Mary should explain that the client agreement letter is the engagement document for the advisory relationship.
It confirms what services will be provided, the scope of planning, the roles and responsibilities of the clients and planner, how the planner is compensated, and any limitations or business arrangements that matter to the relationship. It is not the investment strategy itself; that comes after discovery, analysis, and recommendations. It is also not merely an informal or irrelevant bank form. A well-written engagement letter protects the clients because it tells them what they can expect, what information they must provide, and how decisions will be documented. For high-net-worth clients, clarity is even more important because multiple planning areas, specialists, and implementation steps may be involved. Mary should position the letter as a professional standard, not as a barrier to advice. Study Guide focus: engagement letters, financial planning process, client expectations, disclosure, and practice management.