HOW’S THE LIST IN YOUR BUCKET?
– By Brian Weatherdon, MA, CFP, CLU, CPCA
I treasure vivid memories of traveling and living in distinct
regions of Canada, but I hardly traveled abroad until I found
the time and budget for Costa Rica and then Portugal. That’s
where it began for me – we’ve traveled east and west, north
and south since then. Not however in the manner I first
conceived when thinking of my bucket list!
I originally found a recipe for exciting and energetic new
experiences. Each new issue of National Geographic expanded
my possibilities of visiting wonderful parts of the world. With
time and money, I felt we could “retire” every three months
for a few weeks in the most amazing destinations. All good!
Except I grew timid about free-falling into the world’s deepest
cave, or swimming among great white sharks. With a modest
start at rock-climbing and a wilderness canoe trip, I came to
realize I’m no olympian. My 50+ physique wasn’t going to
jump, climb, or sky dive to any new records.
As age keeps peaking at us from around the corner, we
need to plan and enjoy life now. What if we can combine
what brings us the most enjoyment today, with things we’ll
continue to cherish as time goes on? Another key may be
the people we’re with – family and friends – who can add
immeasurably to life’s most important times.
planning and retirement coaching. I’ve been known to
emphasize that money must serve life! With time and practice,
you can make that desire a reality. Money and time are the
“currency” to enjoy the lifestyle you choose, whether you’re
still working or now in your retirement years.
Many are afraid they have too little money to create and
enjoy their life dreams. It’s sad, because when we include
government and pension benefits, home values, life insurance
and other savings, and ponder your top three or five most
important goals or experiences for life, we usually can find a
way that you are going to be able to enjoy yourself. To share
a client example, after selling their business, a couple was
living frugally on $2 million fearing it wouldn’t last through
their retirement, yet we could show a $40,000 annual travel
budget in addition to their regular living expenses. Another
couple had faced disability and a job change that hurt their
savings, but when they gave me their desire to enjoy just one
ocean cruise in their retirement, I found they could afford at
least three such cruises.
When it comes time to reach into your bucket and pull
out a dream, we want two things: First, to know ahead
of time, the money is secure to attain your dream. Second,
Your bucket list can be as unique as a finger print. Each put another dream into that bucket. People are living longer
of us would combine events and activities in our own way. than ever, and this is for sure: Your bucket list is for living!
This also means we can pick up and try new ideas from one Connecting your dreams with the time and money to achieve
another. I’m hoping to meet someone who will introduce them, will absolutely give you the confidence to expand and
me to a ceramics turntable – safer than lathing, simpler than enjoy life on your own terms.•
Brian Weatherdon of Sovereign Wealth Management Inc., is a
bridge, a creative addition alongside hiking, cycling, gardening,
Certified Financial Advisor, retirement coach, and consultant on wealth
fishing, theatre… whatever may already be on your calendar.
and aging. 905-637-3500 [email protected]
There’s also a wide range of volunteers needed in Canada and
The information provided is general in nature, and should
abroad – to fit any personality and to engage your particular not be relied upon as a substitute for advice in any specific situation
requiring appropriate legal, accounting, tax and other professional
skills, beliefs, and interests.
guidance. The views expressed are those of the author and not
A healthy bucket list needs both time and money. This
marries two areas of my service, certified in both financial
Sustaining Income
and
Retirement Lifestyles
www.GuaranteedIncome4Life.ca
Brian Weatherdon
necessarily those of the issuer of any financial products for which
the author may act as a distributor. Any names and/or circumstances
mentioned above are altered for confidentiality.
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