When Melanie Hubbard's Olympic-level dressage horse, Fabi, made its way to her from overseas, it marked a day she had only ever dreamed of. Now in her late 60s, her life has taken on a whole new meaning, not defined by retirement but by her unwavering passion, perseverance, and trust.

The Power of a Proactive and Collaborative Adviser

Melanie has been in love with horses since childhood. However, during the year she retired, she was diagnosed with a medical condition that would gradually prevent her from riding. Despite this setback, she held onto a last-ditch dream - to own and compete with a high-level dressage horse. The cost of purchasing such a horse seemed insurmountable.But Dana, her financial adviser, didn't shy away. She said, "All right, what's the plan? How much is the horse going to cost? Let me show you exactly what we can do." Dana took every expense into account, from transportation from Europe to boarding, training, veterinary bills, and ongoing upkeep. Her proactive and collaborative spirit set her apart. "Dana didn't just tell me what I wanted to hear; she showed me the challenges but also how it could work," Melanie said. "She kept me grounded but still made me feel my dream was possible."When seeking a financial adviser, it's crucial to avoid those with a transactional mindset. Look for someone who is genuinely invested in your aspirations, willing to go the extra mile, and committed to creating a comprehensive plan to help you achieve your goals.

The Importance of Deep Conversations

Dana didn't just focus on Melanie's financial statements; she understood her lifelong dream. "She has a lot of empathy - more than I'd ever expect from anyone in finance," Melanie said. "She keeps track of what's important in my life."Dana's constant questions, "What do you want to do, and how can I help you get there?" guided their discussions and built a deeper connection. Reflecting on this, Dana explained, "In order to align Melanie's financial resources in support of what is most meaningful and fulfilling in her life, we needed to have deeper conversations. We needed to help her go from a place of uncertainty to an exciting state of 'We have to make this happen!'"This level of engagement is essential. As you interview advisers, look for someone who listens closely, understands your priorities, and incorporates your vision into the planning process. Dana's understanding of Melanie's aspirations wasn't just about managing her investments; it was about knowing her as a person.

The Significance of a Fiduciary Relationship

Dana's commitment to Melanie's dream went beyond simple budgeting. She approached every decision as a fiduciary, legally and ethically bound to act in Melanie's best interests. It wasn't just about buying the horse; it was about ensuring Melanie could afford it without jeopardizing her family's lifestyle."She approaches every decision from a place of honesty and transparency," Melanie noted. "She tells you not just what you want to hear, but what you need to hear." Dana also guided Melanie and her husband through multiple "expense awareness exercises" to understand their finances better and plan for retirement. This level of commitment to every financial detail gave Melanie the confidence to pursue her goals.In your search for an adviser, seek out a fiduciary who puts your best interests first and practices transparency. Working with a fiduciary adviser means you're getting more than just investment advice; you're gaining a partner dedicated to protecting your future.

The Power of Staying the Course

With the significant purchase of the horse on the horizon, Dana kept Melanie's broader financial plan in mind. She encouraged Melanie to stay invested even as the markets fluctuated over the years. "We just stayed the course," Melanie said. "Dana would say, 'No, don't worry.' And we were lucky because our retirement plan stayed steady. Markets change, but she helped us stay invested and focused."For those in or approaching retirement, it's easy to be intimidated by market uncertainty. But a great adviser will help you maintain discipline and focus, adapting to your changing needs without sacrificing the long-term plan. This balance of adaptability and resilience is crucial, and an outstanding adviser will encourage it.

The Ability to Dream Bigger

For Melanie, having Dana as a guide allowed her to envision a life she never thought possible. One of the most memorable moments was during lunch when Dana shared Melanie's action plan. "I remember meeting with Melanie at one of our favorite sushi restaurants to go over their long-range retirement projections. When the reality started hitting her that this was going to happen, tears of joy began to fall. I will never forget that!"Dana's approach wasn't about reaching one milestone and moving on. She sees each planning session as an opportunity to check in, discuss, adjust, and dream anew. "During life transitions and milestones, as well as on a routine basis, we revisit the plan and expenses and look forward with curiosity and open eyes. I often wonder, what will we 'need to make happen' next?"Melanie felt the impact of Dana's dedication firsthand. "Oh, I was amazed. I never thought I would have a horse like this in my life, and I wouldn't have if I didn't have a great financial adviser. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind."Ultimately, partnering with an adviser who not only provides guidance but also believes in your potential is essential. Recognize the difference an outstanding adviser can make in partnership with you.Melanie's story isn't just about Dana's abilities; it's a call for all of us to raise our expectations. Find an adviser who will truly see you as more than just an investment account.