How a Fire Reveals What We Truly Value (and How That Guides Financial Choices)
If Your House Caught on Fire, What 3 Things Would You Take?
It’s a scenario no one wants to imagine, but it’s a powerful exercise in understanding what truly matters. If your house caught on fire and you had only moments to grab three things (assuming your loved ones and pets were safe), what would they be? This question isn’t just about emergency preparedness—it’s about priorities. What we choose to save reflects what we value most in life. And in many ways, those same values shape the financial decisions we make every day.
The Reality of Having Only Minutes
During the devastating wildfires in California, particularly the 2018 Camp Fire and the 2024 Los Angeles wildfires, families were forced to evacuate with only minutes to decide what to take. Many had no time to think—just to grab and go. Some took important documents, others took sentimental items, and some had nothing but the clothes on their backs.
These tragic events serve as a sobering reminder that life can change in an instant. They also challenge us to consider what we would save if faced with a similar crisis. More importantly, they help us recognize what we value most—and in turn, how we align our financial decisions with those values.
1. Important Documents & My Business Records – Security & Responsibility
As the founder of Birch Street Financial Advisors, my clients trust me to help them navigate their financial lives with clarity and confidence. If disaster struck, protecting my personal and business records would be a top priority—not just for me, but for them.
I keep a small fireproof safe with essential documents like passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies, along with a hard drive containing secure backups of financial records. Ensuring I have access to critical business files and encrypted client information means I can continue supporting those who rely on me.
At its core, this represents my value of security—not just financial security, but the peace of mind that comes from preparation. It’s the same principle I apply to financial planning. Whether it’s ensuring clients have proper estate documents, adequate insurance coverage, or a plan for unexpected events, financial security is about being prepared for life’s uncertainties.
2. Sentimental Keepsakes – Legacy & Meaning
Wildfire survivors often say that losing their home was heartbreaking, but losing irreplaceable memories—old family photos, letters, and heirlooms—was even harder.
For me, that would include a box of handwritten letters from my daughters, a pendant that belonged to my mother, and a framed family photo from a special trip. These aren’t just objects; they represent the people and moments that shaped me. They are reminders of love, resilience, and the experiences that truly matter.
This reflects the importance of legacy—something I discuss often with clients. Beyond building wealth, financial planning is about creating a meaningful impact. Whether it’s passing down assets to future generations, giving to charity, or ensuring loved ones are cared for, our financial choices should reflect the values and memories we hold dear.
3. My Go-Bag (or Emergency Kit) – Preparedness & Adaptability
Many wildfire evacuees were caught off guard, fleeing with nothing but their phones. That’s why I keep an emergency bag ready with essential medications, a flashlight, extra phone chargers, cash, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries. Having these necessities on hand could bring a sense of stability in an uncertain moment, allowing me to focus on what’s next instead of scrambling to find the basics.
This aligns with the value of preparedness—another key principle in financial planning. Just like an emergency kit provides stability in a crisis, having an emergency fund, an investment strategy that adapts to market changes, and a well-thought-out retirement plan ensures financial resilience in uncertain times. Life is unpredictable, but preparation allows us to respond with confidence rather than fear.
The Real Takeaway – Values Drive Financial Decisions
The California wildfires were a stark reminder that life can change in an instant. When we strip everything down, the things we grab aren’t just possessions—they represent security, identity, and love.
This exercise isn’t just about preparing for emergencies—it’s about understanding what matters most. And just like in financial planning, our decisions should always align with what we value most. Whether it’s protecting what we’ve built, creating a meaningful legacy, or ensuring we’re prepared for whatever life throws our way, our financial choices should reflect the priorities that truly define us.
So, what would you take? And more importantly, do your financial decisions reflect what you value most?
