Your story about the Star Wars toys -- it's so funny because even though it wasn't my story and I wasn't there, it spoke to me. Because I have my own version and that's what it made me think of.
(Mine was Sedona, AZ, I was 9, and my dad let my siblings and I buy one small trinket from a souvenir shop. I can't for the life of me remember what it was that I picked, only that it was a small porcelain figurine of some kind. I think it was a puppy. But I was so proud that I got to pick it myself.)
Which just further proves the point of your article -- it's not the thing that delivers the happiness. It's the experience and how you FEEL when you have it.
Also just goes to show how powerful telling a story is in content marketing. 😂
Hi Morgan, I love your story! Isn’t it funny how we remember certain events that made an impact on only us? With your trip to Sedona, I bet your parents or siblings have other memories they share with you about the trip. And together, your whole family can create a tapestry of memories that give a more complete picture of the trip. The enjoyment the family has for the trip grows over the years as you each offer something in the retelling! Thanks for sharing your story and have a great weekend, Morgan!
Wow, I can really relate to this! I grew up in a small town with very few stores, so when we first went to Toys “R” Us, it was like stepping into a wonderland. There were aisles and aisles of toys all the way up to the ceiling — or at least that’s how it felt to my little eyes. It was my brother’s birthday, and I think we went there to celebrate. I don’t remember exactly what he bought, but I do remember that experience with so much joy.
@MacCollier, thank you for mentioning thoughtful financial planning in your article and capturing its essence. I appreciate how you framed the planner role—not just as someone crunching numbers but as someone helping clients envision and build the life they want.
You're right: when we start with the "why"—what someone wants their retirement to feel like, what kind of experiences they hope to have—we create a more meaningful and motivating foundation for the financial strategy. It's a people-first mindset—leading with empathy and aspiration and then applying the technical skills to bring it to life. It's not just about saving money; it's about creating possibilities.
I'm honored to be part of that conversation—and if you're not already following or better yet subscribe to BackStage Pass by @MacCollier, you should be. His insights are sharp, relatable, and always worth reading!
This is the clearest case I’ve seen for why ‘features and benefits’ marketing is dying.
Your Gatlinburg story gave me goosebumps.
I can feel that frosty window and the awe of those Star Wars figures!
My version - At 10, my family splurged on a trip to Venezuela. Don't worry it was calmer then. Beautiful country. Over 3 decades later, I couldn’t tell you a single souvenir we bought, but I still tear up remembering my dad’s face riding the freaking subway from town to town.
Yes! It’s the maya Angelo quote, we remember how they made us feel. You remember how happy your dad was during that trip. That’s awesome, thank you for sharing!
Mack, another great article. It is so à propos to what my teachers and I are doing with some of our new initiatives (including our cooking lessons). I have shared the article with them and we will be discussing it at our next faculty meeting. Thank you for still more inspiration!
Hi Melissa! Cooking is a great example of creating experiences and shared experiences as well. Those lead to lasting memories. Thanks for commenting and sharing!
Mack, I grew up in a small town that actually did have a toy store. It's wasn't a "Toys 'R Us," but it sufficed for my family. To your point, however, I agree that experiences trump "stuff." (exception: My collection of bass guitars).
Great sales advice (as always). Perhaps that's what I'm buying each time I purchase a bass -- the experience I have playing it.
Hey Paul, there was a Circus World about 45 mins from my house growing up. I’d see it a few times a year, very similar to TRU and it was amazing to a kid! I think of the things I collect I remember the memories and experiences associated with each item. I either had it as a kid or I can remember experiences I had with it as an adult. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Trip down memory lane. Storytelling master class here Mack. Well done.
Thank you Sheryl, that makes my weekend!
Your story about the Star Wars toys -- it's so funny because even though it wasn't my story and I wasn't there, it spoke to me. Because I have my own version and that's what it made me think of.
(Mine was Sedona, AZ, I was 9, and my dad let my siblings and I buy one small trinket from a souvenir shop. I can't for the life of me remember what it was that I picked, only that it was a small porcelain figurine of some kind. I think it was a puppy. But I was so proud that I got to pick it myself.)
Which just further proves the point of your article -- it's not the thing that delivers the happiness. It's the experience and how you FEEL when you have it.
Also just goes to show how powerful telling a story is in content marketing. 😂
And thank you for the shout out. 🤗
Hi Morgan, I love your story! Isn’t it funny how we remember certain events that made an impact on only us? With your trip to Sedona, I bet your parents or siblings have other memories they share with you about the trip. And together, your whole family can create a tapestry of memories that give a more complete picture of the trip. The enjoyment the family has for the trip grows over the years as you each offer something in the retelling! Thanks for sharing your story and have a great weekend, Morgan!
Wow, I can really relate to this! I grew up in a small town with very few stores, so when we first went to Toys “R” Us, it was like stepping into a wonderland. There were aisles and aisles of toys all the way up to the ceiling — or at least that’s how it felt to my little eyes. It was my brother’s birthday, and I think we went there to celebrate. I don’t remember exactly what he bought, but I do remember that experience with so much joy.
Hi Bette! Toy stores were magical to kids. Glad you and your brother got to experience it as well, so many of todays kids never will!
@MacCollier, thank you for mentioning thoughtful financial planning in your article and capturing its essence. I appreciate how you framed the planner role—not just as someone crunching numbers but as someone helping clients envision and build the life they want.
You're right: when we start with the "why"—what someone wants their retirement to feel like, what kind of experiences they hope to have—we create a more meaningful and motivating foundation for the financial strategy. It's a people-first mindset—leading with empathy and aspiration and then applying the technical skills to bring it to life. It's not just about saving money; it's about creating possibilities.
I'm honored to be part of that conversation—and if you're not already following or better yet subscribe to BackStage Pass by @MacCollier, you should be. His insights are sharp, relatable, and always worth reading!
I REALLY REALLY loved this article.
This is the clearest case I’ve seen for why ‘features and benefits’ marketing is dying.
Your Gatlinburg story gave me goosebumps.
I can feel that frosty window and the awe of those Star Wars figures!
My version - At 10, my family splurged on a trip to Venezuela. Don't worry it was calmer then. Beautiful country. Over 3 decades later, I couldn’t tell you a single souvenir we bought, but I still tear up remembering my dad’s face riding the freaking subway from town to town.
Thank you for sharing bro.
Yes! It’s the maya Angelo quote, we remember how they made us feel. You remember how happy your dad was during that trip. That’s awesome, thank you for sharing!
Happy Friday bro :)
Mack, another great article. It is so à propos to what my teachers and I are doing with some of our new initiatives (including our cooking lessons). I have shared the article with them and we will be discussing it at our next faculty meeting. Thank you for still more inspiration!
Hi Melissa! Cooking is a great example of creating experiences and shared experiences as well. Those lead to lasting memories. Thanks for commenting and sharing!
Mack, I grew up in a small town that actually did have a toy store. It's wasn't a "Toys 'R Us," but it sufficed for my family. To your point, however, I agree that experiences trump "stuff." (exception: My collection of bass guitars).
Great sales advice (as always). Perhaps that's what I'm buying each time I purchase a bass -- the experience I have playing it.
Hey Paul, there was a Circus World about 45 mins from my house growing up. I’d see it a few times a year, very similar to TRU and it was amazing to a kid! I think of the things I collect I remember the memories and experiences associated with each item. I either had it as a kid or I can remember experiences I had with it as an adult. Thanks for sharing your experiences!