Sometimes, it takes a village to sustain us through life's darkest moments. The web of support that surrounds us—family, friends, colleagues, and compassionate professionals—forms the safety net that catches us when we fall.
In September 2021, Hope’s 92-year-old mother passed away after a rapid decline, leaving Hope facing emotional pain and a mountain of paperwork. As she navigated her mother’s estate settlement and financial accounts, Hope realized she was in unfamiliar territory. As a respected leader within her community, connecting others to available resources was Hope’s profession, but until that moment, she hadn’t needed the personal support herself.
"I needed my village," Hope recalls. From there, she started connecting the dots that would enable her to move forward.
Her first step was finding an attorney to guide her through the estate settlement process. Recognizing her need for comprehensive financial support, her attorney referred Hope to BCT Wealth Advisors. That referral would become a lifeline in the months ahead.
"BCT is a family bank, and it always has been," Hope says, her voice full of gratitude. "When you walk in, everyone knows your name."
Hope found capable financial advisors and compassionate allies on the BCT Wealth team. The team created to-do lists to help Hope gather essential documents and ensured that her mother’s legacy was stewarded with care.
As autumn gave way to winter, Hope believed the worst was behind her. But it wasn’t.
In December, Hope's 64-year-old husband suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. The irony wasn't lost on Hope: her husband had recently beaten cancer, and she believed that brighter days were ahead.
Overwhelmed by this second wave of grief, Hope reconnected with her village at BCT. "I walked into Leslie's office, put my head in my hands, and asked, 'What do I do now?'"
True to form, the BCT Wealth team didn't hesitate. In the difficult months that followed, the team offered their expertise and emotional support as Hope settled her husband's estate, pension, and life insurance paperwork.
Looking back on her journey, Hope reflects, "Before the loss of my mother and husband, I was naive about the particulars of my financial situation."
Hope’s honesty is refreshing, as her experience is commonplace. When it comes to feeling confident about financial well-being, many women admit being less knowledgeable than men. In fact, a 2023 survey by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that approximately 43% of Baby Boomer women were not confident in their ability to manage their finances in retirement, compared to just 28% of Baby Boomer men.
At BCT Wealth Advisors, our women-led team empowers clients to ask questions and take control of their livelihoods.
Today, Hope knows that her village at BCT Wealth stands ready to support her whenever she needs it. "Today, I feel empowered to make the financial decisions that are best for my future. This gives me incredible peace of mind."
At BCT Wealth, community is at the heart of everything we do, and we care deeply about our clients' well-being. Behind every portfolio is a person who needs a supportive community to help them thrive. For more financial empowerment tips, read our Wealth Wisdom for Women blog or visit BCT Wealth Advisors today.
Contributed by: Stacy Duranko, AFIM® , Vice President, Wealth Advisor, BCT Wealth Advisors