Gifts that Keep on Giving

Stress. Time-consuming shopping. Expenses. Appreciation or lack thereof. Confusion.

Do you associate any of these thoughts with Christmas?

Most people do, and that is really sad when you consider why we celebrate this holiday.

Not a day goes by that I do not think about financial matters. That is what I do for a living and I am passionate about what I do along with the members of our firm. We care about our clients, our families, friends, and community.

Serving on four different foundation boards, I accepted the responsibility to support the mission of those foundations. As President of the Aiken Symphony Orchestra, I believe that the organization provides value to the Aiken community. We will celebrate the Christmas season with beautiful performances of The Messiah and Christmas holiday music.

My point is that we all have people and causes we believe in and give our time to.

Don’t we want to celebrate this season of the year by sharing gifts, time, and resources while also having the ability to enjoy it?

Well, follow the money. We have heard that statement many times when it comes to power
and politics.

If we are honest with ourselves, this also relates to the issues that I mentioned above.

When we spend money that we don’t have on people who don’t appreciate it and feel that we must do so out of obligation, there is no joy or satisfaction from these actions.

I can be guilty of oversimplifying matters at times, but I truly believe we need to get back to the root of what brings joy and value to life. It starts and ends with love. For God so loved the world…

Financial planning should start with the basis of loving your family. Hopefully, that love extends to friends and others who need that miracle-working ingredient. When you love others, you do not want them to suffer because of your actions, rather you hope that they will receive value from them.

Begin with protecting your family against risk that can undermine your finances. Creating a plan that addresses your current concerns and future objectives is good medicine for relieving stress and providing value to your own well-being.

Have you noticed that the people who often make others happy are happy with themselves? Have you also noticed that the people who support the financial needs of their church and charities do so because they are not struggling to provide for their own needs?

Give some serious thought to looking within and taking action to build upon the values that create joy in your life. Use the support of professionals and build your team of support in making your world a better place.

Picture of Thomas Herlong

Thomas Herlong

Thomas H Herlong, CLU, ChFC, CLTC: General Partner, Herlong & Doran Financial Group
Picture of Thomas Herlong

Thomas Herlong

Thomas H Herlong, CLU, ChFC, CLTC: General Partner, Herlong & Doran Financial Group

In the know

Related Stories

The Economic Impact of Love on Finances | Palmetto Bella

The Economic Impact of Love on Finances

Trillions of dollars are being lost or mismanaged each year due to the lack of love in our society and within our families. This figure cannot be verified, but it is my personal estimate. There is no doubt in my mind that one of the best investments in life is to choose the actions of love. After nearly thirty years of being professionally involved as an advisor and working with families and business owners in creating clarity for their current and future needs, I have witnessed tremendous financial losses and personal conflict as a result of selfish greed and unforgiveness. This attitude often flows over into health issues, with increased

Read More »
Change Leads to No Change | Palmetto Bella

Change Leads to No Change

Buddy, can you spare a dime? Can you find a nickel in the couch cushions? Did you just roll up the pennies in your jar? If so, you might help resolve one of the pandemic’s unpredictable predicaments: the Unites States is facing a coin shortage. That’s right. A shortage of change. With everything else under undulating rules, zigzagging restart dates, and clouds of masking, one would think that things that clink in our pockets and rattle in the bottom of our purses would be something we can count on. Not so. The Fed convened a US Coin Task Force in July because it was so serious. Closer to home, Dollar

Read More »
What’s Next? | Palmetto Bella

What’s Next?

What’s next has many answers, but they fall into two categories: the areas beyond our control, and those that we can control. We can control our planning and who will help us make good decisions. Have you heard that pain is often beneficial? When we stop and realize this, awe know that it makes sense. I’m not sure about how you feel, but most of us do not like pain and will go to a lot of effort to avoid it. There are many situations in which we are dealing with the hurt of pain and we pray to have it taken away, but long-term, we are better off having

Read More »
Retirement Has Changed | It Isn’t What It Used To Be! | Aiken Bella Magazine

Retirement Has Changed | It Isn’t What It Used To Be!

Most of our parents started working around age 20 and retired when they were 65. Because life expectancy was shorter, the average retirement typically lasted about 10 years. That means people often had about 45 years to prepare for 10 years of retirement. With medical advancements and healthier lifestyles, people are living longer. This means you may enjoy 20 or 30 years or more in retirement. Back then, retirees counted on Social Security and company pensions. As a result, individuals didn’t need as much in personal savings. Today, Social Security can’t cover most retirees’ primary expenses, and Social Security faces an uncertain future. Fewer companies offer pension plans; rather they

Read More »