Dear 2024,
While you are just coming into the most robust season of any year, I am ready – like many others – to begin to reflect on and give thanks for the many parts of you.
I give thanks for America and democracy. 2024, I know you had to include an election, but I am sure happy it’s over. I look forward to hearing less divisive chatter and more about the fascinating people and spirit that make this country remarkable.
I give thanks for the US financial markets. I know, I know. This may sound trite coming from someone who manages investments. But 2024, you were very good to us, with a 25+% return from the top 500 US companies (the S&P 500 index). While the financial markets can be stressful and unpredictable, that’s the very thing that allows them to be so darn productive long-term. It’s somewhat extraordinary to live in a place where you can make money without even working, and that your money can grow for you over time by investing it. Our one country represents 65% of the global equity market- quite an endorsement of just how remarkable this country is.
I give thanks for travel. Every year holds new travel adventures for not only the Tagg family but also for my friends’ and clients’ families, and 2024 – you did not disappoint. In experiencing and hearing about trips across oceans and jaunts around the US, we gain new perspectives and an even deeper appreciation for the place we call home.
I give thanks for Dallas and the North Texas community. Dallas has been home for most of my life. Such is my good fortune. The people here are unique – visionaries, problem solvers, generous in time and money, eager to give opportunities to others. 2024, you had a special moment in Dallas history, as Children’s Health broke ground on a new $5B campus and set a new fundraising record as the first not-for-profit organization in Dallas history with two gifts of $100M. As a Children’s Health Board Trustee, I have had immense pride this year to live in a place that can bring this much-needed hospital to life.
I give thanks for family. Families have many different characteristics, numbers, norms, cultures, religions, experiences, heartbreaks, crises, and successes. They are the basic building blocks of community, and they help us to know that we belong, while teaching us how to care for each other. My family had a big transition this year with my daughter going to college, and although I will always hold dear the many years we lived under one roof together, our tight-knit family – and the lessons learned from my clients – have made me realize that this new chapter will bring novel adventures for all of us.
I give thanks for birth and death. Our teammates experienced both this year in their families, and we were thrilled to welcome the first BFS baby other than my own. These finite bookends of life have a way of putting things into perspective like no other events can. We know how much these moments affect our thoughts, our plans, our understanding of our world and the way we spend time in it. Our clients share their reflections on these experiences regularly – a precious bonus of being a wealth advisor. For that, we are grateful.
I give thanks for my clients. You teach us about your walk of life; we teach you about how to have confidence in your financial decisions. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for trusting us. For inviting us into your deepest fears and your biggest dreams. For sharing your wins and losses, your triumphs and pains. We are deeply honored that you choose us as your partner.
I give thanks for new opportunities. BFS Advisory Group took a huge leap this year and began a partnership with NewEdge Advisors. This strategic change will allow us to provide an improved client experience, to deepen our bench of expertise, to widen our investment platform, and to reach more people so we can bring about the change in wealth management that clients want. 2024, we will always remember you as the year that we really hit our stride.
I give thanks for my team. A back-office transition is no easy feat. Even an experienced team like mine with ninja-level attention to detail hits roadblocks during a transition. Right in the middle of it all, the team volunteered at Crossroads Community Services, which provides healthy meals to 1,100 families per month and teaches nutrition and financial literacy to its clients. 2024, you challenged us, you sharpened us, and you united us. But to be totally honest, we are ready for your pal, 2025.
As we focus on family and friends in the quiet of the next few days before the holidays and end-of-year activities begin, we thank you, 2024, for all that you are.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Debra