The Back Porch is where it all happens—relationships are formed, stories are told, advice is passed down. Here is where we share news, articles, advice and thoughts. Pull up a chair.
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…
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…
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…
The Joy Factor An essential part of the job, joy is an overlooked and underrated aspect of wealth management. Advisors catering to high-net-worth individuals and families swim in a sea of portfolio managers, alternative investments, tax mitigation strategies, and an endless supply of analytics. After performance, our job is to seek and deliver joy. The…
Lessons on wealth management from a rock and roll star? Really? If the rock and roll star is Bruce Springsteen, the answer is a resounding yes. Nearly 60 years into his career, Springsteen and compadres the E Street Band recently embarked on yet another sold out world tour, this one expected to last at least…
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We hope all of you are enjoying the season and spending quality time with friends and family. Unfortunately, the holiday season that brings so much joy also brings much fraud. We’ve recently seen it firsthand and want you to be on high alert. Please consider the following: 1. Treat emergency…
“Do You Remember / Never a Cloudy Day / Yow.” Raise a virtual hand if you remember long lines at the gas station and 18% mortgage rates. Turn up the heat in the house? Put on another layer! Milk prices spiking 30%? Use water for your hot chocolate! No ham – it’s a bologna sandwich…
With all the concerns about inflation, rising rates, and labor shortages, this quote by Liz Taylor seems particularly relevant – assuming that drink is a strong cup of coffee. And the lipstick reference brings to mind the investment reference to the “lipstick effect.” The investment industry is full of witty quips that define the movement…
The inflation train has left the station. Nobody’s even revisiting whether it’s transitory or not. BUT WHERE is the next stop – and at what elevation? Each month brings a new round of debates. Now that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has officially been passed and signed into law, let’s examine the highlights of…
Returns are consistent over time. As of year-end 2021, the S&P 500 returned 10.5% per year going back to 1929 (the start of the Great Depression), 10.7% return per year gong back to 1957, and 11.2% per year from 1972. It pays to stay the course.