Have you ever watched the movie “The Bucket List”? Do you have your own ‘Bucket List’? The idea of having a list of items we want to accomplish often comes up in client conversations. In the movie, starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, two terminally ill characters set out to complete a list of things they want to do before they die. I find that a little morbid and why do we need to wait until we’re “terminal” before we try to accomplish some “to-do” list? I have a better idea – why not “do” things all along one’s life? Why wait?
As most of you know my wife, Heather, is a teacher. Most teachers are required to spend time in meetings and in their classrooms before the first student day. Each year, I look forward to these few days of “Heather back in the classroom, but kids still at home”. They are part of my own dedicated Dad & Daughters time. I always try to plan something “fun”. It doesn’t have to be overly extravagant (never really is), but just needs to be something to do together.
I think the idea of “why wait” hit me the most after I lost my stepfather to cancer in his mid-50s. At the time of his passing, my two brothers were still teenagers. My brothers only got 15 & 18 years with their father, but he definitely filled that time with plenty of good memories for them. In a similar fashion, I strive to do the same for my own daughters, never knowing what could happen in the future.
Ok, I want to do “something” with the girls this year, but what? Since Rachel is now involved in Jr High Cross Country, it is becoming more difficult to come up with convenient ideas. Skipping town to see an out-of-state relative or friend for a night or two isn’t as feasible as it once was. Luckily, for me, I was having a client meeting this past week and I shared my upcoming dilemma. My client asked, “Do your girls like waterfalls?” This client then shared a short trip he took recently visiting numerous waterfalls in our area. I didn’t even realize how many waterfalls are in our area of northern Ohio. Good news – I’m saved! I now have an idea on how to spend our Dad & Daughters time for this year. My client was kind enough to forward me a link to the website showing me the route and information on the waterfalls we’ll visit.
Here is the best part: this website is NOT specific to only Ohio. It has information on every part of the United States. I wish I had known about this years ago, which is why I am sharing it with you. Furthermore, here is my challenge to you: who in your life could use some of your time? Of all the bucket list items I have heard over the past 20 years of being a Financial Planner, “Time” is rarely mentioned. Time could be sharing a cup of coffee (or tea). Time could be sitting watching a sunset. Or, Time can be spent introducing youth to a new experience. Is there anyone you know that could use some of your time? A niece, nephew, or the kid next door whose parents work all the time (that was me growing up)?
Here is how I’ll be spending Time with the girls on Tuesday: https://www.onlyinyourstate.
No matter where you live or travel, the https://www.onlyinyourstate.
Please remember that we are “here” and available for you as well. If you have any questions or concerns, financial or otherwise, please do not hesitate to call or email. If you have friends, family, or neighbors you feel would benefit from a conversation with me, I’m more than happy to have a call or jump on a Zoom meeting with them.
As always, I hope that you are doing well, and staying safe & healthy!