It’s been two years since I started Fredrickson Financial Planning as part of Garrett Investment Advisors, LLC. I am pleased with how my New York-based fee-only advisory business has developed. I have helped dozens of New Yorkers make smart decisions about investing for retirement, estate planning and college funding – and even whether to invest in taxi medallions or medical marijuana.

In these investigations, I benefited from my 20 years experience as a journalist, which taught me how to get information and present it objectively. What a valuable service to offer in a sea of sharks looking to turn your savings into a quick meal.

One regret is that I have had little time for communication. The time devoted to helping new folks, including those referred to me by existing clients, has left me struggling to maintain contact with people I have aided in the past.  Most of the clients I have done follow-up work for have reached out to me for advice rather than responding to my solicitations. But I have been privileged to deal with a vital, creative, gifted group and would like to continue to be part of your lives.

I urge anyone who would like a checkup to see how well they are doing (everyone would benefit from getting a review at least annually) to contact me, preferably before my calendar fills up with people seeking me out to satisfy a New Year’s resolution. Meanwhile, my resolution will be to maintain better contact with you.

The good news is that all of the planning I have done has left me better prepared to deal with a multitude of planning questions.  For example, I am frequently called on to look into the wisdom of buying property, either as a personal residence or as an investment.

Many people want to understand how to balance the desire to own a home with competing goals such as retirement and saving for college. As  fee-only advisor, I can show you what the numbers really mean. When questions require additional expertise, I turn to my reliable, trustworthy contacts among mortgage bankers, lawyers and accountants.

A number of clients have found themselves in a position, with proper planning, to achieve diverse goals, including owning a piece of Brooklyn (or Manhattan or Queens or Long Island … I have clients from around the New York metro region). At times, I have to temper goals and expectations, but when people are doing a good job of saving and managing their expenses, they really can have it all.

Finally, I want to thank those whose investments I manage for their steadfastness – and trust – amid the recent market volatility. Some of you were understandably alarmed by the recent drop in the stock market. I am very glad that none of you gave in to fear and  that you stuck with your long-term asset allocations.

Happy Thanksgiving!