Reflecting on 2025: The Good We Do Together
December 26, 2025
As we close the chapter on the year, I find myself experiencing quiet moments of reflection on the milestones and impactful moments from the past 12 months.
To me, it feels like the final scene in “A Christmas Story”: after Ralphie and Randy have gone to bed, the chaos has died down, and the parents are basking in the glow of their Christmas tree in a quiet, serene moment of reflection and gratitude as snow falls outside.
Achievements like a new job or promotion, starting retirement on a strong footing, or making that big purchase you’ve always wanted are sure to come into view in these moments. But it’s the impact others have had on us, or that we’ve had on others, that tends to make us feel the most full. After all, it is the season of giving.
For me, it’s about more than just the personal sphere of reflection. A lot of my gratitude comes from the work we do at Pleasant Wealth and the ripple effects it has on our clients and community.
With that in mind, I’d like to highlight some of the moments that have brought us the most gratitude this past year.
What We’ve Accomplished — Together
Because of the meaningful financial choices our clients make every day, together we*:
- Delivered $598,000 monthly in consistent retirement income that supported confident living each month.
- Contributed $505,600 to Donor Advised Funds, creating an estimated $187,000 in tax savings along the way
- Gave more than $700,000 to charitable causes through Donor-Advised Fund grants and Qualified Charitable Distributions.
- Supported 88 different organizations through charitable giving
- Launched The Pleasant Wealth Charitable Fund, expanding our shared ability to match our team’s charitable giving and expand our collective impact.
*Total income and contributions were as of Dec. 15, 2025, and were sourced from all money platforms. Tax savings were estimated using a 24% tax bracket.
Each figure above represents a step toward something larger: a community of people using their wealth to live meaningfully and give generously. And I wanted to highlight that it is truly a “we” in this giving. This isn’t something we would’ve had the ability to do without our wonderful clients helping to lead the way.
Carrying This Good Forward
This reflection may naturally lead us to brainstorm ways to do even more good in the years to come. So I wanted to share some ideas for ways to increase your impact in the lives of others.
Consider a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
A DAF may allow you to make a charitable contribution today, receive an immediate tax benefit, and recommend grants over time. It’s a flexible tool for those who want to give with both strategy and heart.
Review your Required Minimum Distributions.
For retirees, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) may help satisfy your annual RMD while giving directly to the causes you care about, often with potential tax advantages.
Give appreciated assets instead of cash.
Transferring securities or other appreciated assets directly to a charity can sometimes reduce capital gains exposure while increasing the reach of your gift.
Align your investments with your values.
For some, that may mean exploring portfolios that reflect faith, sustainability, or community priorities. Your financial plan can mirror what matters most to you.
Each of these choices is less about money itself and more about what it represents: the opportunity to use what you have for good, with wisdom, joy, and confidence.
An Invitation to Reflect and Explore
If you’d like to talk through what generosity might look like in your own financial story, our team at Pleasant Wealth would love to explore that with you. Whether it’s creating a giving plan, revisiting your retirement strategy, or simply asking good questions, we’re here to walk with you — without pressure or jargon. You can schedule a conversation anytime. We’d be honored to help you make the next thoughtful, values-aligned decision for your life and legacy. In closing, I hope you take the time to reflect on the moments that have meant the most to you and your loved ones this year. The gratitude is worth more than any dollar amount. – Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not meant as specific tax or financial advice. You should consult a tax, legal, or financial professional before making any decisions.
About the Author
Clinton Miller, CFP®, is an investment advisor & financial planner with an educational background in mathematics. He enjoys making tax planning relevant for clients so they can make confident money decisions.
He and his wife Aubrey are based in Canton, OH & have two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, chainsaw repair, & mucking around in the woods.