Happy New Year! So much has happened in December and January that I’m a bit later than usual with this letter. But in a year that lasts 12 months—and when most of us don’t consistently get the new date right until March—I think I’m still safe to call this a “New Year’s Letter.”
I love using this letter as an opportunity to share what’s going on with Savoire, the team, and what we hope to create for you in 2025. And I have so much to share!
Last year brought us some major wins. Savoire celebrated its 2nd anniversary, and I celebrated my 20th year in the financial services industry. Thirty-year-old me never saw life turning out this way, but I am grateful for every twist, turn, celebration, and opportunity.
Chloe passed her CFP exam in early 2024 and is now officially a Certified Financial Planner Candidate. She spent most of Q4 in Idaho and Seattle, WA, with her family while her dad underwent medical treatment and, ultimately, a heart transplant. Chloe’s dad, a much-loved and highly respected advisor at WealthCare, is recovering well with a positive prognosis. We’re happy to have her back full-time and grateful for his continued progress!
On the personal side, Tina and I bought a 100-year-old house in a fantastic Richmond, VA, neighborhood just before the Christmas holiday. We’re excited to explore the James River Trails practically in our backyard, enjoy Tiny Porch Concerts, and discover all that Richmond has to offer.
Sadly, our tiny rescue dog Daisy became sick before we moved and passed away. We’re heartbroken by the loss but find comfort in knowing we gave her the best quality of life she’d ever had. She will be deeply missed.
In the last quarter of the year, we announced an important change to our business processes that affects some of you. After much review and consideration, we’ve adjusted our service model by handling all “annual financial plans” and data requests in the first half of the year. If you met with us in Q4 for an “annual strategy session” and are a Comprehensive Planning client, we won’t ask for your data again until early 2026! This new process will help us focus on the same type of work for everyone at once and create more effective meetings, ultimately allowing us to serve you better. As your year-end 2024 statements and tax documents start rolling in, feel free to share them with us now—you know we’ll ask for them eventually!
I’ve also been thinking a lot about what 2025 and the new administration holds for you as my clients, especially those who are federal employees in the DMV metro area and members of the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer woman with a non-binary spouse, I understand many of your concerns firsthand. Since November, I’ve spoken with so many of you and heard your worries, your fierce desire to care for your families, and your commitment to supporting your communities. Please know that we are here to support you in any way we can.
I often say there’s “nothing to do right now” or “no changes to make” when big, emotional news or market events arise. But I’ve been thinking long and hard about what we can do—and I have two offerings to share.
First, I’ve often emphasized the importance of tracking your money and cash flow. Some of you have heard it so often that you laugh at me! But there’s an important and often overlooked reason to stay on top of your cash flow during uncertain times. When the world feels unpredictable, focusing on areas where you do have control—like your finances—can bring a sense of relief. Even if you can’t control rising grocery or fuel prices, you can control how you prioritize spending. If you have a well-established spending plan, leveraging it during uncertain times can help you navigate financial challenges and provide peace of mind.
Second, our educational theme for the year is Giving. We’ll explore this from several angles—whether it’s an extension of the estate planning work we did last year, looking at your current giving habits, or helping you explore ways to start if it aligns with your values. We’ll also focus on direct giving, mutual aid, and community support. In my opinion, these are some of the most rewarding and impactful ways to give, and I believe they will be especially important given the current social and political climate.
As we enter another year, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and am eager to continue supporting you, your families, and your loved ones. I cherish the trust you’ve placed in me and look forward to working together for years to come.