2020 was a fascinating year—a year of unexpected challenges and, for many, transformative lessons. One of those lessons hit me quite literally when my DIY spirit collided with reality during what I now call my “plumbing pandemic.”
Our family was fortunate through the early days of the pandemic. We stayed healthy and found solace in the beauty of northern Saskatchewan—canoeing and retreating to our townhouse at Elkridge. But as luck would have it, our first load of laundry at Elkridge turned into a memorable mishap.
The laundry drain backflowed, flooding the upstairs laundry room and creating quite a mess. With my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® experience and a touch of my Scottish heritage—always keen to save a dollar—I decided to tackle the problem myself. How hard could it be?
Well, as it turns out, very hard. Despite my best intentions, my efforts compounded the issue into three additional problems. It felt like I had followed Alice down the rabbit hole. Months later, after pouring hours of effort and a few thousand dollars down the proverbial drain, I finally came to my senses and called in the professionals.
Fast forward to my recent basement renovation, where we faced not one, but three plumbing issues. This time, I didn’t hesitate. I called in the professionals immediately, and the difference was remarkable. What could have been a repeat of my plumbing pandemic was resolved quickly and efficiently, sparing me the stress and frustration I experienced years ago. The peace of mind was well worth it.
Looking back, I should have known better from the start. In my financial practice, I’ve helped many people clean up the messes left by DIY wealth management. Just like my plumbing adventure, navigating the complex world of wealth and estate planning can quickly spiral without the right expertise.
The lesson was clear: some things are best left to the professionals.
If you or someone you care about could benefit from a second opinion on their financial plumbing, I’d be happy to help. Whether it’s over coffee or a quick call, let’s connect and ensure the right solutions are in place to avoid costly mistakes.
Here’s to making smart decisions and embracing the lessons we learn—even when they’re a little messy!
If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”
—Red Adair
