I had originally written an update centered around the renewed hope of Spring. I wanted to discuss the contrast between the fresh green buds bringing life to a dark forest and the yellow daffodils that seem to pop up almost overnight. However, the inevitable opportunity of change  has led me to set that update aside.

A very close friend recently walked into the emergency room with mild symptoms. One test led to another, and before the evening was over, he was told he had three to six months to live. In the span of just a few hours, he went from planning for the rest of his life to planning for the life he had left to live.

Some changes we initiate ourselves, seeking them out and working toward them. Other changes are thrust upon us without warning or regard. Our goal as a firm is to help you be as prepared as possible for both types of change. The most difficult part of our work is walking you through the loss of a loved one. Yet, it is also the most rewarding part. The transition is “commonly unique” — every person who experiences loss goes through similar stages but in drastically different ways.

Collectively, we have helped you, our clients, navigate a wide variety of difficult changes — the loss of a parent, the loss of a sibling, or a drastic change in health, to name just a few. We’ve also had the privilege of helping you celebrate positive changes — from retirement lunches to reviewing vacation photos, and even celebrating significant birthdays.

Each one of my updates will have a call to action. This time, I encourage you to share with us your greatest concerns. Let’s talk through a plan for them. Perhaps we should review your beneficiaries, or move a brokerage account to a Transfer on Death (TOD) account. In recent years, we've seen an increased use of "trusted people" on accounts. At Leading Edge Wealth Advisors, we have both the experience and resources to assist you.