by Kevin Slater, Lead Advisor, CEO, CFP®
Back in the old days, we kept track of important events on calendars with lovely pictures hung on our kitchen wall. When is our vacation? Don’t forget so and so’s birthday! Is there a cool picture for my birth month?
On New Year's Day, we excitedly hung up a new calendar. Are we using the one with pictures of our dream vacation or one with pictures of cats or dogs? Sometimes, just before it hit the trash (no recycling back then!), we glanced through the old calendar to see if there was anything important to remember in the new year.
Today our calendars are portable, and most of our pictures are on our phones. Yet it is as important as ever to look back and acknowledge the significant things in life.
OUR TEAM
They are phenomenal in their knowledge, experience, and commitment. Kevin Rigg, Ben, Krista, and Nichole engaged with clients and shared their wisdom. Sophea and Deb worked tirelessly to ensure decisions become realities. Nate and Lisa put our team in a position to serve clients well. Austin Boyce passed his CFP exam. Danielle joined us and hit the ground running because our team set her up for success.
OUR CLIENTS
We work with fascinating people and talk about the things that truly matter. Each has a unique story, goals, and concerns. We know we have a rare window into their lives, and we appreciate their trust, confidence, and transparency.
OUR JOINT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We helped clients understand their resources and progress toward their goals. We identified risk exposures and how to address them. We managed portfolios for great years and for an inevitable correction. We walked with clients through career changes, retirement transitions, and personal losses. It was a full year!
THE NEW CALENDAR
Finally, let’s take a peek at the pictures on our 2025 calendar. At SVA, we always have more to learn and ways to improve. Here is a snapshot of three specific plans we have for 2025:
Leverage a secure, AI-based note-taking tool to improve our analysis and service. AI is not perfect, but it can be very helpful. More to come in February!
Review every client’s estate plan in the fall. Do their documents accomplish what they really want? Are the right people named for the right roles?
Pursue (illiquid and semi-liquid) alternative investments that offer competitive returns and are less exposed to the forces that may harm stock market returns.
Why not a calendar with dogs and cats, AND dream vacations?
We are excited about this year and recognize that no calendar only has pictures of our favorite people and places. We know that some unexpected things may happen. Rest assured, we are here for you during all of them.
Happy New Year!