20 years ago, my life was pretty much on cruise control. Gainfully employed in the Energy Industry and making a 6-figure salary, my wife and I were living the American Dream. We had three beautiful children who were very active in swimming and water polo. Wanting to spend as much time with my family as we possibly could, my wife (Vicki) and I hired a financial advisor to ensure our financial future. Had we only known better how to plan for the unexpected, we would have been more prepared to handle the unforeseen.

The next 20 years brought us a series of unexpected emotional and financial roller coasters – ones for which we were certainly not prepared. Vicki and I purchased an older home and looked forward to the prospect of remodeling. . . until both remodeling and landscape contractors defaulted, leaving us with twice the original expenses necessary to complete the work. This set us back financially in a way we were definitely not prepared for. Shortly after, we found ourselves in a lengthy five-year legal battle fighting for our son after he was assaulted at a national water polo competition – something no one could have foreseen. Add that to the cost of two weddings and three college educations. . . we were soon drowning. If that wasn’t enough, I ended up losing my high-paying job and career in the energy industry. We were drowning.

Does it sound like we were prepared? Hardly, Was it brutal? Yes. Could it have been prevented? We like to think so. I am now in the financial world for the sole purpose of helping clients and their families be prepared for the unexpected. I want to help them think ahead, so when tragedy strikes they have the space and freedom to grieve instead of being concerned about the future of their finances. As someone who has experienced the unexpected,

I seek to ensure others are aware of the steps they can take to prepare for these situations and have confidence in their financial future.