Every year, my family hosts a White Elephant gift exchange. The rules are simple: everyone brings something funny or unexpected—maybe a Chia Pet or a Snuggie—and the best part is watching what happens when someone’s favorite gift gets “stolen.” There’s plenty of laughter, a little strategy, and always a reminder that what really matters is being together.
That same spirit of connection makes the holidays a perfect time for another kind of sharing—talking about the values and intentions behind your family’s finances. Not the numbers themselves, but the meaning: what you hope your hard work provides, and how you’d like it to support the people you love for generations.
These conversations don’t have to be heavy or formal. They can be as simple as asking, “What does financial security mean to you?” or “What do you want our family to remember about how we handled money?” Small questions like these often open the door to deeper understanding.
Share Your Money Story
Every family has one. Maybe you learned to save early, or maybe you remember a time when money was tight. Sharing those experiences helps your children and grandchildren see money as a tool, not a mystery. It gives context to your choices and helps them understand the values behind them—security, generosity, or simply peace of mind.
Clarify Your Wishes
It’s not always an easy topic, but peace of mind may be the greatest gift you can give your family. Talk about where important documents are kept, who should be contacted if something happens, and what matters most when it comes to your legacy. These conversations reduce confusion later and strengthen trust now.
Think About the Bigger Picture
Many families find it helpful to work with a financial firm that brings together professionals from multiple disciplines—advisors, CPAs, attorneys, and other specialists who see income, tax, and estate planning as parts of one whole. When every element of your financial life works together, you gain more than organization—you gain peace. A well-aligned plan not only protects what you’ve built, it helps everyone feel confident about the road ahead.
Give the Gift of Peace for the New Year
As the season winds down and a new year begins, take a moment to note what you’d like to revisit when life slows down again in January. Whether it’s updating documents, reviewing your tax plan, or meeting with a trusted financial advisor to bring it all together, you’ll enter the new year with more confidence and peace—and that might be the best gift of all.
Keith Leverentz, NSSA®, is the founder of The Life Group, guiding clients since 2003 with personalized financial planning, investment counsel, and retirement strategies. Learn more at TheLifeGroupllc.com.
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