We’ve all been asked financial questions like, “How much do you want to save this month?” While practical, we are learning that they rarely unlock deeper insight.

We’ve found that reframing the question into something more open, like: “What are we hoping this saving will allow us to do?” That’s what we call a doorknob question – something that opens rather than shuts the conversation.

When it comes to money, clarity isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about uncovering the motivations, hopes, and fears behind them. These are rarely simple or one-dimensional.

By shaping financial conversations to invite storytelling and values, we move from transactional checklists to meaningful decision-making conversations.

This kind of conversation allows families and partners to work as a team. It creates space to hear not just what people think, but what they feel.

At Succession Financial Planning, we’re big believers in asking better questions. We don’t just ask what your goals are; we ask why they matter to you. That’s how your financial plan becomes a living reflection of your story.

Next time you talk about money, try changing the question… and see where the conversation goes.