From the Editor: Winter Wonderland versus Winter Blues

If you are a fan of winter sports, that gives you even more reason to love the season. There is also something beautiful about a landscape that is covered in freshly fallen snow. On the other hand, the cold, the ice, the short days, and the often treacherous traveling conditions can make for a real grind. Over time it starts to feel like winter just goes on too long.

I was sad to learn that Bob Topp, one of the founding members of Nexus, passed away this October. I had the opportunity to meet Bob at several of our client events, although I never had the pleasure of working with him. As a planner myself, I will remember Bob for his foresight in understanding the importance of wealth planning to a client’s success. It’s also a testament to Bob that we still have many clients that stretch back to his tenure here. And many of their family and friends have also joined us as clients over the years. It’s times like these that have us reflect on the past. In this issue, Denys Calvin has recorded some of Nexus’s history, and you can read about how our firm has grown into what it is today in his article.

In November, we hosted our annual client event, held virtually for a second year. We welcomed guest speaker Matt Ridley, who spoke about innovation and its impact on the world. When we think about the future, it can sometimes lead to feelings of dread. The future is unknown, and that can be scary. And while there will be inevitable misfortunes, Matt Ridley’s overall message is one of optimism. As long-term investors, it’s a good idea to be prepared for a bumpy road. Still, it’s also important to remain hopeful about the outlook for the future. If you haven’t seen the presentation, you can find a recording of it on our website. John Stevenson’s recent article explores more of Matt’s ideas.

In our last issue of Nexus Notes, I said that fall was the season that felt like it should be the start of the new year. But there is no denying that December is the official end of the year. While we probably prefer to associate this month with the holidays, last minute tax planning, and end of year charitable contributions come to a head in December as well. Like so much of our financial lives, these activities work better if they follow a plan. Alana Buckley provides her thoughts on how you can achieve your charitable goals using Donor Advised Funds.

As winter begins, I find my thoughts skipping ahead to what March and April will bring, mostly better weather. And while that is, in a sense, a hopeful view of the future, it’s also important to enjoy the times we are in. So, from all of us here at Nexus, we wish you and yours a healthy and happy holiday season.

Nexus Holiday Hours

The Nexus office will be closed on the usual statutory days (December 27th, 28th and January 3rd) as well as the two Fridays before Christmas and New Years (the 24th and 31st). Otherwise we’ll be at our posts, including on Wednesday and Thursday, December 29th and 30th.