What happens next
If you decide to get in touch, the next step is very straightforward.
There’s no preparation required, and no need to arrive with anything worked out. The purpose of the first conversation is simply to understand your situation clearly and calmly, without rushing toward conclusions.
Most people find that helpful in its own right.
The first conversation
The initial conversation is just that - a conversation.
It isn’t a consultation in the usual sense. There’s no presentation, no checklist to work through, and no expectation that anything needs to happen afterwards.
We talk through your situation as it is, the questions you’ve been carrying, and look at any conclusions you’ve been given or have come to so far. From there, we look at whether those conclusions are complete, and what may or may not have been overlooked.
Sometimes that clarity alone is enough; simply understanding where you stand, and why, can remove a great deal of uncertainty.
A note on cost
I don’t charge people for conversations like this.
I don’t believe people should have to pay simply to understand where they stand. If, after talking things through, it becomes clear that there’s nothing useful to do, then we leave it there.
I’m not paid to talk, and I’m not paid to persuade.
If a conversation later leads to a practical solution that genuinely fits, I’m compensated by the institution involved, not by you.
If it turns out that staying the course and changing nothing for now is the right decision, you’ll know that with confidence, and for clear reasons.
What may follow, and what may not
In some cases, the conversation ends with a clearer understanding of your position, and nothing further needs to happen.
In others, it becomes apparent that there are practical steps worth considering. If that’s the case, those are discussed openly, and only if they genuinely fit your situation.
There is no obligation to proceed, and no pressure to make decisions on the spot. Many people take time to reflect before deciding whether to take anything further.
In some cases, this work continues in person. For people or situations where it would be helpful, we meet at my office to go through things carefully, face to face. That’s not required, but for some situations, it’s the most effective way to work.
I already have an advisor.
Many of the people I speak with do.
This conversation doesn’t replace that work, and it isn’t about second-guessing it.
It’s simply a chance to step back, look at the whole situation, and understand how the pieces fit together before making decisions that are difficult to reverse.
Examples of situations I’ve helped with
Without going into personal details, the people I speak with are often dealing with situations such as:
- Being told retirement wasn’t possible without selling their home
- Wanting to reduce financial pressure without taking irreversible steps
- Making sure a spouse would be secure if something happened to them
- Feeling caught between conflicting advice that didn’t quite make sense
Each situation is different, but these are conversations I’ve had many times before.
On time and fit
As mentioned earlier, because of how I work, I’m careful about how many people I speak with; out of respect for their time as much as my own.
If you’re looking for quick answers, guarantees, or someone to tell you what you want to hear, this probably isn’t the right conversation.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, honest discussion, even if the answers turn out to be nuanced, then it may well be worth having.
How to get in touch
If you’d like to speak, you have a few simple options:
- You can call me directly during the hours listed below.
- You can leave a message if I’m unavailable, and I’ll return your call.
- Or you can leave your details using the short form below and I’ll be in touch.
There’s no requirement to decide anything in advance.
And there’s no expectation that reaching out commits you to anything.
I look forward to speaking with you.
— David
