Your Advisor's Thoughts

Christmas Lists

If there ever was a time for making lists, Christmas is it. Gift lists, holiday card lists, shopping lists, and recipe lists are the unsung heroes of the Christmas season!

At the “Your Best Interest” office this last week, we received some new lists… ones that we look forward to completing! Recently, the YBI team paid a visit to CityTeam Ministries in Chester, PA. We were there to learn more about this amazing organization that is bridging the gap for so many who are struggling in our region. We talked with the staff about the needs at CityTeam and how we can get involved with supporting their activities. What an amazing day that was – we were certainly blessed and encouraged by what we saw, and we look forward to blessing them with our involvement in the coming year. An immediate opportunity was presented to us by their Christmas Toy Drive. This drive fulfills the Christmas wishes of local children by providing participants with a short list of toys to purchase for a child in our area. We received our lists and look forward to sending toys to CityTeam for delivery to these precious kids!

Giving gifts is naturally one of the best parts of Christmas… and in truth, it was originally God’s idea! The first gift ever given was Jesus: the Savior of mankind, the Messiah, Emmanuel (meaning “God with us”). No shopping list was needed for this first Christmas. There was only one gift, and every single one of us were the recipients. God gave us the Gift we most needed in the form of a flawless baby born into a filthy stable. The Good Shepherd was greeted by lowly shepherds. A Miracle Worker whose very birth was itself a miracle. He was, and is, a most perfect Gift in every way.

You are on God’s list of beloved gift recipients. You are on our list too: our list of extraordinary and exceptional clients, friends and colleagues. We are blessed to have been able to work with and for you in this last year, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year.

We wish you a most Joyful Christmas and promising New Year!

Phil Giambri, Greg Teal, and the rest of the YBI Team

Securities offered through Trustmont Financial Group (TFG) Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory services offered through Trustmont Advisory Group (TAG) Inc. 200 Brush Run Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-468-5665 Neither “Your Best Interest” Financial Services, Inc. nor 401kPRO are affiliated with TFG or TAG.

2011: The Year in Review

When the history books are written about 2011, what will be the highlights that will stand out in your mind? It has been a year in which we have experienced hurricanes, blizzards, a tsunami, tornadoes, sandstorms and earthquakes. We have watched our politicians struggle in so many areas as they attempt to revitalize America. Many Americans are out of work and many more have lost their homes. As I look at 2011 in retrospect, I will remember it as a year of challenges and blessings, natural disasters and phenomenal accomplishments.

On the financial front we have watched the stock market go up and down sharply on almost a daily basis. It seems as though the slightest bit of news, either negative or positive, has tremendous repercussions for the market. Most of you reading this have been touched personally in some way by the effects of our wavering economy.

Well, is it all doom and gloom? Absolutely not! Is the cup half full or half empty? From my view point, it is not only half full, it is full and running over. Despite all the challenges facing our nation, we still live in the most amazing country in the world. While my family has not been immune to the challenges of 2011, I still believe the opportunities and blessings far outweigh the issues we face.

You may question my optimism, but it is based on the following: When you chart both the S&P and the DOW over the past two years, both of these indices have actually seen slight increases. When compared to the current economic situation in many other countries across the globe, this is an unquestionable positive. In addition to those documentable figures, I have also noticed a growing regional trend of increasing numbers of “Help Wanted” signs. I am not referring here to seasonal jobs, but rather jobs that will generate income and benefits for families.

Personally, the most significant lesson that I learned in 2011 as I spent time reading through the book of Proverbs is that we need to show more mercy to one another. I was struck by how much more pleasant our lives would be if we routinely treated one another with attitudes of compassion and forgiveness. I look forward to 2012 with great anticipation as it is my desire to grow in knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

I know you will agree that as you get older, each year seems to go by much, much quicker than the year before. 2011 has not been an exception. This year has flown… as we watch 2011 go out, we have great expectations for next year. It is my hope that 2012 will be one of the most wonderfully memorable years of your life.

With warmest regards,

Phil Giambri

This is a guest blog by Philip M. Giambri, the founder and owner of “Your Best Interest” Financial Services, Inc.

Securities offered through Trustmont Financial Group (TFG) Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory services offered through Trustmont Advisory Group (TAG) Inc. 200 Brush Run Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-468-5665 Neither “Your Best Interest” Financial Services, Inc. nor 401kPRO are affiliated with TFG or TAG.