Yesterday afternoon I had a meeting with a client for the purpose of updating her Plan. ‘Stella’ was referred to me by her sister, and they’re both among my favorites. Since we both lived in the East County, and so she could avoid rush hour traffic, we met at a Starbucks in La Mesa.
Turns out she had some pretty cool news of her own.
She’d become engaged. She was practically vibrating with anticipatory excitement. “I won’t be needing that San Diego duplex for the future any more! When the school year is over, (she’s a teacher) I’m headed to Alaska until his job there is completed, then we’re going to Hawaii to live.” She was euphoric.
Talk about a slight change in plans.
This was a great development because now she could take all the money generated by the first round of her Plan and get it growing. Her capital, around $150K after taking out $50K for a Sominex account, will make her at least $50K in the first year alone. As I was telling her what she needed to do in preparation for this new round, she was jazzed. It was contagious.
I began to have one of those moments I live for. It’s when you are reminded that what we do for a living changes lives in such an efficacious way. How that makes me feel can only be described as a tremendous high. It’s the biggest paycheck I ever receive. The excited look on Stella’s face is priceless.
She’s no longer acting as a client but as a friend with great news. It’s a shared moment of unfettered giddiess for both of us. Everything is coming together in such a rewarding way for her. She realizes and appreciates her life is at an undeniably positive pivot point.
Meetings like that are why I still get charged up after almost four decades. That natural high never gets old. It comes from being allowed to make a difference, and it’s a consistently humbling experience.
Jim Frey says:
Hey Jeff: nothing like it…..the feeling of giving keys to first time home owners – priceless! negotiating an incredible deal for your clients – priceless. The thank you 5 years later for helping them along the way – priceless…..
March 8, 2007 — 5:07 pm
Jeff Brown says:
Jim – You hit the nail on the head.
March 8, 2007 — 5:53 pm
Brian Brady says:
Two teachers in San Diego:
1- The first bitches about the sorry state of STERS, his underfunded 403-b plan, and the high cost of living .
2- The second falls in love, chooses where to live, and makes her own retirement rules.
Now, which one do I want to teach my little Maggie?
March 8, 2007 — 7:58 pm
Jeff Brown says:
Brian – There’s not a thing I can add to that – it’s perfect.
March 8, 2007 — 8:01 pm