On the 4th of July when the children were young, we read the Declaration of Independence together. I am sure you can imagine the ‘joy’ this brought to the family, if joy can be expressed with ‘not again’.
‘We the People….’ Even the first three words express a defining sentiment. We are responsible. It wasn’t we the government or, we the committee. And it wasn’t 30% of us (the percentage of registered voters who vote). As you are preparing to BBQ or watch the fireworks, take a few minutes to read the document and share it with a friend.
Speaking of the 4th, we are closed on the 3rd in honor of the holiday. Also, August 3-7, I will be attending our National Conference and will be out of the office. Lidia will be here and she can get hold of me though there might be a delay as I will be attending various classes.
What is going on in the markets? The fact is that of this date July 2, the S&P 500 index is up 9.59%, but if you asked around, I think the sentiment would be less positive. On the bond side of things, the 10-year Treasury is up in yield from the beginning of the year. So why all the hand wringing? Iran, the Middle East, mid term elections, higher prices, including gas, which is of particular interest as summer travel picks up. What’s to be done?
Let’s go back to the Declaration of Independence and the statement; ‘We the people…’. We have choices and we can act. From taking a hard look at where your money is spent, to getting active in the community to talking to your elected representative. I have had the opportunity to meet with Mike Thompson, my congressman, and he doesn’t bite. He listens, he clarifies and he responds. Do I agree with everything he does, no, but I have a voice and he always appreciates the conversation. I know there is stuff in our weekly spending that we can cut. If gas is $1.00 up from last year and it takes a tank to go visit grandchildren, I can find $10 to cut from the regular spending. It is a matter of priority and time spent looking at the facts. ‘In order to form a more perfect union…’ Priorities were examined and tough choices made and now we celebrate 250 years of independence.
There are options and if you are wondering what can be done, come see us, call Lidia and set a time for us to meet. Together, there are more answers.
Also – stay tuned for a big announcement.