Celebrate the Joys of July 🌞

The warm embrace of Julyis upon us, and I hope this message finds you beaming with summer vibes and a heart full of sunshine! Grab a refreshing iced beverage and find a shady spot while we offer ideas and some fun facts about the month, and events that might interest you.

First and foremost, July brings us the joyous celebration of Independence Day!It's that time of the year when the sky lights up with vibrant fireworks, and the air is filled with the scent of barbecues and the sounds of laughter (and, of course, the "ooohs" and "aaaaahs" when we look skyward). Families and friends come together to honor the birth of our nation, sharing delicious food, playing games, and creating unforgettable memories. Tying into food and fun, July also brings the delicious observance of both National Ice Cream and National Picnic Month. 

July is also a month of adventure and exploration. With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to embark on outdoor escapades. Whether it's a road trip to a scenic destination, a hike through lush trails, or a lazy day at the beach, nature beckons us with open arms. Considering it's National Picnic Month, that should be your first activity (and remember the ice cream!). So, pack a bag, put on your comfortable shoes, and let's go on an adventure!

Speaking of adventures, are you considering attending any live music events this summer? July's Summerfest in Milwaukee touts itself as the World's Largest Music Festival (wow!). Not to be outdone, the Rolling Loud festival in Miami is reported to be the Largest Hip-Hop Festival in the World. Additional July music festivals include the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago, Camp Bisco in Pennsylvania, Wanderlust Festivals held in various locations, and many more music events. We found this "50 Best Music Festivals for Your Bucket List" article quite inspiring!

As the sun reaches its zenith, July brings forth the peak of summer harvest. Farmers’ markets burst with abundant colorful fruits and vegetables, tempting us with freshness and flavor. It's the ideal time to experiment with new recipes, nourishing our bodies with nature's bountiful offerings. To inspire you, the photos alone will make you drool in this article from Taste of Home: 55 Summer Farmers Market Recipes.

July is also a time for reflection and self-discovery. It’s an opportunity to pause, breathe, and assess our personal growth. As the year progresses, let’s take a moment to evaluate our goals and aspirations, celebrate our achievements, and recalibrate our paths. And, if you still need to do a mid-year FINANCIAL review, that’s a great idea, too. Just give our office a call if you’d like to schedule a meeting. Below are a few things we could touch on:

• Assess the impact of this year’s market volatility
• Review your current tax withholdings and change as needed
• Discuss opportunities for buying while stock prices are lower
• Visit your budget and fine-tune or modify if needed

Lastly, July offers a chance for relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s a month to indulge in the simple pleasures of life, whether diving into a captivating book, sipping a refreshing iced tea on the porch, or taking long walks amidst the tranquil beauty of nature. Let’s allow ourselves the gift of slowing down, finding solace in moments of stillness, and embracing the gentle rhythm of summer. As always, we’re here if you need anything – just give us a call.