After years, YEARS, of being told we should prepare. Of being told we should have supplies in case the “big one” hits, or any other calamity or catastrophe unleashes itself on our community. I’ve often thought to myself, “Yeah, I need to do that,” because I would hate to have calamity or catastrophe happen and be “that guy.” Besides, what does it hurt to plan? Only not planning can hurt me.
Finally, I did something! I went to Amazon and for $218 I bought water jugs for long-term storage of water. It will provide 40 gallons of water for my family. This is equivalent to 21 days of drinking water for 4 adults. Sorry Adam and Kinga, you live in New York! If you lived here, I would plan for you too.
After 23 years of being a financial planner, I have to say the most painful conversations I have are when people come to me and they are not prepared. They have not made a financial plan; they are at or near their goals and looking for guidance on how to achieve them. I have had to tell people they cannot ever retire or that they need to sell their house and move. Calamity and catastrophe.
We don’t like to think of calamity and catastrophe, but it doesn’t make them go away. I may not need water, ever. But at least if I one day reach the intended use of the water (the water’s goal), I’ll have it and certainly will not regret it!
Doing a financial plan is not about investments. It is not about savings. It is not about insurance, estate planning, asset titling, or tax planning. It includes those things, but financial planning is about you and achieving your goals with peace and security. It is about life well lived on your terms. It is about not being “that guy.”
All our clients are successful because they have all planned and it isn’t about financial wealth; our clients span the spectrum of financial wealth. It is about how you plan to use the wealth you have in the most meaningful way possible to make sure your lifestyle is secure, and you will achieve your goals. (Check out our What is a Financial Plan newsletter!)
TenBridge clients are wealthy indeed, but not because of money. Money is rather trivial in the end. They are wealthy because they are prepared and because they have a plan.
If calamity or catastrophe does hit our community, truly with the right supplies in place, the Lawrence family will be water wealthy indeed.
Now I just need to think about that food thing, so we don’t need to eat the cat! Sorry Keto. (He doesn’t think that is funny.)
If you or your loved ones haven’t done your financial plan yet, why wait? It can start today – as simple as me going on Amazon. Just call us.
From the desk of
Erik Lawrence CFP®
The information contained in this correspondence is intended for general educational purposes only and as a means for facilitating a conversation. Please consider our door always open to discuss your particular situation and how this information might benefit you and fit your specific needs.
About TenBridge Partners
TenBridge Partners is an independent financial planning and investment management firm based in Portland, Oregon with a simple focus of honoring the fiduciary responsibility of putting clients first.
Planning is central to everything we do. Our focus is on a complete understanding of a client’s and potential client’s needs through the financial planning process, before we move forward with anything else.
We bring clarity and confidence to an otherwise confusing financial world.
We are about people.