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Mayan Expedition

Gene

Gene was a high achiever with an eye for detail but no training or experience in finance. He taught archaeology at a large Midwestern university, but dreamed of devoting himself to independent research of Mayan ruins in Central America. It was in his mid-30s that he decided to tackle the dilemma head-on: should he stay with a secure, tenured university job, or pursue his dream? To decide wisely, he needed to know where his finances stood.

Gene had received an inheritance from his grandmother, including so many different types of investments that it was difficult to determine their value. When Gene asked for more detailed information, Mr. Evans (his grandmother's attorney) put off even his simplest request (not meaning to be dishonest or unfair, Evans was simply afraid of losing his control over the money.) Gene tried various approaches, but nothing made the attorney budge.

After reading about The Wealth Conservancy in a New York Times article, Gene called for an appointment. TWC's Myra Salzer became his coach, guiding him in the knowledge, skill, tact, and confidence he would need to demand full disclosure of his inheritance (it was his money, after all!).  To his delight, Gene discovered that not only could he afford to follow his dream, he could also fully fund the Mayan expedition!

Eventually, Gene found the strength and support to terminate Evans' power-of-attorney (which had been used to obscure the details of Gene's inheritance). Gene was then free to hire an independent accountant who gave Gene a much better understanding of his wealth, to such a degree that Gene could sign his own tax return (for the first time ever). Gene has learned the value of his rightful inheritance, and—more importantly—how to take responsibility for it. Evans still controls Gene's trusts—a role that can't be changed. However, as Gene said: "I wanted 100% knowledge of my money. I'd say I'm already at 70%—amazing since I started at zero!"

Incidentally, Gene's self confidence has increased on a parallel path, opening up a world of possibilities for him personally and professionally.

 

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