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 Linda Spence, the Deputy Chief of Protocol with the Government of Saskatchewan. She gets the details right! Be sure to read about her nifty trick for creating kids who are good money managers – why didn’t we think of that?

This is a true tale of how we like to work – up close and personal! We could not have come up with a better answer for what financial security means and with Linda’s ability to hang on to the big picture while being dedicated to the details – well honestly, that just gets us fired up! Read on…  

Where do you live?image1

Regina downtown! Interesting story… when I sold my house two years ago, Connor was purchasing his home. He told me about his apartment being for rent and that is where I am living now!!

Where are you from originally?

Wolseley, Saskatchewan.

What is your favourite quote?

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There’s no one alive that is youer than you. – Dr. Seuss

What is your favourite hobby?

Pilates is my obsession right now. I love to read. I am never bored but I can’t tell you how I spend my time. I always seem to be doing something!!

Who is your role model and why?

My mother. She was smart, interesting, creative, positive and would do anything for her family. My father. He spoke his mind, cared about the underdog, had a great sense of humour and did not suffer fools gladly.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I am a vegetarian and I am an introvert. In my line of work I have had to train myself to use extrovert characteristics but on my own I am an introvert in the truest definition of the characteristic.

My proudest money moment: 

When each of my children turned 12 I started giving them a flat rate allowance. For example I gave them $25 when they were 12 and $50 when they were 14 and $100 when they were 16. This money wasn’t tied to any particular tasks. It was just theirs to manage. I still paid for needs and they managed this money for wants. Lots of my friends were aghast at what I was doing but when I suggested they calculate what they had spent in a month on their children’s wants it was always far more than what my children were receiving. I believe in some part the reason my children (31 and 29) are such good money managers is because of this.

My favourite splurge: 

After I sold my home and was moving into my apartment I splurged on some items I had always wanted like Marimekko bedding and accessories.  When I am in Vancouver, which is often I like to eat out as often as possible!! They have the best vegetarian restaurants.

Financial security to me means… 

No stress. Possibilities. Hope. Peace.

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

I have asked John, Connor and Taylor so many questions over the last few years it is almost embarrassing. The thing is, they have been so good to me and made me feel so comfortable even when I have messed up. And they are not afraid to push me when I need to be pushed. My next big question will be about retirement. Connor has me pretty well prepared for the future already.

TCM: Linda defines what it means to live life with vitality and has near magic precision when it comes to what is important in her life. Like many, retirement is on Linda’s mind and she is at the stage where retiring is feasible. This is the stage when an independent planner can flush out the uniqueness of each client’s hopes and desires and devise a retirement spending plan. In our next blog Taylor Hewson will be providing some helpful hints on what you should be thinking about if approaching retirement.