There’s this wonderful family tradition I heard about.

A brother and sister would go off to school on December 6. But when they got home, their mother would encourage these children to check the back of the front door.

Turns out there was a stocking filled with goodies for each child. Oranges, chocolate coins, and small toys were inside the stocking. The mother told her children that St. Nicholas came by and left the treats.

In Germany, “Nikolaus” travels by donkey in the middle of the night on December 6. He’s not the same character as Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas), but often brings along Knecht Ruprecht (Farmhand Rupert).

Knecht Ruprecht is a devil-like character dressed in dark clothes covered with bells and a dirty beard. He carries a stick or a small whip in hand to punish any children who misbehave (I’m sensing a pattern, here with these scary characters).

St. Nicholas also visits children in schools or at home and in exchange for sweets or a small present each child must recite a poem, sing a song, or draw a picture. In short, he’s top shelf.

We believe we’re top-shelf, too. At Money & Clarity, one of our favorite moments is when we uncover a strategy that will deliver some major “treats” to a client.

Their eyes light up like a Christmas tree. And we don’t blame them for their excitement. It’s a great day when you discover a way to build a stronger financial future for yourself and your family. Want more good news? We do this each day, week, and month—not just for one day out of the year.

Give us a call today at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or book online for a no-obligation 15-minute phone conversation? Let’s create a future you will savor. With real coins too – not chocolate.

Regards,
Nikki Earley, CFP®