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Category: Wisdom

Lessons For Any Season

When I was a kid, Roswell was but a small rural town about 25 miles north of Atlanta. Not at all the seamless expanse of Atlanta that it is today.  Life seemed to move at a much slower pace then. News didn’t travel as fast, divided highways weren’t even a thing, and kids still used words like “sir” and “ma’am”.  And there were consequences when those words weren’t used, as I can attest.  Both of my parents worked outside of the home, and I spent a good deal of my summer breaks at Grandmom and Pop’s house. Pop worked the majority of his career at Lockheed Martin assembling airplane engines as I recall. Upon retiring from Lockheed Martin, he continued working in his other responsibility – that of a farmer.  If it could be grown, they grew it. And if they grew it, they ate it. Every bit of it. Nothing went to waste.

Forty-five years ago this summer, I spent 24 hours with my grandparents that I’ll not soon forget. Nothing out of the ordinary and certainly not by today’s standards, anyway.  It was just your run of the mill stifling hot day in June. But on this day observations were made, lessons were learned, and the takeaway has never been forgotten. Some lessons may be learned the hard way, folks may say.  That is, from personal and painful experience. And then other lessons aren’t hard at all. They’re blessings, actually. (Maybe they’re both blessings. An article for another day, maybe.)   Both can be experiences that leave a mark and one you won’t soon forget. Financial lessons are no different in that regard. You learn them, you remember them, and you instill the virtue of a lesson learned with those you love.

In my tenure as an advisor working with clients and 401(k) participants, there’s a certain sensibility, and I’m speaking in generalities here, that my more seasoned (older) clients seem to live with than maybe my younger clients. That is, clients representing an older generation tend to appear more comfortable with financial pressures or realities? And why would that be? Is it merely the fact they made it through them?  Mmm…it goes deeper than that, I think. I’ve compiled a small list of common life and financial life lessons I’ve heard (and learned) from my elders:

 

  1. It’s better to go to bed wanting, than owing.  And of course we’re talking about debt. Did you know we’re currently at an all-time high in our country for consumer debt? The largest increase coming from – you guessed it – credit card debt1. And the irony is that particularly in times of higher inflation, you’re better served paying down debt, not increasing it. While your single dollar won’t buy nearly as much as it used to, that same single dollar will still pay off one single dollar of debt. My clients talk of the lack of patience or the need for instant gratification in some of their much younger family. A common response to a want or need from the younger generation if they don’t have the cash?  “I’ll just charge it.”  For many of our parents or grandparents, there was a time when instant gratification wasn’t even a thing.  Gratification was more about the receipt of the blessing rather than the timing of it.  With respect to what you’d like to have and what you’d like to have now, consider, it’s better to go to bed wanting than owing.
  2. It’s about When and How Much. Ruminating on regret may lead to helplessness, depression, low self-esteem and may create the perfect environment for anxiety. (Just ask me. I can tell you all about it.) The two most common financial regrets I’ve heard from folks in their later years:  I wish I’d saved more, and I wished I’d started earlier.  You may recall hearing the following from your elders when you were your children’s or grandchildren’s age, “You need to be saving your money.” (Side note: I said that twice yesterday to two different kids.) Why do you think older folks are always saying that?  Because they know the importance of being good stewards of their money, and more likely, they were young once.  Older folks were raised in a completely different world than my teenagers and young 20 somethings currently are. Our parents and great grandparents spoke from experience, from scars, or perhaps from the appreciation of making wise decisions. If you’re reading this article, it’s almost a guarantee that your elders didn’t take financial (or life) advice from an 18-year-old social media influencer peddling purses or fat-loss routines. (Don’t get me started.) As one client told me, “Have the discipline to start saving now for the life you want to live in the future. Your future self will thank you.”
  3. List for Living. In 2023, there was an article published by The Legacy Project: Lessons for Living from the Wisest Americans. Sweet Ms. Verna, 91, wrote a List for Living for her great grandchildren. I’m quite confident none of us reading this article have attained 91, so let us marinate on a few points of her wisdom, shall we?

a) So many things in the world have changed since the time of my grandparents and parents and the earlier times of my own life, and I know that there will be lots of changes in your lifetime too.

b) I hope you will be a positive thinker, not negative or cynical; look for the good in people and things, and fill your life with love, kindness, and thoughtfulness for others.

c) Most important is to know God as you go into the future. I would hope that you will know the peace and joy and courage that comes from following a life of love and service – the peace that passes all understanding.

d) Your real success in life lies is the kind of person you become, not with how famous or wealthy you are, so my most sincere wish is for you to live the wholesome life that will lead you to make good choices along the way… You can do it.

It stands to reason the period you grew up in has a lot to do with how you filter life experiences.  My grandparents were teenagers in the Roaring Twenties and were 20 somethings during the bleak years of the 30s. As many have learned – though it’s possible some reading this may have had little exposure to The Great Depression – the 30s were a decade of economic volatility, if not misery. The unemployment rate (defined as the percentage of people in the labor force who do not have a job but are actively looking for one) was in the mid-teens for nearly half the decade and in the low to mid 20s for the rest!  Without a doubt, my grandparents faced an economic reality that I can only imagine, but not fully appreciate.  But theirs was an experience they wanted their children and their grandchildren to learn from. And that brings us back to that hot day in June…

Pop said he needed my help in the garden and that I should spend the night with him and Grandmom. Sure! I get to stay up and watch the news, talk sports with Pop, eat home-made chocolate pie? The garden? Okay, whatever. I’m sure I was lukewarm to that part of the itinerary. What, throw a little dirt around? Look for crickets? Whatever, it’ll be fun. (Yeah, I know. I’m smirking as I type these words.) At 5:00 the next morning, he woke me up. He was already in his overalls, shaven, and with biscuits in the skillet. (skillet: n. a frying pan.) I stumbled into the kitchen to see Pop stirring the eggs in the other skillet that had just been used for the patty sausage. While I’m struggling to put the strawberry preserves on my biscuit, Pop was opening the screen door to the yard with his red handkerchief in his back pocket. We were in that garden for two hours and both nearly dying of thirst, exhaustion, and hunger. (smirking again) Pop hadn’t broken a sweat. His day had barely begun. And the only words he said to me up to that point were, “Pick the ones that are turning purple and put them in the bucket. When the bucket’s full, take them to your Grandmom.”Yes sir!” was the expected and only acceptable response in the moment. Though, what I wanted to say was, “I can’t do this anymore. My back hurts. It’s too hot. When do we eat lunch? What time is it? What just bit me?! When is my mom coming to get me?” But alas, it was just me, Pop’s silence, and the unmistakable sound of cicadas in the June heat. Halfway into that bucket, Pop came up to me and said, “Why don’t you go to the porch up yonder and help your Grandmom snap peas.” “Yes sir!” was my enthusiastic reply. He knew. And I knew. I was not accustomed to this kind of work. The only kind of work that my grandfather knew. Hard work. Necessary work. Work to be grateful for. And he handled it like Pop would. With understanding, but only after the weight of the experience settled upon my sunbaked neck. (I’m being melodramatic you say? You get out there in the garden for two hours, then. You’ll see.  Now you’re smirking.)  A lesson from one generation to another. Providing can be difficult, uncertain, and uncomfortable. But it has to be done. And it’s a lesson that has to be passed down.

You’ve learned lessons along the way.

Which ones are you passing down to those coming up behind you?

On this day, a way of life was observed, and lessons were learned that have been passed down to my boys these many years later. And I’d give anything to see that red handkerchief in the garden again. I believe one day I will. And I’ll thank him for what he taught me that day.

To further discuss this article or to learn more about how CapSouth Wealth Management can help, click here to visit our website, or call 800.929.1001 to schedule an appointment to speak with an advisor.

Investment advisory services are offered through CapSouth Partners, Inc, dba CapSouth Wealth Management, an independent registered Investment Advisory firm. Information provided by sources deemed to be reliable. CapSouth does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. CapSouth does not offer tax, accounting, or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal advisors for all issues that may have tax or legal consequences. This information has been prepared solely for informational purposes, is general in nature and is not intended as specific advice.

  1. (Americans are Carrying Record Household Debt into 2024, Market Watch, Jan 24, 2024)

Why You Don’t Need Assets to Work With a Financial Advisor

In the realm of financial planning, a common misconception persists: the belief that you need significant assets before working with a financial advisor. However, this notion couldn’t be further from the truth. Planning for your financial future is paramount, especially during your accumulation years when crucial decisions are made that can shape your later life.

Consider this: if you don’t start planning early, how do you really know that you can retire at that goal age you already have in mind? How will you know if you can afford insurance, to travel, or leave a legacy for your loved ones? The answers to these questions lie in proactive financial planning, regardless of your current asset level.

Working with a financial advisor shouldn’t be a step taken only when retirement is approaching. Instead, it’s about putting a unique-for-you, comprehensive plan in place to achieve your long-term financial goals. This proactive approach ensures that you’re equipped with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate life’s twists and turns.

One of the most significant benefits of early engagement with a financial advisor is gaining clarity on your financial trajectory. With a well-defined plan in place, you’ll have a roadmap outlining how to reach your goals, whether it’s retiring comfortably, traveling the world, or leaving a meaningful legacy.

However, it’s essential to understand that the role of a financial advisor extends far beyond occasional meetings at your workplace to discuss your employee 401(k). An effective advisory relationship should encompass ongoing guidance, regular touchpoints and meetings, education, and personalized support tailored to your unique circumstances and goals. A relationship with an advisor should be personal.

Many individuals underestimate the value of financial education and guidance, often unaware of what they don’t know. Yet, the importance of being informed about your financial options cannot be overstated. As the saying goes, “A goal without a plan is simply a wish.” By working with a financial advisor early on, you transform your unspoken retirement wish list into tangible plans, increasing the likelihood of seeing them come to fruition.

Ultimately, the decision to engage with a financial advisor as early as possible in your financial journey can yield invaluable benefits. It’s not about your current asset level but rather about setting a solid foundation for your financial future.

What fears are holding you back? What pain points do you have that need to be addressed? Perhaps, the thought of confronting your financial realities feels overwhelming or intimidating. Maybe there’s uncertainty about where to begin or skepticism about the value of financial planning. Though all these reasons are common and realistic, it’s crucial to recognize that the longer you delay addressing these concerns, the greater the potential impact on your long-term financial well-being. Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary stress down the road. By acknowledging your apprehensions and taking that first step towards financial empowerment, you can overcome obstacles and pave the way for a more secure future.

To learn more about our process and how to take the first step to work with an advisor at CapSouth Wealth Management visit our website at capsouthwm.com/what-we-do/ or Connect With Us.

CapSouth Partners, Inc, dba CapSouth Wealth Management, is an independent registered Investment Advisory firm. CapSouth does not offer tax, accounting or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal advisors for all issues that may have tax or legal consequences. This information has been prepared solely for informational purposes, is general in nature, and is not intended as specific advice. This article was produced with the assistance of ChatGPT (April 24 Version); Chat GPT is an artificial intelligence

Family Conversations About Money

Money can be a blessing and a challenge, and families of all shapes and sizes deal with this aspect of life. Some families handle this area more successfully than others, but as a parent, being able to have conversations about finances gives you the opportunity to impact your children, regardless of their age, in significant ways.

In general, discussing money can be one of the most challenging conversations, and the thought of talking about this with your children only adds to the problem. Even if you feel comfortable discussing hard topics with your family, knowing this topic can be daunting.

Whether you have regular discussions with your teenager about how much money they would like to have for their weekend activities, or you are talking with your adult children about dealing with college debt or a mortgage, these interactions can be prickly or even explosive.

Nevertheless, engaging in conversations about money is crucial for your family’s well-being and your children’s financial success. While there may be short-term challenges, applying some basic principles and helping your family put them into practice is a worthwhile endeavor.

Outlined below is a framework that addresses your Position, Principles to employ, and Practices you can utilize when your children live at home.

When they live at home 

Position: Teacher

When your children are at home, your primary role is to teach them wise financial principles, how they can put those into practice, and what are the lessons they can learn from their successes and failures. It’s important to note that teaching is not synonymous with telling. Great teachers ask good questions, because it helps the student (in this case your children) learn to think for themselves and apply what they learn.

Any conversation that is a dialogue, as opposed to a classroom lecture, is usually more enjoyable and effective. While it will take some extra preparation to devise a few good questions, planning with your spouse or seeking advice from those further along the journey can be beneficial.

Here are a few resources:

Regarding money

https://capitaloneshopping.com/blog/teaching-kids-about-money-9848d817c7fb

Asking open-ended questions

https://www.strong4life.com/en/parenting/communication/conversation-starters-for-kids-and-teens?s_kwcid=AL!15640!3!666932766224!b!!g!!conversation%20questions%20for%20kids

Principle:

Begin with the basics and start early as that’s when children are most impressionable and learn quickly. Make discussions about money a normal topic and try to craft a creative or fun exercise to teach them wise financial practices.

Addressing financial priorities involves allocating money based on what’s most important. In theory, this sounds obvious, but in actuality, many Americans can be short-sighted in their financial decisions. Even for parents who are strategic in handling money, it’s essential to impart wise principles to their children, because children don’t always see or understand what their parents do with their finances.

A helpful framework at any stage is:

Give | Invest/Save | Spend

Give

Even if giving isn’t a normal routine for you, it’s helpful for children to learn the value of helping others. In addition, it’s good for them; the physical and mental health benefits associated with giving (or serving) are well-documented. (Benefits of Giving: Cleveland Clinic article)

Some benefits include:

  • Boosting self-esteem
  • Elevating happiness and combating feelings of depression
  • Lowering your stress: by reducing your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that can make you feel overwhelmed or anxious
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • A longer lifespan: studies show that people who volunteer tend to live longer than those who don’t.

Possible discussion with your child: “What would you like to give to? How can we give or serve together as a family on a Saturday morning or afternoon? “

Invest/Save 

Teach the Power of Compound Interest:

One of the most important and motivating concepts in investing is compound interest. It’s a fun lesson to teach your child, and you might enjoy learning more on this topic as well. Below are a few websites that can help. While you may need to adjust them for your child’s age, consider creating a trivia game or using coins or candy for a fun and engaging way for them to learn.

https://wealth.visualcapitalist.com/visualizing-power-compound-interest/

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/financial-literacy/teaching-compound-interest

Possible discussion for this topic: Ask your child what is a more expensive item they want and how much money they will need to save to be able to buy it. Having a separate “Save” category, distinct from “Invest,” allows them to set short-term goals as they save for something they really want.

Spend

Help Your Children Develop a Spending Plan:

For younger children, this is simply a fun discussion about what they would like to buy and how can they divide their money so they can buy several of those items.

When your children are older, and they start to ask for money to go to the movies or for gas, use this as an object lesson. Instead of giving them money when they ask for it, sit down with them a tell them how much you plan to allocate each month.

Then help them develop a plan for how much they need to set aside for gas or going out to eat with friends on the weekend or other events.

Help them realize there is flexibility with this plan. If they drove more than they normally do over a few weeks, remind them they can reallocate funds from their movie/events fund to cover gas expenses. Or maybe they can share rides with a friend and use the money they saved to go to a sporting event or a concert. (Without using the word, you’ve actually taught them how to make a budget, plus a spending plan sounds more fun anyway.)

Practice

Establish Ground Rules:

Consider giving them an allowance that’s tied to their chores. This teaches them the value of contributing to the household while also managing their finances effectively.

Guide them in dividing their money into categories to meet future needs. A suggested allocation template is 10% for Giving, 10% for Investing, 10% for Saving, and 70% for Spending.

For younger children, make their allowance a fun activity. Discuss their plans for giving or saving and after allocating the first 30%, they can choose how to use the remaining 70%.  A fun activity to accompany this is to ask them if they want to take some money from their spend category and go buy something fun as an afternoon outing.

“Seeing is believing”: If they can see their money growing it’s tangible and more motivating. For the younger children, a helpful idea is to give them a piggy bank that’s clear and also has 4 compartments (readily available online). As they see their money grow, it reinforces the importance of saving. This also allows you to be creative, as you can add money to their invest and save categories to reinforce the previous lesson of their money earning interest.

As they enter the Tween or Teenager stage, continue their allowance. Their needs will increase but so does their ability to contribute to the household. Help them apply these principles on a larger scale by opening a checking or investment account with them. As you give them their weekly or monthly allowance, assist them in planning so they have what they need at a later date.

As they grow older, teaching opportunities transition from primarily instructing to asking questions that prompt them to reflect on their decisions and consider alternatives for improvement. While setting ground rules at home can be challenging, it provides an opportunity to witness their development and prepare them well for the next phase.

While these are some beginning steps to take, throughout this process you are helping your children learn to handle money wisely. You are also building a solid foundation of having meaningful discussions on the topic of money.

To learn more about CapSouth Wealth Management and our services, visit our website  or call 800.929.1001.

Article by:  Clay Cook, Associate Advisor

CapSouth Partners, Inc, dba CapSouth Wealth Management, is an independent registered Investment Advisory firm. Information provided by sources deemed to be reliable. CapSouth does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. CapSouth does not offer tax, accounting or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal advisors for all issues that may have tax or legal consequences. This information has been prepared solely for informational purposes, is general in nature and is not intended as specific advice. This article contains external links to third party content (content hosted on sites unaffiliated with CapSouth). CapSouth makes no representations whatsoever regarding any third party content/sites that may be accessible directly or indirectly from this article. Linking to these third party sites in no way implies an endorsement or affiliation of any kind between CapSouth and any third party, including legal authorization to use any trademark, trade name, logo, or copyrighted materials belonging to either entity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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