A new musical play has arrived in the West End. Once. This is an adaptation of the 2006 film of the same name, which I first saw a few years ago on DVD and enjoyed which starred Glen Hansard. In a nutshell, set in Dublin, it is a tale of how one broken-hearted musician finds the necessary encouragement to regain inspiration and to follow his heart. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but I love it (as it seems the critics on Broadway also do). There are some great performances, notably from the Zrinka Cvitešić who is fantastic in her role – though the entire cast provide a great ensemble performance. I wish I was as talented.

Anyway, what has this to do with financial planning? you might ask. Well not a lot, but on the other hand…quite a bit. I won’t spoil the plot by saying that having the funds to launch is a vital ingredient for “success” in this instance. Dreams can often remain little more than dreams without adequate resources – money, determination, encouragement and persistence, something that most entrepreneurs will recognise.

Dublin provides the beating heart metaphor of a connected community seeking guidance to shape and fulfil dreams. As in the play, having the resources is not enough, you have to take action. Great financial planning enables (perhaps for the first time) the ability to express dreams and desires. My role as a planner is to help sift through what is truly important, and what is probably a pipe-dream and then agree a plan, to take action and build towards achieving this. I love stories. I love listening to clients tell me about where they have come from and where they hope to be heading. I help them think creatively and perhaps differently about the future. There’s a part in the play, where the owner of a struggling music shop is encouraged that his part is the life of Dublin is needed. To provide the tools for others. It reminded me of how we are all rather more reliant upon one another than may appear to be the case and the roles that yes, even a bank manager can play. I understand that we get one life, once. So if you want a some inspiration, some great songs and a good yarn, head over to the West End, alternatively a trip to Dublin beckons – or of course your financial planner!

Dominic Thomas: Solomons IFA