A Adrian E. Young


CAP®, CKA®, JD, MBA Chief Executive Officer


cross generations and cultures, autumn has been the season of gathering—the time when farmers bring in


the harvest, families prepare for the colder months ahead, and communities reconnect before winter sets in. In every sense, fall is a time of preparation—and that preparation mirrors what wise planning looks like.


THE HARVEST AND THE PLAN A farmer doesn’t reap in autumn without months—sometimes years—of forethought. The harvest is really the culmination of disciplined planning, involving soil preparation, seed selection, irrigation mapping, and more. In the same way, the financial “harvest” we experience—whether it’s a ready retirement, a growing business, or a family legacy—depends on the thoughtful planning we’ve sown long before.


As a family of companies, we see this season as a reminder to take stock: review estate planning documents, rebalance investments, prepare for year-end tax strategies, and ensure that charitable goals are aligned with both financial outcomes and personal values. This is the time to gather your trusted advisors—financial planners, accountants, and attorneys— around the same table. Just as the farmer coordinates with suppliers, builders, and laborers to prepare for the next season, your financial “team” should work together to align every aspect of your stewardship strategy.


Fall, then, becomes a metaphor for holistic legacy preparation: assessing what has been harvested, storing wisely, and planning intentionally for what comes next.


PREPARING FOR SEASONS AHEAD Winter can feel far away when the leaves are still falling—but it always seems to show up when we are least expecting it. For those planning for retirement, legacy, or generational transfer, this is a powerful reminder: Preparation done today brings peace and security tomorrow.


At Faithward, we often encourage clients to view their plans not through the lens of accumulation alone, but through the lens of purpose and preparedness. Legacy planning is not just about having “enough” to last a lifetime—it’s about ensuring that your resources continue to serve your family, your values, and your Kingdom impact in every season of life.


GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY As we move into the season of Thanksgiving, we’re reminded that stewardship isn’t just about storing up—it’s about giving back. In the biblical rhythm of the harvest, the “first fruits” were always given in gratitude before the rest was gathered. That same principle applies today: the act of generosity transforms planning into a spiritual practice.


Whether through year-end charitable gifts, establishing donor advised funds, or making legacy gifts that will bless ministries and causes close to your heart, giving is a vital part of a well-rounded plan. It expresses trust—that the same God who provided this year’s harvest will provide for the next.


FAITHWARD'S COMPANY-WIDE SUMMIT IN OCTOBER


As we approach the year’s end, take time to gather both your loved ones and your advisors. Reflect on what’s been harvested this year, what seeds need to be planted for the next, and how your life can model faithful stewardship for those who will follow.


Although the seasons change, the principles remain: steadfast preparation, gratitude, and generosity lead to peace.


And when winter comes, those who have stewarded well— financially, relationally, and spiritually—will find warmth in the abundance of what they’ve prepared.


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