Do not blame the client

Advisers must be careful not to focus too much on financial capability as a way of solving a client’s debt problems. Trying to encourage a client to cut back on expenditure without offering them any long-term solutions can drive a client away. An adviser must be aware of this and approach the situation appropriately. It may be that the client simply does not have enough money to live on.

When looking at a client’s expenditure, it is vital to avoid judging the client. The adviser should listen to the client’s explanation of their expenditure and work with them to identify ways in which to reduce spending in the long term without overly affecting the client’s wellbeing. This can sometimes be achieved by finding cheaper alternatives or other ways to reduce current costs rather than eliminating a service completely.