The Season of More Than Sparkle
By Joel Rodriguez-Tirado
December arrives on a whisper of cinnamon and a clatter of wrapping paper. It’s a month painted in gold and scarlet, a time when the air itself seems to shimmer with anticipation. We are swept into a beautiful whirlwind of parties, shopping lists, and cherished traditions. We search for the perfect gift—the one that will light up a loved one’s face on Christmas morning.
But beneath all this glittering activity, there’s a quieter, deeper current. The shorter days and longer nights naturally turn our thoughts inward. We remember. We reflect. We think about the year that has passed and the one about to begin.
This December, let’s pause for a moment. Let’s look past the tinsel and explore a different kind of gift. Not one wrapped in a box, but one built with intention—a gift that doesn’t fade, break, or get returned. Let’s talk about the gift of true peace of mind: the gift of financial security for yourself, your family, and your future.
This holiday season, the most profound present you can give might just be the one you give to yourself.
The True Meaning of “Giving” – Beyond the Bow
We are hardwired to give. It’s a fundamental joy of the season. The feeling of watching a child unwrap a longed-for toy, or seeing a friend’s delight at a thoughtful gesture, is priceless. This instinct to provide, to protect, and to bring joy to those we love is one of our best qualities.
But what if we expanded our definition of what it means to give?
What are we really giving when we:
Max out a credit card to ensure a mountain of presents under the tree?
Feel the January dread when the bills arrive, casting a shadow over the new year’s start?
Avoid conversations about the future because they feel too stressful or “un-romantic”?
The stress of financial uncertainty is a silent thief of joy. It can rob us of the very presence and peace we seek during the holidays.
Now imagine a different kind of giving. Imagine giving your family the gift of confidence—the confidence that comes from knowing that if life throws a curveball—a job loss, a medical issue, a broken-down car—you have a plan. You are protected.
This is where the most foundational gift of all comes in: insurance.
Think of insurance not as a boring monthly bill, but as a promise. It’s a promise that:
Your family can stay in their home if something happens to you (Life Insurance).
A medical emergency won’t bankrupt you (Health Insurance).
Your income is protected if you can’t work (Disability Insurance).
This isn’t about fear—it’s about love in action. It’s the ultimate act of giving, ensuring that the life you’ve built together can withstand the storms.
Investing in Your Future Self – The Ultimate Long-Term Gift
The holidays are a time of nostalgia, a time for looking back. But they are also the gateway to the new year—a symbol of new beginnings. This makes it the perfect time to ask a powerful question: What changes will I make now for the person I want to become?
The gifts we buy today provide immediate but fleeting joy. The investments we make today provide deferred but lasting security and freedom.
Let’s break down the most important investments you can make:
1. Invest in YOURSELF.
Your ability to earn an income is your greatest financial asset. What skill can you learn? What course can you take? What knowledge can you gain in the coming year that will make you more valuable, resilient, and fulfilled? This is the seed of all future growth.
2. Invest in your RETIREMENT.
Retirement can feel distant amidst the demands of the holidays. But think of your retirement fund not as a number, but as a gift to your future self—the gift of choice. The choice to retire comfortably, to travel, to pursue passions, and to live with dignity without being a financial burden on your children. The magic of compound interest means the gift you give today—by contributing to your 401(k) or IRA—will be unwrapped and appreciated decades from now by a very grateful future you.
3. Invest in your FAMILY’S FUTURE.
This goes beyond life insurance. It’s about education funds, creating a nest egg that helps your children start their adult lives without overwhelming debt. It’s about building a legacy of financial literacy—teaching your children the value of money, saving, and investing so they can build their own secure futures.
Your Holiday Financial Check-Up: A Practical Guide
This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to solve everything before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. The goal is to take one or two small, deliberate steps. Think of it as a holiday financial check-up.
Step 1: Reflect and Remember.
Spending: Look at your holiday spending from this year and last. Did it bring lasting joy, or just temporary relief and subsequent stress?
Feelings: How do you feel about your financial situation right now—anxious, secure, overwhelmed? Acknowledging this is the first step toward change.
Step 2: Make a “Future Gift” List.
Alongside your shopping list for others, make one for your future:
Review your insurance. Do you have adequate life, disability, or health coverage? If not, get a quote in January.
Boost your retirement contribution. Even 1% more of your salary can make a significant long-term impact.
Open a high-yield savings account. Start a “Peace of Mind” fund for emergencies. Automate a small transfer each month and watch it grow.
Step 3: Have a “Money Date.”
In January, set aside a quiet hour with your partner—or yourself. Make some hot cocoa and talk about your financial hopes and fears for the coming year. Choose one achievable goal you can share. This isn’t a budget meeting—it’s a dreaming session about the future you want to build together.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
As the final carol is sung and the last of the leftovers are put away, a deep quiet will settle over your home. This is the true heart of the season. It’s in this quiet that we can most appreciate what we have.
The greatest gift you can give yourself and your family this year is the permission to step off the hamster wheel of consumerism and stress. It’s the gift of shifting your focus from the immediate gratification of stuff to the enduring power of security.
Financial education, insurance, and investing are not cold, clinical topics. They are modern-day tools for building a life of freedom and safety. They are the practical expressions of love, responsibility, and hope.
This December, as you celebrate all that you have, make a commitment to protect it and nurture it for growth. The changes you make now—however small—are like planting a seed in the frozen winter ground. It may not look like much is happening, but beneath the surface, a strong foundation is being laid for a vibrant and abundant future.
Give the gifts that matter. Give your time, your love, your attention—and the profound, lasting peace that comes from knowing you are building a tomorrow as bright as the star on your tree.
Happy Holidays—and here’s to a secure and prosperous New Year.