For 35 years, I had the privilege of coaching lacrosse after work. From wide-eyed 2nd graders to driven high-school athletes. That meant early mornings, late evenings, and plenty of days when I’d finish coaching a high-school practice at 5:30 p.m. only to sprint to a youth session and then return home to finish my day job as school business administrator. During my boarding-school years, the other extras included dorm duty, advising students, and being the adult presence kids needed after hours.
Winters added another layer: driving my daughter to 5:30 a.m. hockey practices and games. When she reached college, it meant hopping on planes whenever I could to watch her continue her ice hockey and field hockey career, laptop in hand so I could work remotely.
But being part of my children’s lives, and part of the lives of so many young people, fueled me. Laughing with them, guiding them, consoling them, watching them grow. That was the heartbeat of my days.
Today, my work is mostly with adults. I live where I want to live. I travel to create experiences for my wife and me, and for our family. And here’s a secret: if you make the trip experiences interesting enough, those young working “children” of yours will still want to come along.
To me, this is what a rich life looks like. No regrets.
It was never about the car in the garage or the size of the house. It was about owning my time so I could spend it with the people I love most.
Growing up, my parents came to as many of my games as they could. But they also had their own rich life, and the enormous responsibility of caring for my intellectually disabled brother. And as the fifth child, I know the reality: parents are older, bandwidth is thinner, and they simply couldn’t be everywhere.
That shaped me. It gave me a mission: build a life where I could be there for my kids and be around youth. Again, no regrets.
That’s the real reason I care about wealth.
Not for the things, but for the freedom.
Not for the image, but for the presence.
Not for the lifestyle, but for the moments.
If I had to choose between a luxury lifestyle or time in the stands every weekend, I’d choose time every time.
So I’ll ask you the same question I ask my clients:
What’s your rich life?
I’d love to hear it. Clear Skies Planning & Wealth is honored and dedicated to supporting our independent school educator community.
David Brown was the Chief Financial Officer/Business Administrator at Blanchard Memorial School, Groton School, Alexander Dawson School, Rippowam Cisqua School, and Portsmouth Abbey & School over a 23-year school career. During that time, he advised and/or helped heads and administrators assemble and negotiate benefit packages that would ensure a comfortable life through “end of plan”. For over 10-years Dave has helped his clients effectively plan, save, and invest to and spend appropriately through retirement.
For personalized financial planning and/or investment guidance, contact Clear Skies Planning & Wealth Strategies at www.clearskieswealthplanning.com or directly at 720-833-8611.
Clear Skies Planning & Wealth Strategies, Inc provides advisory services through XY Investment Solutions, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. All views included in this communication are subject to change. Please contact Clear Skies Planning & Wealth Strategies to receive a copy of our Form ADV and other disclosure information.