Let’s be honest; financial advisors are not always known for letting down their guards and inviting people to get to know them personally. But I feel like if I want to have a personal relationship with my clients, the communication and effort goes both ways.
It’s been two months since many of our lives were turned upside down and like many people I’ve had good days and bad, moments of positivity and moments when I feel like I want to throw the covers over my head and wait for the pandemic to pass. During the first couple of weeks of my family’s shelter-in-place, I began to realize how little control I really had over my day-to-day routine in this “new normal.” Those beginning weeks shifted me from a natural planner to someone who takes things day-by-day because that was about all my heart and head could handle.
I felt somewhat paralyzed as I watched my community lose loved ones and jobs and each day was met with a deep breath and a moment of gratitude that I was able to work from home and be with my husband and daughter. Like many people, I not only started tackling long overdue projects, I’ve used this time to reflect on my past and present. And here is what I know to be true.
Our past influences how we deal with the present.
I grew up in a family with little means, therefore, as an adult, I’ve worked hard to be prepared for all emergencies. That is not only reflected in our pantry and supply closet in our home, it’s also evident in our financial accounts. Going without is a very real fear of mine (as it is for a lot of other people) and I try to be in control as much as possible. While current events have tested that preparedness, my planning has given my family a lot peace of mind during these troubled times. For that, I am grateful.
Connection is a challenge…and more important than ever.
Personal connection is a lifeline for most people – and I am no exception. That’s why I love what I do as a financial advisor and why I seek out community projects and causes to stay involved. Yes, it’s hard to stay connected these days, but I believe it’s crucial to our well-being. FaceTime and Zoom have made virtual meet-ups possible and while it may take a little more effort on your part to set those calls up, sharing your struggles, victories, and everything in between is what will help us all get through this crises. And if what you need to discuss is your financial future…give us a call. We’d love to hear from you.
This will change us all – I hope.
Many experts have said that we won’t ever go back to normal when it comes to how we navigate the world. And in many cases, I hope that’s true. I know I will look forward to the first hug I’m able to give one of the kids I mentor, but there are some things in my life that I hope are a forever change.
I hope I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore.
I hope I’m more spontaneous.
I hope I add more margin to my days, that I’m less hurried and more mindful.
I hope I continue with some of the hobbies I’ve picked up during this time (I’m now an expert at sewing face masks and pillowcase dresses!).
I hope that I’m able to use this experience to continue to educate friends, family, and clients on the importance of saving so they feel more in control when it comes to their financial future – even when some circumstances are beyond their control. And I hope the people I know and the people I’ve yet to meet know that they can contact me at any time to get the answers they need to keep moving forward on their financial path.
Debbie Charpentier has been serving clients since 1989 by using a holistic, comprehensive approach that helps clients create the life they value and the legacy they envision. Charpentier Wealth Strategies is a Bakersfield, CA Financial Planning practice that offers fee-based financial planning services. To contact Debbie, email Debbie.Charpentier@LFG.com. http://charpentierwealth.com/ Debbie Charpentier is a registered representative offering securities and investment advisory services through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., (Member SIPC). Charpentier Wealth Strategies is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. CRN3069577-050120