WATCHING the climax of the World Snooker Championship gave me my yearly reminder of the tremendous skill involved in getting those 22 balls to behave themselves, and the temperament required to stay focused in a game that can last in excess of 12 hours.

Watching Selby and Higgins move around the table also underlined the value of experience, practice and repetition.

These gladiators of the green baize can glance at the positions of the balls and look three or four shots ahead, quick analysing where balls will be, and how to get into a position to sink them into a pocket.

Then there’s the shots themselves, knowing where to strike the cue-ball, at what pace and to have it spin and dance off other balls or cushions to line up for the next shot.

There’s mental skill in seeing what needs to happen, and fantastic physical control in making the vision into an outcome.

It’s not a perfect system though, and the very slightest deviation – whether a rush of adrenaline, or a rogue dusting of chalk on a ball - can upset the outcome, and leave a promising visit to the table floundering.

Just as a player hoping to build a big break, we also set out to build our own position in life, to be comfortable and then to push on a bit, maybe taking it steady or perhaps taking the occasional risk with a longer shot that might pay off, but which carries risk.

We do it not for sporting glory, but to better ourselves and to support and assist our future generations.

Doing so – juggling all the variables – isn’t an easy task.

It’s the years of experience Brewin Dolphin has of analysing the markets, dealing with adversity, remaining focused and committed to clients, that has the firm well placed to help investors and those requiring financial planning, and to be able to see ‘the whole table’, and plan in advance for the next shot and the shot after that.

A large three-part research project commissioned with the Centre for Business and Economic Research has looked at the key challenges and issues facing various age groups of families.

The first part focused on the findings as they relate to older people, the baby boomers.

It highlights the importance of having a financial plan in place, even before considering how and when to help various generations of their families.

The second part centres around the challenges faced by the middle-aged generation, who need to be aware of their parents’ financial situation, provide for their own retirement, and also think about educational funding for their children.

The third and final report is concerned with how with careful financial planning as millennials (I am reliably informed this means 25 to 34-year-olds) can get on the housing ladder and access better mortgage rates via “family gifting”.

Then by freeing up income, look at how they can start to engage in long-term savings, for the same amount as their monthly rent.

These reports are a way to see the bigger picture, to plan those few shots ahead so you are best placed to build a bigger break.

As with sport, it’s good to have a coach and that’s where the financial planners and investment managers at Brewin Dolphin can help.

In the meantime though, getting a bit of background knowledge about the rules of the game will never be wasted effort.

The three reports are available to view or download at brewin.co.uk