Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018

Season’s greetings, we wish all our clients a healthy and prosperous 2018.

As 2017 leaves us with memories, I am reminded that it is the festive season once again. Every year I try and make new year’s resolutions designed to improve my life. In our 24/7 work lives we don’t stop often enough to think about what makes a difference in our lives! I am making next year’s easy: Emphasis on Gratitude. My focus will determine my reality, I'm choosing to concentrate on the wonderful things in my life and give gratitude.

Being connected to a mission or purpose beyond our self-interest is a powerful source of motivation. When we feel that what we’re doing really matters, it brings more energy to it and derive more joy from it. Our business is therefore to continue to rally around cultivating a sense of meaning, significance and articulate a vision that resonates symbiotically. Whether it's making a living, connecting with family, helping others realize their potential or expressing yourself creatively.

On this note, I would like to share some profound words (again) spoken by Steve Jobs in 2005 in his Stanford commencement address about connecting dots, education, love and loss. The part that resonates with me the most is the heartfelt case he makes for following our creative curiosity to contribute to the world our best potential. The year that was:

'Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.'

So, let’s start with you, yes you the one who is reading this right now! Thank you for making our Silke lives purposeful. How and what are you ?

• My past, present, and future
• My client, my friend, you I work with, Thomalonggals, my family, newly discovered generational family, even those of you that keep me at gym and those of you who are not with us anymore (I remember you)
• Total number of clients: 668
• Total number of goal funds managed: Fourteen Thousand and Forty-one (14 041)
• How much money do we pay you monthly (approx.): R3,017,660
• How much money do we save together monthly (approx.): R1,211,599.13
• Youngest investor: I was born in 2016
• Oldest investor: I was born in 1920
• Number of surnames: 398
• Where are you: SOUTH AFRICA / UNITED KINGDOM / AUSTRALIA / GERMANY / CANADA / NEW ZEALAND / NIGERIA / UNITED STATES / NETHERLANDS / ITALY
• To the best of my knowledge this will be my 402nd communiqué

Please note that our offices close on 27 December 2017 and reopen on 9th January 2018.

This will be our last communiqué until mid-January 2018. Should you experience any emergencies during this period contact Shane (082 373 2899) or email engage@silke.co.za and he will assist you where possible.

Our integrated wealthcare approach is based on your personal priorities and aspirations. This process is designed to give you a clear course of action for pursuing your goals that span various time horizons and life stages to empower you to do extraordinary things with your wealth, both now and in the future.

You are an important part of my life and I’m so grateful that you are there for me. Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Peace be with you!

I look forward to talking with you again soon.

Regards,

Shane Thom, CFP^® GTP(SA)™
Managing Partner: Integrated Wealthcare Advisor