By Joe Dowdall, CFP®, RICP®, CRPC®, CCFC, TPCP®
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to get caught up in what’s next and overlook what’s right in front of us. We spend so much of our lives working toward milestones that we sometimes forget to appreciate the life we’re building along the way.
That really hit home for me in August when my oldest daughter, Bella, headed back to Pitt for her sophomore year. I knew I’d miss having her around, but the quiet house reminded me how fast time flies.
I think about it often in my work as a financial advisor, too. Retirement planning naturally involves many conversations about money, but underneath those conversations is something much more personal: how people want to spend their time, who they want to spend it with, and what will make those years special. And I think gratitude has a lot to do with all three. Looking at my own life, that balance starts with family.
The People Around My Table
Aliah is a junior in high school, and I can hardly believe we’ll be starting college visits soon. Having one daughter already in college and another getting ready to go has made me appreciate just how quickly these years pass.
I’m also incredibly proud of my wife, Leila, who completed her 25th room this year with Once Upon a Room. It’s a nonprofit that transforms hospital rooms for children facing extended stays, filling them with bedding, decorations, and toys chosen specifically for each child. And the families get to take everything home afterward. I’ve watched Leila spend countless hours planning these rooms at our kitchen table, putting so much thought and care into every detail. She’d never mention the fact that she’s done 25 of them, but I think that’s worth celebrating.
Time Away With Family
We also took a family trip to Italy this year, which was an incredible experience. There’s something about exploring a new place together that makes you appreciate both the world around you and the life you have back home. As much as I enjoyed Italy, I returned with an even greater appreciation for Frisco.
I also made time to visit family in Western New York. Those trips mean more to me now than they have in the past. I’m more aware of how precious that time together is, and I try to make the most of every visit. If there’s a trip you’ve been meaning to take to see family or reconnect with someone you love, don’t keep putting it off.
Health, and Not Assuming It
Good health is something we can easily take for granted until something changes. If you and your loved ones are healthy this Thanksgiving, that’s certainly something to be grateful for. And if you’re facing health challenges or supporting someone who is, my thoughts are with you. I hope this holiday brings you some peace, comfort, and time with the people close to you.
Five Years In
This past February marks five years since I started my own practice, and we also moved into a new office this year. Both are milestones I’m really proud of, but what means the most is the trust my clients have placed in me over those five years. Knowing they continue to work with me and recommend me to their friends and family is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
I also earned my Tax Planning Certified Professional® designation this year by completing three courses focused on tax strategies during working years, retirement, and estate planning. Tax planning is becoming increasingly complex, and I wanted to deepen my knowledge so I can better serve my clients. With year-end approaching, especially if you’re considering charitable giving strategies, I’m looking forward to putting that additional training to work.
Making Time for What Counts, and What’s Next
So as you sit down this week (with family, with friends, or holding space for someone who isn’t at the table this year), I hope you get a few minutes to appreciate the good things in your own life. In my experience, gratitude doesn’t come on its own once the work stops. It’s a habit, and like most habits, it rewards the people who practice it on purpose.
If there’s anything you’ve been meaning to ask me before the end of the year, whether it’s a year-end tax question or something you’ve been thinking about for months, I’d like to hear from you. Get started today with a 15-minute introductory call. I can be reached at (469) 423-1989 or by email at joe@worthassetmgmt.com.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
About Joe
Joe Dowdall is a fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional in Dallas, TX. With over 20 years in the financial services industry, Joe is a fiduciary who creates tax-focused financial plans for people nearing or in retirement—to help them build and safeguard their wealth through all life stages.
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified financial and tax professional for advice tailored to your specific financial situation.