Looking back, I can see that I was a strategic investor even in my youth. When I was eleven, my grandmother gave all of us grandkids a holiday gift of a miniature evergreen tree with garland wrapped around it. To make the garland decorations for each tree, she had rolled up one-dollar bills and had strung them onto red ribbons. The effect created a holiday tree draped in dollars, essentially a money tree. After a few years had passed, my grandma asked me about the present: "Shannon, do you still have your money tree that I made you?" "Mmhmm," I replied, not really thinking much about the question. "You know, you are the only one of my grandkids who still has her money tree. All the other kids spent their money. You are the only one that valued it more than the dollars on it." I shrugged. I had thought about spending the money, but every time I looked at the tree, I felt that it was worth more than whatever I might buy with the dollars strung on it. I couldn't find a better investment for the quality, craftsmanship and market value. This kind of thoughtful attention to investing has served me well over the years, and now it is something that I share with my clients. As a LPL Financial Planner, I take the time to understand my clients' goals and what they value most; because if I know clients' thoughts and hearts, then I am able to deliver sound, action-based advice that fits their specific situations. My clients are unique and different with their own visions of today and tomorrow; they deserve a customized portfolio that will help them attain their financial goals, whether they include retirement, college education savings or estate and legacy strategies.Compassion and consideration speak volumes; and, more than anything, this is what clients hear from me. Please contact me to discuss your specific situation, so we can make things better and easier for you!