Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019

We wish all our clients a healthy and prosperous 2019 and "thank you" for making our Silke lives meaningful and significant. Another year has come to pass, barely having had time to breathe. We live in a world where time is limited with less time for ourselves, our families and our friends. Like the years before, 2018 has been "roller coaster" - exciting and challenging.

Exciting to see how my daughters, Georgia and Morganne, develop under the care of their mom into the beautiful gentle souls that make me love "you-all" so much. In the words of author Susan O'Malley: "One day, you'll be 50 or 60 or 70. You'll either achieve your dreams, or you won't. That's your choice."

Challenging, in that we have shared the loss of loved ones. Not everyone realises how hard it is for us when we lose a client. To all our clients and their families, please know that your loved ones' passing touched us deeply, and that they will be part of our lives, always.

On this note, I would like to share (again) some profound words 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 in order to contribute to the world our best potential:

'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.'

Christmas is much related to the above, it gives us the opportunity to focus on and thank the people in our lives. Thank you for making our Silke lives purposeful.

Who and what are you ?

• My past, present, and future
• My family, Thomalonggals, you I work with, my client, my friends, my Facebook friends and those of you that I holiday, play, gym and uncle Willies with!
• Total number of unique clients: 617
• Youngest investor: Lily was born in 2018
• Oldest investor: Ronald was born in 1927
• Average client age: 49
• Where are you: SOUTH AFRICA / UK / AUSTRALIA / GERMANY / CANADA / NEW ZEALAND / NIGERIA / USA / NETHERLANDS / ITALY
• Total number of goal funds managed by us: Two Thousand and Fifty-Three (2053)
• Current Monthly regular outflow: R 2,261,536
• Actual Monthly regular outflow: R 1,691,294
• Current Monthly regular savings: R 1,267,190
• Rolling Grand Investment Value: R1,156,689,313

And so, with 2019 ahead of us, remember that none of us are too old to achieve our dreams. You all 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.

Please note that our offices close on 21 December 2018 and reopen on 7th January 2019. This will be our last communiqué until mid-January 2019. Should you experience any emergencies during this period contact me, Shane (082 373 2899) or email engage@silke.co.za and he will assist you where possible.

"Let's Talk Soon"

Shane, Carolyn, Georgia, Morganne and the rest Silke Financial Services Team.

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

Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018
Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017
Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016
Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015
Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014
Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013
Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012
Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011