President’s Message: Aloha and Attunement: Rest for Financial Professionals

Written By: Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC® AFCPE Board President

After spending a few sunshine-filled days on the beautiful islands of Hawaii, I returned with more than just photos and sand in my suitcase; I brought back perspective. 

There’s something about the rhythm of the ocean and the gentle island breeze that reminds you how vital it is to simply pause. As financial professionals, we are often so focused on helping others manage their finances, navigate uncertainty, and plan for the future that we forget to pause for ourselves. We run on empty, thinking we’re being productive, but rest is not a reward, it’s a requirement. 

This trip reminded me that rest is a form of remedy for burnout. It is also an act of attunement, of tuning in to your own needs, emotions, and energy levels so that you can show up with greater clarity, compassion, and presence, for both yourself and your clients. And it’s necessary if we’re going to continue showing up as our best selves for our families, our friends, and our profession. 

We’re entering a season when many of our clients are feeling the financial pinch of back-to-school expenses. The time for school supplies, athletic fees, lunch accounts, new clothes, and more. For many households, this time of year brings excitement and stress. And that means they need our guidance more than ever. 

But how can we pour into others if our cups are empty? 

In Hawaii, the word “aloha” doesn’t just mean hello or goodbye; it’s a way of life. It means love, peace, compassion, and mutual respect. What would it look like if we brought a little aloha into our daily routines? What if we treated ourselves with the same grace and compassion that we offer to our clients? 

Self-care doesn’t have to mean boarding a plane (though I highly recommend the islands if you can swing it!). It can be as simple as blocking out time for quiet reflection, walking away from your inbox to take a breath, or giving yourself permission to say no to one more obligation so you can say yes to your well-being (this one is on my To Do list!).   

At AFCPE, we understand the importance of balance. That’s why we continue to create resources that support you, not just as a professional, but as a person. 

One of those resources is our podcast, Real Money, Real Experts. If you haven’t tuned in lately, now is a great time to start. Each episode features voices from our community sharing actionable tips, relatable stories, and tools you can use in both your client work and your own life. It’s a great way to stay connected, inspired, and informed, especially during a busy season. 

As we move into the second half of the year, let this be your gentle reminder: 

• Take the vacation. 

• Use the PTO. 

• Schedule the massage. 

• Say no to the meeting if your soul needs silence. 

• Refill your cup. 

Because when you do, you’re not stepping away from your work, you’re stepping toward aloha. You are the heartbeat of this profession. Your presence, wisdom, and compassion matter. Let’s model what it looks like to care well for others and ourselves.