Happy International Women’s Day! March 8 has become a global day of recognition of the women’s rights movement bringing attention to gender equity, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. It is even a national holiday in many countries.
New Book Announcement
This year, I am excited to announce that I contributed a chapter to a new book out today – Inspirational Investing 2023 – compiled by author Amanda Taylor and published by Harriman House. My chapter focuses on the most difficult life transition that nobody talks about; retirement. Retirement is even more of a challenge for women who earn less and live longer than men. Many women (and men) overlook the crucial planning required to build a successful retirement and, spoiler alert!, that planning work involves more than accounting for the financial dollars and cents. I am honored to be included in this beautifully compiled work of investing knowledge alongside a roster of talented female finance professionals. Order your copy today. It’s FREE on Kindle.
Rich Thinking(R)
IWD is the annual publication date of my dear friend Barbara Stewart’s Rich Thinking(R) Research. She will unveil this year’s report at a special event in Stockholm, Sweden. I only wish I could fit a trip into my schedule to be there. I am sure it will be a lovely evening. For over a decade, Barbara has interviewed successful women around the globe for this annual report. I cannot wait to find out this year’s theme and dive into her research.
House Update
Life has been hectic, so apologies I haven’t provided an update on our new house. We closed on the property two weeks ago! There were a few curveballs along the way. The Louisiana property insurance market is a complete mess after several bad storm years. Since our house has an “old” slate roof, no private companies were willing to insure it. (side note – slate is a superior roof and will last for 100 years if properly maintained). We had to go with the expensive state-backed insurer of last resort. I hope we can get a lower-cost policy after this hurricane season. The inspection process went well. The house, built in 1938, is in great shape, with just a few repairs needed. The sellers agreed to modest concessions on the sale. We are working on those repairs while preparing the old house to go on the market. Some of our stuff is in the new home, but much is still in the old one. It is a time of significant transition and upheaval for the family, but I think it will be worth it. We’ve spent some time in the backyard, which is large (for a city house) and peaceful. I can’t wait to be sleeping there. Fingers crossed, we can get our house on the market soon and price it appropriately for a quick sale.
Pacific Northwest Trip
Last week, I traveled to Bend, OR, and Spokane, WA, for work. In Bend, I visited with my RWM colleague, Joey Fishman, and his wife, Val. I snuck in a day of skiing on Mount Bachelor and hit a perfect powder day. I had a chance to meet clients in person, which is always a treat, especially in such a beautiful setting. Later in the week, I spoke at the Annual Forecast Dinner for the CFA Society of Spokane, WA. I covered my predictions for the future of the wealth management industry. It was great to be on stage again and visit with CFA colleagues and students from local universities.
visiting RWM Bend with Joey
Solo skiing at Mt Bachelor
with the board of the CFA Society of Spokane
New Office
As if I had time for another major transition, the building for my new office was completed last week. I’ve moved my furniture but still need to set it up properly. I’m only moving two doors down to a brand new building built by my current landlord. I’ve got more space and, more importantly, two windows. Now I will have a proper setting to meet with local clients in person.
New office, a work in progress
2023 is shaping up to be a year of major changes for me. I am both excited and exhausted.
Next up: Moderating the CFA Asset and Risk Allocation Conference in Washington, DC, on May 2-3. We have an incredible speaker line-up; Jeremy Siegel, Jeremy Schwartz, Howard Marks, Sheila Bair, Michael Mauboussin, Marlena Lee, Kai Wu, and more. Plus, it’s at the Watergate Hotel. I am crossing all of my fingers and toes for cherry blossom blooms.
