While 2021 wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea (okay, it wasn’t ANYONE’S cup of tea), there were some good things that came out of it.

• The Covid vaccine!
• TV shows Hacksand Mare of Eastown. (Both have Jean Smart in them, so maybe there is something there?)
• Worker empowerment – We have a long way to go to close the gender wage gap, but I’m grateful that in 2021 many women left jobs that were no longer working for them.

And then there were some not-so-great things that came out of it.

• My golf game did not improve, despite the fact that I barely went golfing. Isn’t wishing enough?
• That even though things improved over the summer, Covid still made it difficult for me to get out and network with more women clients and colleagues in person. I’ve really missed that these last couple of years.

How was 2021 for you?

As we start a new year, it’s helpful to look back on the one we just experienced (or endured, depending on your perspective) to see what was beneficial and what we’d like to change. To help us get a handle on the previous year, Lightly Roasted Thoughts offered up these seven questions:

1. If I had to sum up this last year in one sentence, what would that be?
2. What results/experiences would I like to repeat next year? And what would I like to not repeat?
3. What were my top three lessons learned?
4. Who made me feel happy and confident and who did not?
5. What worries me most about the future?
6. What have I done to be kind to myself this year?
7. In an ideal world, how would I like to describe my life at the end of this upcoming year in one sentence?

As a financial advisor, I can’t just let this go with personal questions about the year; we should also take a look at what we achieved and what we need to work on financially in the upcoming year as well.

• Did you have any surprise expenses last year? Were you able to meet them without blowing up your finances?
• Did you max out your available retirement plan options? Can you move closer to that goal this year?
• Did you meet the financial goals you set for yourself last year? What were the obstacles, and what would it take to move those obstacles out of your way?
• What are your near-term, mid-term, and long-term financial goals, and do you know how to get there? (I can help with this!)
• What can you do to further your financial education - e.g. read a new finance book, find a money podcast, subscribe to a really great financial advisor’s newsletter (hint! www.lizwindisch.com).

Answering these questions, both personal and financial, will help you get some perspective on what’s changed and what needs to change. Keeping a record of these answers from year-to-year might also give you an idea of where you’ve been and how far you’ve come in your personal and financial life.

Now, come on 2022. Improve my golf game!