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July 2025 Insights Newsletter
Mark your Calendar
- July 4 - Independence Day (Federal Holiday)
- July 20 - National Ice Cream Day
- July 30 - International Day of Friendship
Charity of the Month
This month, Verus Financial Group is proud to support Autism Speaks, a leading organization dedicated to promoting understanding and acceptance of autism.
Forbes celebrates the evolution of Autism Speaks
(article from May 8, 2025)
Spotlighting the voices of autism advocates, Forbes highlights the progress Autism Speaks has made as an organization and for the autism community over the last 20 years. The story shares Autism Speaks’ efforts in delivering reliable information on how to effectively access services and a deeper understanding of autism-specific research, guidelines, and advocacy opportunities since 2005, as well as its vision to improve healthcare, employment, housing and aging over the next 20 years. View a PDF of the article.
Learn More about Autism Speaks
Mid-Year Financial Check-Up:
Are You on Track for 2025?
As we officially hit the halfway point of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and check in on your financial goals. A mid-year financial review is a smart habit that can help ensure you’re still on course for your short- and long-term plans — and make adjustments if life has thrown you a curveball or two.
Here’s a simple checklist of what you might want to review this July:
📌 Mid-Year Financial Review Checklist
✅ Revisit Your Financial Goals:
Are you still working toward the same financial priorities you set at the beginning of the year? Maybe a job change, family milestone, or market shift has changed your outlook. Now’s the time to realign your goals if needed.
✅ Check Retirement Contributions:
If you’re contributing to a 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts, review how much you’ve contributed so far. Are you on pace to hit your yearly target or take advantage of any employer matches?
✅ Rebalance Your Investment Portfolio:
Market ups and downs can shift the balance of your investment mix. A mid-year review ensures your portfolio still matches your risk tolerance and long-term strategy.
✅ Review Insurance Coverage:
Life changes like marriage, new children, or a new home may mean it’s time to adjust your life, health, or property insurance coverage. It’s also a good time to double-check your beneficiary designations.
✅ Assess Progress Toward Savings Goals:
Whether you’re saving for a family vacation, college tuition, or home improvements, see how close you are to your savings targets. A quick mid-year check can help you course-correct before year-end.
✅ Look for Tax Planning Opportunities:
Mid-year is an ideal time to estimate your tax liability, review charitable contributions, or consider strategies like harvesting investment losses or making additional contributions to tax-advantaged accounts.
📞 Let’s Connect for a Mid-Year Review
Your financial plan should grow and shift with your life — and we’re here to help you stay on track. If you haven’t already, schedule a mid-year review with Verus Financial Group. It’s a great opportunity to make sure your financial strategy is working for you and adjust where necessary.
Thank you for continuing to trust us with your financial future — we look forward to connecting with you soon!
☀️ Summer Money-Saving Tips for Families
Summer is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your loved ones — but between vacations, activities, and rising everyday expenses, those sunny adventures can add up fast. At Verus Financial Group, we believe you can enjoy a fun, meaningful summer without overspending. Here are a few practical, budget-friendly tips to help you make the most of the season while keeping your finances on track:
🌴 Plan Budget-Friendly Vacation Alternatives
You don’t have to travel far or splurge on luxury resorts to create great family memories. Consider these wallet-friendly options:
- Staycations: Explore local parks, hiking trails, museums, or plan themed nights at home like movie marathons or backyard camping.
- Road Trips: Skip airfare and take a family road trip to nearby destinations within a few hours' drive.
- Off-Peak Travel: If possible, plan your getaway during weekdays or late summer, when prices for hotels and attractions tend to drop.
🛡️ Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Unexpected disruptions can happen — and travel insurance can offer valuable protection for trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. When booking a trip, compare travel insurance options or check if your credit card provides built-in coverage for certain expenses. It’s a small cost for peace of mind.
📊 Manage Expenses With a Summer Spending Plan
It’s easy for expenses to creep up during summer with added costs like camps, dining out, and weekend getaways. Try these simple strategies to stay in control:
- Set a seasonal budget: List out anticipated expenses for vacations, activities, and back-to-school shopping so there are no surprises.
- Track spending weekly: Quick check-ins help you stay aware of where your money’s going and adjust when needed.
- Limit impulse buys: Plan ahead for outings and bring snacks, water, and essentials to avoid overpriced, last-minute purchases.
💡 Bonus Tip:
Consider using a cash-back or travel rewards credit card for summer expenses — just be sure to pay the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Your Financial Partner Year-Round
Summer should be about enjoying time with the people who matter most. With a little planning and intention, you can keep your financial goals on track while making the most of the season.
If you’d like help reviewing your budget or planning for upcoming expenses, our team at Verus Financial Group is always here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a conversation.
Where to Watch Fireworks
Houston and Surrounding Areas
Houston's 4th of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas, will feature fireworks at Eleanor Tinsley Park on July 4, 2025. The event will run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will include live music, family-friendly activities, a beer garden, and more. Tickets are available online for $11, including fees but not taxes. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Location: Eleanor Tinsley Park in Houston.
- Time: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, 2025.
- Highlights: Live music, including performances by Lee Brice and Ashley McBryde, family-friendly activities, a beer garden, a kids' zone, and food and drinks.
- Fireworks: A fireworks display will conclude the evening.
- Tickets: Tickets are available online for $11.
More info and get tickets: Freedom Over Texas
Want to see if there are other surrounding areas are hosting a fireworks show for the 4th of July? Check these venues.
4th of July Icebox Cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 bours
Total Time: 4 hr 20 min
Serving: 18 servings
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
- 1 pkg (250g) cream cheese softened
- 2 pkgs (102g each or 3.4oz each) INSTANT vanilla pudding mix (see notes*)
- 2 & 1/2 cups (600ml) milk
- 1 box (400g) graham crackers
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
Directions
- In a medium bowl and using an electric mixer; beat the heavy cream until stiff. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and the dry pudding mix until combined. Slowly and gradually beat in the milk until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture onto the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish. Layer the graham crackers on top. Spread 1/3 of the cream onto the crackers. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the cream.
- Repeat with another layer of crackers, cream, and half of the strawberries.
- Repeat with a final layer of crackers and the remaining cream. Decorate with the rest of the berries. Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight. Serve cold.
More information along with nutrition info can be found at Little Sweet Baker
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Want to review where you are in your financial checklist? Make an appointment with us today!
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