Insights

2024 has been a very eventful year. For the general population and, more specifically, investors, this year has been filled with events that kept us on our toes. From fluctuating interest rates, slowing inflation, an unusual and tumultuous election, and geopolitical instability, it has certainly been a year of significant challenges.

Despite the year’s ups and downs in the equity markets, those who stayed committed to their long-term investment strategies have seen positive outcomes. Both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) reached multiple records, marking a favorable year for investors overall.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a year of change, with a new administration, an agenda of new tax laws, and shifts in monetary policy on the horizon. Like other transitional years, investors should prepare for periods of uncertainty and volatility. One of our goals is to keep informed about these factors and any other issues that may impact our clients now and in the future.

Throughout the year, we provide timely and informative reports and newsletters that help you stay apprised of the economic environment and any aspects that could affect your situation.  During this festive season, we want to shift our focus and share with you a message we feel is very important. Our topic for this article is gratitude.

We want to express our gratitude for everything we have experienced this year. It’s essential to pause and appreciate good health, wealth, and all the positive aspects of life. The greatest gratitude our firm has is for you, our clients, and the trust you have placed in us to help you with your financial journey.

As wealth managers, strategizing and planning are part of our daily lives. While gratitude is a spontaneous feeling, we can make conscious efforts and plans to cultivate an ongoing attitude of gratefulness deliberately.

Gratitude has the power to help transform your perception of reality. Each day offers you the opportunity to embrace and express gratitude, and developing this habit can serve as a powerful defense during challenging times. Remember that gratitude enhances happiness, and happiness is crucial for well-being.

Gratitude is technically defined as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” This definition highlights that gratitude is a two-way street. When we are grateful,  we are often inspired to “pay it forward.”

Here are some ideas we use for cultivating gratitude in both our professional and personal lives:

• Make a practice of writing down what you are grateful for. Whether you do this daily, weekly, or yearly, taking the time to write it down is more memorable and effective than simply reflecting on it.

• Try to compliment people consistently. Whether it’s the person who carefully bags your groceries or leaving a note for your loved ones on the refrigerator door or bathroom mirror, a single compliment can leave a lasting and meaningful impression.

• Practice kindness. Just like a compliment, a single act of kindness can positively impact both you and the recipient for a long time. Moreover, when people receive kindness, they are more likely to spread it further.

• Volunteer or donate to a charitable cause.  A great way to show gratitude is by helping those who are less fortunate. Donating your time or money to your favorite charity can fill your heart and others with appreciation.

• Purposefully smile. Smile therapy is real, and it works. The benefits of smiling are numerous, including stress relief, lowered blood pressure, improved mood, and pain relief. Plus, smiling is contagious – moods spread. Would you rather contribute to gloominess or happiness?

Remember, gratitude rhymes with attitude and inspires positivity in our lives and in the lives of others.