Year in Review: Family, Goals, and Gratitude

It’s been a while since my last update, and I have plenty of news to share. My sons, Nathan (26), Jacob (24), and Jack (22), were all home for the holidays. We faced some travel challenges, particularly with Jack’s flight from Huntington Beach, but we all managed to gather together on Christmas Day, which was a blessing. We had a close call with Jacob, who totaled his car on Christmas Eve after losing control on ice and crashing into a semi. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed—a reminder of how precious life is.

This year has been productive for my sons. Nathan received a promotion and a salary increase at the Canton Symphony Orchestra. Jacob transitioned from managing a pool hall and restaurant to a more stable position organizing contractors for big-box stores. Jack shifted from his job on a charter boat to working at Schock Boats in Huntington Beach, where he handles warranty claims and manages the yard. His dedication was rewarded with the largest year-end bonus in his company—a proud moment for our family.

Adventures and Reflections

Laura and I spent much of the summer boating, despite the high marine diesel prices. We made the most of our Cedar Point dockage, even visiting the park a few times. This year, we plan to get the “Food” package, which many of my clients recommend as a great deal. We also traveled to Florida several times, enjoying the St. Petersburg area, which thankfully was not impacted by the recent hurricane. Laura faces another surgery in February with a lengthy recovery period, so our winter travel plans remain uncertain.

Reflecting on the Past Year

Another year has passed, and with it came some losses among my clients. The hardest part of my profession is witnessing the illnesses and deaths of clients and their families. This experience constantly reminds me of the importance of enjoying life and spending time and money on meaningful experiences. It’s not just about the number of years left, but the quality of those years. I encourage my clients to make the most of their time and resources to pursue what they love.

Setting Goals for 2024

One of my personal goals for this year is to embark on another cruise. Our last cruise was in March 2020, and with the lifting of vaccine restrictions and COVID-19 becoming more manageable, I’m eager to travel again. What are your travel goals for 2024? Have you set the dates and made the deposits? If not, now is the time to act.

In addition to travel, consider other areas where you can enhance your quality of life. One of my clients referred me to an interior decorator, and after a consultation, Laura and I decided to give our home’s first floor a facelift. Though it was a significant investment, the outcome was worth it, and it brought joy to our home.

Take Action Now

I urge you to make a list of your wishes and plans. Set dates for your projects, whether they involve travel, home improvements, or personal goals. Follow through, write the checks, and enjoy the fruits of your labor and savings. It’s easy to get distracted, but don’t let opportunities slip away. Avoid being the person who looks back with regrets, wishing they had taken action.

Tax Time

It’s tax time. If you haven’t taken advantage of our $90 CPA-prepared tax service, I highly suggest you do. It’s crucial that your Certified Financial Planner™ and your CPA work together to minimize your tax liability. Those tax savings can add up significantly over time.