chart to remind clients not to panic during downturns.
Download 'Staying invested for the long term' Download 'Staying invested for the long term'

Show clients how inflation affects investments

Inflation erodes purchasing power and increases the price of goods. Share our chart to remind clients of the impact of inflation when determining how to invest their money.
Download 'Feeling safe may be risky' Download 'Feeling safe may be risky'

Explain why emotional investing can hurt portfolio performance

Investing based on emotions can lead investors to buy high and sell low. Use our chart to help clients overcome their desire to make investment decisions based on emotions rather than convictions.
Download 'Investing with emotions can be costly' Download 'Investing with emotions can be costly'
Investing with emotions chart

Illustrate the benefits of staying invested through volatility

Historically, the stock market’s worst days have clustered together, followed by a rebound in returns. Encourage clients to stay invested during volatility using our chart.
Download 'There’s always a reason to sell stocks' Download 'There’s always a reason to sell stocks'

Share strategies with clients for riding out volatility

Sometimes investors want to sell out during volatile markets. Educate clients on the benefits of 'time in the market' versus 'timing the market' and dollar-cost averaging.
Download 'Strategies for volatile markets' Download 'Strategies for volatile markets'

Compare a diversified portfolio to individual stocks

Individual stocks can provide great upside potential, but also great risk. Use our chart to demonstrate how diversification can set up a portfolio for long-term success.
Download 'Diversify your way to a better portfolio' Download 'Diversify your way to a better portfolio'

Help clients manage investment risk in retirement

While investors have learned how to invest to accumulate wealth, they often overlook the changes needed to their portfolio as they enter retirement and start withdrawing. Educate clients on the importance of downside protection to sustain their lifestyle through retirement.
Download 'Protect against dollar cost ravaging’ Download 'Protect against dollar cost ravaging’
Protect against “dollar cost ravaging”

Explain why sequence of returns matters during retirement

Our chart helps clients recognize that variability of returns and the sequence of those returns can have a significant impact on portfolio value when withdrawing money.
Download 'Sequence of returns' Download 'Sequence of returns'

Share key facts about Social Security with clients

Social Security can be complex and knowing the basics and current figures is key. Share this ‘cheat sheet’ to help your clients make a more educated decision.
Download 'Social Security quick reference' Download 'Social Security quick reference'

Help clients navigate Medicare

Clients approaching 65 have important decisions to make about Medicare. Share this 'cheat sheet' with your clients to help them make the best decision possible.
Download 'Medicare quick reference' Download 'Medicare quick reference'

Share this year’s contribution limits and tax rates

If your clients are saving for retirement, looking at gifting opportunities or concerned about taxes, share this 'cheat sheet' to help them make more informed decisions.
Download 'Contribution limits and tax reference' Download 'Contribution limits and tax reference'

Explain the impact of withdrawal rates on investment portfolio value

The amount of money clients withdraw in retirement affects how long their wealth will last. Help clients find the right balance to meet their short- and long-term needs.
Download 'Withdrawal rates' Download 'Withdrawal rates'
Withdrawal rates chart

Help clients foster well-being in retirement

Help your clients lead a life in which they feel fulfilled, engaged and connected. Discuss characteristics of flourishing individuals and ideas to make a ‘good life’ even better.
Download 'Create a good life' Download 'Create a good life'
Create a good life

Ensure clients secure their wealth with an estate plan

As clients age, their finances become more complex. It becomes critical to have legal documents in place. Help clients ensure that their wishes are documented and safeguarded.
Download 'Prepare your estate plan' Download 'Prepare your estate plan'

Help clients streamline their financial plans for the future

It’s impossible to predict the future. Share our worksheet to help clients prepare for the unexpected, and ensure that their finances and financial plans are protected.
Download 'Safeguard your financial plans' Download 'Safeguard your financial plans'

Support bereaved clients in achieving financial independence

The loss of a spouse can leave both emotional and financial scars. Our worksheet enables you to empathetically help your clients navigate this difficult time.
Download 'Life after loss' Download 'Life after loss'

Help clients overcome financial challenges after divorce

Divorce is challenging. Help your clients take the best next steps to reestablish financial independence by sharing our worksheet.
Download 'Life after divorce' Download 'Life after divorce'

Help clients decide where to live in retirement

Do your clients know where they want to spend their retirement? The answer may change over time. Use our worksheet to discuss key questions and considerations with clients so they can plan where to live.
Download 'Decide where to live in retirement' Download 'Decide where to live in retirement'
Decide where to live in retirement

Align on an investment plan with your clients

Use this worksheet to create an investment policy statement (IPS) with each client. Ensure that their IPS takes their goals, constraints and asset allocation into account.
Download 'Investment policy worksheet' Download 'Investment policy worksheet'
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Help clients evaluate their cash flow
Do your clients really know where their money goes? Share our worksheet to help them better understand their income and expenses. More transparency often helps clients make smarter financial choices.
Download 'Assess your cash flow' Download 'Assess your cash flow'
Enable clients to understand their net worth
Clients often invest more with a clearer picture of their net worth. Use this worksheet to calculate what they own (assets), what they owe (liabilities) and the difference between them (net worth).
Download 'Calculate your net worth' Download 'Calculate your net worth'

Help your clients articulate their investment goals

Everyone’s goals are different, whether it be saving for retirement, helping family, financial independence or traveling around the world. Use our worksheet to help identify clients’ goals and establish their financial plan.
Download 'Set goals. Create wealth.' Download 'Set goals. Create wealth.'
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Frequently asked questions

  • Conversation starters are client-ready resources designed to help advisors initiate productive discussions with clients on topics such as market performance, retirement income and major life events, making it easier to engage clients in productive financial dialogue.

  • Conversation starters include a mix of visual charts and interactive worksheets. These tools help advisors explain complex financial concepts in a clear, structured, and actionable way.

  • Advisors can use conversation starters to prepare for client meetings and guide specific discussions. Charts help visualize market trends and worksheets turn conversations into actionable plans.

  • Conversation starters help advisors communicate more clearly and consistently. By structuring conversations around client goals and concerns, they build trust, improve engagement and support better long-term financial decision-making.

  • During periods of market volatility, advisors can begin by acknowledging uncertainty and reinforcing on long-term investment goals. Using charts, historical data, and behavioral coaching techniques can help clients stay focused, avoid emotional decisions and remain invested.

  • Advisors can guide these conversations by aligning client income needs with withdrawal strategies, risk tolerance and long-term retirement goals. Framing discussions around life events and retirement income helps clients make more informed, confident financial decisions.