Who Are You is the eighth studio album by the English rock band The Who, released in August 1978. It was a commercial success, reaching #2 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Bandleader Pete Townshend felt disconnected from the music scene, which was being shaken up by punk rock. This led to an identity crisis that influenced the album's themes. As a result, the record has an uneven feel, with some critics appreciating Townshend's songwriting while others felt the band's trademark sound was lost to polished production and synthesizer arrangements.
Source: YouTube
The album is most notable for being the last to feature drummer Keith Moon. The album's cover is infamous for the macabre coincidence surrounding Keith Moon's image. Moon is shown sitting on a chair with the words "NOT TO BE TAKEN AWAY" stenciled on the back. The photo was taken to hide his bloated stomach, a result of his alcoholism. He would die of a drug overdose just a few weeks after the album's release, making the phrase seem eerily prescient.
If you would like a reminder of this iconic song, which was also famously used as the theme song for the television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation from 2000 to 2015, I have included a YouTube link to the promo for the 1978 single. Filmed at The Who’s Ramport Studios in Battersea, London, on 4 May 1978 by Jeff Stein for inclusion in his documentary The Kids Are Alright.
The Who - Who Are You (Promo Video)
While we are far away from the world of rock music and crime investigations, the CFPs of Impel Wealth Management also want to know, "Who are YOU?" This process is built into our SAIL (Sound Advice, Inspired Life) financial process. It begins during our Introductory Meeting, when we start getting to know who you are and what matters most.
We take it to the next level during our second meeting, known as the Discovery Conversation. During our discussions, we ask questions to help us get to know the following about your unique situation, with a focus on:
Determining where you are (assets, liabilities, resources)
Determining where you want to go (prioritize goals, dreams, and aspirations)
Why so many questions? Your relationship with and your mindset towards money have a story to tell.
Clients may wonder why they are asked so many questions. They often believe that they have come to discuss numbers: accounts, balances, returns, and projections. However, the questions soon delve into health, hobbies, family goals, and travel dreams. Although it may seem unrelated to their finances, it is actually the most essential part of the financial plan: the client's life.
The real reason for personal questions
A financial plan is not a static document. It's a guide to help create the life a client wants. Numbers show where a client is, and their story reveals where they want to go. The two influence each other. A change in life often means a change in finances.
Over the years, I have observed that five key life events often require additional, and sometimes unexpected, cash beyond base living expenses or budget needs. These are not typical monthly expenses and can occur whether a client has $500,000 or $10 million in assets. These moments often require extra funds from investments, and knowing they're on a client's radar helps with better planning.
The big five that draw from assets:
Unexpected health costs: Medical needs and dental costs can be surprisingly expensive. Long-term care premiums, deductibles, and co-pays all need to be accounted for.
Home sweet home: A significant house renovation, an emergency repair, or moving to a new residence can be a considerable expense.
Wheels up! (Or down for repairs): Whether it's a new car or an unfortunate repair on an old one, vehicles are a common source of unplanned withdrawals.
Living the dream: Travel, a new boat, a passion project, or a grand aspiration. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and it's vital to help clients understand if they have the needed resources to fund their adventures.
Giving back: Whether it's a gift to children, a donation to a charity, or supporting a grandchild's education, generosity is a big part of life.
By asking about these parts of a client's life, the goal is not small talk. It is to proactively build a robust financial strategy that can handle unexpected events. We genuinely want to know "Who Are YOU!"
Working together
The better the understanding of the meaning and purpose of money in a client's life, and how they hope to use it to create the life they want, the better our team is equipped to offer wise and meaningful financial guidance.
The next time a seemingly personal question is asked, know that the focus is on helping our clients thrive in every aspect of their life—not just on paper. It is a critical part of our service and process as we continue "Moving Life Forward."
© 2025 Jesse Hurst
Senior Wealth Manager
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