Key Financial Advice: Be Thankful for What You Have and Give Back
We all know that it’s important to be thankful for the things in life that we have – family, friends, health, memories, etc. But, especially with the holidays right around the corner, how often do we feel satisfied from just what we have? Do we ever really get enough out of life to the point where we feel truly content? Some people are constantly (sometimes blindly) pushing toward more when it may ultimately be better for these people to give rather than to receive.
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t work harder and/or smarter for what you really want in life. It’s important to have a purpose to get out of bed in the morning; accomplishments are important. But if it’s material possessions that you’re all about, you’re probably going to live a shorter life than those who value people over things. I know, hard to believe a financial advisor (remember, I am a fiduciary) would be telling you such crazy things!
What I’m saying is, instead of worrying if you have enough, think about the people who don’t have enough and find a way to help; do something that’ll bring a smile to a needy person’s face. After all the disasters we’ve recently seen – hurricanes, wildfires, mass shootings, etc. – it should make you think about how lucky you are to have important people in your life. It should also make you stop and reflect on what you can do to help your fellow human being. After all, we’d want someone to be kind to us if we were in desperate need of help.
The main point is, treat others as you’d like to be treated. Decide to give your time, possessions, money, etc. to those in need. If you didn’t think it was important in the past, that’s OK, but decide to turn over a new leaf this holiday season. Volunteer, donate, help make someone’s day brighter. You might even get a break on your annual income tax return for being charitable, depending on what happens with the current tax laws. And chances are, that person you helped will sincerely thank you. Is there any better feeling than that? You’re welcome!
If you find an experienced financial advisor who tells clients it’s important to be charitable, works for an RIA firm, earns his/her money from fees and not commissions, believes in having an abundance of investment choices for clients, and has the heart and demeanor of a teacher and not a salesman, chances are you’ve found the person to provide you financial advice and help you prepare and plan for your financial goals.
To learn more about Martin Federici at MF Advisers Inc., view his Paladin Registry research report.
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