January 2024

Have you thought about what this year looks like for you? Is it filled with many new adventures on the horizon? Is it more of the same of what 2023 looked like? Maybe it is a combination of both or neither. Whatever you think it might look like, this is your year.

What does that mean, you may ask? That means that this year, like so many things, is whatever you make of it. There are things we can control in our worlds and things we cannot. Let’s make this year about the things we can control and how we manage those things.

Here are some examples of what that would look like for me:

• Many of you know, I very much enjoy exercise. However, I cannot control the weather, and if weather conditions prevent me from doing the outdoor exercise I was planning (rain, snow, ice, extreme heat, etc.) why not come up with a backup exercise plan that the weather won’t affect so I can still have the opportunity to meet the end goal and enjoy my exercise.

• When we go to family gatherings, I struggle with the buffet of food that is available for me to eat on a whim. Since I’m not the host, it is not my place to put it away or dictate who brings what. Instead, move away from the food – take the conversations to a different side of the room or outside if weather permits. Or even, bring my own snacks to share, that I know will keep me in control of the goodie buffet.

• My kids are busy adults. They have families, jobs, friends, lives. I can’t demand that they attend family gatherings when we offer them or at all, but it is important to me that we see them and spend time together. Instead, if they aren’t able to make the date of the event, I can offer another time that we can get together. Just because Independence Day is July 4^th, doesn’t mean you can’t have a cookout on July 3^rd, or the weekend before or after.

Here are some examples of how this might look for you:

• No one has control over the stock or bond market. Instead, planning for your annual income needs is an important part of our yearly meeting. Let’s make sure we are all on the same page for upcoming expenses, so we don’t have to worry about if that money is up or down when you need a withdrawal this year.

• Healthcare costs aren’t usually negotiable for most of us. Its one of those spending items that we can’t control. The spending that we can control, includes the “other” stuff: clothing, gifts, travel, etc. Manage what is within your hands.

• Sometimes we at Kindred Financial Partners, takes a vacation, or are sick, or just out of the office. We know you have your favorites! We have our too – all of you, of course! With that being said, if your preferred contact, is out of the office, try talking to another member of our team. We are all in the loop, we all care, and we are all here to help you!

Make it a great year and enjoy the moments you can. It’s your chance to make 2024 the year you want it to be!