Asking for plain language does not make you difficult or financially unsophisticated. You are entitled to understand the financial information used in your decisions.
Jargon often compresses a real trade-off. “Liquidity”, “volatility”, “underwriting” or “tax efficient” should be translated into what can happen to your money, access or claim. A good explanation can still be technically accurate without making the client do the decoding.
Use respectful interruption. Ask for an example in rand, a comparison with the current arrangement or the exact document clause. Then repeat the explanation in your own words and invite correction. That reveals misunderstanding far more reliably than asking, “Does that make sense?”
Try this now
Choose one term from your latest financial document. Complete: “In my situation, this means ___ could happen when ___.” Ask the advisor to confirm or refine it.
Useful phrases include:
- “Please explain that without the product term.”
- “Where can I see that in writing?”
- “What is the downside in ordinary circumstances?”
- “Can you show the cost in rand?”
Understanding is part of informed consent. You do not need to apologise for slowing the conversation down.