Tip of the Week

Take Stock and Be Grateful

As we all prepare for the annual Thanksgiving holiday – with family and friends, festive food, football and other traditions, we ourselves are taking stock of our blessings and plan to reflect and be grateful.   We’re in the middle of confusing yet exciting times, so remember; we don’t have to treat it as the “endgame”.   There is much more time on the clock so to speak.

Cynics among us might scoff and say “what the devil do we have to be grateful for?  This has been one of the worst business years on record!”   Financial institutions are closing or merging at an alarming rate, the markets have been in a downward spiral for months, thousands of folks are unemployed or under employed, individual savers have seen their 401K’s melt nearly in half, and Government is planning to spend unprecedented amounts on recovery efforts with no short term plan in sight for balancing the budget.  And so on.

So what would a forward looking, hopeful Visionary say about all this?  First, we think they’d put everything in historical context.   Next, they’d take steps to do something about the things they can change, and accept the things they can’t.  And they’d ask for the wisdom to know the difference.  Does that sound familiar?

As we reflect on our first year in business, we can honestly say it was a very successful and rewarding business period – because so many of you embraced our vision for timely, courteous, value driven service.  We listened to your needs (your pain), and where possible, we offered solutions.  Together we solved nettlesome and costly challenges that if unchecked, would have only grown worse in these market conditions.  Our clients tell us (and many will tell you personally if you wish), that we helped them go to the next level of excellence and discipline. 

So, we’ve taken stock and we’re seeking perspective.  And we’re grateful.

We’re grateful to you our readers, many of whom have written us to thank us for these Tips, and to offer ideas for future editions.   We hope you’ll continue to give us feedback going forward.  You help us deliver substance that matters to you.

We’re grateful to our clients.  Your confidence and support for our approach keeps us going, growing, and innovating into the future.  Together, and with the support of many others in the Trade – we will all be a healthy, thriving, and profitable niche in the credit markets.

And finally, we’re grateful for the loving and unending support of our families and close friends and mentors.  You know who you are.  Simply, THANK YOU.

Our tip this week is simply this:  Take time for you and your family, take stock, and be grateful for the gifts that you have: the relationships in your life that provide comfort and joy; for good health; and for hope in the future founded on the belief that together, we can overcome short term difficulties.

May you all enjoy a restful and peaceful Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. 

Take the right approach.

Karen McHugh and Brian Burke