A quote attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson measures success in ways that transcend finances. “To laugh often and much,” it begins. “To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded.” While we are in the business of helping our clients build financial success, we also know they need more than money to reach their life goals. Altruism matters too. Sometimes, it isn’t how much time and money you have, it’s what you do with those resources. National Make a Difference Day, which takes place this year on Saturday, Oct. 25, gives individuals and families the opportunity to accomplish a few of the markers in the Emerson poem. Healthy child? Check. You can volunteer with, or raise funds for, the American Cancer Society; or B.A.B.E.S. inc., which provides safe no-cost respite care, educational support and services, and counseling to young families. Garden patch? Check with a community garden to see if they need help weeding or harvesting. In Appleton, Riverview Gardens could use more planting partners to assist with their urban garden. You can also volunteer at a senior center to help them take care of their grounds. Redeemed social condition? Volunteer to make and/or serve a meal at Pillars, an adult and family shelters and resource center in Appleton. You could also volunteer at the Fox Valley Humane Society; or, if you’re older than 18, you could volunteer to help acclimate trained service dogs to the community. Just like any other investment, your portfolio of life should be well-diversified. To find more ideas about how you can… | Read More »