On a beautiful fall evening, clients, vendors, family, and friends gathered at the historic Lyman Estate in Waltham for a 20th anniversary celebration. Twenty years ago, Rick Miller started a different kind of financial planning firm – Sensible Financial — founded on sound financial principles, education, and personal goals. This gala was a way of thanking Sensible Financial’s clients, some of whom have worked with Sensible Financial since the company’s founding. Many others have been with Sensible for at least 15 years.
Sensible decided to hold the reception to show our appreciation for our clients and so they could meet advisors and other staff in person. Many on the Sensible team have joined since 2020, so they’ve only spoken to clients virtually. Even long-term clients and staff members relished the opportunity to get reacquainted.
Music filled the air
Pianist Jeremy Silver provided accompaniment as members of the Sensible team and their guests mingled with clients, enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres, and took in the charm of the eighteenth-century estate. The guests even got to hear Frank Napolitano, a trained opera singer, favor them with a song. After the appetizers, Rick Miller spoke briefly, thanking the guests for coming and for honoring Sensible Financial with their business and their trust. He also thanked Erica Sibley, his executive assistant, for making such lovely arrangements. Guests then savored a variety of main dishes and beautifully prepared deserts.
Historic and often, hysterical
Throughout the evening, historian Michael Maler regaled small groups of guests with stories about the estate, its history, and the famous and infamous who visited there in the past. The estate served recently as the setting for Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film Little Women and is a wonderfully preserved example of the Federal style. Michael was extremely popular and inspired several people to scramble back to his group as soon as they finished eating so they wouldn’t miss a story.
As guests left, they chose parting gifts including financial books recommended by Rick Miller, specially prepared chocolates, and reusable canvas bags, bookmarks, and microfiber wipes emblazoned with the Sensible Financial logo.
The gala was a lovely gift from Sensible Financial to our clients and shared with our team. See you in 2042!
