A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Purpose: Our Year-End Review

Dec 22

As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to pause, reflect, and take stock; not just of numbers on a balance sheet, but of relationships, lessons learned, and the purpose that drives our work every day.

At Fortitude Financial Planning, this past year has been one of meaningful growth, deep gratitude, and renewed commitment to the families who trust us with some of life’s most important decisions. We don’t take that responsibility lightly, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve.

This year wasn’t just about hitting milestones. It was about showing up consistently, guiding clients through complexity, and helping families feel more confident and more “funded” in their lives.

By the Numbers: A Snapshot of the Year

While financial planning is deeply personal and never just about metrics, numbers do help tell part of the story. This year, we were honored to work with:

60 household families across the country
Approximately $60 million in client assets under management
19 new client families added to our firm
122 tax returns filed, spanning individuals, families, and business owners

Behind every one of those numbers is a real family, a unique story, and a set of goals that matter deeply. Whether it was helping a physician navigate a complex compensation package, guiding a business owner through tax-efficient strategies, or helping a growing family align their finances with their values, each engagement reminded us why we do this work.

Growth with Intention

Adding 19 new client families this year was both humbling and energizing. We’re especially proud that our growth continues to be intentional. We are not focused on being the biggest firm; we’re focused on being the right firm for the families we serve.

Many of the clients who joined us this year came through referrals from existing clients and trusted centers of influence. That level of trust means everything to us. It tells us that our values, honesty, education, encouragement, dedication, and simplicity, are not just words on a page, but principles felt in real interactions.

As we’ve grown, we’ve remained committed to our flat-fee, fiduciary approach. Transparency, alignment, and proactive tax planning remain at the core of how we serve. Growth is only meaningful if it enhances, not dilutes, the client experience.

Tax Season: A True Team Effort

Filing 122 tax returns this year was no small feat. Tax planning and preparation are a central part of our value proposition, and this year reinforced just how critical integrated tax advice is for long-term financial success.

From multi-state filings to small business returns, from optimizing retirement contributions to navigating new tax law changes, our goal remained the same: help clients keep more of what they earn while staying compliant and confident.

Tax season can be stressful—but it doesn’t have to be confusing. We’re proud of the systems, workflows, and expertise we’ve built to make tax planning feel proactive instead of reactive.

The Power of Relationships

What we’re most grateful for this year isn’t a statistic—it’s the relationships.

We’re thankful for clients who asked thoughtful questions, trusted our guidance, and invited us into meaningful conversations about their futures. We’re grateful for families who shared their wins—new practices launched, businesses sold, debts eliminated, retirements planned, and goals clarified.

We’re also grateful for patience during busy seasons and for the honest feedback that helps us continuously improve. Financial planning works best when it’s collaborative, and we’re fortunate to work with clients who see it that way.

Lessons from the Year

This year reinforced several important truths:

Clarity creates confidence. When clients understand their numbers, options, and trade-offs, stress decreases, and better decisions follow.
Tax planning is not optional. Integrated tax strategy continues to be one of the most impactful areas where we add value.
Life doesn’t happen in straight lines. Flexibility, adaptability, and ongoing planning matter far more than “perfect” projections.
Technology is a tool, not a replacement. Automation improves efficiency, but human judgment, empathy, and relationships remain irreplaceable.

These lessons will continue to shape how we serve and how we grow.

Looking Ahead

As we look toward the coming year, we’re energized and optimistic. Our focus remains on deepening existing relationships, refining our processes, and continuing to deliver high-touch, comprehensive planning.

We’re excited to expand educational resources, enhance client communication, and further integrate planning, investment management, and tax strategy into a seamless experience. Most importantly, we’re committed to helping clients not just grow wealth, but use it intentionally to support the lives they want to live.

Thank You

To our clients: thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your partnership. Allowing us to walk alongside you in your financial journey is a privilege we never take for granted.

To our professional partners and referral sources: thank you for your confidence and collaboration.

And to our families and support systems: thank you for the encouragement behind the scenes that makes this work possible.

As we close the chapter on this year, we do so with gratitude, humility, and excitement for what lies ahead. Here’s to continued progress, purposeful planning, and living a truly funded life.

From the Fortitude Team