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“What Do You Do?”

Chase Kerby, CFP® AIF®
12.03.2021

While in college, I was lucky enough to take part in a Study Abroad program in Queensland, Australia. I spent my last summer semester ‘Down Under’ studying and learning the ways of a culture very different from the one I was used to back home in Tennessee.

An interesting thing I picked up about Australians is that they have a different use for the phrase, “What do you do?” We Americans love to learn what others do for work. It’s one of our favorite ways to get to know someone.

Ask this to an Aussie, and you’re likely to get an answer along the lines of: “I surf,” “I hike,” or “I cook.” They will tell you something they like to do instead of their profession. Before I caught on to this, I found it fascinating that many Australians had such fun jobs.

I learned a valuable lesson in making assumptions, and I’m still careful to this day when I hear that question asked. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a big assumption we often hear is that we only handle investments. While that is undoubtedly an essential part of what we do, the actual value of a sound financial advisor can run a whole lot deeper.

My top priority when I work with clients is to help them build better, more thoughtful lives. This may be by helping someone avoid “the big mistake” or just by making sure each financial decision is approached thoughtfully and knowledgeably.
From decisions made around proactive tax strategies and estate planning to complexities involving insurance and long-term care planning, it can be overwhelming to take on by oneself. If they have an advisor, they should be assisting with accurate financial planning, not just investments.

Our goal is to help our clients uncover and focus on what an ideal life looks like and then use financial planning decisions and accountability to help create it. The real work of a financial advisor can change people’s lives. Managing investments and the returns they generate are essential but should not be where the relationship ends.

Having a great advisor can take a lot of anxiety and work off your plate. With some of the extra time saved, maybe we can be a little bit more like Australians and focus on what we like to do and live more intentionally. With a bit of thoughtful planning, it’s incredible what can be achieved. We can help.

Chase Kerby, CFP® AIF® is an Advisor with Rather & Kittrell. Chase is available at [email protected].

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