Teach your children well

March 01, 2008 at 07:00 PM
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"Hindsight is always 20-20."
~ Billy Wilder

The idea of time travel has fascinated man for centuries. No doubt, the invention and use of such a machine would significantly alter the course of history. But imagine the potential personal ramifications. How would the path of your life change if you ?? 1/2 with your years of wisdom and life experience ?? 1/2 could speak to the 18-year-old version of yourself?

There is immeasurable truth in the old adage that the days do not tell us what the years make so clear. I am sure many of your senior clients share this sentiment. They have weathered hardships, striving to ensure that their children, and their children?? 1/2 s children, would enjoy a better life.

Yet not every generation achieves this goal. This may be especially true in light of today?? 1/2 s uncertain economic times coupled with poor personal finance discipline. It is alarming when we consider the high number of young people who have quickly and almost naturally put themselves in debt and face the risk of a financial cancer that may plague them throughout their lives.

For struggling younger generations, there is wisdom in the perspective of seniors. History has a way of repeating itself, and the economy revolves on a cycle of ups and downs. From depression to recession, gas shortages, dot.com busts, etc. ?? 1/2 there are lessons in past hardships that seniors can impart.

As a trusted financial advisor, encourage your senior clients to have these conversations with their families.

The caution to avoid shortcuts to ?? 1/2 easy money,?? 1/2 the need to have a disciplined plan, and the value of having a skilled financial coach ?? 1/2 all are topics that families should openly and honestly discuss.

You can guide your clients as they start the conversations and bring their children and grandchildren to the table.

Make sure that your clients?? 1/2 actions speak as loudly as their words, too. Do your clients have a sound financial plan in place? Are they protecting their assets from the unexpected risks of life? Help your senior clients make the decision to not only leave a financial legacy, but also a legacy of fiscal integrity. Finally, by working with seniors to set up a strong life insurance policy, you can both ensure that the lessons continue long after your client has passed away.

Financial advisors have many tools at their disposal. We may not have a time machine in our offices, but we can bring together the generations for open financial conversations. By sharing the knowledge of their years, perhaps our senior clients can achieve personal satisfaction and find comfort in knowing they have helped make the days a little easier for future generations.

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