“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” – Cicero
About 15 years ago, I went to Washington D.C with my cousin, Jerry Finger, to meet the former United State Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. We talked about a project, that thankfully did not pan out. When preparing to check out of the hotel, I could not find my sunglasses. I figured they were in my car. They were not. I looked everywhere. I walked back in the hotel and asked the front desk, if the staff found black Maui Jim sunglasses. The nice front desk girl kindly asked, “like the one’s on top of your head?” Sometimes we spend so much time looking for things not realizing it’s right on top of your head all along.
As we look back on this crazy year, we can easily be trapped in looking for all the things we do not have; we tend to miss the things we do. Food, shelter, health (you are alive while reading this), time with children or grandchildren, reading, enjoying the weather, taking up a hobby, the list goes on. We have a lot to be thankful for. Gratitude brings peace and peace, happiness.
Some would say that if they are at peace, then they won’t strive for anything. I have found, nothing could be further from the truth. Here is what I have found:
- If life is a journey, then enjoy the ride and the view. Lesson: Be grateful for the things we have, what we have learned along the way, and hope for what has yet to be.
- When I am calm, I tend to see clearer and make better decisions. Still waters are clear. Choppy waters are muddy. Lesson: Be mindful of decisions you make when emotions are high. May be best to delay or ask a trusted partner.
- Paddling against the current is hard, working with the current is much easier. Lesson: sometimes a little tweak in direction can go a long way. Sometimes you just have to stop paddling.
- Sometimes not getting what we want, is a blessing. We may get much more if we are patient. Lesson: As the Garth Brook song goes, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.”
- No journey is without challenges. Lesson: Have the courage to navigate around the obstacles. Wishing they were not there or closing your eyes, won’t make them disappear.
What does this have to do with finance? Being angry, upset, or depressed can lead to rash investment decisions and impulse purchases. None of these lead to a permanent solution. Hopefully, the principles stated above, may help you make better choices. You may already have all you ever wanted, just remember to look on top of your head.
What are you most thankful for? What do you struggle with most financially over the holidays? What do you LOVE spending money on?
News around the office – Hired two wonderful people at Riverbend.
Dan Johnson – A Certified Financial Planner with 28 years of experience in the financial industry. He has been married to his wife, Patti, for 25 years and enjoys golfing, and boating.
Michelle Yurcak-Farah – Client Service Expert. Originally from Rhode Island but has lived in the area for 25 years. She is married to Paul and has a daughter named, Trinity and son named Nicholas. She is a HUGE Star Wars fan.
On the lighter side, Elliott and I did the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning. Even though he has never run an official race, he did fantastic and of course, blew me away. We had a great time. See picture below.
Hope all is well with you and your family,
Jeremy Finger, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC®, CPFA
Founder & CEO
Wealth Management Advisor
Finger Financial Five – 5 points in 5 minutes or less – is to provide you with a weekly shot of useful financial information. My intention is to share principles, so that you will have more clarity and peace, that help you make better financial decisions.
Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor; DBA Riverbend Wealth Management.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information and provided by Riverbend Wealth Management. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Stratos Wealth Partners and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
