Getting a Second Opinion: What Grey’s Anatomy Can Teach Us About Your Finances

A few weeks ago, I started rewatching Grey’s Anatomy from the beginning. Season one takes us back to a time when Meredith Grey and her friends are fresh-faced surgical interns stepping into the world of medicine, Dr. Weber is contemplating retirement, and Derek Shepherd is simply “a guy in a bar.”

(For those unfamiliar, Grey’s Anatomy is a long-running medical drama that follows Meredith through her career and personal life as a surgeon. It’s full of emotional twists, professional challenges, and plenty of character development. With over 20 seasons, it offers no shortage of content for binge-watchers.)

I watched Grey’s for the first time in high school as an equally fresh-faced adolescent with naïve ideas about love and healthy relationships. Now, watching it again years later, I noticed something surprising: my perspective had changed. The characters I once admired now seemed more layered, and in some (many) cases, more flawed. Derek Shepherd, for example — once the charming “Dr. McDreamy” — now comes across as more self-important than I remembered. Same iconic hair, much different impression.

This shift in perspective is a powerful reminder of the value of taking a second look. What once seemed ideal can look very different when viewed through a new lens. Things that initially felt like the best idea ever can start to waiver. And that principle applies just as much to your financial life as it does to your favorite TV characters.

We have these kinds of conversations with clients all of the time, and it’s a good reminder that getting a second opinion from an advisor who understands your unique situation is one of the most valuable steps you can take in your financial life. A second opinion doesn’t mean something was wrong the first time. It simply means you’re open to seeing things differently, and that openness can lead to better outcomes, more confidence, and greater alignment with your goals.

Here are a few examples of how a fresh perspective made a meaningful difference:

Real Estate Decisions

A client considering a new home asked about renting out their current condo. The neighborhood was desirable, and rental income seemed promising. But after reviewing the numbers and comparing that option to using the equity for other financial goals, the decision became clearer. Exploring alternatives helped them make a more confident, informed choice.

College Savings Strategies

A client had big goals for college savings for their kids and planned to use one account type. After explaining the different investment account types available (Moxie clients will know our trusty “Tax Diversification” table), we made a plan that utilized several account types, offering more flexibility for the funds to address the unknowns that can come with planning for a child’s future.

Rethinking Retirement

Early in our planning process, clients often view retirement as the line where all work and saving stops — but that’s rarely the case in action. While presenting a few retirement scenarios, we helped a client reframe retirement as the point where “work is an option, not a requirement.” Removing the pressure to save aggressively before retirement empowered them to pursue work-life balance or a career switch they’d always dreamed of.

These conversations are a reminder that financial planning isn’t static. It’s a living process that should evolve alongside your life. What felt like the right decision five years ago may not be the best fit today, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is being willing to pause, reassess, and explore new possibilities.

Whether it’s a financial strategy or a character on a TV show, taking a second look can reveal new insights. What once seemed like the best path forward might benefit from a fresh perspective, and that’s where we come in.

At Moxie, we’re here to be your sounding board for financial decisions, big and small. We offer thoughtful second opinions, strategic guidance, and a judgment-free space to explore your options. Think of us a dream team of doctors for your financial ailments (though we don’t all bring Patrick Demsey-level hair goals).

If you’ve been wondering whether your current financial plan is still the right fit, we invite you to connect with us. There’s no pressure, no obligation — just a thoughtful conversation about where you are and where you want to go.

It’s a great day to save (financial) lives.

The views stated in this article are necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to the volatility of the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information based on sources is believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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