Winter doesn’t have to mean enduring icy winds and gray skies when warm-weather getaways beckon across the globe. For those looking to escape the chill, a cruise offers an ideal way to explore tropical locales, blending relaxation with adventure as you visit sun-drenched islands and coastal cities. 

Shopping enthusiasts can revel in destinations like Dubai or Mexico City, where vibrant markets and luxury boutiques cater to every taste. Newsworthy experiences await in regions like the Panama Highlands, where coffee tours and lush landscapes offer a rejuvenating escape. 

Families might opt for the cultural richness of San Juan, Puerto Rico, while couples can unwind in Rangiroa, French Polynesia, surrounded by tranquil lagoons and stunning bungalows. Whether you seek adventure, serenity, or a bit of both, these winter escapes promise to leave the frost behind and warm your soul.

Finsum: Additionally these places all offer very rich cultural histories that provide a change of pace from a typical vacation. 

Buying or selling a financial advisory practice involves careful consideration of various deal structures, each offering unique benefits for both parties. The outright purchase is often favored for its simplicity, allowing a single payment or structured financing to complete the transfer and establish clear terms for valuation and handover. 

Another common structure, the gradual buyout, lets sellers retain majority ownership while the buyer assumes increasing responsibilities over time, fostering a smoother transition. In contrast, internal succession emphasizes long-term mentorship, preparing a junior advisor for eventual ownership through training and relationship-building with clients.

 Advisors nearing retirement often use these strategies to secure their legacy and maximize their practice’s value. For advisors or firms unsure about structuring a sale, industry specialists can assist with valuations and guide the decision-making process.

Finsum: It’s also very important to get an accurate valuation estimate of your practice regardless of which method you settle on. 

Focusing on others can be challenging, as our brains are naturally wired to center on self-related thoughts and needs. Research by Shenbing Kuang highlights this tendency, showing that our attention defaults to self-focus, which can hinder effective communication, especially in client interactions for financial advisors. 

Self-focus is linked to activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, while focusing on others activates a different brain area, the temporoparietal junction; however, the prefrontal often dominates, drawing us back to self-related concerns. 

Advisors can counter this bias through mindful awareness and empathy, training themselves to recognize inward shifts and refocusing on clients' needs. By consciously practicing empathy and active listening, advisors can enhance their client relationships, building trust and understanding.

Finsum: This is a great way to focus on personal growth as an advisor and find a way to form deeper connections with clients.