Steve Braun

Oct. 5, 2006 - More to Life Than Money

Here's a great story from the October issue of Money Magazine titled, The Second-Chance Family by Paul Keegan. Yes, it's a story about personal finances but it's also a story about the more important things in life.

Devastation

John and Nancy Wehrle had worked hard as teachers for 30 years and were on the cusp of a happy, comfortable retirement by 1998. Their world was shattered, however, when the couple's only child, 16-year-old Matthew, died in an accidental fall in their barn in early 1999. Compounding John's grief was the memory of having lost his only other child (a 14-year-old son from his first marriage) to a drunk driver in the mid-1980's.

The story goes on to relate how the Wehrle's sought refuge from their grief by spending money -- taking trips, remodeling their kitchen, buying a new car, etc. -- but all for naught. Life was empty. There was no purpose in living.

The solution?

The Wehrle's ultimately found peace and purpose by pouring themselves into the adoption of three teenage, Russian orphans. That's quite a load to take on for a retired couple in their early 60's! It's also not the way to manage a successful retirement plan from a financial perspective. The rest of the article focuses on some of those issues and some solutions.

Financial issues are important but not the most important. The greatest lesson from this story isn't about money, but about people.

Consider three former orphans plucked from a bleak future and being transformed by loving parents. Consider a heart-broken couple that could have withered away in bitterness but who now have purpose in life.

I don't know if the Wehrle's are Christian or not, but they have applied a very Christian principle from John 15:13:

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friend."

Sometimes that "life" is in the form of a comfortable retirement. But what is that compared to three happy children and a renewed sense of purpose for living? There's more to life than a great retirement plan. There's more to life than money.

• Post A Comment!

Oct. 6, 2006 - yes it is true, but

Posted by Mark

I read this yesterday, there is more to life than money but as I recall over 3/4 of their net worth was from the equity in their home and property. This couple was not in a position to help themselves long term much less the children in the near future. Will it really be that hard for the couple to sell or down scale their 100,000 sail boat? I don't think so. This pair does not have to heed all of the Magazine's 'expert' advice, but to ignore it completely is a fool's move. See also Fortune Magazine's one page article on the "Invisable Rich" this month

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Oct. 6, 2006 - Reply to Mark

Posted by stevebraun

I did not mean to imply that the Wehrle's should ignore the "expert" financial advice in the last half of the article. Indeed they will need to make some changes in order to accomplish their goals. You're right that they weren't in ideal shape to begin with which I think makes their story even more compelling.

My point was simply that here is a couple that had achieved what most people crave -- a comfortable retirement -- and yet they found their lives empty. Granted, that emptiness came through two tragedies that most of us will not experience thankfully. The Wehrle's, however, found that all their money couldn't buy them peace and happiness. They were willing to risk what comfort they had for something of much more value -- a flesh and blood legacy of their love and devotion. A "family" was much more important to them than the money.

Plus these folks did it the hard way too. Adopting teens is normally very difficult versus adopting infants. Other huge challenges are the language and cultural barriers. I'm not so sure most folks at their age would be so unselfish or adventurous but it has been worth it for the Wehrle's. I found the story very touching.

Thanks for your feedback.

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Dec. 7, 2006 - Kiyosaki on PBS

Posted by Anonymous

I saw Kiyosaki on PBS last year, and was not impressed at all. For all the stage props and running around on stage, I didn't absorb one coherent point--and I'm a financial advisor. I literally didn't understand what he was talking about (and I think the live audience agreed, judging by their stifled laughter). His fad will pass.

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Dec. 11, 2006 - Reply to Kiyosaki on PBS

Posted by stevebraun

Not sure how your comment applies to this post but I like it anyway.

Yes, the Kiyosaki fad will pass. But you must understand that you and I are evil financial advisers who do not "get it" like Kiyosaki does. He is enlightened, along with his minions of converts. We are the enemy who are mucking up the system and keeping the rest of humanity from getting rich.

So of course it didn't make any sense to you (or me or the audience).

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Steve Braun has been a Christian for 22 years, happily married to his wife Karen (a.k.a. Spunky) for 20 years, and is the proud father of their 6 children who are homeschooled. He is also the founder and president of Liberty Financial Planning. Steve's blog is devoted to writing about the financial services industry, providing commentary on current news items, discussing personal finance concepts or issues, and coaching parents on how to teach their children sound financial stewardship principles.

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