There’s something profoundly fulfilling about giving back to your community. It’s not just the act of helping others—it’s the sense of purpose, connection, and lasting impact that comes from knowing you’re shaping how you’ll be remembered. When you look at life through the lens of a 100-year journey, you start to see how the choices you make today create the legacy that will outlive you.
I’m honoured to be a finalist in the Personal Financial Services Services to the Community Award. This recognition reflects a commitment that goes beyond just providing financial advice—it’s about living out the values of service, connection, and empathy through community involvement. As a heart-centred Perth financial advisor, I’m committed to helping people live balanced, meaningful lives by planning with intention and purpose. But planning isn’t just about financial goals; it’s about how you want to be remembered, the values you stand for, and the legacy you leave behind. Whether it’s through community service, fostering relationships, or contributing to a cause, these actions are the seeds that grow into something much larger.
Community Service and Legacy: The Gift of Time
When you take a 100-year view of life, you realise that no matter your age, you have the gift of time—time to make a difference, to give back, and to craft a legacy that reflects what truly matters to you. Community service is one of the most rewarding ways to do this. It’s not about grand gestures or large donations; it’s about consistently showing up, being present, and making small acts of kindness part of your everyday life.
For me, being involved in the Rotary Club of Cambridge and serving as a volunteer surf lifesaver have been essential parts of my journey. These experiences have allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, across generations and backgrounds. Whether it’s mentoring a young person or sharing stories with older members of the community, these interactions bring wisdom, joy, and fulfillment.
Being a surf lifesaver is more than just a community service role; it’s a way to combine my love for the beach with giving back. It helps me achieve the core values necessary for the longevity revolution, such as social interaction, physical activity, and connecting with people of all ages—all for minimal cost. The relationships I’ve built, the smiles I’ve shared, and the moments of support during difficult times all contribute to a lasting legacy of connection and kindness.
The Ripple Effect of Small Acts
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of small contributions, but when you look closely, you’ll see how even the simplest actions can create ripples that reach far beyond what you initially imagined. Community service is a perfect example of this—a small gesture of kindness can set off a chain reaction that touches lives in ways you never expected.
This year, I took part in the Cold Plunge Challenge for Daffodil Day, an initiative to raise funds for cancer research. Alongside the challenge, I’ve been committed to ice baths and swimming in the cold ocean waters—a practice that pushes me out of my comfort zone while connecting me to a cause that matters deeply. Standing on the shore early in the morning, with the chill biting into my skin, I couldn’t help but wonder if this small act would make much of a difference. But as I took that plunge into the icy waters, it became clear that the impact wasn’t just about the funds raised; it was about the sense of community, purpose, and solidarity that came from people coming together for a common cause.
The Cold Plunge Challenge is a great example of how you don’t need to organise a large event or make a huge financial contribution to make a difference. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding a local spot to take a cold plunge and make a small donation to a cause that benefits everyone. It’s about taking action, no matter how small, and knowing that every effort counts.
This experience taught me that you don’t need to be a billionaire or have specialised skills to make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s a morning plunge, volunteering a few hours a week, or simply offering your expertise where it’s needed, every small contribution counts. The ripple effect is real—small acts of kindness inspire others to give back, creating a wave of positive change that can transform communities.
These small acts are also closely tied to the values that guide my approach to financial advice. Unlike much of the transactional advice out there, which focuses solely on transactional short-term gains, I believe in planning with intention and purpose. Just as small, consistent contributions to your financial plan can lead to significant long-term results, small acts of service, when done with intention, can have a powerful and lasting impact. The key is to be proactive and align your actions with your core values, whether in community service or in planning for your financial future.
Rotary Youth Exchange: A Global Movement with a Legacy of Kindness
One of the most impactful programs I’ve been involved in is the Rotary Youth Exchange, which has been operating worldwide for decades. This program gives students the opportunity to see the world through a different lens, fostering cross-cultural understanding and allowing them to experience acts of kindness on a global scale. These young people not only gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures but also return home equipped with the tools to contribute positively to their communities.
Hosting an exchange student, Betty, from the Czech Republic was a life-changing experience for me and my family. The bond we created, the deep conversations we had, and the mutual learning that took place were priceless. Betty’s stay reminded me of the importance of creating opportunities for others to grow, learn, and make their own contributions. It’s moments like these that help shape a legacy of empathy, kindness, and understanding that transcends borders.
Rotary’s global movement is built on the values of service, inclusiveness, and community without prejudice. It’s a network where people of all backgrounds come together to make a difference, whether through local projects or international initiatives. Being part of such a movement is a powerful way to live out your values and leave a positive imprint on the world.
Check out this reel to see more about the exchange experience with Betty.
Crafting a Legacy with Intention
Legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind financially—it’s about the lives you touch, the kindness you share, and the values you live by every day. When you take a long-term view of life, you start planning with intention, making sure that your actions today align with the legacy you want to create.
In both financial planning and community service, the key is to be proactive and make decisions that reflect what truly matters to you. By consistently showing up for others, connecting across generations, and contributing in meaningful ways, you’re actively shaping the story that will be told about you long after you’re gone.
The Journey of Service and Legacy
As I reflect on being a finalist for the community service award, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences, connections, and lessons I’ve gained through serving others. Whether it’s through Rotary, surf lifesaving, or the Cold Plunge Challenge, every act of service has reinforced the idea that life is about giving back, building relationships, and living with purpose.
I encourage everyone reading this to consider how you want to be remembered. You don’t need to be a billionaire or have special skills to make a difference. Every small act of kindness, when done with intention, creates a ripple effect that can change lives.
Take the time to think about your legacy, embrace the gift of time, and start making a difference today. The journey is worth it, and the impact you make will be felt for generations to come.
General Advice Disclaimer Please note, the information provided herein is general in nature and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not intended as legal, tax, or personal advice. Always seek personalised financial advice to ensure your estate planning aligns with your unique situation and goals