As we received holiday cards this year, we read stories written by family, friends and business associates of their experiences throughout the year. We laughed, gave a few “humphs,” and even shed a few tears. Each year we all look forward to receiving these and this has become one of my favorite holiday experiences. It occurred to me that at KFS, we haven’t ever taken the time to reciprocate. So I thought “why not now?” – its better a late start than none at all!

2010 was an interesting year: As in any business year, we endured the everyday trials of conducting business as well as thrived in new-found advances and achievements. I know it is an old adage no one much cares for—what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger—but this so true in business. Many of you reading this are well aware of the move we had to make from the IRA custodian, Sterling Trust Company. This proved to be our greatest challenge in 2010. There wasn’t much choice on the matter when we discovered their fee structure was going to at least quadruple for our clients. We were forced to begin transferring client accounts within a matter of months in order to avoid these outrageous fees. Needless to say, it was a grueling task. However, we stayed the course and – thanks to a tremendous staff – have been made stronger and are now seated with an IRA custodian which we believe will be much more user-friendly for everyone involved.

On this note of finding improved situations for our KFS family: we met a few companies and associates who are new to us, but with substantial backgrounds to enhance the service and services we provide. We have updated and added new technology to our office and services, researched investments and investment concepts we thought could be suitable for the individuals and families we work with, expanded the broadcast area for our radio show “Life Planning 101”, and hired additional team members. We believe in growth, but want to do it the right way. This means the folks we currently work with are priority. So we are gearing up and currently training three new positions on the home front. And what a blessing this is during an economic time when many business have downsized.

And that brings me to the thanks we owe each of you! We had the very special opportunity to meet and begin working with 11 new individuals and families this year, all but one who was introduced to us by you. Moreover, we began hosting quarterly informational dinners at Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth thanks to one the many dear families we work with. This has brought many of the same great companies we have welcomed to Abilene over the years to our clients on the east side of KFS.

To extend this growth we are planning to kick off 3 informational dinner seminars in January, to be offered to friends, family members and associates of our clients who are looking for a second opinion in regard to their Life and Financial Plan. Our goal is to begin working with 20 new families is 2011 and as always, your introductions will take precedence over any stranger off the street.

We hope you enjoyed the 11^th annual KFS BBQ and annual Christmas Party as much as we did. We laugh about the fact that we do this as a way of saying thanks to all of you when we are the ones who take so much joy in spending time with you. (By the way—don’t forget to look at the pictures on our website: www.kennedy-financial.com.)

Life also happened in 2010. We rejoiced in the celebration of new births, marriages, anniversaries, retirements and the triumphs over illness. But also faced the inevitable loss of those we have come to care about and treasure. We ask you to continue praying with us for those families troubled with illness or grief.

We are truly blessed to work with so many wonderful individuals and families and appreciate your continued confidence in us. Through every moment of the holidays and every day of the new year…may God bless you with peace and happiness.

Kennedy Financial Services

Securities & Advisory Services offered through VSR Financial Services, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser and Member FINRA/SIPC. Kennedy Financial Services is independent of VSR Financial Services, Inc. VSR does not provide tax or legal advice.