At the beginning of each new year, we like to take a moment to share some deeper thoughts about a topic we think is important. This year we’re using this space to discuss something we don’t talk much about publicly, but we think about all the time – Firm Continuity and Firm culture. As we enter our 14th year, we remain even more determined to stay fully independent and planning focused. This is important because it’s our opinion that such firms offer the most personalized and thorough wealth management services. There is a business trend now of big corporations buying out small to medium sized businesses. We have seen this in small local banks for many years, but now we’re even seeing it in locally owned dental, medical, and yes, financial practices. I’m sure there are many reasons why firms sellout, but we don’t see any advantages. It always seems like things change when bigger corporations get involved and we are not interested in that. Our firm was intentionally founded with the vision of getting away from the corporate interests. All of us here want to be important partners for you well into the future, and the last thing we want to do is succumb to any industry pressure to conform or change in ways that don’t serve your interests.