As an investment advisor, I spend most of my day knee-deep in reports, spreadsheets, market charts, and the occasional headline that makes me question whether I should laugh, cry, or rebalance a portfolio… or cry while rebalancing a portfolio! But as we move into what is often seen as the season of thankfulness (and elastic-waisted pants), I’d like to hit pause on the financial jargon and focus on a handful of topics even more important than quarterly returns: gratitude, intentionality, and perspective.
First, Let’s Talk About Gratitude
You might not expect to hear this from someone whose job revolves around risk and return, but maybe the best investment you can make… is being thankful. I have friends (yes, hard to believe but even I have a few friends) with wealth who live in constant fear of losing it—and others with much less who radiate generosity… and in a related way: peace. What’s the defining difference across these people? Height. Kidding, of course. I believe the primary difference is gratitude. Not the forced kind where you tell yourself you “should be thankful,” but the kind where you take a moment to look at your life, your family/friends, your opportunities—and just breathe it all in. Gratitude grounds you. It gives your wealth context. Without it, even abundance feels like scarcity. With it, even modest means can feel like a blessing. Also, science backs this up. Studies show that grateful people sleep better, make better decisions, and yes—even save more (1, 2). So technically, giving thanks is part of your financial well-being.
Next Up… Intentionality
I want to be intentional with regard to this next topic: intentionality. Not exactly a word that makes headlines—but trust me, it’s the quiet engine behind every strong financial strategy. And, not to get too philosophical but being intentional should permeate EVERY part of your life. The trips we take, who we surround ourselves with, the home we buy, the time in the spin studio… even down to the words we use—all of this should have a specific intention. Intentional wealth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a thousand small choices, often made in boring moments: budgeting when no one’s watching, rebalancing when it’s not exciting, saying “no” to shiny things so you can say “yes” to what really matters. Intentionality means asking questions like:
- What’s the purpose of my money?
- Who is it meant to benefit?
- How do I want to be remembered?
These are the kinds of questions that shape lives and legacies—not just portfolios. So, if you’ve been putting off those times for reflection or conversations (or estate plans, ahem), consider this your nudge wrapped in holiday cheer.
Rounding Out My Topics For This Installment of The Weekly Whiteboard: Stewardship
As the Buddha (and my most recent fortune cookie) would remind us—nothing is permanent. A similar chord is struck with one of my favorite sayings, “you cannot step in the same river twice.” The river is different… and so are you. Here’s the thing about money: you don’t really own it. At least, not in the long-term sense. You’re a steward of it—for your family, your community, your future self. And good stewardship requires perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in market noise, political chaos, or the envy-fueled black hole that is social media. But stewardship pulls us back to the bigger picture. Stewardship, whether of our time or our money, is about legacy, principles, and impact. It’s about encouraging your kids/friends/co-workers/etc. to think of wealth as a tool, not a trophy. It’s about giving generously and wisely—while you’re here to enjoy the ripple effects. And yes, it’s about making sure your portfolio doesn’t require a new strategy the minute someone invents a new cryptocurrency with a fancy name… does MattCoin sound as good to you as it does to me?! Kidding. No — stewardship takes the long approach and looks forward but it is deeply rooted in the present.
Final Thoughts (And Pie)
As your advisor—or just the guy who writes the award-winning, insightful post that you read every week (ish)—I want to encourage you this season to take stock of what you have. Be intentional with what you’re building. And remember the bigger “why” behind your financial plans and investment accounts. Because at the end of the day, good financial stewardship isn’t about hoarding or hustling—it’s about aligning your resources with your values, your purpose, and your gratitude. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a turkey to baste and the new Morningstar monthly magazine to read… I do love Thanksgiving!
Best,
Intentional Investment Advisor, Gratitude Enthusiast, Stewardship Evangelist
P.S. If you’re ready to talk about what intentional wealth stewardship could look like for your family, or you have a friend who could use a new perspective, I’m just a phone call, email—or a slice of pumpkin pie—away.
