Our Most Precious Asset
At our New Year’s Day dinner, my family took time to reflect on the life of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29th at the age of 100. While his presidency, his post-presidential work, and his legacy have been widely discussed and written about, the focus of our conversation centered on the relationship he shared with his wife, Rosalynn.
Married for 77 years, the Carters built a remarkable partnership. When President Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize, he was asked what the most exciting moment of his life had been. His response wasn’t his election as President of the United States nor his Nobel recognition—it was when Rosalynn agreed to marry him. President Carter’s secret to a long and fulfilling life: marry the best spouse.
As we embark on a new year, we’re often flooded with resolutions and predictions about what lies ahead. But amidst these, it’s crucial to reflect on the people we surround ourselves with and the profound impact they have on our happiness, health, and aspirations. One of the most pivotal decisions we make in life is choosing our spouse. Warren Buffett once said, “You want to associate with people who are the kind of person you’d like to be. You’ll move in that direction. And the most important person by far in that respect is your spouse. I can’t overemphasize how important that is.”
Research supports this idea. Studies have shown that “partner conscientiousness” is a significant predictor of future income, job satisfaction, and the likelihood of career advancement. It makes sense—good habits are contagious, and having an organized, responsible partner allows the other to focus more on work and personal growth. Those with supportive partners are more likely to pursue new opportunities and experience personal development.
The value of conscientious partners shouldn’t be confined to romantic relationships alone. It’s a principle that applies to all our most important relationships. Whether it’s friends, family, or coworkers, seeking out those who demonstrate responsibility, integrity, and focus can have a ripple effect on every aspect of life.
Where you spend your time matters, too. For many of us, the time spent with parents declines after the age of 20, and time with friends starts to wane around 18. As we enter our 30s, time spent with children typically decreases, while time with coworkers often remains high throughout our careers. Interestingly, the time spent with a partner trends upward over a lifetime, while time alone gradually increases as well.
Given the notion that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with, it’s important to be intentional about how we allocate our most valuable resource—time. Whatever your goals are for the year ahead, we are honored that you’ve chosen to invest some of your time working with our team. We look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals and hope to remain a trusted partner and advisor for many years to come.
Meghan Pearson