Perhaps you have noticed that those who most effectively teach skills and protocols to others are sometimes the most remiss in their own recommendations. For example, I know a doctor who ignored her own early warning signs of cancer, and an insurance agent who left his wife with nothing because he let his life insurance policies lapse. While it’s easy to roll your eyes, consider yourself as a financial professional and whether you have your own house in order.
- Do you and all the adult members of your family have an updated will and power of attorney for finance?
- Do you have accessible and complete copies of your healthcare advance directives, including your healthcare power of attorney?
- Is your personal retirement plan on track?
- Do you have a firm succession plan in place should you retire, die, or become disabled?
- If you died last night, would your family know what to do today, including where to find all your important documents?
Closely examine the advice and guidance you give to clients concerning their financial, healthcare, and retirement plans, and see where the gaps are for yourself and those you love. Then make a commitment to fill in those gaps. Doing so may require having some uncomfortable conversations, but just as with your clients, the results will be well worth it. You will never regret preparing now for whatever may come; you will definitely regret it if you don’t.