Written By: Andi Wrenn, AFC®, MQFP®
If you haven’t tapped in to the On Demand recordings from the 2025 Symposium, you certainly should check them out. Each year the symposium committee and volunteers review the presentations submitted for Symposium. Each year hundreds of submissions are sent in to be reviewed.
As soon as the app is available, I go check out the videos that are available that you all worked hard to create, submit proposals for, and then record so we can all learn something new. This year there were over 20 videos. The free wi-fi on the plane gave me an opportunity to use my time flying from the East Coast to Phoenix to watch several presentations. It is always my goal to watch all the on demand classes prior to the start of Symposium.
Here is a quick snapshot of the topics covered:
- Using book clubs to reach consumers
- Financial wellness as self-care
- Working with the prison population
- Buy now pay later
- AI intelligence and spreadsheets
- Student loans
- Home buying
- How to launch a podcast
- Personal finance on college campuses
- Using a systematic approach
- Case studies
- Financial shame
- Nudging – holistic counseling
- Mental health and finances
- Zero based budgeting
- Retirement
- Helping clients with travel goals
- Familial identity theft
- Trends in financial counseling
- Why financial counselors often aren’t good business owners
Symposium extends through the entire year as you have these presentations available to watch until at least early October of 2026. So it isn’t too late to take the time to explore the hard work your colleagues put forth creating these great sessions.
Why is it important for financial professionals to learn from others? It expands our knowledge where other professionals specialize. It can also give us data to support the work with do with clients, in the classroom, or the work we do in the field. The research shared in presentations helps us expand and become well rounded as a professional. Case studies and examples of work with client helps us to understand the concepts shared. We can help clients who may end up in front of us with similar situations. It can help researchers and educators by inspiring them to dig into a topic, or to share it with their students.
I want to share some highlights from the presentation I made for the On Demand Symposium session on travel. Below you will find information shared in Suitcases & Savings: Helping Clients Prioritize Travel.
Travel is one of the most common goals clients share with financial counselors, yet it is often the least structured in a financial plan. Whether clients are planning weekend getaways, family traditions, or long-anticipated trips, travel reflects personal values, priorities, and quality of life. Financial counselors are uniquely positioned to help clients not only plan for travel, but to help clients understand how to protect the money they spend on travel.
When financial counselors help clients plan for and protect travel goals, they deepen trust and engagement while supporting long-term financial well-being. Travel conversations aren’t just about trips, they’re about helping clients live aligned, resilient, and meaningful lives.
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Travel is Value Based, not Just a Luxury
For many clients, travel represents freedom, connection, identity, or a sense of urgency around time. When counselors treat travel as a values-based goal rather than discretionary spending, clients feel seen and understood. This shift leads to more open conversations and greater follow-through.
Takeaway: Start by exploring why travel matters before focusing on the numbers.
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Travel Planning Applies at Every Life Stage
Travel goals show up across all ages and income levels. Younger clients may prioritize experiences while managing debt. Families balance travel with competing financial demands. Older clients may want to maximize travel during high energy years. Treating travel as an ongoing financial goal—rather than a one-time indulgence—helps clients plan realistically.
Takeaway: Normalize travel planning by integrating it into regular budgeting and goal discussions.
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Separate Travel from Everyday Spending
Creating a dedicated travel fund or sinking fund gives clients permission to spend intentionally. When travel dollars are set aside in advance, clients experience less guilt, avoid overspending, and reduce reliance on credit.
Takeaway: A designated travel fund turns intention into action.
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Integrate Travel to Long-Term Financial Plans
Clients often feel they must choose between enjoying life now and securing their future. Financial counselors can reframe this mindset by sequencing goals rather than allowing them to compete. Travel can coexist with retirement savings, emergency funds, and debt reduction when it is planned intentionally.
For older clients, the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go framework helps align travel expectations with realistic spending patterns.
Takeaway: Travel belongs inside the financial plan, not outside of it.
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Protect the Travel Goal
Planning for travel is only part of the equation. Helping clients protect their travel plans is equally important. Unexpected illness, emergencies, job changes, or financial disruptions can quickly derail a trip.
Financial counselors can help clients:
- Maintain an adequate emergency fund so travel savings aren’t depleted
- Understand when travel insurance may be appropriate, and learn to weigh the options
- Avoid over-reliance on credit for travel expenses
- Consider flexible booking options and refundable reservations
- Align travel spending with overall risk tolerance
Protecting the travel goal ensures that a single disruption doesn’t undo months or years of planning.
Takeaway: Protection planning preserves both the trip and the client’s financial stability.
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Balance Travel with Debt Reduction and Savings
Travel doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice. Many clients can pursue meaningful travel while continuing to make progress on debt payoff and savings goals. The key is realistic expectations, intentional trade-offs, and clear communication.
Takeaway: Financial progress and life enjoyment can coexist.
Summary: When financial counselors help clients plan for and protect travel goals, they deepen trust and engagement while supporting long-term financial well-being. Travel conversations aren’t just about trips, they’re about helping clients live aligned and meaningful lives.
Andi Wrenn, AFC®, MQFP®, uses her certifications and MA in Counseling to convey her passion for helping people achieve personal, financial, and professional goals. She is a past president of the AFCPE® Board of Directors, and a retired leader in military financial education. Through her business, Coaching Capability, she develops continuing education and experience hour opportunities for CFP®, ChFC®, and AFC® professionals. She empowers financial professionals with engaging education and mentorship to enhance client trust and communication. Connect with Andi on LinkedIn and visit her FindAnAFC.org profile to learn more about her experience and offerings.
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