There comes a time when we are given pause to reflect on the things that are most important in our lives and to remember the ambitions that perhaps we have set aside for another day. A few weekends ago, while I was sitting on the sofa flipping through channels, I came across the movie The Bucket List. I saw it many years ago but watching it afresh I was struck by the story of two men who find themselves terminally ill and adrift in life. Edward, played by Jack Nicholson, has poured all his energy into work that brings him exceptional riches, but he is deeply lonely. Carter, Morgan Freeman’s character, has a loving family and strong faith and yet feels like a stranger to himself. Together they make a pact to do all the things they want to do before they “kick the bucket” and a brilliant adventure ensues that takes them skydiving, on safari, climbing Everest and having the best holiday imaginable.
Watching the sunset on the top of a pyramid, Carter tells Edward that the Egyptians believed when souls got to the gates of heaven they would be asked two questions: “Did you find joy in your life?” and “Has your life brought joy to others?” It is a touching moment and got me thinking about how sad it was that for some we leave it too late to do the things that really matter. But what does it really mean to have financial security, provide for our loved ones and make sure we achieve our life plans now, rather than just waiting for retirement or the inevitable?
As an adviser I have to ask some very personal questions of my clients, because wealth management is not just about the sums. At Quadrant Group, our starting point is to gain a true understanding of your family, your financial affairs and your emotional tolerance to risk. We want to get to know you and discover your lifestyle goals. What you want to do with your assets over the long term enables us to successfully structure your portfolio to achieve your wishes. Essentially we ask, “What’s on your bucket list?”
You may be feeling overwhelmed with the financial bits and pieces accumulated over the years of your career. If you have a jumble of IFA managed portfolios, pension plans, with-profit bonds, life insurance and endowment policies, it can be difficult to see the bigger picture. Through our Wealth Partnership process we identify how your needs and aspirations can be built into a personalised strategy. We organise your assets into a sensible structure and provide a full picture of your wealth. We seek to minimise tax and costs and make the most of your wealth by investing assets more efficiently and structuring your portfolio to meet life’s events.
We understand that it’s what your money can do to create opportunities, fulfil ambitions and leave a lasting legacy that matters. Through good financial planning, effective structuring and a close relationship with your financial adviser, you too can achieve your bucket list.
P.S. For the record, my bucket list used to include many material things. The biggest was a ‘Sunseeker Predator’ and I smile as I think of Jeff Kay asking me each year how close I was to getting it. Having had children my list has grown with many travel destinations, places and experiences that I want to enjoy with my girls! (Many down and still lots planned each year.) What’s on yours? Let me know by leaving a reply below.
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This article does not constitute financial advice. Individuals must not rely on this information to make a financial or investment decision. Before making any decision, we recommend you consult your financial planner to take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation and individual needs. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of an investment and the income from it may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. This document may include forward-looking statements that are based upon our current opinions, expectations and projections.
