Checking In with Ara – August 2023

Hey, it’s Ara once again, here to provide you with our monthly update. I know summer is a busy time for everyone with travel and holiday plans, so I created these updates to stay connected and let you know that you’re in our thoughts.

For today’s update, I have a little show and tell prepared. I recently inherited some World War II medals from my grandfather, passed down to me by my cousin. My cousin knew about the special bond I shared with my grandfather, so when his own son expressed no interest in the medals, he thoughtfully offered them to me.

These medals were awarded to my grandfather during his service in the European theater. We have been trying to secure a Purple Heart for him to recognize his bravery during the Normandy Invasion. He was stationed in France at the time, where a shell explosion caused him to lose hearing in his left ear. Despite his injuries, he continued to take care of his team members and refused medical help. Regrettably, the lack of a paper trail makes it challenging to secure the award he so rightly deserves.

This experience underlines the importance of keeping records and making sure all your affairs are in order, especially when it comes to inheritance and estate matters. The absence of proper documentation can sometimes cause complications.

Switching gears to a market update: as of now, the markets have seen an upward trend year-to-date. It’s crucial to remember that markets are volatile, and the current status could change anytime. As such, it’s a good idea to review your stock allocation and ensure it aligns with your comfort level. As we’ve managed to recover last year’s losses, it might make sense to consider value averaging from bucket number three to bucket number one.

Remember, my team – Annie Bush and Stephen Hague – and I are here for you. Feel free to reach out via call or email for any assistance. I will be in Arizona for part of August, so if you need anything during that time, please schedule an appointment with Steve or set up a conference call or Zoom meeting.

I hope everyone is having a fantastic, safe, and enjoyable summer. I look forward to catching up with you soon.