I hope that this coming week will be one of rest and Thanksgiving (for our U.S. Charisse Says members). First, know that I am especially grateful for you, and I appreciate your continued engagement and readership. Ultimately, I trust that these nuggets of advice contribute to your life and wealth in a positive manner.

It’s the start of November, and you’ll need all the energy you can get to finish the year strong. Remember those financial goals you set in the beginning of the year? Well, it’s not too late to still achieve them. Com’ on, you can do it – please do not give up and finish the race with two months to go in 2018!

I hope that you all have endured the downturn of the stock market this week. As I’ve told you in the past, the stock market will go through its ups and downs. I know it’s been some time since we’ve had a prolonged downturn (and that’s even if you can call a week “prolonged”), but we should always brace ourselves for the market’s volatility. The important thing is to focus on the long-term, DON’T PANIC, and stick to your investment philosophy.

I hope you’ve been enjoying the throws of back-to-school and back-to-work over the last few weeks.  And, oh yes, there’s that stock market that seems to keep going up, although the volatility can be unnerving at times to many. Keep an eye on the Federal Reserve’s rate announcement later this week – pay attention to the commentary that comes out!

Happy September and Labor Day! I hope this day finds you resting and enjoying some family and friend time as we celebrate our workers on this day. Don’t worry – I’ll be quick, so you can take these nuggets back to the family barbeque conversation. I will do the same!

Aretha has become the face for performers who want to receive payments when their songs are played on the radio. It is this fight that should inspire us in two ways: (1) It’s never too late to pursue the wealth-creating opportunities, and (2) It’s not always about your own wealth, but also, the wealth of others around you.

I realize that I am at my best when I am surrounded – whether in person, in the calls and emails, or in my memories - by the people I love.I believe that when I tap into my best self, I stay motivated to do the things that keep me moving forward – ensuring that I am (and the people around me are) financially secure, dreaming boldly, and creating an impact on the world around me. What will you do to live your best life?

In reflecting on the World Cup and Wimbledon finals last weekend, three qualities stood out to me – competitiveness, open mindset, and humility. I believe these qualities provide us with mojo we need to make good investment decisions and take control of our financial situations.

We tend to be very vocal about the things we need, whether it’s as basic as food or companionship. But, for the things that we want or yearn for, we often remain silent.

It’s already July and it means that half the year is already over.  Yikes – But, it’s OK, there’s still 6 more months left of 2018 to enjoy life. I’m about to explode this week because I am full of gratitude. I feel like a big firecracker.