Holiday Wishes

Wishing you and your family the holiday season's joys and wonders. Enjoy the holiday. I hope you also enjoy the following story...it may not be a 'real' holiday story, but I bet it will make you think.

The story is attributed to George Carlin, but he always denied having written it. Nonetheless, it really speaks to me and hopefully to you as well:

The Paradox of our Time

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space, but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones; but most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Remember - Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

What more need be said?

What to do with $500--Right Now!

The last couple of years have been tough...no doubt about that! But if you happen to have an 'extra' $500.00, how should you invest it?

Since Christmas is just around the corner, why not give yourself an early Christmas present. Something that could pay you back for the rest of your life. What could that be? A "Real Time Financial Plan". (Actually it's only $495.00 so you have a few bucks left over!)

Just what the heck is a "Real Time Financial Plan" and what can it do for you? Allow me to explain. Do you know if you have the right amount of homeowners insurance? How about the right deductible on your auto insurance? Are you in the right type of health insurance plan at work? Should you refinance your mortgage? Is your credit card debt too high? Should you put more money into your 401(k) plan? How should you invest it?

A "Real Time Financial Plan" can answer all those questions and more. I call this a "Real Time Financial Plan" because it is all done at one time. We block out about three hours and go over everything we can...we don't generate reports, you take notes. You get straight answers to your questions. Normally we find things that are not set up properly that are actually costing you more than the amount you pay for the plan. No sales pitches, no products...just straight advice.

Maybe the biggest benefit of the process is that you walk away with confidence that you can control your finances.

What more can you ask for Christmas....knowledge of the how and why to do certain things and confidence that someone with training and experience was there to help you guide you through the maze.

Invest in yourself....it will pay big dividends!