Instilling Values and Financial Literacy with Barclay Roper

I’m joined by Barclay Roper, an expert in financial planning and a professor to future financial planners. Barclay brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on fatherhood, influenced by his time living in South America. Join us as we discuss the blend of personal and familial growth with financial wisdom, all while fostering an environment of empathy and service.

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Understand how Barclay Roper’s experiences in Bolivia and Ecuador shaped his family values, emphasizing service and financial literacy.
2. Learn to blend financial planning with personal values, helping families achieve financial independence while supporting humanitarian efforts.
3. Discover practical strategies for teaching children about budgeting, saving, and money management through real-life activities.
4. Explore the balance between family and service, with Barclay highlighting the benefits of volunteering together as a family.
5. Find inspiration in Barclay Roper’s parenting approach, which focuses on leading by example, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and emphasizing kindness.

Hey everyone, it’s Paul Banas with another insightful episode of the Great Dad Talks. This time, we’re delving into the intriguing intersection of financial literacy and family values with our special guest, Barclay Roper. Barclay brings a wealth of experience in financial planning and teaching. His life journey—from spending formative years in South America to teaching financial planners—offers a unique perspective on integrating financial planning with personal and family values.

A Life-Changing Experience in South America

Barclay’s early adult years in Bolivia opened his eyes to a world of important lessons that went beyond textbooks. He shared that living among communities that may not have had much materially but were still genuinely happy planted early seeds of understanding about what truly matters in life. Barclay reflected, “I grew to love them for the… love they showed me, and they accepted me when I was down there.”

Key Takeaways from Barclay’s Experience:

• Happiness doesn’t always equate to material wealth.
• Meaningful experiences enrich our lives more than material possessions.

Integrating Service into Family Values

Service became a pivotal value for Barclay, one he actively incorporates into his family life. He shared the story of how he and his wife, driven by their values and the experiences gained from their past, took their children to Ecuador for six months to volunteer. Barclay noted, “The best part is here we were, twenty years later, seven kids… we packed our bags and headed down to Quito.”

Why Service Matters:

• It teaches empathy and shifts focus from self-centered goals to others’ needs.
• Creates shared family experiences that bring members closer.
• Instills values that have long-lasting positive effects on children’s development.

The Role of Financial Independence

Barclay has a clear mission: to strengthen families through financial literacy and humanitarian service. This, he believes, is essential for creating a stable environment where meaningful service and personal development can flourish. “My purpose… is basically, I want to strengthen families through financial literacy and humanitarian service,” he said.

Steps to Financial Independence:

• Set clear financial goals that prioritize family stability.
• Encourage financial education early within the family setting.
• Model financial responsibility to children by sharing the rationale behind family budgeting and saving.

Finding Joy in Giving Back

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was Barclay’s insight into joy. He articulated something many of us might not have realized: “The more time we spend thinking about other people and how to lift them up, the greater our joy is in life.”

How to Cultivate Joy through Service:

• Integrate service-oriented activities into family routines.
• Explore volunteer opportunities that can include children.
• Use everyday moments to highlight the impact of kindness and giving.

Final Thoughts

This episode with Barclay Roper really underlines the importance of aligning financial strategies with core personal and family values to lead a fulfilling life. It’s not just about saving and spending wisely; it’s about fostering an environment where every family member understands and appreciates the role of service in building a joyful life.

For those interested in finding out more about fostering financial literacy and integrating these lessons into your family life, keep an eye out for updates on Barclay’s upcoming book.

If you’re interested in digging deeper into being an intentional father and how gratitude can enhance your family life, you can find my coaching offerings at greatdad.com/go. Until next time, stay strong!