The first time I met Jason Doe, he looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His eyes, a faded blue that mirrored the overcast sky outside, were rimmed with red, and his shoulders slumped under an invisible weight. He sat across from me in my sterile office, the polished oak desk a barrier between our very different worlds. He was a construction worker, his calloused hands and weathered face testament to years spent battling the elements. I was a financial planner, my days filled with spreadsheets and projections, a world away from the grit and grime of Jason’s reality.
“I don’t know what I’m doing here,” he confessed, his voice gruff, a tremor betraying his apparent exhaustion. “My buddy, Frank, said you could help, but I don’t see how.”
He explained that Frank, his colleague and closest friend, had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Frank, a single father, had a teenage daughter, Lily. He was determined to ensure Lily’s future even when he wouldn’t be there to see it. He’d asked Jason, his most trusted friend, to be her guardian.
Jason, a confirmed bachelor with a simple life, was now faced with the daunting responsibility of raising a teenage girl, a prospect that both terrified and humbled him. He knew nothing about raising children, let alone managing finances for their future. He’d managed to save a decent nest egg himself, living a frugal life, but the thought of securing Lily’s future, of college funds and braces and all the unknowns that lay ahead, filled him with a paralyzing fear.
I listened patiently, my initial apprehension giving way to a profound empathy. I saw the raw emotion etched on Jason’s face, the fear masked by a gruff exterior, the love for his friend and the immense responsibility he was shouldering. This wasn’t just about numbers and spreadsheets; this was about safeguarding a young girl’s future, about honoring a friend’s dying wish.
“Tell me about Lily,” I said softly, breaking the silence.
He looked up, startled at the unexpected question. He then proceeded to paint a picture of Lily – a bright, artistic soul, passionate about music and writing, with dreams of going to art school. He spoke of her infectious laughter, her quiet strength, and the bond she shared with her father. As he spoke, the lines of worry on his face softened, replaced by a tenderness that transformed his entire demeanor.
I spent the next few hours understanding Jason’s financial situation, his income, expenses, and, most importantly, his concerns for Lily’s future. He had inherited a small sum from his parents and had been diligent with his savings, but he had no knowledge of investments or college funds.
“I just want to make sure she’s taken care of,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Frank, he… he wanted her to have the best.”
Over the next few weeks, we worked closely together. I helped him establish a college fund for Lily, setting up automatic contributions from his account. We discussed different investment options, focusing on long-term growth and security. I explained the intricacies of estate planning, ensuring that Lily would be financially secure even if something were to happen to him.
Jason, initially overwhelmed, proved to be a quick study. He asked questions, absorbed information, and most importantly, he began to see that he wasn’t alone in this. He was determined to honor his promise to Frank, to provide Lily with the stability and security she deserved.
As the weeks turned into months, a remarkable transformation began to take place. Jason’s earlier anxiety was replaced by a quiet confidence. He learned to navigate the world of financial planning, taking charge of his own future and, in turn, Lily’s. He began to open up, sharing anecdotes about Lily, her triumphs at school, her struggles with grief, the small moments that made up their new reality.
One evening, months later, Jason came to my office. He looked different. The weariness in his eyes had been replaced by a spark of hope. He brought with him a framed picture of Lily, her bright smile radiating joy.
“We had her art show at school today,” he said, handing me the picture. “She won first prize. Frank would have been so proud.”
His voice cracked slightly, but he quickly recovered.
“I just wanted to thank you,” he continued, his gaze sincere. “You didn’t just help me with the finances, you helped me see that I can do this, for Lily, for Frank. You gave me hope when I had none.”
I looked at him, at the man who had walked into my office a broken, lost soul, and I saw a different person. I saw a man who had found his purpose, his strength, his resilience, all through the love for his friend and the responsibility he had embraced.
Jason’s story wasn’t just another client file for me. It was a poignant reminder that financial planning wasn’t just about numbers and projections; it was about people, their lives, their dreams, their fears. It was about empowering them to navigate life’s uncertainties and secure their future, whatever it may hold. It was a privilege to be a part of Jason’s journey, to witness his transformation from a lost soul to a pillar of strength, and to play a small part in honoring a friend’s dying wish.
Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek independent financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
I found my Second Chance, now, I help other young adults find theirs.
I have always been bad with handling of my money during my early 20s.
Despite receiving a decent income, I was living from paycheck to paycheck.
Slowly, the topics among my peers is about getting married ? and starting a family.
I felt like an outsider during these discussions.
I do not have any savings for emergency, let alone funds for a wedding ceremony.
That’s when I realise I am far behind all my peers. And this needs to stop.
I am fortunate that I managed to have my friend (now colleague) to help me with my finances. It was a painful, but rewarding process.
Now I have a beautiful little baby girl, with my amazing wife.
I am on a missions to help someone like me to find their second chance and exit from this invincible downward spiral.
