One of the great joys of our business is that we get to meet and work with hundreds of families in our community. Our profession allows us to get to know them on a different level than many social relationships. Most clients share anything from their family history to current business strategy to long-term giving intentions. We would like to share some of the common traits we most admire about our successful clients.

Reading—We live in a world where the local library has been surpassed by Wikipedia and 2 minute answers on a web search. That’s unfortunate, as a single book can contain a lifetime of experiences and wisdom on every imaginable subject. Most of the influential and successful people we’ve met (and those we haven’t), have preached reading as a major component of their growth.

Looking for opportunity—Complacency is rarely rewarded in a free-enterprise economy. Whether through career advancement, continuing education, investment opportunities or new lines of business, earning more is top of mind for these clients. The sharp business mind will always find a way to be productive.

Saving—Most of our well off clients didn’t inherit their wealth; they saved earnings through every season of life. Saving isn’t an action, it’s an attitude, and they are hard wired to believe it’s “the right thing to do”. Saving money is a priority both when the budget is tight and when times are good.

Looking out for their family—Creating a family trust for eventual asset transfer, buying term life insurance to cover debt, and doing annual gifting to college accounts are all selfless actions which have a cost today in order to benefit family later. Many of our clients also “invest” in family experiences and memories rather than luxury goods. Family comes first for most people and it's nice to see such an emphasis on making sure theirs is taken care of.

Focusing on the bigger picture—Most of our happy and successful clients live with an attitude of gratitude. They know time is their most precious asset. They appreciate getting things right the first time, and don’t sweat the minor details as long as their vision is completed. This also means they don’t nickel-and-dime the things they want. They don’t waste time comparing more than a few prices on goods, because they realize the long term benefit can outweigh today’s cost by multiples.

Avoiding debt—credit cards, student loans and revolving debt lines carry huge interest rate charges. That money paid towards interest could be instead working for the borrower. Many of our wealthiest clients are fundamentally opposed to debt, and therefore have more to save and invest for their future.

Enjoy their career—The old adage goes “if you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Retirement from a 40 hour work week may be a goal for most people, but most of our successful clients enjoy what they do and don’t ever completely stop working. They find excitement after their career ends through being involved with people, and applying decades of knowledge in a new role. The daily involvement with others is reward enough, even if their new paycheck (or lack thereof) resembles more of a hobby.

Giving Back—Giving to the causes they care about is a priority for most of our wealthy clients. They may give time as a volunteer, cash to their church or investment assets to a foundation. It’s obvious why giving has repeatedly been attributed to a happier attitude and a higher sense of self worth.

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