Volunteering is a big part of our lives. We believe that it's important to give back to ensure our community is a great place to live, work and play. Recently, we both completed serving three years as board presidents for different organizations. Bill for Mayflower RSVP and me for the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra.

Some days were challenging balancing the issues or the time commitment. It has been a terrific way to learn new or sharpen existing skills--communication, leadership and public speaking. Personally, I have grown "comfortable" being able to address an audience of more than 1,000 people.

As we reflect, we are so grateful for the people we've been fortunate enough to serve with and meet. Many of us would not have crossed paths. Now we count each other as friends. It's an amazing feeling knowing that your contributions have shaped the future.

In September, we'll be volunteering on behalf of the Financial Planning Association of MA to help a military unit from Otis Air National Guard base in Falmouth. They are getting ready for deployment. We'll be advising them on their personal financial decisions so their families can, hopefully, have financial peace of mind while they are serving our country.  We are grateful to be able to give back to help those who keep us safe every day.

From Bill's Corner...

Many clients are asking us about leveraged funds.  Our advice, stay clear!

Repeatedly over the past two years, US securities regulators have warned investors that leveraged funds can lead to big losses, even if the market goes up.  We agree!

Leveraged funds use techniques such as swaps or options aiming to amplify the one-day returns of their target index.  A widely held misconception about these funds is that they will offer twice the return of the underlying index, which means that if the S&P 500 returns about 10% a year, then the 2x the S&P should return 20%. But that's not true. These funds only double the daily return, and there's a big difference between doubling the daily return and doubling the annual return.  Let's say that one day the market goes up 10%, and the next day it falls 10%. The two-day loss for the index is 1%, but the loss for the leveraged fund is 4%.  The losses are magnified.

Investors have a temptation to "double down" by using these funds to quickly make up the losses from last year.  I want to reiterate our advice, stay clear!  Feel free to inquire if you need more info.



Time to Share. Create a Buzz.

Can you feel the excitement in the air? It's Marshfield Fair time! Actually, it's the 143rd annual. There is something for everyone. Midway rides. "Fair food". Demolition derby. Horse pulling. And live music! My favorite parts? 4H and the Exhibition Hall. My mother still has my ribbons from entries as a kid. Next time we meet, ask me about catching a pig in a scramble.