Over the past couple of years, the general theme of my advice
column has been twofold. First, it is of the utmost importance to
try to shake off distracting emotions when it comes to very
important financial decisions. Second, since solutions to money
matters require factual information and sturdy goals, we must
utilize our minds.
Over the past couple of years, the general theme of my advice column has been twofold. First, it is of the utmost importance to try to shake off distracting emotions when it comes to very important financial decisions. Second, since solutions to money matters require factual information and sturdy goals, we must utilize our minds.
If we, as retirement planning consumers and professionals, adhere to these two postulates, I believe that the best fiscal decisions are much more likely to be made.
You may be surprised then that right now, the focus from me to you is the ‘E’ word. Today, I would like to engage your emotions.
While interests rates and oil prices began to fall late last year, many stock market prognosticators thought that stock prices would have recovered much quicker than they have. The terrorist threat to our country is alive and here to stay, and I believe this causes a gray cloud to continually hover over the financial markets.
Certainly, it has been a relief to enjoy recent market gains, but this year’s perils have not been erased. It has been difficult to garner confidence in today’s economy. Will my nest egg ever regain what it lost? Just when will we begin the next bull market?
No one can answer these questions with surety, but why not turn the tables a little bit? Thanksgiving is this week, and I would like to tell you what I am thankful for.
This is my favorite holiday. Traditionally, this is a time for families to spend time together. Whenever the family and the dinner table are simultaneous, positive results usually follow.
I am thankful for Hollister. My wife, my two daughters and I very much enjoy living in Hollister. We feel blessed here. Isn’t it great that more people outside of San Benito County do not know how great Hollister is? I won’t tell if you don’t.
I am thankful that God has blessed me with my wife and two girls. In my early to mid 20s I never even twice thought of having children, much less daughters. Never had a sister or a female cousin. What do you do with girls? What a treat it has been to raise girls! Give me 10 more! I know, wait until they’re teenagers.
Thank goodness that we all live the in the most prosperous country in the world. We all have enough to eat, clothes, education available, and men and women fighting for our freedom. I refuse to take these people for granted.
Having personally received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, and my father being a veteran, we learned to respect the people that volunteer to put their lives on the line for us. In fact, one of my clients is a veteran of three wars – WWII, Korea and Vietnam. At age 79, he wants back in. That is inspiring!
I am also thankful for being able to have a career that I love very much. Since my junior year in college, my career focus has been on the investment planning business. Including that time period, I am entering my 19th year.
It is a sincere joy to be able to help people with their financial plans for retirement. My heart and soul is in this business, and it has been good to me.
My wish is for you to enjoy Thanksgiving with your family. Please focus on what is really important to the ones you love. Thanksgiving is such a meaningful time. Families are not only kept close, but sometimes, they are brought back together at this time. Literally, the past can be erased if one side has the courage to give the first inch.
I wish this to be a special week for you. Money and finances are important, but families are even more so. Please forget about the stresses of the past year, and enjoy your loved ones. May you and your family enjoy a happy Thanksgiving!
Jeff Welch helps individuals with long-term financial planning. He is a registered representative of and securities offered through Financial Network Investment Corporation, member SIPC. His office is located at 339 Seventh St. in Hollister. Phone 630-1525.
