Now that the champagne toasts, noisemakers, and midnight countdowns are in our collective rear-view, have you given any thought to your new year’s resolutions?
Whether you love them or hate them, resolutions are a chance to take inventory of your priorities as you head into a shiny, new calendar year. Here at GreenPath, we’ve always got financial wellness resolutions on the brain, but we’re not just interested in conversations about how you plan to spend or save your money. We also want to understand you: where you’re at now, and where you aspire to be.
Our team of financial wellness experts are having these conversations with many of you every day across the country—listening to your stories and helping pave the way towards financial literacy and resiliency. And while they learn about what you’re prioritizing in 2023, we decided to see what was on their mind, too.
greenpathWe invited Susan, Jeffrey, Maria, Raina and Kent—five of our financial wellness experts who have been an important part of the GreenPath community for years—to reflect on themes both personal and professional. Here is what they had to say.
16 Years
Tell us something you accomplished in 2022 that gave you a sense of pride.
Susan: I work hard every day, helping as many clients as possible. In August of 2022, I was recognized for that and named “Dragon of the Month” (an accolade given to those who have gone above and beyond in the performance of their job.)
Jeffrey: I was fortunate enough to do a number of interviews this year with several media outlets—US News, Detroit Free Press, MLive, Newsy—to discuss consumer concerns regarding the pandemic, inflation, and student loan concerns as well. It was a challenging year in many ways, and I’m glad to get GreenPath’s name out there in a positive way and hopefully help connect more people.
Will you offer ONE piece of advice to GreenPath blog readers?
Raina: Put money into savings; even if it’s just a small amount per paycheck.
Maria: There is no time like the present to work toward your life’s passions and dreams. Don’t wait for next month, or next week. Time is fleeting and it’s important to act in order to see your passions through into fruition.
Jeffrey: Protect what’s important. Your financial goals, your household, your health–whatever it may be. I encourage everyone to take steps to keep those priorities front and center at all times.
What do you most enjoy in your role as a financial wellness expert?
Susan: We make a difference in people’s lives every day. I love sharing my knowledge and experience with people and hearing the hope in their voices. It’s the fuel that keeps me going.
Kent: Imparting knowledge. It’s such a rewarding feeling when a client expresses genuine thanks for the time you spend with them and appreciates the education we provide. I feel that time is the most important commodity any of us have, and if a client tells me an hour on the phone is time well-spent, then that is high praise.
Maria: I appreciate and respect what it means to take calls from people that are in financial duress. I think we can call reflect on times in our own lives when we felt vulnerable and perhaps fearful, and I understand that the people reaching out to us often are in that state. I get to be the one they talk to and make plans with. Plans can bring with them hope and encouragement and I love being a part of that.
What are you most excited about this year?
Raina: Concerts…and travel (heading to California for a wedding.)
Jeffrey: Our family is planning a trip to Hawaii in the summertime. It holds a special place in our hearts since that’s where we had our wedding and also where we had our babymoon vacation. Now that our son is older, he can enjoy it with us, and we can hopefully create some new memories.
Kent: Further developing the skill sets of my children and enhancing the connections we share. I have three kids, all of whom are very different. But I can connect with them in a way that is unique to each of them. Whether helping them to develop through academic achievement, musical ability, or athletics, I can take pride in seeing them achieve, celebrate their successes, and acknowledge the person each of them is becoming. #ProudPapa
Finish this sentence: “This Year I Will…”
Susan: This year I will be good to myself. I will make time to exercise more, visit my family more often, and bring my relaxed and positive self to work every day.
Jeffrey: This year I will strive to be a better father and husband each and every day.
Maria: This year I will publish my debut historical romance novel, The Catch of Thunder Bay.
Kent: This year I will join a tennis league to hopefully refine the skills that once were and could be again.
Raina: This year I will continue to provide excellent counseling services!
GreenPath Financial Service
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