At TCM getting to know our clients is without a doubt the best part of the job. We learn something from every single one. This month we are featuring Jim and Tim who are powerfully connected to what is really important in life. Of course it didn’t hurt that they too, love the principles behind the book The Wealthy Barber, and they love their French bulldog.

But we digress… To us Jim and Tim bring compelling clarity to the meaning of financial security and we hope you find it inspiring.  

What is your occupation?10425122_10152787908607703_7557953527247995621_n

Jim: Property Manager/Aspiring professional beer taster?

Tim: Regional Vice President in the Insurance industry/chauffer for Jim’s secondary profession.

Where do you live?

We currently live in sunny Palm Springs California, but try to spend as much time as possible in Regina and Canada in general.

Where are you from originally?

Jim: I am originally from the rural Wilcox area of Saskatchewan but in my early childhood we moved off the farm to the more glamorous metro Wilcox area.

Tim: Originally from West Los Angeles, but have lived in Dallas, Atlanta, New York City, and Seattle.

What do you miss most about living in Canada?

Jim: That’s such an easy question, its most definitely the amazing varietals of Poutine….just kidding, without a doubt it’s the people. There is something incredibly special about growing up in Saskatchewan. Tim is often blown away how we can go grab a coffee at Starbucks, run into 20 people we know and score a dinner invitation for that night.  Canadians truly focus their personal and professional relationships on a win/win outcome. Living outside of Canada, I have realized that’s not always the case.

What is it like being married to a Canadian?

Tim:  What Jim says about the people in Canada, he also represents.  We entertain more than I ever have, we focus on making our lives and those of the people around us better more than I’ve ever experienced, and I have never smiled and laughed more than I do being married to a Canadian.  There is a spirit of love, joy, and light that now permeate my life that never existed before… and he’s a little bossy.

What is your favourite quote?

Jim: While not a direct quote, in our house we often talk about living a happy and good life. When conflict arises, we often use this simple litmus test to see how we feel. We ask each other “would you rather be right, or would you rather be happy?”. While not always easy, I am proud to say that happiness is almost always the winner.

Tim:  There is a quote that goes something like, “happiness isn’t having what you want, it’s wanting what you have”.  In a society where everyone seems to want bigger this, better that, or more of something else, having the perspective of being content with how blessed we already are, helps put things in perspective.

What is your favourite hobby?

Jim: I love to do anything physical. Put a racquet, bat, club, or stick in my hand and I am happy guy. I do fancy myself as pretty slick in the kitchen too. I find cooking gives me a creative outlet like nothing else does. There is nothing more peaceful than turning on some music, pouring myself a big glass of chardonnay and creating a healthy flavourful meal. Ok maybe two glasses of chardonnay!

Tim:  Watching Jim try to get Flash (our crazy French Bulldog) to pose for yet another glamour shot for his “Flashy the Frenchie” Facebook page.  And a glass of Chardonnay while watching that unfold doesn’t hurt!

If you had a chance for a do-over in life, what would you do differently?

Jim: Not a thing! Life has been a collection of experiences for me, some bad, but more overwhelmingly good. From the bad ones, I’ve realized I was not in the right place or relationship. Now, I am exactly where I want to be, sharing my life with the perfect person for me.

Tim:  I have to agree with Jim, my life has lead me to this point and it’s a great place to be.  Each experience has made me who I am, has taught me to appreciate the things I do, and has lead me to where I am.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

Jim: Probably that I took a vow of no harm. Almost 7 years ago I made a commitment to myself that I would not harm another living thing. Spiders, fly’s, bugs get a free pass at our house, and are gently nudged outside the door. Although I cannot fully attribute it to this, since that time, my life has been amazing and far more meaningful.

Tim:  That I love old things that show the wear of years of use and care.  There is something about a well-worn book, folder, shirt or car that has both been used and also taken care of so that it is still usable.  It always makes me think of how many good memories must be attached to that item.

My proudest money moment:

Jim: In 1989 as an 18 year old I purchased the book The Wealthy Barber. It introduced the concepts of dollar cost averaging, compounding interest, staying debt free and of most importance, paying yourself first. That year I started contributing $25 per month into an RRSP to which I have continued to this day. I have made some solid financial decisions over the years, but reading that book and doing something different than my friends who were the same age, has made all the difference.

Tim:  During the housing boom in Southern CA, I bought and renovated 6 houses over a 15 year period.  The last one was bought from an estate where no maintenance had been done for almost 40 years.  Each time one was sold and increased the equity position, I was so proud that doing the work and making the effort brought a tangible reward.

My favourite splurge:

Jim: Healthy food, gym membership(s) and flip flops!

Tim:  Cinnamon rolls…don’t judge me.

Financial security to me means…

Jim: For me it signifies the second and more meaningful phase of our life. It means that we now have all of our basic needs looked after, giving us a unique and special opportunity to share and help other’s who are either not quite there yet or unable to get there without some help.

Tim:  I think Financial Security is a journey, not a destination.  It means being responsible in the decisions we make and reaping the consequential rewards from making those decisions.  While retirement may someday give us more time to travel, time to spend with friends and family in Canada, and time to pursue more meaningful things than work, making good decisions around Financial Security/Fiscal Responsibility will always be a part of what we have to do.

If you could ask a financial planner any question, what would it be?

Jim & Tim One thing that we see, is how automation, technology and efficiency is changing other industries, how is this affecting your industry and the relationship based model you utilize?

TCM: Is this interview not like chilled cucumber and lemon water for the mind? We love their question for us and our next blog has John Hewson tackling the answer. Stay tuned…