Another year passed, and with hindsight, it is essential to look back and summarize the events that impacted our lives. Maybe I should get nostalgic and start with the lyrics of the Alan Jackson Song (unedited).
"The older I get, the more I think, You only get a minute, better live while you're in it, cause it's gone in a blink, And the older I get, the truer it is. It's the people you love, not the money and stuff, that makes you rich. And if they found a fountain of youth, I wouldn't drink a drop, and that's the truth. Funny how it feels I'm just getting to my best years yet. The older I get, the fewer friends I have, but you don't need a lot when the ones that you got have always got your back. And the older I get, the better I am at knowing when to give and when to just not give a damn. And if they found a fountain of youth, I wouldn't drink a drop, and that's the truth. Funny how it feels. I'm just getting to my best years yet, the older I get. And I don't mind all the lines, from all the times I've laughed and cried, souvenirs and little signs of the life I've lived. The older I get, the longer I pray, I don't know why, I guess that I've got more to say. And the older I get, the more thankful I feel for my life and all the life I'm still living.”
Knowing from experience that 2022 will have its challenges, I never expected so many events to interrupt our daily lives. Despite all the circumstances, our clients still received their monthly income, and although the value of their discretionary savings might have been volatile, it remained available.
As the Autus Team, we continued to assist our clients professionally. We were available, advised on elementary and complicated matters, and asked associates for assistance if necessary. We cared for the well-being of our clients and continued to touch lives in Autus Foundation (our registered NPO). Some staff members decided to move on, while others worked hard to change their positions from a job to a career through further studies, mentorship, and paradigm shifts.
I again salute the Autus Team for their selfless service where nothing is too much to do. I again thank our clients for their loyal support because we don’t have a business without you. Without clients and dedicated staff, the nice awards won over the past 4 years would not be possible.
If I could share something with the world, it would be:
- Ensure your will is revised annually, in line with current legislation, and provide for changes in your life and future challenges.
- Save for retirement – it does not matter how little you save, but start and continue. Get a professional to assist you and know all the variables impacting your savings. Stop believing all the media and marketing trash that saving fees will help you to retire independently. There is no proof that lower fees can ensure higher returns, but there are many examples of people enjoying life with continuous planning assistance.
- Seek professional advice with legacy and wealth planning. The Autus team includes 4 CFP® advisors, and the team of 7 shares two master’s degrees, two honors degrees, four degrees, and three post-graduate diplomas in financial planning. In total, they have more than 100 years of industry experience.
- Enjoy life by smiling at someone, enjoying nature and seeing the flowers, hearing the birds, and embracing relationships.
May 2023 will also bring new challenges as Autus enters its 23rd year of existence. We still learn new lessons and face new challenges. Staff members’ culture, dedication, passion, and loyalty keep us motivated and together. We continue our mentorship and development of members and provide for changes (legislation, compliance, and unexpected events).
I wish you all a blessed festive season and trust the Old Dog, and his team will be able to continue to assist you in 2023.
