Volunteers are an important fabric of our communities, writes Peter Watson.
The end of the year is always a good time to look back and reflect.
Some can measure success because of their career that is possible because of a strong effort to develop their skills, plus a lot of hard work. Others can measure success financially by the way they pay down debt and manage their finances.
The Holiday Season, however, is a time to broaden our perspective and consider other aspects of success.
A true measure of any society is how it treats those less fortunate. Some may need a helping hand because of illness, age, loss of a job or suddenly not being able to make ends meet during these inflationary times were the cost-of-living is unaffordable.
It is not uncommon for those that have donated their time or perhaps have a history of donating clothes and furniture to various charities to experience a sudden change in life where they now need a helping hand.
Good fortune can instantly disappear. A happy, healthy life with financial independence is not necessarily something you will always enjoy.
Much of the care to those in need is provided by volunteers who donate their time and energy to help others.
That could be in the form of volunteering at a food bank, working with an organization that takes in clothing donations and makes them available to those in need. Let’s also not forget a teacher who spends extra time helping a struggling student.
This is a perfect time of year to celebrate the endless number of volunteers that give so much to those in need. Volunteers are an important fabric of our communities.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all and as special acknowledgement to the endless number of volunteers.
Peter Watson, of Watson Investments MBA, CFP®, R.F.P., CIM®, FCSI offers a weekly financial planning column, Dollars & Sense. He can be contacted through www.watsoninvestments.com
