Transforming clients from reluctant savers into committed planners through fun elements

Who says planning for your financial goals cannot be fun? Zann Lim, a five-year MDRT member with three Court of the Table qualifications, reveals how gamification and shifting the conversation to life’s deeper questions inspire clients to see their finances in a whole new light. 

When Lim first sat down with a close friend early in her career to talk about wealth management, she hit a wall. Like so many clients, her friend was not moved by charts, projections, or the usual facts about retirement and protection. Traditional methods of explaining the importance of planning for one’s finances simply did not resonate. But Lim was not deterred. Instead, she turned to something deeply human: creativity, empathy, and a willingness to meet clients where they are. 

Pivoting when the usual approach falls flat 

Lim’s close friend, despite years of gentle reminders, always brushed off any discussions about her finances. “I tried going through the usual facts, showing projections and explaining the importance of early planning, but nothing stuck. It was one of the hardest sessions I’ve had, because when someone doesn’t see a destination, no roadmap feels useful.” This was a moment many advisors know well; the facts are there, but the motivation is missing and the conversation stalls.  

She quickly realized the missing ingredient was not more information, but a deeper connection. Her friend needed inspiration, not just financial education. Instead of pushing harder with logic and data, Lim decided to pivot. Drawing inspiration from her own life vision board, she invited her friend to co-create a vision for the future. They gathered colorful papers and markers, just like during childhood school projects, and spent an afternoon mapping out hopes, dreams, and aspirations. They even pitched their “future selves” in a playful, TED-talk style presentation. 

The exercise was light-hearted, but the impact was profound. As her friend visualized her future, she uncovered goals she had never voiced before. Experiences she wanted, people she wanted to care for, and milestones she had quietly hoped for but never named. Suddenly, working towards her financial goals went from spreadsheet numbers to achieving tangible hopes and dreams. 

Shifting from avoidance to engagement was transformative and empowering. Lim’s friend became more and more energized, increasingly willing to work together towards building a plan anchored in her own vision. The outcome was lasting: greater clarity, confidence, and a willingness to take immediate, impactful action. 

Gamifying financial growth to motivate a new generation 

About 70% of Lim’s practice is made up of young professionals and families. People who are digitally savvy, highly informed, and naturally skeptical. Rather than just prescribing solutions, she invites clients to co-create their plans and have a little fun while doing it. Every conversation brings clients one step closer to clearly visualizing each goal and the steps they need to take to reach them.  

Lim’s philosophy is simple: “Simplify without diluting.” She uses everyday analogies to make financial concepts tangible. For example, she compares retirement income to receiving a daily allowance on a trip. “When we travel, we often ration our spending at the start, worried we’ll run out of money, only to splurge at the end on things that don’t bring much value. Retirement can feel the same. Instead, imagine receiving a fresh amount of local currency each day, enough to enjoy the present fully, with the confidence that more is coming tomorrow.” 

One of Lim’s clients had a classic spending problem, where he struggled with delayed gratification and preferred enjoying his money in the present rather than setting it aside for the future. This led Lim to get creative and launch “Budgeting Buddies,” a six-month challenge where her clients tracked their cashflow and monthly savings, turning budgeting into a fun, social game. The challenge was gamified, with prizes for those who consistently practiced delayed gratification, as well as a “Most Improved” award for the biggest jump in savings. 

Through this challenge, the client who was previously resistant to long-term planning, surprised himself by saving more than he thought possible. Most importantly, he actually began enjoying the process. The challenge transformed his mindset, where saving was not a sacrifice, but rather a proven path to long-term longevity and reward. 

“When he realized he’d already done what the wealth strategy required: set a goal, commit a portion consistently, stay disciplined, and eventually reap the reward, it clicked,” Lim shares. “He was ready to commit to the real thing, the longer-term investment plan we discussed.” 

Keep it human first, finance second 

For Lim, the real magic happens when planning for finances stops feeling like a lecture and more like a genuine conversation. She has seen firsthand how clients light up when they are invited to share their stories, voice their dreams, and shape their own futures. Young professionals and families, once hesitant or indifferent, become active partners in their own financial journeys. 

Her story is a reminder that the most powerful financial advisory starts with the right human question, not the financial one. For advisors looking to make a lasting impact, Lim stresses the importance of bringing heart, humanity, and fun to every conversation. 

“What once felt like a chore suddenly became fun, social, competitive — and that made all the difference.” 

Contact: MDRTeditorial@teamlewis.com