A Thank You from 2025, 2026, and Beyond!
Written at the close of 2025, this piece reflects on long-term thinking, perspective, and the relationships that continue to shape our work as we move forward.
Here we are… winding down the very last hours of 2025, marking the end of the first quarter of the 21st century. Soon, we will find ourselves chronologically closer to the unknown experiences of the 2050s than to the Y2K panic, the hanging chads in Florida, and heated debates of Team Britney (Spears) vs. Team Christina (Aguilera)… well maybe the last one carries on.
Here’s to the now:
December is a very busy time of year for us at Financial Alternatives. There’s lots of work to be done, deadlines to be met, and projects to wrap up. I’m sure many of you are feeling the same way both personally and professionally.
Soon, quiet moments will arrive, giving us the chance to look back on the past year and think about everything we’ve experienced together. The good, the bad, the ups, the downs... it’s a time for reflection and an opportunity to plan our future ambitions.
Here’s what’s next:
2026 marks a big milestone for Financial Alternatives. Founded in 1991, the company will enjoy its 35th anniversary next year. That’s quite an accomplishment and a testament to the passion, determination, and leadership Jim envisioned back then and that has persevered for three and a half decades.
Traditionally, the 35th anniversary is known as the “Coral Anniversary”. Learning this inspired a deeper dive into symbolism and an attempt to make a few connections for the firm and its upcoming trip around the sun.
To start from the beginning, our main offices have always been in La Jolla, CA, and coral can be found in the waters just a few blocks away in the cove.
Coral (and larger coral reefs) can be massive and are created over a long period of time, but the process starts on a very small scale. Over time, by adding strong pieces to the existing foundation, it can turn into a large, fortified, structure.
The company has grown over the years internally in terms of size, expertise, and team members. We’ve grown externally alongside our clients, and our strong bonds have flourished. We’ve never felt better about the direction we are heading and the work we can accomplish with our community.
Coral supports ocean life. Known as the “rainforest of the sea”, many creatures partner with the reef to flourish, living a more fulfilling and prosperous existence. This delicate ecosystem thrives because of support and connection that exists within it.
This is how we view our relationship with you. Just as coral supports ocean life, we are committed to supporting your growth, helping you navigate challenges, and celebrating your successes. Your wins are our wins… it’s why we do what we do.
Coral hides under the surface and absorbs wave energy, protecting the coastline.
The ocean, much like financial markets, has periods where the surface is calm while the undercurrent is raging. In other times, the waves appear violent, but the depths are tranquil. We try our best to make sense of environmental challenges and protect our clients from the “noise” that is so often prevalent in our world.
Coral has seen A LOT. It’s been around for millions of years.
While 35 years isn’t quite as long as coral, our collective team’s decades of experience has provided us with the opportunity to work with you on a multitude of diverse projects. We’ve seen successes, growth, disappointments, and rebuilds… and are better off because of them all.
A Thank You:
A lot has happened this year. A lot will happen next year, and the year after, and the year after that. It will feel slow and fast at the same time. The importance of our relationships with each other and the foundation we’ve built together over the years is what matters most.
And so, here’s to you. We wanted to take this opportunity to once again thank everyone (clients, partners, colleagues, resources) for being a part of our community. None of this would have been possible without you. There is no next, without a you.
Thank you for helping us to build this coral reef.