As I was having a very cool conversation with a good ol’ boy from south Georgia today, it dawned on me. He made a comment I’ve heard a few times in the last few months. I was, as my English teacher used to say, somewhat chagrined.
What did ‘Guy’ say?
“I was gonna call or email you a few months ago, but I wondered why you’d want to work with a small fish like me.” (paraphrased a tad from memory)
As I’ve said here many times, doing what I do is what makes me go. I received Guy’s contact form this morning via email from this site. I immediately told him to call me this afternoon. He did, and we spoke for quite awhile. How do you not immediately like a guy who, when asked “How’re ya doin’” replies, “Better than I deserve.” I’ve been a little rundown lately due to the maniacal march toward my physical condition, weight, and size of a few years ago. But when I get to talk to someone like Guy? Imagine an immediate hit of energy coming out of the blue — without warning. That’s what happens to me every time I get to talk with someone like Guy.
He said he’d turned 40 and realized that he and his wife had been executing their plan for savings and investing for their retirement. They’d decided early on that his wife would be home for the kids, and he’d bring home the bacon. They’re raising three kids. He makes a good living, but at 40, realizes they’re not getting it done nearly to their satisfaction. So he contacted me.
We work with people all over the country — all over. The folks who are now relatively well off, with net worths requiring a couple commas, will tell you that whenever I’m brought into the arena of planning or battle, I become energized. Something comes over me, and faster than you can see it happen in real time — I’m animated, pumped up, and firing on all 12 cylinders. It’s at those times, when life is at its best.
Guy and I will talk again soon, as will another man, from San Diego, who contacted us this Monday. He was in our office yesterday. We’re talking with him again at lunch next Tuesday. There are more. Seriously? It’s an addiction — and if there’s cure, you can keep it to yourself. Fact is, I’m probably incurable any way. 
There is nothing like calling an investor to tell them they just added a second comma to their net worth. Trust me — I save those calls for myself. Of course, the best call of all is the one in which I get to tell my clients they’re now working by choice. That one will keep me goin’ for a month at least.
Fact is — Purposeful Planning works.
What I’d really like you to take away today is this: Whether you’re able to start with a few hundred grand like some, or can scrape enough cash together to begin with just one small property — it doesn’t matter. The high is just as good for me.
that they think I get a bigger kick out of the beginning investors than I do with the larger fish. I’m not sure about that one, but the process gets me jazzed big time, either way.
We deal with regular folk. We don’t deal in malls or high rises. Our clients are with us for the long haul — and we’re with them ’till retirement do we part. The only thing we absolutely insist on is an invitation to your retirement party. Heck, we’ll fly there if we have to. What kind of a fix do you think that atmosphere provides?
So here’s the deal. You’ve been wondering about what your retirement will look like? Don’t think twice. You’re the perfect type, wherever, and whoever you are. Making $40,000 a year with a kid, and one on the way? I’m yer guy. Making $150,000+ with a monster 401(k) to boot — wondering where it all really ends? I’m yer guy.
Just turned 40, married with three kids, and have that gnawing feeling you’re doing your best, but maybe not getting it done like you want?
I’m yer guy.
Remember, even though you’re becoming an enabler — it’s all good.
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About BawldGuy
Bawldguy also helps clients that are standing on the edge of a cliff. When I first met Jeff, I was in a panic… my husband and I both were simultaneously downsized in the tech bust. We were wondering how to hang on to what we had and how to pay our bills.
The answer was right in front of my face, but it took someone with perspective like Jeff to see it.
I left that meeting muttering a famous Homer Simpson phrase ‘Duh’.
I just love working with people who remind me how much fun and fulfilling this business can be. We should all have a chance to work with the “Guys” and gals on a regular basis. When the time comes, count me in as one of your small fishes.
It’ll be a fix I’m looking forward to.