President's Letter by Dr. Dennis K. Barker
Meet Steve

Have you ever known someone that always had great luck? I have, let’s call him Steve. He was good looking, first in his class, and had amazing athletic ability. From the outset, it seemed like there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do. After he graduated from college, he entered the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Post Vietnam, he started a very successful financial advisory practice at a time when other advisors struggled. It seemed as if Steve was the envy of everyone. People wanted to be around him or be him.

Let’s take a page from history and realize that most stock market investors felt like Steve in 2000. The stock market had been rising at a breakneck pace. With consumer confidence at such a height, investors were spending money on cars, boats and vacation homes. In the spring of 2000, the tech market bubble burst, humbling investors across the world. Years later, after the market healed, the housing boom fueled the same behavior.

The housing bubble has now burst, dashing dreams, bankrupting fortunes and eliminating jobs. I happened to run into Steve the other day. He had spent his life focusing on accumulating tangible possessions and not enough on building a life he could enjoy. As I think about my family, I realize that I wouldn’t trade any amount of money for the precious moments and closeness of my family and friends. Maybe, the luckiest ones don’t have the most quantity in life, but the highest quality of life.

It is human nature to compare our success and use others as a yardstick. The truth is that in life it’s not always having everything you want, but wanting what you have. As this month draws to a close, I encourage you to take some time to appreciate the things that make your life great. For me, on the top of the list is my amazing family, friends and all of you.

Here's to the future!

Dr. Dennis K. Barker, CFP
President

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