I’ve recently stumbled upon a show called The Repair Shop and admit I’ve become hooked!
The basis of the show is that a number of highly skilled craftsman take in old items of huge sentimental value from the public and repair them back to or as close to their original state.
The stories of these items and the reactions of their owners when they come back days after dropping off the old and batted pieces to see them restored to their original beauty is emotional to say the least.
The emotions that arise when these people see their pieces restored are incredible. They talk about the amazing memories that come flooding back and how their parents or grandparents would love to see that the grandfather clock are still providing joy all these years later.
The last episode really got me thinking about memories and legacy and how we as financial planners help create this for our clients and their families.
A lady in her 90’s that had an accordion that her father used to play for her when she was a child, it had seen better days. The wonderful craftsman at the repair shop not only managed to restore it back to its original glory but, when she came to pick it up played the song that her father used to play.
You could see the pure joy of the wonderful memories that this conjured up for her, transporting her back over 80 years. She talked about how happy she was that this was going to now be passed down to her grandchildren and great grandchildren to continue to leave a wonderful legacy of such a happy time for her.
Our money should do the same. It should allow us to create lifelong memories that we look back on with joy. We should want our money to be able to leave a legacy, that means we can help our family, friends or causes close to our heart when we are no longer here.
Great financial planning is so much more than investing or pensions. It is about creating plans, so you get the best return on life. It is about channelling why money is important to you and how you want to use it to make the most of your time that is left. But most importantly, it is about creating amazing lifelong memories and leaving a legacy that ensures your impact can be felt for future generations.
And to see this happen with my clients is amazing! I’ve recently started working with a couple that are in their late 50’s and planning in great detail the legacy they want to leave.
They want to set up a charitable foundation to ensure their money goes to causes close their hearts, they want to gift money to their 3 daughters over the next few years to be able to help with a number of key life goals such as education, homes and cars. Meanwhile, the couples themselves have plans to travel across the world to watch cricket.
Creating memories and leaving a legacy were their main two objectives. Helping them do this makes me feel like the craftsman on The Repair Shop unveiling the reconditioned, pristine grandfather clock for them to admire, reminisce and feel joyful about.
Dan joined TFP Financial Planning Ltd in September 2018.
He has worked in financial services since 2005, specifically in investment management, where he has held senior sales and management positions in the City with some of the largest global asset management companies.
Dan is sports mad, with a particular love for cricket; he has played to county 2nd XI standard and has spent a year in Australia as an overseas professional. Dan also loves golf and plays to a 6-handicap.
