(print:$Hisname) sits in his quiet living room, the weight of his parents’ recent funeral heavy on his heart. He reflects on the painful loss, the probate process that looms, and the reality that the family home may soon be lost to creditors.
Just then, his phone rings.
“Hey (print:$Hisname), it's Dave. I know you are dealing with a lot lately, and I wanted to let you know that there's going to be a workshop this weekend on finances—it might really help given everything you’re going through. I really think you should come check it out.”
[[Attend the presentation->Presenter Intro]]
[[Decline the Presentation->Declined Presentation]]((print:$Hisname) arrives at the presentation and takes a seat.
After a few minutes the presenter, wearing a well fitting suit, stands at the front of the room as his presentation is projected on the wall behind him.
"Hello everyone! My name is (Print:$StrategistName), and my goal today is to help each of you develop resilience in your finances. Most people never learn about finances because it isn't often taught in school, and you have to search it out.
[[Keep Listening->Stage1]]
[[Zone out -> Zone Out 1]]
(print:$Hisname) decides not to attend the presentation. Though he’s curious, he brushes it off and moves on with his day.
[[5 Years Later..->After Presentation]]
(set:$FirstPresentation to False)
(set:$EstatePlan to False)
(if:$Strategist is 0)[Five years later, (print:$Hisname) and his wife are now facing a serious crisis: he’s just been in a severe car accident that totaled his vehicle—and to make matters worse, he loses his job due to company-wide layoffs and the insurance on the car had just lapsed.](If:$Strategist is true)[Five years later, (print:$Hisname) and(print:$Hername) are facing a surprising opportunity. (Print:$Hisname)'s company went through a round of layoffs and he was let go.]
(if:$FirstPresentation is true)+(If:$Strategist is true)[
Thanks to the regular support of (Print:$StrategistName) over the past five years, they are in a solid position to take their time finding a better job, make a smart move with his previous employeer's sponsored retirement plan, and enjoy the extra time with the kids.](if:$FirstPresentation is true)+(if:$Strategist is 0)[Having learned about finance and remembered some pieces over the years, (print:$Hisname) had prepared as best he knew how for a challenge such as this.]
(if:$FirstPresentation is false)+(if:$Strategist is 0)[Without a foundation of financial education, (print:$Hisname) is less certain about his financial safety net. He considers his emergency fund.]
Decision – Emergency Fund:
How much does (print:$Hisname) have saved?
(if:$Strategist is true)[[[6 Months of Expenses->6 Months Emergency Fund]]]
(If:$FirstPresentation is true)+(if:$Strategist is 0)[[3 Months of Expenses->3 Months Emergency Fund]]
(if:$FirstPresentation is false)+(if:$Strategist is 0)[[[1 Month of Expenses->1 Month Emergency Fund]]]
(print:$Hisname) gets off the phone with their Strategist.
"It's a relief, isn't it?" (print:$Hername) says. "We don’t have to rush into anything. We can take our time and find the right job, not just the first one that comes along."
He nods. "Yeah… I can't imagine how much worse this would be if we didn’t have this in place."
[[4 months Later..->6 Months part 2]]
(set:$EFund to 6)
(print:$Hisname) sits at the kitchen table, staring at the numbers. The emergency fund is there, but the clock is ticking. Three months isn’t a lot of time, and every day without a job makes him nervous.
(print:$Hername) sits across from him. "Okay," she says, flipping open a notebook. "We’ve got enough to hold us over, but we need to be smart about this. We can't be too picky."
[[Continue->3 Months 2]]
(Set:$EFund to 3)
(print:$Hisname) grips the edge of the counter, staring at the stack of bills in front of him. The accident wrecked their car, and the job loss came out of nowhere. He had no backup plan, no cushion—just a single month before everything starts falling apart.
"We have to find something now," he says, voice tight.
(print:$Hername)’s face is pale. "Can we borrow money? Family?"
He shakes his head. "No one’s in a position to help. We’ll have to make it work on our own."
[[Continue->1 Month Part 2]]
(Set:$EFund to 1)(if:$HighPay is true )[Life has changed for the better. The new job isn’t just higher paying—it’s a better fit. With extra income and a solid emergency fund, (print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) feel secure.
They’ve paid off all of their debts, set aside money for the future, and are talking about bigger goals. The stress that once hung over every decision has faded, replaced by secure optimism.]
(if:$AveragePay is true)[Things are steady, but the pressure hasn’t disappeared. The emergency fund helps, but every unexpected expense feels like a step backward. (print:$Hisname) sometimes wonders if he could’ve found a better job with more breathing room, but at least they aren’t sinking. (print:$Hername) is relieved that they’re not in crisis anymore, but she knows they need a stronger plan if they want to stop feeling stuck.]
(if:$LowPay is true)[The relief of having a steady paycheck is overshadowed by the reality of their new financial limits. Every bill is a reminder of what they lost, and there’s no room for mistakes. (print:$Hisname) feels trapped in a job that barely covers their needs, and (print:$Hername) is constantly budgeting, trying to stretch every dollar. Stress is ever-present, and hope feels like a luxury they can’t afford.]
(if:$HighPay is true)[[Continue->6 Month Invitation]]
(if:$AveragePay is True)[[Continue->3 Month Invitation +]]
(if:$LowPay is True)[[Continue->1 Month Invite]]
(print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) take their seats at the workshop and after a few minutes Dave steps up to the front of the room, his energy contagious.
"Most people think about life insurance too late. They either assume they don’t need it, or they put it off until it costs way too much. The truth? If you’ve got a family, you need to be prepared."
"There are two main types of life insurance: Term and Permanent. Let’s break it down."
(Set:$SpouseEducated to true)
[[Continue->Resilience 2]](if:$SpouseEducated is False)[A few days later, an insurance flyer arrives in the mail. (print:$Hername) opens it while sorting bills at the kitchen table. She pauses, tapping the paper before holding it up for (print:$Hisname) to see.
“Hey, have you thought about this?”
(print:$Hisname) looks up. “Thought about what?”
“Life insurance. It says here that a lot of people think their work insurance is enough, but it only covers accidents on the job. If something happened to you anywhere else, we’d get nothing.”
(print:$Hisname) rubs his temples. “I don’t know, (print:$Hername). We can’t afford one more thing right now.”
(print:$Hername) sighs but doesn’t push. “I just don’t want us to regret waiting too long.”]
(if:$SpouseEducated is true)[
(print:$Hisname) sighs, shaking his head. “You go ahead, I’ve got stuff to do.” (print:$Hername) frowns but doesn’t argue. She knows Dave is trying to help, but (print:$Hisname) just isn’t interested.
A few days later, (print:$Hername) brings home a handout from the workshop. She sets it on the table beside a piece of mail they got today—a flyer for term life insurance. As (print:$Hisname) sits down, she taps the flyer.
“You know, Dave talked a lot about this. And this ad makes a good point—your work insurance only covers accidents on the job. If something happens outside of work, we’d have nothing.”
(print:$Hisname) shifts in his chair, uncomfortable. “I don’t know, it’s probably expensive.”
“Not necessarily. Dave said term insurance is pretty affordable. Maybe we should at least check.”
(print:$Hisname) picks up the flyer and stares at it for a long moment. The decision sits in front of him.]
[[You're right, let's get the insurance->Buy Term - ad]]
[[We can take a look again later. We just can't afford it->Decline Term]]
(print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) decide to sit down with Dave and evaluate their options.
After completing their expert financial analysis, Dave runs the numbers and meets with them to present options.
"Alright so now that we have gathered the information we need, let me show you three options that we can work with.
Option 1 - Good
Since you own your home, at the very least that needs to be protected, and that can be done with a term policy. That would look like this.
(Dave hands (print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) a sheet of paper with some clear figures highlighting what this plan looks like.)
Now this is just option 1, and I don't want you to make a choice until you see all three.
[[Next option ->Agent 2]]
Dave gives a small chuckle, shaking his head. "I get it, man. Life's busy. Just... promise me you’ll at least think about it. A conversation doesn’t cost you anything, but not having a plan could cost your family everything."
"If you change your mind, you know where to find me."
He offers a firm handshake before stepping away.
[[A Few Days Later->Follow Up]]
(print:$Hisname) opts to purchase a term insurance policy based on the ad’s recommendation, taking a step toward protecting his family.
(set:$TermAd to true)
[[A Few Months Later->Last Text]] (print:$Hisname) decides against purchasing term insurance, leaving his family without this layer of protection.
(set:$TermAd to False)
A few days later, (print:$Hisname)'s phone chimes.
[[Continue->Last Text]] (Print:$StrategistName) continues as the slides change behind him.
"The first principle that everyone should understand is to live within your means. Don't spend what you don't have, and set aside 10% of your income for the future.
If you are living paycheck to paycheck, you are working only for someone else. Make the necessary sacrifices to make sure something of what you earn is beign saved for your future. Even if you have to start small, it's better to start small now than it is to wait until you are a millionaire."
[[Continue->Stage2]]
[[Zone out->Zone Out 2]] A new slide appears: Insurance
"What happens if you can’t work? One injury, one accident, even death, and everything changes.
The first thing you should have in place is insurance.
This is the idea of having funds available in case of an accident. There are two different ways you can do this. You can self insure with something like an emergency fund that is built up only by you, or you can pay in to a policy that is shared with other people.
If you can, I recommend having both, but at the minimum you should be building your emergency fund, or self insurance fund, to meet 6 months worth of expenses. Start small, and aim to reach 6 months.
Are you prepared to get injured and be unable to work? What if you were in a car crash on the way home tonight?
((print:$Hisname) exhales sharply. This, being here, is exactly what he needs to be doing right now.
[[Continue ->Stage3]]
[[Zone out->Zone Out 3]] (Print:$StrategistName) pauses, and lets the words sink in.
"Too many people act like they will live forever, when in reality, we all know that someday this life will end.
I see this most often when families deal with the probate process. Probate is what happens when someone dies and they have assets, like a car or house or bank accounts, and the courts have to decide who gets the stuff.
Who here wants the courts to decide who gets what of your stuff when you die?
No one?
Then, let's talk and work out a strategy to make sure you and your family can endure the financial challenges ahead. "
[[Continue -> Stage4]]
(Print:$StrategistName) finishes his presentation, and invites everyone to scan a QR code to schedule a meeting with him.
Dave comes over to John and asks, "So what did you think? Pretty powerful stuff right?"
[[Yeah, it really opened my eyes to how much more I can do. Thanks for the Invite! ->Conversation 1]]
[[Uh.. I might have zoned out a bit, but it sounded good. -> Stage5]]
Four months later, he’s being onboarded for a job that pays even better than his last one. The hiring manager asks, "So, what brought you to us?"
(print:$Hisname) smiles. "Honestly? I had the time to look for the right fit because I have plans in place to keep my family protected. I love what this company does for the community, and this really feels like a dream come true."
((print:$Hisname) secures a high-paying job, and his family continues to grow their financial stability.)
[[Continue->Friendly Invitation]]
(set:$HighPay to True)
(set:$AveragePay to False)
(set:$LowPay to False)
(print:$Hisname) runs a hand through his hair. "I get it. I just... wish we had a little more buffer." He glances at the financial handout again. 3-6 months of expenses. He had hit the minimum, but now he wished he had stretched for more.
"We’ll be okay," (print:$Hername) reassures him. "We just have to make it count."
A few weeks later, (print:$Hisname) lands a job that pays about the same as his old one. It’s good, stable. But he keeps thinking—what if we’d had a little more time?
((print:$Hisname) gets a new job, but it’s not an upgrade. He maintains his financial footing but doesn’t improve it.)
[[Continue->Friendly Invitation]]
(set:$AveragePay to True)
(set:$HighPay to False)
(set:$LowPay to False)
However, there’s no time to search for a good job. He takes the first thing he can get—lower pay, long hours, and stress that gnaws at him every day. With one car between them, (print:$Hername) juggles the kids and errands while he picks up extra shifts just to keep the lights on.
One night, he collapses into bed, exhausted. "We’re barely hanging on," he murmurs. "If one more thing goes wrong…"
(print:$Hername) doesn’t respond. They both know the answer.
((print:$Hisname) takes a major step backward financially. The lack of preparation leaves him vulnerable, forcing him into a lower-paying job with no upward mobility. The family struggles to stay afloat.)
(set:$AveragePay to False)
(set:$HighPay to False)
(set:$LowPay to True)
[[Continue->Friendly Invitation]] (print:$Hisname) is sitting in his home office, reviewing some reports from work. Things have been going well—better than he could have imagined after the accident. Having savings gave him the freedom to take his time, and now he’s in a job that pays more and treats him better.
"Hey, babe?" (print:$Hername) calls from the kitchen.
"Yeah?"
"Dave just called," she says, walking in with her phone still in hand. "He wants us to come to a workshop. It sounds like he is actually working with Tariq as a financial resilience strategist. I'm going to go, I think it would be good to support him."
[[Continue->Invite 6 Part 2]](print:$Hisname) raises an eyebrow with a grin. "Yeah? Well I think that's great you want to learn more about finances."
"Will you come too? I know you meet with Tariq every year, but we could still learn something new."
(print:$Hisname) leans back in his chair, considering. (print:$Hername) looks excited, and truthfully, Dave has been a good friend to them and doesn't ask for much.
[[Yeah, let's call the babysitter and see if she is available.->Resilience 1]]
[[You go ahead, I'll stay home with the kids. Take good notes!->After the Presentation]]
(set:$SpouseEducated to True)
(print:$Hisname) gets home after another long day at work. His job isn’t bad, but he still wonders if he could have found something better if he’d had more time to search.
"Oh, before I forget," (print:$Hername) says, flipping through the mail. "Dave called me today. He’s doing another one of his financial workshops, and I think I’m gonna go."
(print:$Hisname) raises an eyebrow. "Really?"
[[Continue->Invite 3+ Part 2]]"Yeah, why not?" she replies. "He's our friend and wants to help people. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to learn more about how money works."
(print:$Hisname) considers it. He has no major complaints, but their finances still feel… fragile. One bad month could throw everything into chaos again. Maybe it’s worth hearing Dave out.
[[Attend Presentation->Resilience 1]]
[[Decline Invitation->No Presentation - Term Ad1]]
(set:$SpouseEducated to True)(print:$Hisname) is exhausted. He just got home from another long shift, and (print:$Hername) looks just as worn down as he feels. Bills are piling up. The accident put them in a hole, and it feels like no matter how hard they work, they can’t dig their way out.
His phone rings. It’s Dave. He almost ignores it, but something tells him to pick up.
"(print:$Hisname), my man! How are things?"
"Been better," (print:$Hisname) admits.
[[Continue->Invite 1 Part 2]]"Listen, I don’t want to keep you long, but I’m running a financial resilience workshop. It’s all about making sure families don’t end up struggling when life throws curveballs. You should come."
"I don’t know, man. We’ve got a lot going on right now."
"That’s exactly why you should come!" Dave says. "This could help you get back on track. Just give it a shot—what do you have to lose?"
[[Attend Presentation->Resilience 1]]
[[Decline Invitation->No Presentation - Term Ad1]]
(set:$SpouseEducated to false)(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:.5s)[A few years later, there was another accident.]
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:3s)[This time, things were much worse.]
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:5.5s)[The family was hit by a drunk driver. ]
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:8s)[(print:$Hername) and the kids survived.]
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:10.5s)[(print:$Hisname)...](transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3.5s)+(t8n-delay:13s)[Did not.]
(live:16.5s)+(t8n:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)[(link-goto:"One Year Later","The Grave")(stop:)]
(print:$Hername) stands at (print:$Hisname)s grave. A year has passed since the accident, and her grief is still strong. She reflects on all she and the kids have been through.
(If:$Strategist is true)["Things are.. difficult. We still have the house, and I can still stay home with the kids, but it's so hard going on without you. The kids will be playing happily, and then stop suddenly, like they remembered you weren't there.
It hurts, but thank you for making sure we had what we needed to make it through this.
Dave and Tariq have been so helpful, making sure everything that you left behind has been managed well so that I..." (print:$Hername) chokes back her cry.
"Thank you for loving us and preparing for this. No one expects it to happen, but thank you for being prepared.
I love you.]
(If:$Strategist is 0)+(if:$Strategist2 is True)["Things are.. difficult. We still have the house, and I can still stay home with the kids, but it's so hard going on without you. The kids will be playing happily, and then stop suddenly, like they remembered you weren't there.
It hurts, but thank you for making sure we had what we needed to make it through this.
Dave has been so helpful, making sure everything that you left behind has been managed well so that I..." (print:$Hername) chokes back her cry.
"Thank you for loving us and preparing for this. No one expects it to happen, but thank you for being prepared.
I love you.]
(If:$Strategist is 0)+(if:$Strategist2 is 0)["Things have been.. Really hard this year. The house was taken, but I was able to move in with my parents. It's tight, but the kids are managing ok.
I just... I just wish there was something we could have done to be ready for this! We lost everything when we lost you, (print:$Hisname)!"
(print:$Hername) falls to her knees, crying over your grave.
"What am I supposed to do? (if:$TermAd is true)[The money from the term insurance was helpful, but it's running out and I don't know what to do.
I haven't worked outside the home in so long, and I don't want our kids to feel like they are losing me too if I go and work as much as I'll need to.]
(if:$SecondChance is false)["Dave came by to see if we needed anything, and told me they had called you before the accident. Said he was sorry he hadn't pushed harder to meet with you, to make sure we would be protected in the case someting like this happened.
I remember the call, (print:$Hisname). I remember feeling disappointed, and hoping that we would have time to get protection... I just... "
(print:$Hername) wiped her eyes. "But it's too late now. I'll figure something out."
]]
(print:$Hername) stands for a few more moments, and then bends down to place a single rose on (print:$Hisname)'s gravestone.
[[Goodbye ->Closing Remarks]]
Dave writes two words on the board:
TERM | PERMANENT
"Term life insurance is the simplest and cheapest option. You pay a low monthly amount for coverage that lasts a set number of years—10, 20, or 30 years. If you pass away during that time, your family gets a lump sum payout. If you outlive the term? The policy ends, and there’s no payout."
"Permanent insurance, on the other hand, lasts your entire life. It can also build up cash value over time—money you could use while you’re still alive."
"Each type has its purpose. Some people just need coverage while their kids are young. Others want to build wealth over time. It all depends on your goals."
[[Continue->Resilience 3]]
"Now, if you’re looking at permanent insurance, there are two kinds: Whole Life and Universal Life."
Whole Life is predictable. You pay the same amount every month, and your cash value grows steadily over time.
Universal Life is more flexible. The most commonly utilized type is Indexed Universal Life, where you can adjust your payments, and your cash value growth is tied to an index—so it has more potential for growth while also avoiding the losses of the market.
"Both options have tax advantages, and both can be a powerful way to leave behind generational wealth."
[[Continue->Resilience 4]](set:$SpouseEducated to True)
(print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) talk about what they heard, as Dave approaches them at the end of the workshop.
(if:$Strategist is 0)[
"So what did you both think? Are you ready to sit down and take a look at your situation?"
(print:$Hername) looks to (print:$Hisname), and whispers, "I think it would be good. What do you think?"
[[Yes, let's do it->Meet With Agent - Yes]]
[[Thanks Dave, but now isn't the best time. I want to think on it more first->Meet With Agent - No]] ]
(if:$Strategist is true)[
"Thanks so much for coming you guys! I really appreciate it. I assume you already have all this stuff worked out with Tariq, right?"
"Yeah, but this is the first time (print:$Hername) has really sat down and been able to hear it for herself from someone other than me."
"You did great Dave! I'm so glad you asked us to come."
"Thanks! Hey, would it be crazy to have you sit down with me so that I can get some practice presenting strategies to people?"
[[We can both do that ->Meet With Agent - Yes]]
[[Just Jane->Time Passes]]
]It’s been a couple of weeks since (print:$Hisname) turned down the meeting with Dave. Life has been busy, and honestly, insurance hasn’t been at the top of his mind. But then—he gets a call from Dave.
[[Answer the call->Last Chance]]
[[Ignore it ->Last Text]]
(set:$Texted to false)(if:$Texted is false)[(print:$Hisname) picks up his phone, seeing Dave’s name on the screen. He sighs. He knows what this is about.]
(if:$Texted is true)[(print:$Hisname)'s phone rings almost immediately, and he hears Dave's voice.]
"Hey man, I know we talked before, but I just wanted to check in one last time," Dave says, his tone steady but sincere. "Look, you know I wouldn’t be bugging you if this wasn’t important. We protect the things we can’t afford to lose, right? You got car insurance in case of a crash. Health insurance in case you get sick. But the one thing your family needs the most is missing."
"If something happens to you tomorrow… what’s the plan? How long does (print:$Hername) have before bills start piling up? Before she’s forced to make hard choices?"
Dave lets the question hang in the air.
"I know it’s not fun to think about, but this is the kind of thing you want in place before you need it. Let’s go over your options real quick—thirty minutes, that’s all I ask."
[[Say yes - Sit down with Dave->Meet With Agent - Yes]]
[[Say no - Decline for good->Before The Storm]]
(set:$SecondChance to true)
Dave is quite for a moment.
"Alright (print:$Hisname), I get it. I'll leave the ball in your court, and when you are ready, give me a call. I wouldn't want you to feel like I was pressuring you into something and then have bad feelings. I'll talk to you later, take care!"
(print:$Hisname) sits quitely, and notices (print:$Hername) nearby.
"That was Dave, he wants to sit down and meet with us still."
(print:$Hername) watches (print:$Hisname) quietly for a moment, then nods her head and goes to the other room without saying a word.
[[Time passes, as it always does->The Accident]]
(set:$SecondChance to false)
(if:$TermAd is false)[A text pops up on (print:$Hisname)’s phone:
Dave: Hey man, I know you’ve been busy, and I just want to make sure you’re good.
I’ve seen too many families go through hell because they thought they had more time. I'd love to talk more if you are open to it.]
(if:$TermAd is true)[A text pops up on (print:$Hisname)’s phone:
Dave: Hey man, I know you’ve been busy, and I just want to make sure you’re good.
I’ve seen too many families go through hell because they thought they had more time. I'd love to talk more if you are open to it.]
(if:$FollowUp is true) [A text pops up on (print:$Hisname)’s phone:
Dave: Hey man, I know you’ve been busy, and I don’t want to push. Just… one last time, I want to make sure you’re good.
I’ve seen too many families go through hell because they thought they had more time. If you change your mind, I’m here. No pressure, no guilt. Just let me know.]
(print:$Hisname) stares at the message, thumb hovering over the keyboard.
[[Reply - Alright, Let's talk->Last Chance]]
[[Ignore ->The Accident]]
(Set:$Texted to true)Option 2 - Better
This option is looking at continuous coverage through end of life, as well as making sure that the home is covered with. I recommend a permanant policy with a term addition. Once the house is paid off, the term policy will wrap up as well, but you will continue with your life insurance coverage to cover end of life expenses.
Here is what the numbers look like.
(Dave hands them a second sheet with clear figures.)
[[Next Option-> Agent 3]]
Option 3 - Best
For this third option, we are looking at a permanant policy that will grow in cash value so that you can stop paying once you hit your target retirement age. The cash value in the policy covers the premiums for you through the end of life, and whatever is left over in excess of your policy value is also passed on to your beneficiaries.
We are also looking at a term policy addition to cover the house as well.
(Dave hands them the final sheet of paper.)
(if:$Strategist is 0)[
So what do you think? Which option makes the most sense for your family? And keep in mind, we can set it up so that you have coverage as soon as you sign the application until they decide if you are approved, just in case something were to happen in the next few weeks.
[[Option 1 -> Option 1]]
[[Option 2 -> Option 2]]
[[Option 3 -> Option 3]]
[[I'm not sure which to choose. -> Option 3B]]]
(if:$Strategist is true)[So what do you think? Which option makes the most sense for your family?
...
And that's how we do it! Thanks for helping me get some practice you guys, I really appreciate it!
And (print:$Hername), I know (print:$Hisname) has everything covered with Tariq, but let me know if you have any questions ok?
(set:$Strategist2 to true)
[[Thanks Dave! ->Time Passes]]
]"Option 1 is a good choice, so lets get your application started and you can look over the details while we wait to find out if you are approved. Even once you are approved you have a 30 day free look period, so if you don't like something about the plan we can always change it.
((print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) fill out a quick application for the term policy.)
"Alright, well I will handle everything from here and keep you in the loop! I will send you an email later today with all of the documents related to this proposed policy. As soon as I know one way or the other, I will reach out and we can meet to review everything a final time!"
[[Thanks Dave! We appreciate your help! ->Time Passes]]
(Set:$Option1 to true)
(Set:$Option2 to false)
(Set:$Option3 to False)"Option 2 is a better choice, so lets get your application started and you can look over the details while we wait to find out if you are approved. Even once you are approved you have a 30 day free look period, so if you don't like something about the plan we can always change it.
((print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) fill out a quick application for the term and permanant policy.)
"Alright, well I will handle everything from here and keep you in the loop! I will send you an email later today with all of the documents related to this proposed policy. As soon as I know one way or the other, I will reach out and we can meet to review everything a final time!"
[[Thanks Dave! We appreciate your help! ->Time Passes]]
(Set:$Option2 to true)
(Set:$Option1 to false)
(Set:$Option3 to False)
"Option 3 is the best choice, so lets get your application started and you can look over the details while we wait to find out if you are approved. Even once you are approved you have a 30 day free look period, so if you don't like something about the plan we can always change it.
((print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) fill out a quick application for the term and permanant policy.)
"Alright, well I will handle everything from here and keep you in the loop! I will send you an email later today with all of the documents related to this proposed policy. As soon as I know one way or the other, I will reach out and we can meet to review everything a final time!"
[[Thanks! We appreciate your help! ->Time Passes]]
(Set:$Option3 to true)
(Set:$Option1 to false)
(Set:$Option2 to False)
"If you really aren't sure, I recommend applying for Option 3. It's the best choice, and if you decide you want to do something smaller we can easily downgrade, while it's not always as easy to upgrade. You will have a 30 day free look period where it's no problem to adjust the policy once you are approved, so we really do have a little time here to consider things. That said, I would hate to have something happen and you have no coverage while thinking about it.
((print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) fill out a quick application for the term and permanant policy.)
"Alright, well I will handle everything from here and keep you in the loop! I will send you an email later today with all of the documents related to this proposed policy. As soon as I know one way or the other, I will reach out and we can meet to review everything a final time!"
[[Thanks Dave! We appreciate your help! ->Time Passes]]
(Set:$Option3 to true)
(Set:$Option1 to false)
(Set:$Option2 to False)(if:$HighPay is true)["The next five years painted a bright picture for (print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername). Lily turned 12, and was starting to take an interest in boys— While Max, now ten, was a dreamer who’d climb the trees and sit in the branches to watch leaves. Andrew was 7, and he loved to wrestle and play rough with his brother.
(print:$Hisname)’s high-paying job grew even sweeter, promotions piling up, and (print:$Hername) loved being able to stay home, crafting a world of learning and joy for her family.
Challenges came—sleepless nights, a spat over priorities—but they’d laugh it off, richer in every way.
. One summer they splurged on a national park adventure, Andrew's dinosaur roars echoing off canyon walls, the family loving their time together."]
(if:$AveragePay1 is true)["Five years flew by for (print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername), filled with new faces and familiar chaos. Lily arrived first—a whirlwind who’d ‘paint’ the walls with crayons—followed by Max, a gentle boy who’d tug (print:$Hername)’s sleeve for stories. With (print:$Hisname)’s good-paying job keeping them afloat, (print:$Hername) opted to stay home, trading deadlines for diaper changes. They had enough for pizza nights and a summer beach trip, where Max giggled at crashing waves. (print:$Hisname) earned a small bump up at work, easing the stress of stretched paychecks. They decided to go on a big trip that summer to celebrate, driving from coast to coast."]
(if:$AveragePay is true)["Five years flew by for (print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername), filled with new faces and familiar chaos. Lily arrived first—a whirlwind who’d ‘paint’ the walls with crayons—followed by Max, a gentle boy who’d tug (print:$Hername)’s sleeve for stories. With (print:$Hisname)’s good-paying job keeping them afloat, (print:$Hername) opted to stay home, trading deadlines for diaper changes. They had enough for pizza nights and a summer beach trip, where Max giggled at crashing waves. (print:$Hisname) earned a small bump up at work, easing the stress of stretched paychecks. They decided to go on a big trip that summer to celebrate, driving from coast to coast."]
(if:$LowPay is true)["Over the next five years, (print:$Hisname) and (print:$Hername) continued to build a life from small beginnings. Their daughter, Lily, came first—a chatterbox who loved chasing fireflies. Then Max, a shy toddler who’d nap against (print:$Hername)’s shoulder. (print:$Hisname)’s low-paying job barely stretched, and (print:$Hername) chose to stay home, juggling sippy cups and budgets. Money was tight—nights were boxed mac-and-cheese and secondhand toys—but (print:$Hisname) kept pushing, landing a better job with better pay. They celebrated with a weekend camping trip."]
[[The Drive Home -> An Accident]]
(set:$Options to true)
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:.5s)[On their way home however, there was an accident.]
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:3s)[This time, things were much worse.]
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:5.5s)[The family was hit by a drunk driver. ]
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:8s)[(print:$Hername) and the kids survived.]
(transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)+(t8n-delay:10.5s)[(print:$Hisname)...](transition:"fade")+(t8n-time:3.5s)+(t8n-delay:13s)[Did not.]
(live:16.5s)+(t8n:"fade")+(t8n-time:3s)[(link-goto:"One Year Later","The Grave")(stop:)]
(set: $Hisname to (prompt: [A male name, please:], "John", "", "Confirm"))
(set: $Hername to (prompt: [A female name, please:], "Jane", "", "Confirm"))
In this "choose your own adventure" story, you will play through from the perspetive of (print:$Hisname), who is married to (print:$Hername).
You will have the opportunity to "attend" financial presentations in the story, and these are for entertainment purposes only and are greatly simplified for this context.
I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to hearing from you! Please scroll down after you complete the story to fill out a contact form to connect with me and let me know what you thought of the story.
We begin at home a few months after the funeral of (print:$Hisname)'s parents, who both died in a car accident.
[[Continue ->At Home - Reflection]]
(Set:$StrategistName to "Tariq")(print:$Hisname)’s eyes drift to the edge of the PowerPoint screen.
//“Mom always said, ‘Save your pennies, they’ll stack up someday.’ But they never had time to stack. The car broke down, the roof leaked... There was always something.”
I remembers packing up the house when I was younger—People coming to take the furniture. I didn't realize at the time my parents were selling everything. If they had a little more saved, how would things have been different when dad lost his job?//
[[Keep daydreaming->Zone Out 2]]
[[The presenter clicks to the next slide ->Stage2]] (print:$Hisname) runs his thumb runs along the edge of his chair.
//I remember when dad fell off the roof trying to fix the gutters. Tore his shoulder bad. Refused to miss a day at work—said we couldn’t afford to. Mom would try to hide her crying, but I still saw.
I remember the way dad winced tying his boots, the way he stopped playing catch. The factory eventually found some excuse to let him go.
If something like that happened to me… would I even have enough sick time? I barely had enough PTO saved up for the funeral.//
Someone coughs.
[[Keep Daydreaming ->Zone Out 3]]
[[(print:$Hisname) blinks and tries to refocus ->Stage3]] A sharp ache tightens in his chest.
//“What would happen to (print:$Hername) in that situation? Would she try to hide her crying from the kids?”
I’d watched my aunt Mary cry in the lawyer’s office. Watched uncle Dan leave early, too angry to talk. Everything my parents had—reduced to confusion and tension.
(print:$Hername)... She asked about life insurance last week, and I brushed it off. ‘We’ve got time,’ I’d said. But time’s not guaranteed for anyone, is it?//
[[(print:$Hisname) blinks and tries to refocus -> Stage4]] "I'm glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to get scheduled with (Print:$StrategistName) though, ok? I'll see you later!"
Dave walks away to talk with other attendees, while (print:$Hisname)..
[[Scans the QR code->Scan the Code]]
[[Goes home ->After Presentation]]
(Set:$FirstPresentation to true)Dave laughs, "Yeah I thought it looked like that. Well I think it's great you came anyway, hopefully you got something useful out of it. Tell (Print:$Hername) hi for me!"
Dave walks off to talk with (Print:$StrategistName), leaving you to decide what you will do.
[[Scan the code to schedule with (Print:$StrategistName)->Scan the Code]]
[[Head home->After Presentation]]
(Set:$FirstPresentation to false)Dave scans the code and schedules a call with (Print:$StrategistName).
(set:$Strategist to true)
[[Go home->Talk with Strategist]]A few days later, it's time to meet with (Print:$StrategistName) over a video call.
"Hey Dave, how are you doing? I'm so glad to have some time to meet with you!"
(Print:$StrategistName) sounds excited, and (print:$Hisname) is feeling good too.
(Print:$StrategistName) walks (print:$Hisname) through an expert financial analysis and recommends some debt relief services that could be helpful in his situation. Then, they schedule a time to meet to review the plans.
[[Continue->Good, Better, Best]]
- At the next meeting -
"Alright (print:$Hisname), here are some recommendations based on your current situation and the goals you shared with me."
(Print:$StrategistName) walks through the goals, explaining the details each step of the way.
(Print:$Hisname) looks it over, and makes his decission, committing to make the changes needed to be truly financial resilient. He feels confident, and strong in his ability to succeed.
[[A few years later->After Presentation]]
(Set:$Strategist to true)
(print:$Hername) returns from the presentation mroe excited than (print:$Hisname) had seen her in a while.
"Everything makes so much more sense to me now! You know I've trusted your judgement with finances, but now I feel like I really understand these plans you talk about."
(print:$Hername) gives (print:$Hisname) a tight hug.
"You really are doing so much to make sure our family is protected, and I love you for that."
[[I love you too->Time Passes]] Thank you so much for playing through this "Choose Your Own Adventure" inspired story.
If you would like to meet with a real life Strategist like Tariq and Dave, please scroll down on the webpage and fill out the contact form.
Have a good day, and I look forward to talking with you soon!
If you would like to play again to see what other paths you can choose, press the link below.
[[Start over->Introduction]]