work satisfaction

Waffles, Friends, Work
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“We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third.” 

—Leslie Knope 

I think we all can relate to Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation from time to time. This TV heroine’s persistent optimism and love for improving her community are things that resonate with us.  

Although our first instinct is to laugh when we read the above quote from Leslie, we do think there are some great takeaways in this phrase: we can remember to cherish our relationships and treat ourselves, even as we are working towards our goals. 

Life is short, so we love to spend time with friends and family while we can. Instead of staying late at work to finish up a project that can wait until tomorrow, we learn to call a friend instead and see if we can stop by. Some days, it’s a rush to get home to a beautiful family and cuddle our loved ones. Any moment can be precious. 

We take the time to treat ourselves and relish what comforts us. What’s that one dish that takes you back to your childhood or a great time in your life? Whether it’s a potato salad that reminds you of Grandma or a dish you had on your wedding day, food is a simple way to reconnect with ourselves or others. Our bodies should be nourished both physically and mentally, so don’t deprive yourself. 

While we need to work to provide for ourselves or our families, there is more to life than your career: work is just one part of our story. Not many of us will be looking back on life and thinking, “Gee, I should’ve spent more time at work!” Instead, we will reflect on the memories we’ve made with the people we love. We work so we can enjoy all of the wonderful things life has to offer, on or off the clock. 

How do we prioritize the people or things that are important in life? It’s up to each of us. Leslie Knope is a character who is passionate about her work—but even more passionate about her friends. (Does that sound like a friendly shop on Main Street you might know?) 

We hope that the work we do together will let you spend less time stressing about your financial plans, so you can have more time to spend on what matters, from friends and waffles to whatever else is precious to you. 

Call or email, anytime.

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Waffles, Friends, and Work – 228Main.com Presents: The Best of Leibman Financial Services

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Peak Experience

© Can Stock Photo / Nejron

You know we are endlessly fascinated by the search for investment bargains, the interplay of human behavior and the markets, and economic cycles. We enjoy talking with you, and collaborating on your plans and planning. But the pinnacle of our work is in a whole different category.

Once, a life-long friend of a close client had not been able to solve the question, “Can I afford to retire?” Mrs. S had raised two children on her own after being widowed at a young age, and was working at a job that had become onerous as she approached retirement age. For two years she had pursued the answer, but could not find it.

She needed to gain the confidence that she could retire. The resources were there, through her lifetime of diligent saving. We were able to explain the meaning of her wealth, how it could help her work toward where she wanted to go, in terms she could understand.

A year and a half after that, she called to ask another question. Would it be possible for her to own a home, or was that a pipe dream? She had spent thirty years in a modest rental duplex. Some time later she began her home search.

These questions, and others like them, are the reason we are in business. Our real work is not about making money. It is about helping clients make decisions that could change their lives.

Mrs. S was never our largest client. She never paid us the highest fees. But the personal satisfaction we felt from our work was vast.

Many will never need that much help. They come to a comfortable understanding of the meaning of their wealth without our context and perspective. We are still very happy to play a role investing their resources, and answering those financial planning questions that do arise.

Clients, if you would like to talk about these things or anything else, please email us or call.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.