Sushi Money

     I hope today finds everyone with good food, family or friends.  Or perhaps a day to enjoy some time to yourself.  Sometimes I treasure the days when I can find just a little time to reflect, and think about things.  It’s like catching your breath, and catching up with yourself.  But personal reflection can also bring out feelings where we think about the challenges we face.   This week it might involve questions like “What the heck is the market doing!?”  For which, of course, there are a million opinions, and few real answers. 

    What a strange time this is… the Dow is just about at its lowest point since April 2007, and tomorrow U.S. consumers will flock to the stores and malls for the biggest shopping day, and weekend, of the year.  I always try to avoid shopping on this weekend… too many people!    But the holiday season has begun in earnest, and it is a hopeful time of the year.  And an expensive time of the year.   I’m trying not to give in to the many temptations of the season… spending too much money over the holidays, eating too much food over the holidays, and worrying about- or even selling- stocks and funds over the holidays.

    Since the market has retraced almost 10% from its high of the year, we find some folks looking for the bear to rear its head.  Others think we’re just improving the fundamentals of the market, and presenting opportunities over the next year and beyond.  I don’t know where we’re going, but I’m going to keep plugging away… saving, investing, rebalancing, and looking out 10-15 years.   For that money I need in the next 3-5 years?  Well, that keeps going in a good safe money market account.  A little money in the emergency fund is also worth far more in terms of the security it brings.  

    Speaking of emergency funds and challenges, we can really help others at this time of year by giving food to a local pantry or church, or donating money for those in need.  It never ceases to amaze me that even with such economic prosperity, there are far too many who are struggling each day.   I think giving promotes opportunity, and opportunity promotes economic well-being.  Quite simply, that helping others helps ourselves and the nation as a whole.

     So I’m thankful for the opportunities we have, and thankful for being able to handle the challenges we face.  There will no doubt continue to be challenges ahead both personally, and for the nation as a whole.  I think challenges also promote opportunity in different ways- the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to leverage what is for what might be.  I’m an optimist at heart, and I think we’ll handle things just fine economically, and otherwise. 

    With that, it’s time for a little eggnog.  And we even saw a little bit of snow on the grass this morning!  Our 7 year old didn’t know what it was… I went out and scooped up a handful and his eyes lit up with excitement… “Snow!”   It’s great to see how simple things can bring such joy.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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