Why does it not make sense to people for them to plan for the future?

I agree with Wendy. However I believe when it comes to big decisions it is building trust with folks first. Over the phone is hard. It is getting in front of them. 

You have a valuable service to offer. 

If people have a ""Real Financial Plan" with a Fiduciary, it's taken care of.

People in general have a tendency to live at the highest level each day. They spend instead of saving. They do not want to believe that death will happen so soon to them. Therefore the do not buy life insurance and live only for today usually living above their means. 

 If you are talking retirement/insurance, that is something in the future for them. Their issue may be just getting food on the table and keeping a roof over their head. Depending  on age and income of the household, with the cost to just live today, future planning is not a financial option.

I have been contemplating this since the question was asked and although all the answers I have read are good, I do not believe that all the responses are complete. We are in a world of instant self gratification, lack of self control along with lack of education. No regard is placed on the future and people do not like to sit and think about the future and what it may hold, it can be depressing for some. Some people get themselves into a bind early and embarrassment takes over and they don't like people to know how bad off they may be. Their self worth is down the toilet while they still are trying to "keep up with the Jones'". I was one of those people and thank God I ran into my friend who introduced me to the business I am in about educating and assisting people with gaining knowledge of their finances. Until they are ready to listen, admit they need help and seek ways to change habits, we will always face the challenge of those who do not care, but don't give up, keep seeking.

In America,  enormous resources are spent teaching children how to make money and how to spend money without a moment’s formal attention on how and why to save money. That’s what is meant by a ‘consumer driven economy’. That’s also why the middle class is shrinking with more falling to the lower eschelons and more concentrated wealth at the top. Teach people what money is and give them the objective tools as well the spiritual space to appreciate money and they will be great propspects for financial service providers. Avoid these obstacles and you’ll always be chasing ‘high net worth’ prospects that others have already reached. 

Since we are in the same business, I believe it comes down to immediate gratification.  Financial planning, life insurance, and investing for most is something people see as a financial burden in the present.  When they see the importance, its usually when the cost is too high or a catastrophic event has occurred and it's to late.  Hard to change minds when they have that mindset.  Frustrating.

Because most people have no clue .. they haven't been taught life skills or they have no life skills or they don't have enough financial security past each pay check .. or the skills to do better

It definitely does make sense.