Your clients are used to hearing from you when there’s work to do. You ask them to bring a bank statement, update a budget, or follow up on a decision you made together. Thanksgiving gives you a reason to reach out simply to say you’re grateful for them.

That may mean more than you realize. A client who missed a savings goal may assume you’re disappointed in them. Another may be embarrassed that they still haven’t had the money conversation they said they’d have with their spouse. And for the client who’s out of work, the first Thanksgiving after a layoff may feel especially uncertain.

A short email can remind them that you see the person sitting across from you, even when the numbers are hard to look at.

Tell them what you’re grateful for

Paul tells the Philippians, “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3, CSB). Notice how personal that is. Paul is thanking God for people, and he takes the time to tell them.

As a Christian financial counselor, you get to see people take steps that may never show up on a spreadsheet. You see someone tell the truth about spending they’ve been hiding. You see a couple listen to each other through a conversation that usually ends in an argument. You see someone keep showing up when the debt balance barely moves.

If you’re writing to a client individually, name something you genuinely appreciate. “I’ve appreciated how willing you’ve been to ask hard questions this fall” may mean more than a generic “Keep up the good work.” Keep the note personal while leaving sensitive details out of the inbox.

An email you can send this Thanksgiving

Subject: I'm Grateful for You This Thanksgiving

Hi [First Name],

As Thanksgiving approaches, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how grateful I am for the opportunity to work with you. Talking honestly about money takes courage, and I appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me as we’ve worked through some of those decisions together.

One verse I’ve been thinking about is Philippians 1:3. Paul writes, “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you.” It’s a good reminder to tell people when we’re thankful for them. I’m thankful for you.

I know this season can bring a mix of joy and stress, especially when there’s a lot on your mind financially. My prayer is that God gives you peace in the middle of whatever this week holds and a chance to enjoy a few moments with people you love.

I hope you have a good Thanksgiving, [First Name]. I’m glad I get to walk alongside you.

[Your Name]

Let the email be a thank-you

You may be tempted to add a reminder about Christmas spending or a link to schedule the next session. Save those for your next conversation. A client who opens this email should be able to read it, feel encouraged, and go back to their day without adding something to their list.

Before Thanksgiving, look through your client list and think about who might especially need to hear from you. Maybe it’s the person who’s been discouraged lately or the couple who took a difficult first step. If you have a sentence you could write only to them, add it. Then send the note while you’re thinking of them.