At this time of year, we tend to have conversations with our clients about how to allocate their year-end cash flow such as bonuses, business profits, excess savings or gifts. When making these decisions, it is helpful to have already laid out a decision-making framework to determine how to analyze the options. Recently, a friend of mine approached me about an idea for an investment that, on the surface, seemed… Read More
The Master’s Minute – Expectation and Preparation
Have you ever considered how amazing it is that we have been given the ability to see past the present and consider what might happen in the future? Expectation is an important aspect of our minds that allows us to anticipate the future. We make decisions and plan as we prepare for future events. Often the bigger the expectation, the more it occupies our time and affects how we live… Read More
The Master’s Minute – Why Give Extra?
It’s that time of year again! Thanksgiving Day is this Thursday, and then we have less than four weeks until Christmas. We tend to get into a festive mood during this time of year that often includes gift giving to family, friends, and charity. As I’m writing this, the Lancaster County Community Foundation is hosting a 24-hour giving program called the Extraordinary Give or Extra Give for short. The Extra… Read More
The Master’s Minute – With Heartfelt Thanks
It’s hard to believe we are approaching the holiday season, and the celebration of Thanksgiving is just days away. Where has this year gone? I truly enjoy this season and all this particular holiday represents, as giving thanks and expressing gratitude take “center stage”. It only seems appropriate to use this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to each of you, our Master’s clients and friends. Simply put, our business… Read More
The Master’s Minute – Giving to Give
When Congress passed the new tax laws for 2018, one of the biggest changes was the increase in the standard deduction. This increase meant that significantly less Americans would itemize deductions. Many commentators were worried that this change would lead to a decrease in charitable giving. The law raised the after-tax costs of donating by 7%, according to The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. As it turns out, this change did… Read More
The Master’s Minute – Be Resilient!
I recently met with a friend who experienced a significant health challenge. He currently is in the recovery phase but still is unable to work and do many of the things he was used to doing. What struck me was his attitude. He told me, “I think this challenge was a present from God. It caused me to stop and evaluate what is really important in life. It gave me… Read More
The Master’s Minute – Changing of the Seasons
From the expansive windows in our office, I can see the trees beginning to make the shift into their Fall wardrobe. Another Summer season has come and gone and a new season is before us. I see this shift to a new season happening for my Mother as well. Her husband (my father) died this past July after 66 years of marriage. She is now facing a move to downsize… Read More
The Master’s Minute – Buyer’s Remorse
Do you remember the last time you had Buyer’s Remorse? Hopefully, it was over something trivial, but do you know where Buyer’s Remorse comes from? Buyer’s Remorse is the aftermath of an emotional decision that is not aligned with our values and goals. When we regret a decision we have made, it is almost always due to the fact that we acted on emotion. Our immediate response to anything that… Read More
The Master’s Minute – Living in Alignment
I recently attended a workshop for financial advisors that focused on helping our clients (and us) live “in alignment”. The definition of living in alignment is having your values, goals and financial behaviors all working together consistently. What hinders our ability to live in alignment is simple: it’s our emotions. With money, it is especially easy to make decisions based on emotions as opposed to making decisions based on our… Read More
The Master’s Minute – Calling All Leaders!
Is it just me, or has all the noise coming out of Washington become increasingly frustrating? How can anything good be accomplished when individuals are bent on pursuing their individual, or party-specific interests at any cost! One side seems driven by hatred and revenge, while the other side resorts to name-calling and ill-advised tweets. Both sides have done their part to severely damage the reputation of good leadership. Where have… Read More
