Stephanie L. Green, Partner, Business Manager

Your best end-of-year advice for clients… Enjoy! Enjoy this time with family and loved ones. Reflect on the past year, look forward to the future. Be grateful. And, Give. Be charitable. Relish this time with loved ones, friends and family as it is intended and do not get lost in the commercialism or the material distractions. Not standard Business Management advice, I know. But I also believe in clients being reminded that everything isn’t about money. Maybe a little crazy for a financial advisor to say, but I try to take a slightly more real-life, authentic approach.  Sure, we do the usual financial review and financial/tax planning but when I say everything isn’t about money, it’s because I try to foster a healthy relationship with money for my clients.  Some spend, some save, some worry.  I offer assurances, plan accordingly for each client’s particular needs and wants. There are some that require more hands-on guidance, that require a firm no and others that are very comfortable in and with their current circumstance.  We can’t lose sight of what is important, and keeping what is important at the forefront lends itself to inspiration, driving their passion and continued success and happiness. What good is life if you’re always stressing about money?  I try to encourage them to live their lives, find their joy, prioritize what is important, not to live in fear nor to live too frivolously – to strike a balance, and one that fits their financial means. This time of year is always a good time of year for reflection, to assess the very distinct differences between needs and wants. I like the idea of this time of year being a thoughtful time. I also find it’s a revealing time of year.  I learn new things about my clients, about their changing wants, needs and goals. It will often lead to the reprioritization of our financial planning. As time passes, the big picture is often evolving and I like being on this journey with them.