Life Planning with Ebenezer Scrooge
Dear Advisors,
My favorite Christmas movie the 1984 version of A Christmas Carol, with George C. Scott playing Ebenezer Scrooge! In the story, Scrooge is visited by the 3 Christmas ghosts and his life is forever changed! I had a similar life-changing experience, but instead of being visited by ghosts, I was asked 3 important questions - the Life Planning Questions. Use this time of year to reflect on what's the most important to you.
The Ghost of Christmas Future - We’re looking at the ghosts in reverse order, so this one is the scary one, all covered in black robes, and as silent as the grave!
The 1st Life Planning Question is about the Future - I want you to imagine that you are financially secure, that you have enough money to take care of your needs, now and in the future.
How would you live your life? What would you do with the money? Would you change anything?
Don’t hold back on your dreams. Describe a life that is completely, richly yours.
The Ghost of Christmas Present - This is the jolly, funny ghost who turns somber and serious when he and Scrooge visit families who are hurt by Scrooge’s selfish and miserly actions.
The 2nd Life Planning Question is about the Present- Now, imagine this time you visit your doctor who tells you that you have 5-10 years left to live. The good part is that you won’t ever feel sick. The bad news is that you will have no notice of the moment of your death.
What will you do in the time you have remaining to live?
Will you change your life, and how will you do it?
The Ghost of Christmas Past - This ghost is the light of truth, who quietly takes Scrooge to Christmases past. Scrooge sees what he could’ve done differently to live a life that is rich, not in money, but in the things that really matter.
The 3rd Life Planning Question is about the Past - This time, your doctor shocks you with the news that you have 24 hours to live. Notice what feelings arise as you confront your very real mortality.
What dreams will be left unfulfilled?
What do you wish you had finished?
Who do you wish you had been?
Scrooge’s life was changed for the better by the visits of these Christmas Ghosts. Consider this a visit from your very own Life Planning Ghost! Life Planning changed my life and Ebenezer Scrooge’s life, and I hope it will change yours. We ask these questions during the financial planning process with our clients because it’s important to select financial life goals with intentionality. It’s the best way to secure the future of your family and your advisory firm!
Warm regards,
Brooklyn
P.S.
At Ellevate Advisors, we believe that advisors deserve to retire too. What does that look like for you, your family, and your business? Let’s figure it out together! Click here to schedule an initial phone call with our team today or get to know me on my bio here!