I was with clients of mine earlier this week.

We went over their investments and, in general, how they were doing.

They shared the birth of their most recent grandchild and how that has been going. They were able to rent a house just a few doors down from her, and they told me how happy that made them and the family.

Then, as we were getting ready to wrap up our Zoom, Anna stopped me and said, “Jeremy, we need to say thank you to you and your team.”

“No worries,” I said. “It was our pleasure.”

She then said, “No, I mean thank you. Remember when we were in our other home a couple years back and asked you if we should sell?”

I did recall.

A couple of years prior, as the two of them were getting ready to retire, they asked for a meeting to review and discuss where they were financially. We carefully went through it all and ran models to see what they could and could not do financially in retirement.

The numbers told the story: if they kept their big house, cash would be tight.

“I do remember that discussion and the work we all did in the decision to sell it,” I said. “Why do you ask?”

Anna then said, “You told us, without missing a beat, that we should sell it. We didn’t want to. I loved that house. But you were adamant that if we wanted to do the things we expressed to you, we would have to.

“Well, we did,” she went on. “We sold at the top of the market and those proceeds have done extremely well. We have been able to travel, see our kids and grandkids and really have been enjoying our retirement.”

“Jeremy, if not for you and your guidance, we would not be where we are. THANK YOU,” Anna expressed.

Now, things don’t always work out the way you want or the way you design.

But, if you are focused on the RIGHT things and listen to what people say and to what matters most, the truth usually shows itself.

So, for those who read these – my thoughts and reflections – every week, I thank you!

-J.D.