Business Insider / Personal Finance: I’m a financial planner, and the first question I ask any new client tells me everything I need to know to help them manage their money

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I’m a financial planner, and I always ask new clients the same question: What brings you here? This open-ended question puts the client in the driver’s seat and helps me learn what’s most important to them.
Most people do not understand how to manage their finances in a way that can bring them long-term success, and that’s okay — as long as they know when to ask for help.
Financial planners like me connect the dots between where you are and where you want to be, and show you the steps to take to safeguard your financial future
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As a financial planner, I’ve seen both good and bad financial situations. Clients come to me for a variety of reasons, but I can’t read their minds and I certainly don’t want to make any assumptions. Rather than guessing, I always ask new clients one question at the start of our meeting: What brings you here?

It seems like a silly question. The client wants help to manage their finances, which is why they sought me out for financial planning. Except no two financial plans are the same. I need to know what’s important in their lives in order to help them reach their goals.

The open-ended question of “what brings you here” is an excellent starting point. When clients answer this question in their own words, it helps me see how I can make financial planning successful in their eyes.

Marguerita In The News

GoBankingRates, Sept. 9, 2025— Marguerita Cheng, CRP® Pro, is featured in today’s article by Chris Adam, who writes, “You may want to put on your inspector hat if you’re in the market for a good used car. According to Consumer Reports, finding a trouble-free used vehicle isn’t about luck. It’s a combination of good research and investigative skills. After all, you don’t want to waste money on a used car that isn’t worth it. Here's what Marguerita suggests.

TV Appearances

GoBankingRates.com, Sept. 26, 2025 — Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro, is featured in today's video and article by Laura Bogart, who writes, "Purchasing life insurance is one of those milestone moves that makes you feel like a grown-up. It’s a sign that you’re ready to protect your family financially and prepare for the unexpected or even get strategic about how you build long-term wealth. But that doesn’t mean it’s an easy decision. From underestimating your coverage needs to misunderstanding different policy types, even well-meaning individuals can make costly mistakes."

Books by Marguerita Cheng

With my publisher, Hope Katz Gibbs of the Inkandescent PR + Publishing Co., I am so excited to share with you my newest book this year, "Diary of a CFP® Pro." Learn a month at a time how to flex your financial muscles using tried and true strategies.