As we’re closing out the most “wonderful” time of the year, I’m curious – has it been wonderful for you? Or have you been counting the days until Santa comes and goes?
I get it – the holiday season can come with a lot of financial stress, a calendar crammed with too many Christmas parties, and the impending tension of family coming to visit your Houston house. It’s a lot on your plate – proverbially and literally (though the literal version is much more enjoyable).
Let’s expand the scope of my original question to include the entirety of 2024: If you could describe your experience in one word, what would you say? Was it mostly stressful? Mostly joyful? (I know both of those answers are two words, but I’ll let the adverb slide).
2024 certainly held some eyebrow-raising headlines (some hopeful, some harder to bear). Let’s reflect for a moment, shall we?
Of course, there was the presidential election and the Paris Summer Olympics. And on a more serious note, the intense natural disasters like the hurricanes and mudslides in the southeast this fall and the continuing wars in the Middle East. And I’ll spare you the history of the tax landscape in 2024 – let’s just say, it was a wild ride.
So, after it all, what was your experience?
The point I’m trying to make here (which the holiday season demonstrates so well), is that joy is found where you choose to see it. And I’m right there with you – it’s so easy to lose sight of the good stuff when the world feels chaotic. Every year has highs and lows, and every holiday season has moments of stress and wonder.
It’s up to each of us to find the joy in each moment. Being thankful is a (daily) choice.
No matter what you or your family may have gone through this year, no matter if the news portrays the world as spinning out of control… being thankful is possible.
So, I suppose I should be asking you a different question: What are you walking away from the holiday season (and the year as a whole) grateful for?
And yes, I know Thanksgiving was last month. My questions today may not be entirely festive, but please – humor me.
Maybe you’re grateful that, after a year with too many natural disasters, you have a roof over your head. Or, after a tense presidential election, that the winds of politics don’t determine your security. And hopefully, you’re feeling grateful for the loved ones that come around you this time of year.
For us? It’s YOU. Hands down.
Genuinely, the joy my team and I find in serving you each year only grows. Being thankful isn’t a chore when I have clients like you who trust me to speak into important financial matters in your life.
As your go-to Harris County tax professional, here’s what I want you to know: I don’t take your trust lightly. I know it can be scary to hand over your financial details and rely on someone to make the tax waters – the rules, regulations, and life decisions – less murky.
It’s been my honor to help you navigate it all this year and will continue to be throughout 2025 and (hopefully) beyond.
Because I believe your finances should support year-round the things this holiday season is all about: Giving generously and celebrating family. I don’t believe Uncle Sam fits into either category.
So, from my family to yours, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope in this season, you’re able to find warmth, joy, and a little bit of calm to close out the year (and remember – calories don’t count this week).
Thank you for being part of my year. Thank you for your trust. And as we prepare for a new one, know that I’ll be here in 2025. We’ll tackle it together.
calendly.com/postalplustax
Merry Christmas (and happy holidays),
Dominic Nguyen