Good morning, happy Monday & happy Labor Day!
“Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.”
– Maya Angelou
As we enjoy this long weekend, with barbecues firing up and the unofficial end of summer upon us, I’ve been reflecting on the meaning of Labor Day.
It’s more than just a day off … it’s a chance to honor the work we do, the purpose it brings to our lives, and the ripple effect it has on our families and communities.
Whether you’re punching a clock, running a business, raising a family, or you are in your retirement years … your work matters, and it’s worth celebrating.
Please allow me to share a story from my early days.
When I was 15, I landed my first “real” job at Dairy Queen. I loved the job, not because the pay was amazing or even the occasional ‘mess up’ that I got to take home to eat (although that was a nice perk 😉), but because of the smiles I was able to put on people’s faces. Sometimes it was a regular customer, other times it was a special celebration, it could also be the only bright spot in some people’s day … but no matter what brought them in the store, it’s tough to have an ice cream cone in your hand and a frown on your face.
I didn’t work just for the paycheck (don’t get me wrong, I would have quit without it 😉), I also worked for the joy I was able to bring into the world. As minimal as that minimum wage job was, I believed I was making a positive impact in the lives of the people I served.
That job taught me to show up, take pride in my effort, and see the value in every task. I am so grateful for that opportunity as a young man.
Work, at its core, is about creating value. It’s the teacher shaping young minds, the nurse comforting a patient, the entrepreneur taking a risk, or the parent managing a household.
Your work fuels your family’s dreams … whether it’s funding a college education, a comfortable retirement, or a family vacation to make memories like my Smoky Mountains fiasco (remember the ditch?).
Beyond that, it strengthens society, building communities where we all thrive. When you show up to do your job well, you’re not just earning a living … you’re contributing to something bigger.
In financial planning, we see work’s value through a different lens: it’s the engine that powers your goals. Every paycheck is a step toward financial security, whether you’re saving for a home, investing for retirement, or building an emergency fund.
Work’s true worth isn’t just in the dollars … it’s in the balance it brings to your life.
I’ve met clients who’ve burned out chasing a bigger paycheck, missing soccer games or quiet dinners with their spouse. I’ve also seen clients who’ve found joy in simpler roles that give them time for what matters most.
Labor Day reminds us to honor both … the income that secures our future and the purpose that enriches our days.
I think about my Dairy Queen days. That job didn’t make me rich, but it taught me discipline, gratitude, and the power of small actions. Years later, as a financial planner, I carry those lessons forward, helping you turn your hard-earned income into a roadmap for your dreams. No matter what you do (or did) as a profession, your work has value far beyond the paycheck.
It’s shaping your family’s story and leaving a mark on the world.
As we celebrate Labor Day, my team and I are grateful for the work you do and the trust you place in us to help you build a secure future. Your efforts—day in and day out—inspire us to show up for you with the same dedication.
If you’d like to talk about how to make your work’s value go further, from retirement planning to optimizing savings, just reach out.
Enjoy the holiday, fire up the grill, and make some memories with those you love. Here’s to the work that shapes our lives and the future we’re building together!
Make it a great week ahead.