Sure, Your Finances Are Important – But What Else Truly Matters During the Holidays?

Another long year of working, investing, and earning is coming to a close. It’s a few days before Christmas, and I don’t know about you, but the team here at MGF is excited to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. The tree is set up, the presents are wrapped, and something unbelievable is baking in the kitchen.

It’s nice to put your feet up, but even with all that current freedom, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the busy year that was.

We work and live in a hectic society. And chances are, whether you’re immersed in the insurance and investing world like we are or a completely separate industry, the daily pace of life has caught up with you from time to time. Maybe that’s why it’s so easy to doze off once you do get some downtime – it’s hard to put the rest of the world and all your thoughts, ambitions, and concerns to rest.

After all, our investments don’t take holidays, but for thousands of people, the stress of those holidays is born of completely different circumstances. 

So instead of double-checking your investment portfolio or the little stock application on your phone constantly for the next couple weeks, here are a couple things you can do to remind yourself of the true meaning of the season.

Volunteer & Help The Less Fortunate

Look, no matter how much money you’ve got, it never seems to be enough, right? That’s fair – we’re always going to compare our current situation with that of our past.

But there are a lot of people living in Vancouver who are less fortunate, who haven’t had the benefit of opportunity, or simply don’t have the means to capture happiness during the holidays. The good news is you can help.

Vancouver has plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Not only will you be making an enormous difference in an individual’s life, your own heart will be warmed by the power of the Christmas spirit.

Learn more about volunteering with the YWCA of Vancouver.

For too many people in the lower mainland and all over the world, this season serves as nothing but a reminder of personal troubles. Charities and organizations such as the Crisis Centre of Vancouver believe in rallying together to provide hope to people all year long. For the Crisis Centre, this means helping people who face thoughts of suicide and grief during a time of the year when most people are surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Learn more about the Crisis Centre and how you can get involved.

“Let’s face it, we want to give back, we all know that it’s needed … but life is busy.” That’s Cathryn France, director of fund development for the YMCA of Vancouver. For Cathryn, this is the most important time of year to get involved with community projects that assist people who might not be living under your roof.

Learn more about Cathryn and eight other ways to volunteer on a short term basis in Vancouver.

From the Salvation Army Toy Drive to the WISH Drop-In Centre to the Ignite the Warmth blanket drive, there’s no shortage of chances to give back.

Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, even if it’s only in spirit. As you take stock of your children and your warm house this holiday season, make sure you take a moment to be truly thankful for the year you’ve had and the prosperity you’re poised to enjoy in 2017.

Happy holidays everybody.

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This post was written by Marco Faccone