In this TEDxWilmington talk, Jay Wheeler challenges the idea that life’s biggest surprises are truly unexpected. With humor and insight, he reveals how many twists—whether financial, personal, or practical—follow predictable patterns we can plan for. Jay empowers us to prepare wisely so we can welcome the surprises we want and navigate the ones we don’t. Jay Wheeler is a financial planner, author, and speaker who is passionate about the human side of planning and investing. As the President of Wheeler Financial, Jay is known for building meaningful connections with his clients to understand their dreams, challenges, and goals. Blending an analytical mindset with empathy and approachability, he specializes in simplifying complex financial strategies and helping clients feel confident about their future.He is the author of Un-Surprise Me, a relatable life planning guide designed to help readers anticipate life’s predictable events and reduce uncertainty. Through his book and speaking engagements, Jay equips people with the tools to approach life and money with clarity, empowering them to make intentional choices and avoid the stress of preventable surprises. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx