Sometimes its the little things…
I can still remember putting flowers on my grandmas door and running to hid. This grandma went to heaven when I was 8, so this simple memory was before than, but I can still see the smile on her face.
I have carried that tradition on with my boys who have often left flowers on one of our aunts doors, there is no way to run and hid at their Gammy’s house! Last year we didn’t do it, the boys are getting older and life is busy, but my aunt missed it.
What are some of the little things memories or traditions that are dear to you?
Market Update
We agonized about the S&P 500 breaking through 7,000 all through January and most of February. Last week the index closed over 7,100!
When a ceasefire is announced or extended, the price of oil drops — and when it does, markets rally, volatility ticks down and bond yields decline. If tensions escalate (e.g., ships being shot at or seized or the resumption of bombing on Iran’s infrastructure), stocks drop as the price of oil and bond yields increase.
We are at record highs. Less than two months ago, all the “experts” were saying it would be impossible to bounce back so quickly and warning we were on the road to economic ruin.
The markets have quickly turned the page and believe we are nearing the end of this conflict or that it will be contained with the U.S. blockading Iran into economic submission and/or regime collapse. Remember the Iraqi “no-fly zones” after the first Gulf War in 1991? Something similar could develop as a next step in this situation, except it would be a “no-sail zone” for Iran while the U.S. and whoever joins us will keep the ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil will continue to decline, and markets can focus on more mundane things like earnings and economic data.
In The News
Are you a ‘hidden millionaire’?
The USA Today article highlights:
- Hidden millionaires are individuals with a net worth over $1 million, often unaware of their wealth.
- Many hidden millionaires accumulate wealth through retirement savings and home equity.
- A common mistake is leaving retirement funds in cash, missing out on potential investment growth.
- Stock concentration, or over-investing in a single stock, poses significant financial risks.
- High-interest debt, like credit card balances, often goes unpaid despite available cash.
- Poor estate planning leaves assets unprotected and decisions to the state.
- Some hidden millionaires are overly frugal, failing to enjoy their wealth or plan for its use.
- Financial planning and professional advice are crucial to managing and protecting hidden wealth.
We are seeing high concentration to the Mag 7 stocks in many retirement accounts, but most people are unaware as they are in vested in funds, so they look diversified. This is why a “Stress-Test” is important, it can uncover risks like overconcentration and give you clarity about what you have, and what to do.
If you don’t have an estate plan or haven’t reviewed it recently, let us know. Our team can help. The Power or Attorney is the single, most important financial document and the only way to ensure you always have access to your money.
Erik Rees: Jessie’s JoyJars and a Legacy of Never Ever Giving Up
John O’Leary Live Inspired Podcast
Erik Rees is the founder of NEGU, Never Ever Give Up, which is a global movement inspired by the life of his daughter Jessie. What began as a father walking through unimaginable grief has become a mission that has delivered nearly 600,000 JoyJars to children battling cancer around the world, each one carrying a simple but powerful message: you are not alone.
Today, Erik shares the extraordinary life of his daughter Jessie, why she chose to focus on bringing happiness to other kids in the middle of her own fight, and how her legacy continues to impact families across the globe.
My friends, if you are walking through grief, searching for purpose, or wondering how something painful could ever be used for good, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave ready to live courageously, love constantly and lead compassionately. https://johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/erik-rees/
Just for Fun
Dad Joke of the Week:
What did the baby corn say to the mama corn? Where’s popcorn?
Say What?
Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile race is coming back to the Indy 500.
The Wienermobiles are coming back for a bite at the Brickyard in May, giving them another chance to relish the spotlight of racing’s biggest weekend.
Oscar Mayer announced all six of its famed street-ready vehicles will compete for the second straight year on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s historic 2.5-mile oval. The Wienie 500 is scheduled for May 22 during the track’s annual Carburation Day festivities.
Last year’s race was such a hit, organizers wanted to give fans a second round to savor the flavor of a light-hearted competition just two days before IndyCar’s marquis race — the Indianapolis 500.
Each Wienermobile will feature toppings representing an American regional favorite while carrying carry custom decals. Drivers will don Hotdogger racing suits while the iconic “Wiener Song” plays and the champ drives into “wieners circle.”
This Week in History
1877 – Rutherford B. Hayes has the first phone installed in the White House.
1940 – Winston Churchill becomes prime minister of Britain.
1964 – Louis Armstrong hit No. 1 on the US singles chart with “Hello Dolly,” making him the oldest artist to hit No. 1 at the age of 62. (That record was broken in 2011 when Tony Bennett topped the charts with his Duets album at age 85.) Armstrong’s hit also ended the Beatles’ reign at the top of the U.S. pop charts.
1965 – Warren Buffet gains a controlling interest in Berkshire-Hathaway. The shares were trading at less than $20.00 per share at the time.
2010 – At age 88, Betty White became the oldest person ever to host Saturday Night Live after hundreds of thousands of fans signed a Facebook campaign rallying in support. She died December 31, 2021 just shy of her 100t
What Did it Cost? (Campbell’s Soup)
1975 -$0.20 per can
2005 -$0.79 per can
2025 – $1.24 per can
Have a great weekend!
Live Your Dream!
Michelle Bertram
www.CreatingYourDreamRetirement.com
608-987-1511
Click here to schedule a time on my calendar