We are developing the tools. Within integralism, the "Life Planning" movement, individual workshops and objective assessment instruments, from psychology to sociology and broad analytical conceptions like AQAL and Spiral Dynamics, we are beginning to generate improved interior approaches. Between them, seemingly esoteric theory generates new, appropriate instruments and processes. These, in turn, enable new possibilities for products and services. "Woo-woo" becomes "whoa" or "wow." We can look for the truths in all of these individual approaches. Combined, they will help us to develop the skills and processes most appropriate to the needs of individual practitioners.

This "Stewardship Policy" document/process uses integral principles together with the basic financial planning process to help clients realistically merge realities with possibilities to make solid, current decisions. It is not a philanthropy policy. Philanthropy cannot be presupposed. Neither is it the sort of financial plan "we" have "always" done. It includes too much of the nonfinancial. Rather, it is a mutable policy document of committed self-governance. Specifically, implementation and consequences are the client's fundamental responsibility-not the advisor's.

Its creation and scope constitute a living process. Things change as both client and relationship mature. It is also a process that recognizes that relationship's end.

In my experience, integralism provides an effective approach to stewardship policies and their developmental processes. The filters enabled by application of holonic principles and spiral dynamics levels encourage thorough reviews of client assets, issues, problems, possibilities and goals.

Most important, clients must take the stewardship processes seriously. This means mutual understandings of commitments and responsibilities. This is a product for adults. It may not work for clients who need a lot of handholding.

Obviously, we cannot take financial survival for granted. Accordingly, it is critical to grasp the client's financial basics. Then, we can go to work on understanding the client.

What is their relationship with their family? Which part of their family? Parents? Children? Obligations? Limitations? What has been successful for them? How was their money generated? If their money has come via inheritance, how was it originally earned? How did their forebears act in their worlds? What were their prevailing qualities? What can they learn from this or observe about themselves?

How were they raised? What sort of education? How do they choose to spend their time? What is important to them? Do they need to work for money? How is their health? What is their relationship to money? What is their philosophy of life? What is holding them back? What are their talents? What has been successful? Have they had unique experiences?

What are their ideals? What would they like to accomplish in life? Why are they seeking your help? What has been in the way? Who are their other advisors, including therapists? What subjects ought to remain the province of the therapist? (A "Stewardship Policy" is not therapy. At best, "Stewardship" is to "Therapy" as snorkeling is to scuba diving.)

What is their personal touchstone statement? What would be true about them regardless of circumstances? If they had twenty-four hours to live, what would they regret about their lives?