Wisdom for Wealth. For Life.

Early Retirement in the Midst of Tragedy with Bill and Amber Brigham

• Ronald Blue Trust • Season 1 • Episode 3

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In today's episode,  senior private wealth advisor, Kerry Mallory, speaks with his clients, Bill and Amber Brigham, about how a brain tumor diagnosis forced Bill to retire early from his position as CEO of a successful company, and how biblical financial planning helped guide them through the difficult transition. 

Bill and Amber Brigham have been clients of Ronald Blue Trust since 2016. Bill was the CEO of a national pain management company until he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017. Bill and Amber live in Roswell, Georgia, and have three sons. 

Kerry Mallory is a senior private wealth advisor and the managing director for the Eastern U.S. region of Ronald Blue Trust. His goal is to help those he serves to focus on the things that matter most to them. He is a member of the Marietta C12 CEO Peer Advisory Group and is a Business Leadership Group member at Fellowship of Companies for Christ International.


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The information in these podcasts is provided for general educational purposes only.  It is not intended as specific individual advice. The clients’ experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients and they are also not indicative of future performance or success. Opinions expressed may not be those of Ronald Blue Trust.

Trust and investment management accounts and services offered by Ronald Blue Trust, Inc. are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, nor guaranteed by any bank or bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 [Host] Welcome to the Wisdom for Wealth for Life podcast. Let's bridge the gap between your faith, and your finances. At Ronald Blue Trust, we apply biblical wisdom and technical expertise, to help you make wise financial decisions. Our goal is to help you leave a lasting legacy. In this podcast, you will hear inspiring stories, practical tips, and encouragement from the Ronald Blue Trust family with special guests along the way. Welcome to the Wisdom for Wealth for Life podcast. 

 

The information in these podcasts is provided for general educational purposes only. It's not intended as specific individual advice. The client's experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, and they're also not indicative of future performance or success. Opinions expressed may not be those of Ronald Blue Trust. 

 

In today's episode, Ronald Blue Trust senior financial advisor, Kerry Mallory, speaks with his clients, Bill and Amber Brigham. They share with us how a brain tumor diagnosis forced Bill to retire early from his position as a CEO of a successful company. They also share with us how biblical financial planning helped guide them through this difficult transition. 

 

- Welcome to the Wisdom for Wealth for Life podcast. I'm Kerry Mallory, I'm going to be your host today, and I'm a senior financial advisor at the Ronald Blue Trust office in Atlanta. And, I have the pleasure today of being joined by some of my favorite people, Bill and Amber Brigham. Welcome Bill and Amber. - Thank you. - Great to be here. - You're living through this new season. We began to work together prior to that season, right? And so, we began to sort of walk through this journey of your financial stewardship together then. Could you just share a little bit about how you came to be connected with Ronald Blue Trust and with me? 

 

- Sure. I think it was completely God's hand in our life, and I'll tell you why. We were just down at Russ and Julie Crosson's one day, they're friends and neighbors, I don't remember why we were there. And, we had always had financial counsel and financial advisors throughout our marriage, since our thirties, and had good relationships with them. But, something just wasn't, especially as we were getting into our mid fifties, it just felt like values weren't aligned, maybe would be the best way of putting it. So, we happened to be down at their house one day, sitting on the back porch, and Russ just literally grabbed a piece of paper and started talking. And, you know that line from the movie, you know, "You had me at hello." - [Kerry] Right. - Everything he was saying aligned with, and it was like, that's we had been looking for. Whether it was giving, or the need to have cash on hand, that was one particular thing that I was always struggling with our previous advisor, because that wasn't a priority and it just seemed common sense to me. But anyway, so we called him, we talked, and we gave him a call and said, you know, "We'd really like to sit down for a formal meeting and just kind of hear more about Ronald Blue." And, when we came to that meeting, you were in the room. - [Kerry] Yes, I was. - That was our great fortune, and so he had put us together with you and that was in the Fall of 16. So, about five years ago, well over five years ago. And yeah, it's just been, I mean, a great relationship ever since. It was exactly what we were looking for at that season in our lives, and then as, you know, going forward, there are a lot of things that we've dealt with, I'm sure we'll get to, and it's just been the perfect place for us to be for all of that. 

 

- So Amber, you mentioned earlier that life hasn't always been rosy, this path you guys have been on, right? That you've had some great ups, but you've also faced some obstacles. Talk to us about some of those, if you would? - Okay, well, any that occurred before 2017, I've forgotten. About six months after we started working with Ronald Blue and with you, Bill was diagnosed with a brain tumor and it certainly came out of left field, and it was a dramatic event in our lives, and his subsequent surgery and treatment, eventually, is what led to his retirement at the age of 60, which we had never planned on. So, I think that, yeah, the faithfulness that God has shown through this event, and first and foremost, how he has given us peace, because our first thoughts, you know, well, not our first thoughts, a brain tumor causes you to have all kinds of thoughts. But, anyway. - I remember that call, where you guys called us. I think you told me I was one of the first calls you made. - Absolutely. - We'd been working together about six months, and prior to that I remember when you were interviewing me, you know, you said, "Hey, if something ever had, I want to make sure that Amber is comfortable, if something ever happened with me, that she'd be comfortable with her advisor." And, you said that Bill, and at the time it's a bit of a kind of a throwaway line. I mean, yes, it's important, but we're young and invincible. - Yes. - And then, this news, and I remember that call, and you said, "We need to talk about the implications of this." - Yes, absolutely. 

 

- So Bill, what was going through your mind as you come up with this diagnosis that was a shock, but knowing you, you're such a goal-oriented person, you're starting to begin to think about like, how does this play through and what does this look like? Talk to us about what was going through your mind in the days and weeks afterwards? - Yeah, I had every intention of coming back 100%. You know, they're going to go in, and this is without admitting to myself, they're going to go in and take out part of my brain in terms of the surgery and stuff, and then there's the radiation, and the chemo, and all that stuff. And, you know, I knew when we were all done with that, it wasn't a 100%, but I felt like I was starting to recover. And, over a six month period of time did get better, but not close to the 100%. I mean, we used to, I used to joke around about, well, I'm at 95, and then it was 85, and now it's kind of like 75. But, you know, all these are a little bit of a push. But there are specific things that I am not great at anymore but there's also, you know, one of the things I've kind of, had to get my head around is having time and opportunity, and even understanding of things that I can focus on now that I never did before. That was kind of what I was talking about earlier, in terms of, you know, my priorities and stuff like that.

 

You know, you just made a comment about anybody who's gone through this, there's a guy that I knew growing up in my hometown, he just had the same thing done, and now he and I have connected and are talking, and I haven't talked to him in 30, 40 years, but we are now. And then, she and her wife, she, and Amber, and his wife, we were all four on a call for an hour and a half the other night just talking and, you know, her giving description, understanding, you know, in terms of what she's dealing with, et cetera. And, I look at that and just, all the time, just say, so are there other opportunities like that, whatever they may be, you know, in terms of folks that I've known, folks that I know now, situations I've never had a chance to address, or tend to, or be a part of that I have some of that that's come up, and that's kind of, you know, as I've now opened myself to, if it is possible to be able to help others, and having the time, and the place, and the opportunity to do it that I never thought I had before. And, you know, I've looked back on it and gone... We both laugh about this. Yeah, I was going to work till I was 70. Yeah, no problem. And then, I would have had to stop and go, and now what are we going to do with my retirement at 70? Well, now we have it to 60, and we're moving forward with being able to get past COVID, and be able to do stuff in time with each other, with our family, with our friends, and all that kind of stuff, and it feels like a blessing. I know that's kind of crazy, but it does. It feels like a blessing. 

 

- What a wonderful perspective you have on how you can focus on the things you can control, and focus on how you can use this trial to bless others. And, I love that about your heart, and the way you guys are walking through that. It truly is a testimony to me and to others. So, thanks for sharing that. - Pleasure. - And so, what were some of the things that you've had to walk through in this new season, and the uncertainty that that brings? 

 

- Well, I think one of the first things, and Bill has touched on it a lot, is it just automatically reshuffles the deck, you know, in terms of your priorities, even when he was still continuing to work. He went back to work, he was the CEO of a company, three weeks after brain surgery. It was a sort of- - What a trooper. - But, we knew, you know, just in our hearts, that this was no longer the most important thing. So, we took a little bit of a carpe diem approach, I think. You know, like you said, with the eye on the future, but like you mentioned, you know, everything doesn't wait, you know? These trips we've been talking about taking, you know, all of our lives, maybe we go ahead and take a couple of those, which we did, you know, this was all pre COVID. Yeah, so those are things that you think about, and that was where you and your team were such a comfort. You know, you didn't really bat an eye in terms of what this was going to do to our plan. - But, it meant that you stopped working earlier. That's one thing we had to change in the plan. - Absolutely. - And, why it's so important, frankly, to have a plan that can be flexible because life is messy. - Right, and one of the first things that you did was reassure us, you know? It looks like, you know, you're going to be okay. And, this is before we knew he was going to stop working quite that early, but (inaudible) when he did. And, so I love it when we meet and Andrew plays with those different little variables. - All the different what if scenarios. - Yeah, but yes, it's been a season of, initially a season of shock, but actually a season of peace, and just understanding God's faithfulness. He's put people in our lives like you, I look back and think his hand was on us all along in terms of he knew this was going to happen, and maybe that's why we always had the values that we did, and, you know, didn't live outside of our, you know, we lived within our means, we didn't overextend ourselves for our children's college education, they did go through private Christian school, but I think that for us to have this happen at this point in our lives and be okay, you know, we know a lot of people that probably wouldn't be in an event like that, and the fact that we are is just, you know, just more testimony to God's faithfulness and how comfortable we are with you as our adviser, you know, through this season. 

 

- Well, no one ever wants to hear a diagnosis, or a call like that. But boy, I tell you, what a testimony you guys have been as I've been able to be beside you and watch you walk through this season. So, I know God's using you because all of your friends, and neighbors, and coworkers, they're seeing the light that you're walking through these difficult season of life with faithfulness. And, I just give thanks to Him, and to you, for being so willing to be vulnerable and share that today with our listeners, because, you know, I'm pretty certain that somebody listening right now is dealing with that sort of issue, and may not have the kind of peace that you just described. So, thanks for being willing to talk about that. - Sure. 

 

- Some people listening will know of us at Ronald Blue Trust and be clients, but some are not. And so, just, if you were talking to, you know, describing it to maybe one of your friends on your back porch, could you tell us, like, what are some of the specific things, you mentioned values, alignment, what are some of those specific things that drew you to us? - Well, I think the alignment of our goals was one of the chief ideas. This wasn't where someone was speaking about this, and we were hoping for, you know, to talk about something else. This was we were aligned almost immediately in terms of what the priorities should be, and how to go about attaining them. There was definitely a biblical approach and perspective in all of this. And, you know, I don't know if that's something that is just day in and day out with you folks, I think it is? But with us, it was like right from the beginning, there's that kind of alignment, and us being literally on the same page, which was terrific. - Yeah, I've worked at places other than Ronald Blue Trust, but I'll tell you this, It's been such a blessing to be able to combine my technical expertise with biblical wisdom when I'm offering advice, because listen, I know a lot, and there's a lot of great knowledge out there in the world, but ultimately, we know that God's truths are what are timeless. You know, they always work regardless of the season, and that was something that really resonated with y'all. - 100%, and then we got to talking about the plans, and stuff in, you know, more detail, and there was, you know, priorities in terms of giving. I had to write this down, posterity and legacy, and then there were other investments, things that we could be a part of that were important to other believers, and people that we were interacting with and talking with, and it just, everything just lined up in terms of, you know, where we are now and where we're looking to be in the near and further future. - You don't have to justify those things that are important. You know, why are we giving this much money away this year? Why are we, you know, why do we want to keep this cash on hand? Whatever, that was a little bit of, you know, the feeling in the past is that I felt that we had to make, not make an argument for it, where here, you know, it's celebrated, it's woven into the plan. It's just a given, you know, that that's what we want to do, and that completely aligns with your council and your guidance. - Yeah, thank you for pointing that out, because that is a difference, you know, that we're not going to fight you, or tell you, "Well, don't do this, 'cause this doesn't have a... Don't give this money away because, you know, it's not beneficial from a tax standpoint." Right? Of course, we're going to consider those things, but if your heart is to give, how can we help you? - Right. - To reach your goals, right? Like you said earlier, Bill. Right, well, let's take a couple of those things because I think there's so many people out there who are wrestling with the kinds of issues that you guys have wrestled with in this season, right? And you, so you stopped getting a paycheck? - Yeah. - How does that feel? Give me a couple of words that describe what it feels like to no longer have a paycheck coming in from your work. 

 

- Well, I think it's, this is really our first calendar year where that's been the case, just because of financial arrangements and things we had for 2020. So, it's a transition year for us, and we are, I think, doing really well with it. You know, we came up with the number that we were gonna live on annually. - [Kerry] Right, you set a target- - We set a target. - For what it's going to take for us to live. - Yeah, and I might say, you know, at y'all's prompting, this is, you know, because one thing that hasn't been stated yet is one of the reasons we're so happy here is we have a plan, we have a roadmap, I mean, we can see it. That's one of my favorite things that we do when we're in conversation with you, you know? And, Andrew was so good at putting up all these variables and things like that. But, so that's important is to be able to see, well, if we want to do this, how does that impact the roadmap? How does that impact the plan? So, to your question, we came up with this number, I think for the year, and I looked at Bill and I'm kind of conservative, so I was like, "I think we can probably do a little better than that. You know, let's see if we can't shave." I think we started out trying to shave about $24,000 off the number, the annual number that we said we need, and so far so good. You know, here we are in December and we've made it work. I mean, you know, we haven't had any major capital expenses other than the wedding and that was in the plan. - That was in the plan. - Yeah, you know, the peace that I've seen when you can bring clarity to what... Because it is scary to go from paycheck and, you know, high-income can cover a lot of issues. - Lack of discipline or mistake. - Right. - Absolutely. - And, you know, that goes away, and all of a sudden you're faced with, okay, we have what we're going to have, and now we've got... It can create a sense of anxiety. You know, we definitely see people wrestle with that. But, what you said was one of the ways we have helped you to avoid that, or to overcome that natural sense to be worried, is to come up with a plan, to set some goals. And, I love it that when we set goals with you guys, you want to achieve them. So, hey, let's set a goal for cash, and then you'll keep a little more. Hey, let's set a goal for spending, and you'll spend a little less. I love your goal oriented nature. 

 

- Anybody that operates independently, and there's a ton of them, there is no substitute for having folks like you and your team to be able to advise. And it, you know, as it turns out, you know, you don't do it for free. No issue there, but it's been far more worth it in terms of not only production, but peace. I mean, it's still something we're still wrestling with, you know, a little bit, but it's diminishing each and every month, every year, and it's been a real blessing for us. - When he used the word peace, and I think that's a great word, it just, it takes the questions out of it, you know? Where before we might have questioned, because we didn't have this specific plan, you know, can we do this? Should we do this? Or whatever and so, yes, I love the peace that comes, because I do tend to be a little bit anxious about, you know, certain things like that. So, but I'm not, you know, it's like, I can look at it, you know? He can say, well, you know, we can do this, and I can go, it's not in the plan. - That's true. - Or, it is in the plan. - Or, it is in the plan, you're right. - Let's spend it, you know, because it's accounted for, like the wedding. - Absolutely. - Those big outliers can be scary, but as you said, because they were in the plan. - I told him the other day I was starting to open bills and things like that and I was like, "So, just so you know, you know, it's gonna feel like we're just hemorrhaging money in November and December, but, you know, take heart it's in the plan." - Good. - It's okay. - It's in the plan. Well, you know, my wife and I, Brooke, we have, there's just something special about having an objective third party speak into our lives because we have a Ronald Blue advisor. That's how I first came to the company actually, was we were clients of the firm. And, to be able to just have somebody that's kind of, removed from us and the baggage that I bring and she brings about money and finances, and just somebody removed from that objective that can speak wisdom into it. That's been incredibly valuable for us, and that sounds like what you guys are describing has been valuable too. -  100%. 

 

- Well so, when you talk about, let's talk about generosity, 'cause I know that's near and dear to your hearts, and that's something when you are in a season for retirement generosity could look different, you know? Because maybe, we have a lot of clients that might give a certain percentage, let's say, of income, and all that. Well, your paycheck is gone, so how have you guys had the peace, what are some of the things that you've done to be comfortable with continuing to be generous and follow God's calling in that regard in this new season? - Well, like I said, I think we're in a transition year. So, just to be candid, the benchmark that we're using this year is, well, I wouldn't call it income. How did we come up with that number? Anyway, yes, well, it's income. We have a little bit of income now, but I think it is... We've asked you, you've given us some guidance, but not specific. It's not well you do this, some people do this, you know, will we give on our investments? That's still to be determined. I could see us doing that. So, we could easily say, we're pretty young to be in this season, you know? So we are, you know, we're not drawing social security and things like that yet. So, that will be the next question to be answered. You know, how did the investments do last year? What did we earn? And, how much of that do we give, over and above what we have already planned to give? - I love what you're talking about, Amber, because it's very common for people who are generous to think about what they're working to give as a percentage. So, you give of your income. You said that, you know? But, what you just described there is something that not a lot of people get. What you said was, "We've had investments, we have other things that are also going up, that God's blessed us with." And, I know we've talked about that in years, it's not just your income, it's also the other things that he's blessed you with. And, you've been really challenging yourselves to give of that increase. So, not just giving of your income, but giving up that increase. So, thank you for sharing that, 'cause that's something that so many people miss, the blessings that are going up in your investments in a year like this year. 

 

So, let's think about the scripture, or the biblical principles that you've heard, that we've talked about over the last five years together. What are some of, just give us a few that like, really resonate with you guys, really been helpful. - Well, we were kind of talking about this this morning. I think it's really neat that, you know, we're different, the Lord, like two different things on our minds. With me, the biggest thing comes to my mind is stewardship. So, just wanting to be a good steward of whatever God has blessed us with, you know? So, I would say the parable of the talents, you know, is a great example of that. Anything where he's blessed us, the verse in Luke about, you know, "To whom much is given, much will be demanded." That type of thing. So, the points in our lives where we did have, you know, rich financial blessings, that was always kind of forefront in our thinking, you know, this didn't just happen. This is a God ordained event. What would he have us do with this surplus? And so, stewardship. - [Kerry] I love that question. - So, stewardship is I think the most important for me, but then it's not all been financial blessing. So, the other verse that came to my mind is to just to be content in all circumstances, you know? 'Cause we've had challenges as well, and so the contentment and the stewardship are I guess, my driving things. - [Kerry] I love that. - Yeah, it was a big turnaround certainly in my life, and I think even a little bit with Amber. But, you know, in terms of who you're working for, and what you're doing, and how you're doing, and all the rest of it, there's an awful lot that has a bad habit of focusing on how much you make, and, you know, the importance of that. And, I wrestled with that and, you know, I had to come to far better understanding with God's guidance in terms of that kind of thing, and I found the scripture that I used to be able to remember, but that I've always, you know, kept a grip on Hebrews 13: 26:21 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you and never will I forsake you.'" And, that's one of those scriptures that I would literally repeat to myself every day, and it has given us, given me guidance that she's been okay with, and been on the same page with me, and the opportunity and the idea, not only with friends and family obviously, but also with others and other groups. And, we're still getting folks are reaching out and saying, "Hey, would you be willing to? Can you?" You know, all that kinds of stuff. - Right. - And, we have a tendency to do a little bit of that during the year, and then right now, over the next two weeks, we're going to finish off the year financially in terms of taxes and stuff. But that's just as of December 31st, and then it'll start all over again on January 1st. And, we're really looking forward to that in terms of, you know, who, how much, and to who are we going to give it? And we're really, really excited about that. 

 

- Well, I loved again, your hearts for generosity, and I think watching us helping you answer that question for you of how much is enough, and building the plan around that, that gave you confidence that, you know what? We can do these things, and we can still reach our financial goals, and then because we have a finish line, we've helped you guys kind of identify that, it's challenging you to say, "Okay, God, you've blessed me with more, what should we do in those years that that happens?" Well, yeah, it's been a joy to walk beside you guys through this journey. Tell us what you're looking forward to next in this new season, what's ahead? 2022, 2023, what are you excited about? 

 

- Well, for me, I've got time that I never had before. And, you know, I'm looking at this from a priority standpoint in terms of my relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit who I want to really get to know better. My time with Amber, and our exchange, and just support of each other on a daily basis in whole lots of different ways. My relationship with my sons, my new daughter-in-law, and even friends. I mean, there's folks that I've got on my prayer list that, you know, are friends or folks that I barely even know, just because they have need, and I've got time in terms of, and desire, to pray for their health, to pray for their recovery, to pray you know, for any and all of that. And, that's what I believe we've got new and moving forward with, I know I've got new and really moving forward with it, and looking forward to it. 

 

- Wow. How neat is it to hear a man like yourself talking about, I'm not listening to the world, the world says more stuff is what is happiness, right? But, all those things you just described that are on your list, that excites you for this new year, are things that are eternal, the relationships with people, and so thank you for sharing that. That's a great list to be excited for. - Yeah. - Well, I said it earlier, I'll say it again. I'm really so honored and blessed to be able to come alongside you guys, to get to know you, to get to know your family, and just to be there as you walk through life, and to provide wise counsel along the way. So, thank you for letting me do that. - [Bill] Thank you for doing it much. Really enjoy it. - Well, Bill and Amber Brigham, thank you for taking a chance and sitting down to your first podcast. (all laughing) And, we're just glad that you could share these things. Today, I promise you, somebody listening has been blessed by what you've shared, and I just want to thank you for that. That's my prayer, and my hope, that someone listening has been blessed by that, so thank you for that. - Thank you. - And, I want to thank our listeners also for joining us today on the Wisdom for Wealth for Life podcast. I'm Kerry Mallory, and I hope you'll join us again soon.  

 

[Host] Thank you so much for listening to the Wisdom for Wealth for Life podcast. If you're looking for financial advice, please contact us. Please visit Ronblue.com. That's Ronblue.com. Thank you for listening, and please subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. Ronald Blue Trust is a trademark used by Thrivent Trust Company, a federal savings association and Thrivent Trust Company of Tennessee Incorporated, a Tennessee public trust company, separate affiliated entities. Trust and investment management accounts and services offered by Ronald Blue Trust are not insured by the FDC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, nor guaranteed by any bank or break affiliate, and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.