That’s a Wrap!
Another year is coming to a close. The end of December presents a great opportunity to take a moment and look back on what we’ve started, completed, accomplished and overcome over these past 12 months.
When you think back on 2021, what are you most proud of?
I’ve been posing this question to friends and clients over the past few weeks. I started writing down their answers, and found the list to be extensive and impressive. I thought you’d appreciate reading through it. You may even see some of your own achievements here:
I finally sold the stock I’ve been holding onto when it hit an all-time high! We’re using the money to take the whole family on a vacation.
We decided to build our dream house. Our friends think we’re crazy to do this at our age (73) but we can’t wait! We break ground in March.
My husband and I officially stopped the credit card cycle we’ve been stuck in since grad school. All our credit cards are finally paid off.
We successfully refinanced our house, and with the savings every month, we are using it to pay for a car for our grandson.
Last week, I sold my company. After 42 years as president, I’m finally retiring.
My wife and I paid the last college tuition bill this year. All three kids are officially educated!
My sister and I were finally able to reopen our business after being shut down for a year.
Between what we’ve saved and the stock market growth, our net worth hit $1M this year.
This year we set up a Donor Advised Fund to make philanthropy a priority in our retirement.
I reached my weight loss goal of losing 18 pounds, and my wife did too! We are officially committed to this new healthy way of life.
I ran my first 5k this year to celebrate my 40th birthday.
My kids and I ran our first 5k as a family this year.
It’s taken two years of working with a nutritionist, but I finally came off my diabetes and blood pressure medications.
I wrote my first book.
I left my corporate job (and stress) and started my own consulting business. Who knew self-employment would be so fulfilling?
We moved my parents from Florida to Connecticut. It wasn’t easy, but we can take such better care of them now that they’re close-by. Plus my dad loves seeing the grandkids regularly.
We adopted a baby!
We celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary.
This year marks 20 years of sobriety for me.
I officially survived breast cancer and I’m in remission. It has been a grueling journey, but I made it.
I went back to college as an adult learner. I’m going to graduate with a bachelor’s degree at age 60.
What about you? What could you add to this list as you reflect on 2021? For me, I’m so pleased that our Jamrog Group team has grown by four new members, and that our Wednesday Wisdom readers have increased to 2,700 this year! I appreciate all of you!
This Week’s Resources
From the Mouth of a Six Year Old
Jessica from our office shared this story about her son, age 6: Declan was expressing his excitement about Christmas this week. And he said, "Mom, you know what I really want for Christmas? I want a count-down to the next Christmas because it's really fun to count the days!" My husband Aaron overhears this in the hallway and says, "So, you want a calendar? You got it, kid!" Declan’s request was so simple, but also packed with wisdom: it's often the anticipation of events that make them so much fun...and at six years old Declan has figured that out! Once the holidays are over, what’s on your calendar that you’re looking forward to? We should all have a countdown to something exciting in our future!
Be the Match
A client recently passed away. He was waiting for a bone marrow transplant, but never lived long enough to receive it. When I asked the family what I could do to help them during their time of grief, the client’s 23-year old daughter said without hesitation, “Be the match.” She went on to explain about the importance of bone marrow donation, and asked if I’d be willing to register through the Be the Match database. This young, brave woman has made it her mission to honor her Dad by spreading the word about this life-saving organization. I promised her and her Mom that I’d share it with all of you: be the match
Wednesday Wisdom will be on break for the next two weeks.
Happy New Year! See you all in January!
Disclosure: Securities and investment advisory services offered through registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC. The Jamrog Group is not a subsidiary of MML Investors Services, or its affiliated companies. Supervisory Office: 330 Whitney Ave. Suite 600 Holyoke, MA 01040 Telephone: (413) 539-2000.