Holly Donaldson (AAMS, CFP®, MA, MBA)

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In a recent newsletter, I talked about the piggy bank I had when I was growing up. I dutifully kept my quarters and JFK half-dollars in it. When I asked my parents for something that they thought I should pay for, they would say, “Holly, if you want that, you know you can always break your piggy bank.” I hated that thought. Each time I thought about “breaking the bank” to buy something I wanted, I weighed it against what would happen to my piggy bank.

Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I was learning a powerful lesson about the value of choices. I was choosing my piggy bank over the latest spur-of-the-moment desire. I still wanted the latest toy the TV commercials put in front of me. But I wanted my piggy bank more.

Over time, my awareness of money evolved into an interest in economics – piggy banks on the grand scale. I learned about the difference it made in individual lives when people chose wisely. And after many years of working with clients of a major commercial bank, I discovered that I had a genuine passion for helping people put all the important pieces of their financial lives on the table, then working with them and other professionals to help identify and achieve their dreams.

The value of choice is very important to me and to my clients. Some dream of travel or going back to school or volunteering or spending more time with family. So maybe being an advice-only Certified Financial Planner™ is a great choice too, if you’re committed to making a difference.