The end of the year is fast approaching. During this holiday time, we should not only look at how we are doing this year, but what we can expect in the coming year. If you are involved on a nonprofit board, try sharing your concerns. An article I read recently contained the line: “When people feel that their involvement is vital to the success of the organization, they will actively support it.” Brett’s blog is a welcome reminder that we should be thankful and always alert to planning.

Kathy Hostetler, CPA

As Thanksgiving approaches, the holiday reminds us that it is important to reflect on giving thanks in our personal lives. There are many things we take for granted in our daily lives that others can only wish that they could have. We wish to share the celebration of Thanksgiving, not only with our friends and family, but with the clients that we serve.

In this struggling economy, stock prices are down and it is easy to feel unlucky, but we are still lucky to have the many luxuries that remain available to us. The fact that, when I go home I have the ability to turn on my TV and choose from over 100 channels yet, I can’t find anything worth watching. I know that I’m fortunate to be able to choose. People in other countries may feel lucky to have access to clean water, while we live in a desert with no immediate threat of running out of water.

In times when the economy is showing turnaround and everyone is going to the government for help, it is important to realize that we are extremely fortunate and that this might be a time to learn how to get more from less. Cutting everyday luxuries that have been seen as necessities can reduce the level of stress in our lives and reduce our dependence on another bailout.

It is a great time for your financial review, a time to assess where we are financially. Review our budgets, do they need some adjustments? Reflect on how the year has gone and what might be expected in the new year. If you don’t have a budget, don’t worry, you can always compare last year to this year, or month to month. If you have any questions or need possible ideas of ways to cut back please contact us and we would be happy to assist you. This key is to be thankful for where you are, but to realize that you can always improve.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Brett Hubert