Thanksgiving is almost here: a time to enjoy friends, family, great food, and maybe a whole lot of football. As we give thanks for what we have received and celebrate the triumphs in our lives, we are continuing a tradition that has lasted for hundreds of years.

This season gives us a time to appreciate our hard work, our good fortune, and our togetherness – qualities to celebrate.

I also want to thank you for choosing me as your trusted financial professional and for allowing me to help you pursue your goals. That’s a trust I never take for granted.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

The Fourth of July is just ahead – a chance for us all to get together and celebrate what makes America so special.

As Americans, we have the liberty to act, speak, think, and worship freely. This precious liberty was fought for, and it has been upheld for more than two centuries, at great cost. As we enjoy the holiday, it is worth remembering that we live in a nation like no other, born from a brave and courageous vision and sustained by those who believe in the American dream. When those spectacular fireworks go off on the Fourth, they remind us that we are so lucky to live in this spectacular country.

Let’s hear it for the dads, the ones who help us grow, give us guidance, and look out for us in a million different ways. In celebration of Father’s Day, here are some of the ways you can honor the father-figures in your life:

• Tell the dads in your life how much you appreciate them
• Look through old pictures or home videos with your father, or a father-figure
• If your own father has passed, keep their memory close by sharing a cherished story about them with a friend or loved one

If you’re a father yourself, thank you. In small ways and big ways, you’ve helped make this world a better place for all of us. Wishing you and your family a very special Father’s Day.

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Veterans will think back on the men and women who served alongside them who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country and know that we honor and remember them.

Let’s not forget the essential meaning of the holiday. The service and sacrifice of these men and women should always be remembered — on this day and every day.