The Financial Bridge was the tied as a winner of the Finance/Investment/Economics category of the 2022 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Sue Stevens.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Financial Bridge, May 2021.
What’s the book’s first line?
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of estate planning, let’s just take a moment to contemplate death.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch.”
The Financial Bridge is a metaphor for how to leave a legacy for your survivors in a thoughtful, purpose-filled way. It’s really a double metaphor because it also describes the role of the financial life planner as they walk with you through this process and continue to help your heirs even after you’re gone.
As an experienced advisor, I’ve watched clients knowingly and unknowingly shy away from facing end-of-life topics and decisions. I know it’s not easy to contemplate, but it’s an essential gift you give to those you love.
The Financial Bridge is all about leaving your legacy. Not only will it walk you though estate planning topics, but also giving to others through philanthropy, thinking about health issues, where will you want to live later in life and even how to provide for your pets.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
My clients and my mom inspired me to write The Financial Bridge. My mom once asked me to speak to her church circle and when I asked what topic they’d like, she said “preparing for death.” This surprised me, but I found that this group of older people were much clearer and down-to-earth about what needs to be done than I was at that time. Over the years, I’ve found that helping my clients with topics about death and end-of-life is an important and valuable service that completes the cycle of creating a life with purpose.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Perhaps the most important part of living a life with purpose is leaving your legacy. If you’ve been putting this off or you just haven’t known where to begin, this book is for you. I’ve infused humor through cartoons, quotes to inspire you, even a playlist of inspirational (and sometimes funny) songs to help you through this process.
It all boils down to love and what you can do for others. The Financial Bridge takes you by the hand and leads you forward as you contemplate end-of-life issues.