The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind Bob Dylan

Good morning,

What a wild end to the week last week…..

Although looking green on the screen this morning, global equity markets are ending the month of November on a down note as the discovery of a new variant of the coronavirus, recently identified in Africa and over the weekend around the globe, has created some alarm. It has been reported that this new variant contains an elevated number of mutations that raise questions around its transmissibility and its response to vaccines. Information remains quite limited at this point and as a result it is premature to draw any conclusions. Nevertheless, it is fair to assume this development has added a new dose of uncertainty for the markets, at least until more evidence emerges and scientists can assess the variant’s attributes over the days and weeks to come.

It’s clear that the answers are still blowing in the wind at the moment and still a lot of uncertainty about Omicron's transmissibility, severity, and response to current vaccines. New Covid variant features many mutations, including 32 on the spike protein, that could increase transmissibility and lower vaccine effectiveness (NY Times). General sense is it may take 2-3 weeks for scientists to get a clearer picture, with Biden administration continuing for now to push booster doses as best means of protection with Fauci mentioning over the weekend that he believes existing vaccines are likely to provide a degree of protection (Bloomberg).

As Jimmy Buffett once correctly stated, there’s always going to be “changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, nothing remains quite the same”

Ships don’t sink because of the water around them; ships sink because water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.

As the world increasingly gets back to normal levels of activity, it’s important for us all to build out our strategic financial plan, your own personal roadmap for your future that will provide direction and ensure that you are able to stay the course despite obstacles along the way. Building a strategic financial plan is never easy, which is why we spend time with clients to understand their values, goals and priorities and….it requires effort, good data, and a fair amount of imagination.

“Financial fitness is not pipe dream or a state of mind it’s a reality if you are willing to pursue it and embrace it.” Will Robinson

Think of a plan as your personal roadmap. It considers your current financial situation and future goals and should include an assessment of not only net worth, taxes, retirement planning, estate analysis and insurance planning, but a complete assessment of what’s important to you, how you are spending your time and where you are spending your time. A strategic plan can correct our course and illuminate the path forward for us as we live towards our personal goals and those for our family.

While everyone’s particular plan will be different, a plan is designed to help answer three key questions:

Where are you now financially?

Where would you like to go?

And how will you get there?

“A good financial plan is a road map that shows us exactly how the choices we make today will affect our future.” Alexa Von Tobel

Heading into a new year is a perfect time for us to revisit, and build upon your game plan. It will take time, and there will be bouts of uncertainty along the way, such as with the new variant that has recently emerged. But, investing requires patience and the discipline to ride through periods of short-term volatility. Remember, there’s always opportunity amid uncertainty

Don’t be a rolling stone with no compass or roadmap. Take the time and make the time to create your plan, and revisit your plan…..be prepared, strategic, nimble, thoughtful and opportunistic and we’ll ensure that we chart your course through meaning, discovery and happiness.

Be well & enjoy the moments

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” Robert Kiyosaki