FINANCIAL PLANNERS – Ever wondered why I’m always being filmed in a kitchen? Then this one’s for you!

One problem with home visits is that you can’t control the environment.

The client chooses the room for the meeting, and that choice sets the mood  — both in how it’s used and how it makes you feel.  

That’s why, whenever I visited a client’s home for a Financial Planning session, I’d always try to make sure we sat at the kitchen table.

Why?

Because it’s the perfect spot. A space where everyday family life blends with important decisions.

The kitchen table sees it all… the daily chats, tough choices, lively dinners, money talks, the “I love you’s” and the “I don’t love you anymore’s.”

It’s an office, restaurant, workbench, therapy room and family boardroom all in one.

The kitchen table is perfect for Financial Planning – it balances both sides: life and money, heart and head, emotions and practical decisions.

Sit in the living room and it’s just too relaxed – big sofas, someone in their favourite armchair, the TV on loud, dogs sniffing around… and once, a small child launched himself off a sideboard onto my testicles!!

The study or home office feels too formal – laptops out, spreadsheets everywhere, an office desk, maybe even a shredder.

Even worse, it’s usually one person’s space (the more technical one), and they tend to take over the session. Meanwhile, their partner – the one who’s more focused on the bigger picture and who you really want to hear from – ends up feeling out of place and stays quiet.

So, the kitchen is definitely the place to be.

The trick is – you must suggest (demand) sitting at the kitchen table before you end up on the sofa. If you feel yourself being led to the lounge, a simple, “Would it be OK if we sat at the kitchen table?” is usually all it takes to claim the spot.

Needing somewhere to put your big doozy whiteboard is always a great excuse. Just saying.

In fact, I found kitchen tables so good for Financial Planning that when we set about fitting out our premises, I didn’t build an office full of meeting rooms.

I built a Financial Planning space full of kitchens.

Strange but true – watch the video for a tour of our premises if you don’t believe me.