‘Twas the week before the holidays
And all through the house
The wifi’s on overload
Ugh…I just spilled “hot cocoa” on my new work blouse.
The tree was up and
The lights were strung
The presents were bought
And the wrapping was done.
The stockings are somewhere
Maybe up in the attic?
My husband’s working overtime again –
I’m trying to be empathetic.
Cookies are baked
In-law’s gift are bought
I’m trying to do yoga
But it seems like a long-shot.
Everyone was outfitted
In their holiday best
No filters were needed
For this Instagram quest.
Then what to my
Tired eyes should appear
Than an email from my advisor
To kick my finances into high gear.
Year-end deductions and
Charitable giving
All to be balanced with
A rising cost of living.
As she mentioned
Adjusting my life insurance protection,
In the hallway mirror
I caught my reflection.
Framed by holiday lights
With kids in the background,
I had a brief moment that was
Nothing short of profound.
The cookies, the music
The shopping and toys,
Suddenly became
Nothing but noise.
For right in front of
My very eyes,
My priorities
Began to crystallize.
Toys come and go
Electronics are outdated
But a solid financial plan…
I’m suddenly motivated.
I quickly tallied up
The holiday spend
And made an appointment with my advisor
To go on the mend.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush
exhausted from the grind
But this year will be different
Because I’m gifting peace of mind.
Protecting the financial future
Whether I’m here with you or not,
Is a responsibility I take seriously
It’s no longer an afterthought.
My hope and dream for you
Is for a life of happy times,
But sometimes things happen
You can read between the lines.
If I am no longer here
To provide for your needs,
A plan is in place
I’ve planted the financial seeds.
So sweet dreams little ones
Of sugar plums and fairies,
I’ve taken care of the big stuff
It’s time to be merry!
TC98805(1217)3