A Few of the Finer Things - April 2019

Some Things I’ve Learned

I have been working at this profession for over 26 years and when I take time to reflect, it is amazing to think of the things I have learned from all of you…a lot of which I have tried to bring into my personal life.

I have learned a lot about parenting. I have watched as clients selflessly funded their college education plans with odd amounts like “whatever was left in my checking account after I balanced it.” This particular quoted client is coming up on 30 years with his employer (almost unheard of today) and put his four children through college on a modest salary in the construction industry. He and his wife are now funding their grandchildren’s college savings plans. I have watched parents beam proudly as their children became very successful and have watched parents struggle as their own children struggled. How those who struggled handled those tough times was very educational.

I have learned a lot about marriage. I have watched couples go through good times and bad times and have learned a lot about how to talk about money and finances with my wife. I have unfortunately watched far too many clients become ill over the years. I have watched some unbelievable love and support which has made me want to be a better man and hopefully a more compassionate husband.

I have learned a lot about family and how families handle money. I have unfortunately watched some families struggle with this and have watched some families handle situations very deftly.

I have learned about the importance of communication in all of these aspects of life. It is amazing how many problems are solved by improved communication…parents and their adult children discussing specific things allows for better decision making in difficult times.

I have learned a lot about philanthropy. My parents instilled in me the idea that we are all part of something bigger and it is important to support causes which you are passionate about in our community. I have seen incredible generosity from all of you which has inspired me to get more involved in my own community both personally and financially and to teach our children to do the same.

In carrying on my gratitude theme from a couple of months ago, I am very grateful for the relationships I have made in this profession and for all the things I have been so fortunate to learn from all of you.

– Gary Weiss, April 2019