In our society, especially as investment advisors, we tend to equate wealth purely with financial net worth.  Even with the rally in the markets since the March 2009 lows, most of us (and our clients) don’t have the net worth we once had.  So, we may not think we are as wealthy today as we have been in the past.

Truth is, wealth is a state of being, actually a profound state of well-being.  It’s also the sense of having more than enough.Yes, money is an important element of wealth, it’s just not the only one. Consider wealth as a vehicle that takes you where you want to go in your life.  Financial wealth is certainly one wheel.  Without that… well, let’s not go there.The other wheels? They’re your physical, emotional and spiritual wheels.  Frankly, they are every bit as important as your bankroll. If any of these wheels are flat, the ride is going to be really bumpy!  And you just aren’t going to get where you really want to go.  Read More

As I continue along with my series of low-cost marketing ideas, let’s talk about traditional paper-based collateral materials. While you will increasingly be marketing electronically, make sure to weave into the mix some paper-based communications, such as newsletters, greeting cards and postcards. We human beings like a little piece of paper now and then, especially if it’s a great quote or a reminder about a valuable service. I get a postcard twice a year from Super Shuttle, the public van line that runs to and from the Kansas City airport. I don’t always need it, but when my mom comes to town and I can’t pick her up, I fish out that postcard.

Postcards can be automated through www.AmazingMail.com or www.Click2Mail.com, two online direct-mail systems. You can create eye-catching postcards right from your desktop. There’s no minimum so you can do just one at a time, if you wish. Prices for the smaller-size cards (including postage and production) start at $1.25 and drop based on volume. You can even set the “send date” up to a year ahead.  Read More