Spring is in Bloom – Happy May!

Happy May! Our gardens are blooming, and the temperatures are rising, signaling the summer season will be here before we know it. If you are a planner, you have likely started to map out potential family vacations for the coming months. Budgeting for a trip in advance is essential to help you stay on track with your financial goals and keep unexpected spending to a minimum. A recent study found the average spring break trip in 2025 during peak season is $8,306, a record-breaking travel cost. While planning your vacation, be sure to prioritize expenses and save accordingly. For tips to help you save on your next vacation, check out this insightful article. 

Did you know that National Small Business Week is May 4th through May 10th? This is an annual celebration of the significant contributions small business owners and entrepreneurs have made to our communities and economy. Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, securing jobs for almost 59 million Americans. These individuals bring new ideas to life in our growing economy, and during this week, you can celebrate and support small businesses in a variety of ways. Here are some of the exciting ways you can get involved: 

• Attend local events. Do you want to celebrate the small businesses in your area, but are not sure how to get started? Leverage local business directories such as Yelp to find small businesses in your community and check social media for upcoming events in your area.
• Share small businesses on social media. Show your support for the small businesses that make an impact on your life by promoting their products and services on your social media and encourage your friends to check them out.
• Are you a small business owner? Check out the U.S. Small Business Administration virtual summit. This free 2-day summit includes educational presentations by experts and exhibit booths that can help you learn more about how to promote the importance of small businesses in our communities.

May is also National Military Appreciation Month, which is dedicated to honoring the contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Not only do we observe Memorial Day (May 26th) to remember those who served and died in the military, but also other observances, such as Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 9th) and Armed Forces Day (May 17th). Each year, the President makes a proclamation reminding Americans of the U.S. Armed Forces' vital role in our country. Here are some ways you can show your appreciation:

• Engage on social media. Show your support on your social media accounts by tagging #MilitaryApperciationMonth, and share, like, and re-post upcoming events and observances.
• Send a care package to a soldier.Operation Gratitude has sent 4,302,230 care packages to our Military and First Responders since 2003. Learn more on the Operation Gratitude website if you're seeking volunteering opportunities, letter writing, or requesting a care package.
• Thank a veteran in uniform for their service. A simple and impactful way to show appreciation is to share a sincere "thank you for your service" to those in uniform. You can also consider donating to organizations that provide services and resources to veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project. 

As we continue to prepare our homes for warmer months ahead, you may be planning to tidy up your accounts, inboxes, and financial documents. This is a great opportunity to spring clean your finances, and review your accounts, declutter debt, and create a plan for future tax seasons. As always, we're an advocate in your corner. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would just like to connect – we enjoy hearing from you.