BREAKING DISTANCE

When I was a kid, my Dad was, and still is, a truck driver and my grandfather worked for Mack Trucks for over 30 years. I loved trucks! At one point I had Kenworth, Peterbuilt and Mack posters all over the walls of my bedroom.

As often as I could, I rode with my Dad, I loved it. I watched everything I could and much to his chagrin, asked a 1000 questions. I watched him constantly shifting, breaking, changing lanes, changing speeds looking ahead, looking in his mirrors at what was coming from behind.

I asked him why he was doing all of that.

He explained that based on speed, weather, road conditions, whether he had a full load or was empty, how many other trucks or cars were around and my favorite, how many “idiot drivers” didn’t realize he couldn’t “stop on a dime” before he would hit them he had to be aware of maintaining a safe breaking distance. I might note, in over 40 years of driving truck, he never had a major accident!

These were great lessons for my career as a financial advisor. I think in many ways my obligation is to help my clients maintain “Breaking Distance” from potential and real financial obstacles. Whether that be preparing for reserves, retirement, college or unexpected medical expenses, job loss, disability or unfortunately, even death.

Just like the potential for a small or big accident, these aren’t always the most pleasant things to discuss and-prepare for but they are necessary to discuss and make decisions about, because when you have done so, you have more freedom to “put the hammer down and give it…” well, you know the rest of the phrase.

I have come to realize for companies and individuals the ability to address, decide and prepare for challenges and obstacles actually frees us to “go for it,” take appropriate and thought out risks and be able to reap those rewards and grow in many ways.

One of my favorite quotes is by Henry David Thoreau, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined!”

At the end of the day that is what any great advisor should help the companies and individuals have the freedom to do.

Michael J Rokoski is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Virginia Asset Management. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, Virginia Asset Management is an independently operated affiliate of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Contact info [email protected] or 704-953-6477.