Reflecting On What Makes Us Wealthy This November

November has a way of helping us reflect on what matters most and creating space for us to get grounded in gratitude. Between Thanksgiving plans and the first strings of holiday lights going up in our neighborhood, I find myself asking a question I think often in this industry: what is true wealth?

With days full of conversations about savings goals, net-worth, and building a financial plan for the future, I take that part of the role seriously. But when I take a step back to reflect wealth is about our relationships, community, and support, it's more than the numbers. The balance in the account is one part of the story, and the people & experiences around us make up most of the rest.

Homes Full of Memories

Some of the most valuable things we own never show up on a statement: the family recipe being passed down, the memories created, the house turned into a home and the annual traditions kept on for generations.

This month, think about someone who poured into your life, inspired traditions and share one of their stories with someone. Passing on the stories of the people who raised and influenced us becomes part of our story and path to wealthy living. 

Every Day Is a New Chance

Each day gives us another opportunity to make better choices. We can learn something, help someone, and check in with the people we love. Those small choices build on each other much like regular contributions to a savings plan, and over time they add up to more than we expect like wealthy relationships and connections. The more we are willing to pour into others, the more likely we will receive back that same giving energy. Giving is an energy exchange, what we put out, we get back. Can you think of an area of your life or relationship that you can give more? 

With this said, we also get to remember that it can be hard to pour from an empty cup. If you're not filling your own cup, not giving to yourself, how can you give to others what you don't have to give? I know I make better decisions when I’m taking care of myself, getting the rest I need, staying active, and focused on mission and service. That clarity helps me spot good opportunities, skip the impulse purchases, give from a place of overflow and stay steady when the market has a rough week. 

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Where I Feel Wealthy

When I take inventory of my own life, here is where I see it.

• In my community. We trade school pick-ups with neighbors, my walking club keeps me accountable, and the whole street turns out for our annual lights festival. Having a home in a safe neighborhood where my family can thrive is something I never take for granted.
• In my team. I get to build this firm alongside people who care about our clients and our mission. Seeing them grow in their roles and provide for their own families is one of the best parts of my job.
• In my marriage. Yohance and I just celebrated 15 years of marriage. We have built a family and a business together, and I still choose him every day.
• In my family. They keep showing up for me and have my back, no matter what is going on.
• In my friendships. Some of my closest friends go back to middle school. We can go months without talking, and when we finally catch up, it feels like we picked up mid-conversation.
• In my time. Time freedom may be the form of wealth I value most. Being able to show up for my daughter's school events, visit with family, and make room for self-care is something we built our business to protect.
• In my health. I am a healthy 44 year old woman with the strength, energy and ability to take care of my family, business and community while navigating the challenges of perimenopause. And I dropped 10 lbs this year by prioritizing my health and well-being. 

I also feel wealthy in the everyday stuff: a sip of my favorite tea in a quiet house, an invite to somewhere I always wanted to try, movie night with the family. Small wins that are easy to overlook, lessons from the hard seasons, and a clear picture of where we want to go next are small acts defining our wealth. Learning to enjoy the journey has made me happier with where I am right now.

Why Gratitude Helps Your Finances

Two common biases from behavioral finance make it harder to feel wealthy, even when we are doing well:

• Social comparison. A neighbor's new car or a colleague's vacation photos can make what we have feel smaller.
• Hedonic adaptation. The boost from a raise, an upgrade, or a new purchase fades as we get used to it, so we start looking for the next one.

Gratitude pushes back on both. Noticing what we already have eases the pressure to keep up, which makes it easier to spend on what we value and save with purpose.

Try this: Before any discretionary purchase over $250 this season, wait 48 hours and write down three things you already have that you enjoy. If you still want it after that, go ahead and enjoy it.

What Does Wealth Mean to You?

This is a good season to define wealth on your own terms. Your net worth is one measure, and your relationships, your health, and your sense of purpose belong in the count too.

When we commit to a mission, take care of ourselves, and recognize what we already have, we tend to make steadier choices with our money. In my experience, financial wealth often follows that kind of clarity and intention.

A few questions to think about this Thanksgiving :

• Who makes you feel wealthy, and when did you last tell them?
• Whose memory do you want to honor this season?
• What do you want for your family's future, and what is one step you can take toward it this month?

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Financially Focused Together,

Alicia M. Harrison 

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