In Austin, Grateful to Be Giving Back
by Brad McMillan, CIO, Commonwealth Financial Network
Today will be a short post. Iâm in Austin, Texas, at the Commonwealth National Conference, and Iâm heading out early this morning to participate in our giving back initiative.
When Commonwealth holds a conference, we always try to leave our host community just a little bit better than we found it. One of the ways we do this is to support a local group with both volunteer labor and a financial contribution. This year, we are working to upgrade the Dougherty Arts Center here in Austin. Itâs a big project, and we have more than 100 volunteers.
These giving back activities are some of my favorite experiences at Commonwealth. The volunteers are incredibleâall committed to helping the community and each trying to do their best for the cause. Funnily, these projects often involve things we wouldnât want to do for ourselves (like pulling weeds or scraping paint) but are happy to do for others. That makes all the difference.
Looking back on a decade at Commonwealth
As of this month, Iâve worked at Commonwealth for 10 years, and it's hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. There have been ups and downs, of course, but on the whole, itâs hard to imagine a better work environment or better people. I am incredibly blessed with the opportunities I have received, the people I have met and befriended, the chances to learn and travel, and so many other things.
Giving back, whether in the form of our conference projects or other initiatives, is almost mandatory at Commonwealth. I donât mean that in a bad way, but rather in the sense that I feel compelled to give back to others when I have received so much. Perhaps what makes Commonwealth work is that so many other people feel the same way.
I've mentioned the idea of daily gratitudes many times. I write down at least three every morning. This morning, as early as it is, Iâm especially grateful for the people I work with, the friends I have made, and the chance to do great work while also doing good.
*****
Brad McMillan is the chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial Network, the nation's largest privately held independent broker/dealer-RIA. He is the primary spokesperson for Commonwealth's investment divisions. This post originally appeared on The Independent Market Observer, a daily blog authored by Brad McMillan.
Forward-looking statements are based on our reasonable expectations and are not guaranteed. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. There is no guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot actually invest directly into an index. Unlike investments, indices do not incur management fees, charges, or expenses. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Commonwealth Financial Network is the nation's largest privately held independent broker/dealer-RIA. This post originally appeared on Commonwealth Independent Advisor, the firm's corporate blog.
Copyright © Commonwealth Financial Network
