Financial planning proposal: Free template

Customize this free financial planning proposal with Cobrief

Open this free financial planning proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your client’s goals, financial situation, and the scope of your services. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.

Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.

This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching comprehensive financial planning services, responding to client inquiries, or outlining multi-year advisory packages. Whether you’re creating proposals regularly or occasionally, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.

What is a financial planning proposal?

A financial planning proposal is a structured document that outlines the scope, timeline, and fee structure for helping a client manage and plan their finances. It’s used by financial advisors, wealth managers, and planning firms to explain their approach and offer clarity before engagement begins.

This proposal is typically sent after an initial consultation or discovery call. It summarizes what you’ll help the client achieve — from retirement planning and budgeting to tax strategies or investment alignment — and clearly outlines deliverables, tools, fees, and timelines.

A good financial planning proposal helps you:

• Clarify the services you’ll provide and how they align with client goals
• Set expectations around meetings, reports, and review frequency
• Build trust by explaining your process and approach
• Avoid misunderstandings around scope, fees, or assumptions

If you’re offering structured, ongoing financial guidance, this is the proposal to use to set the tone and move toward engagement.

Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal

Instead of formatting a static Word doc, Cobrief lets you create, improve, and share your proposal — all in one place, with AI support built in.

• Edit the proposal directly in your browser: No setup needed — just open and start writing.
• Rewrite sections with AI: Improve flow, clarify language, or adjust tone with a click.
• Run a one-click AI review: Catch unclear phrasing, missing information, or weak value props instantly.
• Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept edits individually or apply all across the proposal.
• Share or export instantly: Download a clean PDF or DOCX, or send it directly from the platform.

It’s a faster, cleaner way to create proposals that reflect your expertise and professionalism.

When to use this proposal

This financial planning proposal works well in scenarios like:

• After a discovery session with a prospective client: Turn your notes into a polished proposal to move things forward.
• When pitching comprehensive planning services to a high-net-worth client: Break down your process, fees, and timeline.
• Responding to inbound interest: Use the proposal to communicate scope and set expectations.
• When offering a bundled service (e.g., financial planning + investment management): Clarify how each service fits together.
• Proactively engaging an existing client for long-term planning: Use this to pitch a deeper advisory relationship.

Use this proposal when you want to build trust, communicate value, and help clients make an informed decision.

What to include in a financial planning proposal

Each section in this template helps you communicate your offer clearly and professionally. Here's what to include — and how to tailor it:

• Executive summary: Outline what you’re offering and why it matters based on the client’s financial goals or life stage. For example, mention key goals like retirement readiness, cash flow clarity, or tax efficiency.
• Scope of services: Detail what’s included — e.g., budgeting, retirement projections, investment review, tax planning, estate considerations. Be specific, and note what’s not included if relevant (e.g., executing trades, legal documents).
• Planning timeline: Break down the engagement — e.g., Initial discovery → Analysis → Plan delivery → Review sessions. Include timing for each stage.
• Fees: Be transparent — whether you charge flat fees, hourly rates, or retainers. Include what’s covered and how/when payments are collected.
• Terms and expectations: Clarify how frequently you’ll meet, what information the client needs to provide, and how progress will be tracked or updated. If relevant, outline your fiduciary role or regulatory obligations in simple terms.
• Next steps: Let the client know how to proceed. For example: “Reply to confirm,” “Schedule onboarding,” or “Sign and return the engagement letter.”

How to write an effective financial planning proposal

Clients aren’t just hiring you for technical knowledge — they’re looking for clarity, trust, and partnership. Here’s how to make your proposal more effective:

• Lead with their goals: Frame your offer around what they want to achieve, not what you do.
• Explain your process: Help the client feel confident in your structure and methodology.
• Be transparent about scope: Show where your service starts and ends to avoid misunderstandings.
• Keep your tone confident but clear: Avoid overcomplicating things — clarity builds trust.
• Use simple formatting: Make your document skimmable and digestible, especially for clients unfamiliar with financial lingo.
• End with a next step: Don’t leave clients guessing what to do after reading your proposal.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.