Benefits
Suggesting Mode is a permission set that allows clients to propose updates to their financial information without directly changing live Asset‑Map data. It is designed to help advisors collect accurate updates efficiently while maintaining full control over the client Asset-Map.
Used intentionally, Suggesting Mode:
Reduces manual data gathering before meetings
Encourages client engagement and preparation
Creates a structured review process instead of informal emails or notes
Preserves advisor authority over final data changes
Suggesting Mode is best viewed as a collaboration tool, not a client editing feature.
How Suggesting Mode Works
When Suggesting Mode is enabled, the client experience follows a controlled workflow:
The advisor grants access using a Suggesting Mode permission set
The client views shared Asset‑Map information in the portal
The client submits suggested changes using portal tools
Suggestions are saved as advisor drafts, not live edits
The advisor reviews, accepts, or rejects each suggestion
At no point does the client directly modify live Asset‑Map data.
Advisor Workflow: Step‑by‑Step
Step 1a: Assign Suggesting Mode Access
Create a Client Portal link for the household
Select a permission set that includes Suggesting Mode
Send the portal link to the client
Suggesting Mode is assigned at the time the portal link is created, but permission sets can be adjusted later if needed.
Step 1b: Updating an Existing Invitation Link
For an active client portal user, you can update the permission set to “Asset-Map Report: Suggesting." Follow these steps:
Open the member edit window.
Click the client portal tab.
Adjust the permission set.
Click Update.
Please note that the Suggesting mode only includes the Asset-Map Report. The client will be able to see the Suggesting toolbar upon next log-in.
Step 2: Prepare the Asset‑Map for Client Suggestions
Client success in Suggesting Mode depends on preparation.
Best practices before inviting the client:
Build out known accounts, assets, and liabilities in advance
Use placeholders or stencils to indicate where updates are expected
Leave clear labels or notes such as “Please confirm” or “Update balance here”
Send a clear email along with the client portal link or when you've reset their permission set of what they can do and what to expect.
Well‑structured maps and proactive instructions reduce confusion and incomplete submissions.
Step 3: Client Submits Suggested Changes
The client suggesting permission set will provide the client an interface with the following elements: a black toolbar titled You’re Suggesting with options to add elements to their map. It also provides an option to Hide Changes to view their current map without their suggestions.
The Learn More link will link them to a support page on how to use the interface if needed.
The toolbar will be present at every client portal log-in unless the planner assigns a different permission set.
Add/Delete/Edit Elements
The client will have the option to add new elements using their toolbar.
They can also click on current financials or members and make edits or request to delete.
Suggestions Display for the Client
Suggested changes are visually highlighted
When a change is saved (Update), a new tab becomes available called “Drafts.” The client may undo their suggestion from this tab.
Once submitted, all changes are grouped together and sent to the advisor as draft suggestions.
Step 4: Advisor Reviews Suggestions
The advisor is notifed by email and in-app notification that there are pending suggestions. Notifications are provided at minimum 20 minutes after the client completes their session.
When the advisor opens the household a notification bar is present. Click View Changes to get started.
Suggested changes appear in the advisor workspace within the household as a draft.
For each suggestion, the advisor can click the highlighted tile:
Commit the change (updates live data)
Reject the change (no data is modified)
Advisors remain fully in control of what is ultimately applied.
Client Suggest Draft is Saved
A Client Suggesting Draft is automatically saved for later viewing. The planner may access the saved draft by opening the Draft interface (right click/ alt click, select Drafts) and selecting the "Client Portal Suggest" option.
Improving the Client Experience in Suggesting Mode
Set Clear Expectations
Before sending the portal link, explain to clients:
They are suggesting changes, not editing live data
All updates will be reviewed before being finalized
Not every field must be completed
This reduces anxiety and over‑editing.
Guide Client Behavior
To improve the quality of suggestions:
Ask clients to focus only on areas you want updated
Encourage them to submit all updates in one session
Let them know it’s acceptable to leave unknown fields blank
Recommendations
Over‑permissioning: Don’t grant Suggesting Mode unless you plan to review suggestions.
Under‑preparation: Empty or unclear maps increase client frustration
Lack of follow‑up: Always acknowledge when suggestions are reviewed
When to Use Suggesting Mode
Ideal Use Cases
Annual or semi‑annual data refreshes
Pre‑meeting preparation
Clients who prefer self‑service updates
Not Recommended When
Data changes are complex
Clients are uncomfortable with technology
Immediate real‑time updates are required
Relationship to Other Client Portal Features
Suggesting Mode works within the broader Client Portal framework:
It relies on portal links and permission sets
It complements View‑Only access
It can be revoked or adjusted at any time
For related instructions, see:
1/2026