Holiday Message From Ron

A Holiday message from Ron

Create Memories
Many of us are from different religious faiths and have different holiday traditions. No matter what your faith, the holidays are an opportunity to spend time with and cherish your family and loved ones. This is the time to create memories for you and your family that will last a lifetime! For some of us who have lost loved ones, the holiday season can be filled with sadness. Rather than mourning, make it a tradition to reminisce about the fun times, or tell anecdotes about those who are no longer with us. Appreciate those who are with you now, and make sure they know you appreciate them. With the holidays being so commercialized, it’s easy to forget what’s really important. We won't remember most gifts we've received but we will remember the people, the love and the fun. Fond memories last a lifetime!

Give
The holidays are about giving. Give to those in need. I guarantee it will warm your heart to do something for someone less fortunate than you. Some of the gifts you can give cost little or no money. Give an hour of your time to a local charity, buy a meal for a family, volunteer at an animal shelter, give used coats or toys to the less fortunate, adopt a senior citizen or someone who is alone this holiday season. Whatever you do, will be appreciated. Add a personal touch. Writing a check and putting it in the mailbox is always appreciated, but seeing someone put on a warm coat, eat a warm meal, or watching a child with their first baby doll or truck is a humbling and remarkable experience.

Buy Local
It is easy to sit in front of the computer and shop away without leaving your house. Remember, local business owners live in your community. They may attend the same church, or their kids may go to school with your kids, or they may sponsor a local youth sports team. When you buy from a local business, most of the money stays in your community. Many of us have seen several mom and pop stores go out of business in our life. We see once thriving and magnificent downtowns with boarded up buildings. Yes, you can often buy cheaper from big box or online stores, but where does your money end up? Georgia, Washington, China? The fact of the matter is, these mega stores have the potential to destroy local economies, and drive down wages. Keep our local economy alive and thriving!

Be Thankful
We come from all walks of life and our financial situations vary greatly. Don’t dwell on what you don’t have. Focus on what you have and can be thankful for. I am truly grateful. I will spend time with my family on Christmas day. We will eat, open presents, laugh, reminisce and even bicker like all families. I am also grateful that I make a living doing something I am passionate about and sincerely love doing. I am grateful for all of you! Whether you are an agent that recommended me, or a client who hired me; thank you from the bottom of my heart! Without you, I would not be living my dream.

I wish you all Happy Holidays, and a prosperous New Year!