The Ultimate Breakup Letter

Here’s an idea for forced family fun on the Fourth of July – Read the Declaration of Independence, aka history’s ultimate breakup letter. Too long to text (TLDR), the Declaration consists of five discrete parts: a preamble, statement of principles, the airing of grievances, ‘maybe we can be friends someday,’ and ‘on our own and […]

Sandra Day O’Connor, Advocate for Alzheimer’s Patients and Caregivers

Team Gracestone paused on Friday to reflect on the life of our favorite U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor. Raised on a cattle farm in southwestern Arizona, Justice O’Connor was the first female justice on the Supreme Court. But we’re more interested in Mrs. O’Connor than Justice O’Connor. Some will remember that she retired […]

Coca-Cola® Cake

Whether you are tailgating on campus or enjoying the game at home, Rebecca Lang has a winning dessert for ALL—Coca-Cola® Cake! Coca-Cola® Cake Makes: 12 servings Ingredients 1 cup Coca-Cola® soft drink ½ cup whole buttermilk ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened 1½ cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 […]

Investment Management 101: Bear Markets

Let’s keep 2022 in context. We are experiencing a bear market (decline of 20% off recent high), which historically occurs every 3.5 years. Over the past 15 years, government intervention has disrupted the normal frequency. History teaches us the economy is cyclical; bear markets are a natural part of the cycle.

Bull vs Bear

History teaches us that bull market gains are 11x greater than bear market losses. Since 1929, the average bull market lasts 32 months and returns roughly 400%. In contrast, the average bear market lasts 14 months and drops an average of 36%.

“THEN LET THEM BUY ELECTRIC.”

Soaring inflation and gasoline prices have everyone on edge. Unlike the princess, we understand. An insightful client recently told us: “I watch oil and gas prices because they affect everybody. It doesn’t matter if you drive a car or a boat or a plane – they all need gas.” Here are three quick thoughts on […]

Elon Musk: A Primer

Elon Musk, carnival barker or the next Thomas Edison? Our vote – the next Thomas Edison, with a dash of Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. Consider his resume – Founder, CEO and product architect of Telsa, Inc., which produces fantastic electric vehicles. Founder, CEO and chief engineer of SpaceX, a space exploration […]