Black Spruce Financial wants to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017! My wife, Lidia, and I hope that this holiday season is peaceful, enjoyable, and filled with family and friends, whether you’re celebrating Christmas or another special occasion. Here are some things we are doing as we get ready to embrace the holidays and leap into a new year:
Reflecting on 2016
Winston Churchill once proclaimed, “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” We have taken his words to heart and have been reflecting back on 2016 and all that it held for us. We are shocked by how quickly the year has passed, but it has certainly been a year full of change for us and several of our loved ones.
We have had a change in home and business locations, an interesting and challenging market environment, a distasteful race to the White House, the loss of people we care for deeply (including celebrities and musicians), and so on. In some ways, it has been exhausting. Quite frankly, some of us are just glad to see 2016 go while others take it as a test of their unchanging fortitude, especially as we move into 2017. One thing is for certain, we will not let these past obstacles derail our intentions for making the new year one of positive change (change for the better that is)!
We have also experienced blessings, specifically the births of three beautiful girls in our family; two new nieces, and another niece’s daughter. Technically, the oldest of our newborns was born in December of 2015, but we need to give a shout-out to her since we love all three of them so dearly!
Evaluate and Look Ahead
This December, Lidia and I are taking Lao Tzu’s words to heart: “Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.” We are going to slow things down, take stock, and think carefully about where and how we want to spend our time and energies in the coming year. Our focus will be on planning and goal setting. I would highly recommend that everyone take the time to do this and start the year off right. We all need to take any opportunity we can to allow for some down time, to regroup, reevaluate, and re-energize.
We hope that you’ll be able to do the same and determine what you would like this upcoming year to be for you, not just in financial terms, but in regards to all your goals. The end of the year is an opportune time for planning, but make sure your plan includes achievable, short-term goals so you don’t lose motivation. Take time to recharge your batteries and get a vision for the coming year so that you can hit the ground running in January. These steps will also help you to avoid the January blues that seem to affect so many people at the beginning of the year. Take some well-deserved rest and get excited for the new year!
Make It A Priority to Give
In the words of the infamous Dr. Seuss, “Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.” If you can, find ways to give to those who are less fortunate or to reach out and do something nice for someone. At the very least, we can start thinking positively, especially considering all the negativity we encounter daily. At best, we can give a kind word or action, whether it’s a monetary or non-cash donation or the gift of your time or expertise. If you need some inspiration, take a look at my suggestions for giving and gifting. Even little things can make a significant difference. We believe that humanity’s greatest advantage is our ability to cooperate and work together towards common goals.
Thank you for being part of the Black Spruce family. We appreciate you all and are thankful for your support. We would love to hear from you about your goals, your reflections on the year, and your ideas for giving back. Contact me at 416-553-5004 or gino@blacksprucefinancial.com.
About Gino
Gino Scialdone is a financial advisor and the owner of Black Spruce Financial, an independent wealth management firm serving independent business owners. Having grown up in a family business and owning a business himself, Gino has a unique understanding of the challenges and needs business owners face. Offering a comprehensive array of wealth management and financial planning services, he strives to provide sound and creative strategies that meet a business owner’s short and long-term needs. Based in Toronto, Gino serves clients throughout the greater Toronto area and southern Ontario. To learn more, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.blacksprucefinancial.com.