As we approach the holiday season, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the growing list of to-dos. Examples include: 

• Baking

• Traveling

• Buying thoughtful gifts 

• Taking a professional family photo

• Mailing holiday cards

• Decorating the house 

Please sit back for a minute and take stock. Think about the greater purpose behind the holiday bustle – to show our love and appreciation for family and friends. Even more than that, it’s a time to recognize those around us who make the world a better place … garbage collectors, postal workers, hairdressers, and teachers are a few people who come to mind.

Why I’m Thankful This Week 

I’m especially thankful that my mother’s heart surgery was a success this week. She had a lot of medical issues in 2017, and I couldn’t help but get nervous as her surgery date approached. Thanks to everyone who kept my mom (and me) in your thoughts and prayers.

Also, this month marks the six-year launch anniversary of WorthyNest®. It has truly been a labor of love, and I continue to pour my heart into it.    

Don’t Just Build an Emergency Fund 

Now that I’ve expressed gratitude, it’s time for something a bit controversial. 

Don’t stop at an emergency fund. Build an opportunity fund, too.     

Unanticipated events can and do happen.  

Imagine this. You’ve read all the headlines about artificial intelligence and the threat of robots replacing human jobs. The large corporation for which you’re working is struggling in today’s economic environment. They begin offering early retirement packages to long-time, seasoned employees. That’s not enough. Bit by bit, one person per department is losing his or her job. When your boss asks to see you, you have an awful feeling in your gut. Your intuition is right; you are offered a three-month severance package in exchange for leaving the company quietly and without any legal action. 

At first, you may be in disbelief and don’t understand how this happened. You were punctual, had a good rapport with coworkers, and presented a can-do attitude. After the initial shock wears off, this is a perfect time to reflect on the things that really matter in life. Is there a different career that better suits your strengths? Do you need additional schooling to prepare for that career change? Or do you have an entrepreneurial itch to scratch?  The business idea may be ruminating in your head for months or years.   

An opportunity fund enables you to slowly build that business, return to school for new career training, or interview for positions in other fields. It gives you time, space, and money to design the professional life you desire.

Now, for another example. If your home’s air conditioner, furnace, or roof is nearing the end of its useful life, draw on your opportunity fund to upgrade to a new one. Systems collapse over time. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to monitor the systems. Reinvesting in a new air conditioner, furnace, or roof not only fixes the problem but also may improve energy efficiency. Furthermore, home improvements are aptly named and not confined to large $10,000+ systems. After several years of living in a home, you may want to upgrade the floors, finish the basement, or install granite countertops in the kitchen. An opportunity fund alleviates the financial stress associated with home improvement projects.  

Having an opportunity fund means you are operating from an abundance, rather than scarcity, mindset. And that ties perfectly into gratitude.  

There will always be plenty of tragedy and heartache to go around.  What if instead of dwelling on the negative you begin to see the limitless possibilities?  

Looking to make better family financial decisions? Get the FREE WorthyNest Starter Guide.