If you just discovered you had only two days to live, what would be
your biggest regret? This question, only one on the questionnaire
provided by David C. Patterson, CFP® and daughter Erin E. Patterson,
CFP, of Patterson Advisors, LLC, often uncovers key life desires that for
one reason or another have been neglected.
“Answering this type of question can lead clients to make significant
changes in their lives,” says Erin. “And, it helps us ensure that our
financial advice is in tune with our client’s true values and goals.
Besides that, our clients come away with an improved sense of well
being, less stress and ultimately a healthier life.”
David and Erin have recently added Financial Life Planning techniques
to help their financial planning clients ensure that their life
goals are in tune with their financial means. They provide comprehensive
financial planning services, primarily in Michigan, helping their
clients become as financially independent as they want to be and
tailoring their services accordingly. They sell no products of any kind
and charge on an hourly basis.
When Erin joined the firm recently, she convinced her father to
begin using the thought-provoking questionnaire that helps clients
document their true life goals and attitudes towards money.
“I was skeptical at first,” says Dave, “I didn’t think clients would
be comfortable sharing this type of information. I was surprised by
what we learned. The first client we asked to fill out the questionnaire
took it very seriously. One of her big fears was that she would die
without having used her money for the travel she loved. Yet she was
extremely conservative and needed someone to tell her it was OK to
spend.”
Published in Natural Awakenings® magazine, October 2006. For Information about
Natural Awakenings magazine go to www.MichiganHealthyLiving.com.
Financial Life Planning Questionnaire Can Improve Sense of Well Being