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When we bring up the question of inheritance for the first time with new planning clients, their answers usually range from 'nothing, we want to use it up' to 'they get whatever's left.' Most share without reservation that it is a subject on which they have spent little or no time considering. Understandably so, the subject of death is morbid, and talking about an amount at the end of our lives seems silly given all the unknowables ahead of us.

Today's post marks a milestone for the Friday Brief as the 600th issue of a weekly series that dates back to June 29, 2001. Thank you so much for your loyal readership. In appreciation, I'd like to share some pearls of investment and planning wisdom picked...

At Beacon, we are big fans of Seth Godin, a marketing genius and prolific author and blogger. While Seth usually speaks the lingo of creative and marketing folks, his message resonates remarkably well with the rest of us. Take for instance the following recent post entitled...

2014 marked another good year for the stock market.  With a 13.7% gain including dividends, the S&P 500 finished in positive territory for the sixth year in a row.  The market never goes up in a straight line and 2014 was no different. Several major geopolitical events including Ebola, ISIS, plummeting oil prices and the Russian invasion of Ukraine caused volatility during the year.   In fact, the S&P 500 fell 7.2% from its September 18 peak before bouncing back in late October and November.   Here's a chart of the S&P 500's 2014.

As 2014 draws to a close, we remember its challenges, victories, and defeats, but when we reflect more deeply, we realize how important are the relationships we shared them with. Accomplishments mean little if we cannot enjoy them with our friends. And challenges become more bearable with the support of those who care.

Which of the following do you believe is the most important aspect of ensuring the quality of your financial future?

A. Saving diligently B. Working longer D. Achieving better-than-market returns E. Designing an efficient well-allocated portfolio F. Excellent financial planning G. Winning the lottery H. None of the above

It hardly seems possible (is it a tryptophan-induced illusion?), but somehow Thanksgiving is in the past and Christmas will be here in less than three weeks. That sentence is not meant to cause widespread panic among our readers who haven't even begun to think about holiday shopping, though we would understand if it did. Thank goodness for the Internet, right?

If you could be assured of confidently reaching or exceeding every financial goal you value while living a lifestyle that demands as little personal sacrifice as possible, would you be interested? Your immediate response was probably 'of course I would.' Who wouldn't right? But while everyone wants to reach their ideal aspirations, few behave in ways that are likely to get them there.