V1 to V3 and back again
“Your future is whatever you make it. So, make it a good one.” – Doc-Brown, Back to the Future
It’s been nearly 25 years since I established Brett Investment. Starting a business can be stressful, but for me, it felt right from day one.
Like lots of businesses Version (V1) of Brett Investment was very different to what we offer our clients now.
Back then, like nearly every other IFA firm, our focus was on managing people’s money and helping them organise it in a tax-efficient and more effective way.
As the focus was more on money management the name Brett Investment seemed entirely appropriate.
But the role of a forward-thinking financial adviser (which I like to think I am) has developed over the last few decades.
It has moved from financial advice (our Version 1) to financial planning (V1 + cash flow planning = our Version 2) to what you now get to experience (V2 + a genuine focus on your happiness and fulfilment = our Version 3).
V2 and your Bucket!
And here’s where our journey got really interesting.
Version 2 of Brett Investment came into play around 2008 when I discovered the concept of proper (let’s call it REAL) financial planning.
With this came the tools (and ability) to build for you (and our other clients) a multiyear cash flow plan (aka your Bucket!).
In a step we were able to road (and stress) test various versions of your desired future lifestyle and then confidently see if you were on track to achieve your dreams or, better still, discover that you could start enjoying life more…only now!
Immediately conversations became deeper and more meaningful, and almost counterintuitively the more we encouraged (and gave permission to) our clients to spend their money the more we have grown as a business.
V3 – we are still Brett Investment but not as you knew it!
Fast forward to today and Brett Investment has invested heavily in coaching and counselling skills.
Our goal is clear: help you, our clients, “live your best lives, now!”
It is now not just about the numbers; today it is also about helping you understand yourself better, identifying what truly matters in your life, and addressing the obstacles holding you back.
We are told by many of you that this journey has been nothing short of life-changing, and indeed it has for me too.
The transition to Version 3 of Brett Investment still retains a robust focus on money, but it is now so much more than that.
Our most valuable investment isn’t just in your finances; but in you and your future life.
As I reflect on my journey with Brett Investment and its future, I am excited about what we are creating – a fun and fulfilling place to work where we get to impact massively on our clients’ lives.
Investing in your future life
Brett Investment has come a long way in 25 years but in some ways, it feels like a full circle.
Back then we helped people invest – today, we still do that but now in a more profound and meaningful way. We get to invest in your future life. As Doc Brown rightfully says – let’s make it a good one!