From the Desk of John Vance
To Our Vance Wealth Friends and Family,
As we wrap up 2024 and look toward the New Year, I’m filled with both gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. This season has been filled with moments worth celebrating—both personally and professionally.
The highlight of this past quarter was, without a doubt, our wedding celebration in Cabo this November. Planning a big event always comes with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, but everything turned out even better than we’d hoped. We kicked things off with an all-white welcome party for everyone who arrived on Sunday, which also doubled as a celebration for my 50th birthday. On Monday, we hosted a full-day beach party on the hotel’s private shoreline, and on Tuesday, Nov. 26—exactly 10 years to the day I proposed—we said “I do” in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends. One of the most meaningful parts of the celebration was hearing each of our six kids each give a toast during the reception, sharing how much the day meant to them as well. Waiting all these years for this moment not only strengthened our relationship, but gave our kids the time to form lasting sibling bonds, which made it all the more special. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, traveling from near and far to celebrate.
Our Cabo celebration flowed right into Thanksgiving, and all the kids came back together for Christmas. To round out the year, Carmen and I snuck in a romantic New Year’s getaway to Del Mar. We spent the evening with close friends, enjoyed an incredible meal at Steak 48, and woke up to stunning ocean views—a peaceful and beautiful way to begin 2025.
While there’s been much to celebrate at home, it’s also been a meaningful season at the office. In the final quarter of the year, we focused on ending the year with a clear plan for the future, while reflecting on the tremendous growth we’ve experienced in 2024. Meeting year-end deadlines took a team effort, and I was proud to help hold down the fort alongside some key members of our team. I also carved out time to think intentionally about the year ahead—a practice I truly enjoy every December. It’s a chance to pause with gratitude, reflecting on our team, clients, and community, before thoughtfully setting goals for the coming year. During that time, I mapped out my simplify365® Planning Days for 2025 and started planning key trips and conferences. It’s a practice that helps me feel refreshed and focused, setting thoughtful habits rather than fleeting resolutions.
We also managed to fit in a team holiday dinner at Piccola Osteria. The food was amazing, and afterward everyone came back to my house for cocktails and games. I’m so grateful for the incredible people who make up the Vance Wealth team, as well as for the clients and community who continue to trust us with their financial journeys.
As we step into 2025, I’m confident it will be another year of growth and opportunity, in which we can all achieve more together. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
John Vance, CFP®,
President, Vance Wealth.
