March 2025 Newsletter

March 13, 2025

Mark your Calendar

  • March 4  - Fat Tuesday & Organize Your Home Office Day
  • March 8 - International Women's Day
  • March 9 - Daylight Savings Spring Forward 1 hour
  • March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
  • March 29 - National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day

Charity of the Month

Verus Financial is excited to shine a charity spotlight on Ronald McDonald House Houston events this month.

   

March 3rd they are holding RMHC Cup Golf Tournament.

  • March 3, 2025 8:00 am
  • BlackHorse Golf Club
  • 12205 Fry Rd, Cypress, TX 77433

April 3rd is the Kids and Clays Tournament.

  • April 3, 2025 12:00 pm
  • Greater Houston Sports Club

Contact them for teams, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities. Events@rmhchouston.org

Learn More!

   

Empower. Protect. Thrive.

Verus Financial Group is proud to sponsor the Warrior Women Self-Defense Course, a 12-week program led by an experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach. With the increasing concerns of violence and assaults, self-defense is not just a skill—it’s a necessity. This course is designed to empower women with the confidence and techniques to protect themselves in real-life situations.

Starts: March 9

Time: Sundays, 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Location: F45 Lakes of Bella Terra, 1803 First Oaks St, Richmond, TX 77406

This complimentary course is available exclusively to Verus Financial Group clients, but space is limited! Secure your spot today by registering at the link in our bio.

Invest in your safety. Strength starts here.
Registration Link

   

Plan Ahead: Financial Strategies for 2025

Planning ahead is key to building a strong financial future. As we near the end of the 1st quarter, it's vital to emphasize the importance of long-term strategies such as setting clear goals, considering philanthropic opportunities, and leveraging tax-advantaged accounts. Early planning not only helps you secure your legacy but also maximizes your wealth's impact.

  • Start Planning Early: Encourage clients to outline their long-term goals now to maximize future opportunities.
  • Prioritize Flexibility: Design plans that adapt to changing personal, financial, or economic circumstances.
  • Focus on Tax Efficiency: Explore strategies that optimize tax benefits while preserving wealth.
  • Integrate Philanthropy: Emphasize the impact of charitable giving as a key component of a comprehensive plan.
  • Leverage Financial Tools: Use advanced investment vehicles to align with broader wealth management goals.
  • Consider Generational Wealth: Plan to support future generations while maintaining financial independence.
  • Collaborate with Experts: Engage professionals to ensure strategies are both effective and comprehensive.
  • Contact Minh Vo to discuss future-focused opportunities like estate planning, charitable giving, and investment diversification.
  • For more insights, visit ARC’s blog.

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    In March, you can focus on celebrating St. Patrick's Day, enjoying the early signs of Spring with outdoor activities, participating in Women's History Month events, potentially doing some spring cleaning, and taking advantage of the milder weather for outdoor activities like hiking or gardening depending on your climate.

    Key things to do in March:

    • Celebrate St. Patrick's Day: Attend parades, wear green, and enjoy traditional Irish food and drinks on March 17th.
    • Embrace Women's History Month: Learn about notable women, attend related events, and highlight women's achievements.
    • Start Spring Cleaning: Begin decluttering your home and organizing spaces to prepare for the warmer months.
    • Enjoy Outdoor Activities: Go for walks, hikes, bike rides, or have a picnic as weather allows.
    • Plant a Garden: Depending on your climate, start planting seeds indoors or directly in the ground for your spring garden.
    • Attend Spring Festivals or Events: Check for local events like flower shows, art exhibitions, or community celebrations.
    • Consider Spring Fashion Updates: Update your wardrobe with lighter clothing options.
    • Reflect on Personal Goals: Review your goals for the year and make adjustments as needed.

    Depending on your location, you might also consider:

    • Cross-country skiing: If there's still snow, enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing.
    • Birdwatching: Observe the return of migratory birds.
    • Attend a local art event: Many art museums host spring exhibitions.

       

    Irish Beef and Stout Stew

    Prep Time: 25 minutes

    Total Time: 3 hours

    Serving: 10 servings

    Ingredients

    • 4 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
    • 2 ½ pounds new potatoes, scrubbed
    • 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 2 cans (14 ½ ounces each) reduced-sodium beef broth
    • 1 can (14.9 ounces) Irish stout beer
    • 10 garlic cloves, sliced
    • Coarse salt and ground pepper
    • 2 boxes (10 ounces each) frozen baby peas, thawed

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, toss beef with flour; stir in tomato paste. Add potatoes, onions, broth, beer, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
    2. Transfer pot to oven, and cook, covered, until meat is fork-tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir in peas, and season with salt and pepper.

    More information: https://www.marthastewart.com/316991/irish-beef-and-stout-stew

       

    Free Guidebook from Entrepreneur

    The Small Business Marketing Playbook

       

    Spring Break Destinations for 2025

    Top 5 Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.

    Looking for the perfect getaway this spring? Here are five standout destinations to consider for your spring break:

    1. 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach, FL
      • A luxury beachfront resort offering eco-friendly design, multiple pools, and direct beach access. Perfect for a relaxing and stylish spring retreat.
    2. Halekulani, Honolulu, HI
      • Located on Waikiki Beach, this elegant hotel provides a serene ambiance, exceptional service, and breathtaking ocean views.
    3. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Honolulu, HI
      • Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with this beachfront resort offering live music, cultural activities, and modern amenities.
    4. Huntington Beach, CA
      • Known as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach offers a laid-back coastal vibe, gorgeous sandy beaches, and vibrant local attractions.
    5. Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, SC
      • Set in the Lowcountry, this luxurious resort combines Southern charm with outdoor activities like kayaking and cycling amidst stunning natural landscapes.

    These destinations promise unforgettable experiences, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both!

    Find more destinations on

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-United_States-Spring-Break-Resorts-zfp7680405.html

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    Please feel free to review link of our Privacy Policy, ADV 2A Brochure, ADV 2B- Vo, ADV 2B- Soto, ADV 2B-Cristiano, ADV 2B- Daoheuang, Form ADV, Form CRS, and Podcast Link

    And make sure you're getting your quarterly statements!

    Want to review where you are in your financial checklist? Make an appointment with us today!

    Click Here to Schedule an Appointment!

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    March 2025 Newsletter

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    February 2025 Newsletter

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    January 2025 Newsletter

    January 2025's Newsletter

    2023 Webinar Line Up

    We at Verus are still continuing to host educational and interactive webinars throughout the year so you can learn from the comfort of your home! Click to see the webinar links!

    Strength in Houses

    The extended strength of the US housing market prompted households to withdraw $82 billion of home equity in Q1, the largest amount in 15 years. Going forward, refinancing will likely be subdued as the average mortgage borrower has already locked in an interest rate over 200 bps below current rates. We believe that record-high levels of untapped home equity may add to the sizable savings buffer that households hold.‍

    Your 2022 Half-Year Planning Checklist

    As 2022 draws to a half, it’s time to begin organizing your finances for the second half of the year. To help you get started, we’ve compiled together a list of key planning topics to consider. Your Verus Financial Advisor can help you rebalance, review and reset your course, if necessary, for this year and beyond.

    Where are we now in the market?

    The market appears to be caught in a traditional growth scare if there is anything that is scaring the markets right now it's not just happening in US it's happening broadly as well. The roller coaster continues so we're seeing yields higher, and stocks lower and why that is happening we're actually going through a period of transition where the stimulus you know the sugar rush from stimulus is wearing off.

    Estate Planning 101

    A good estate plan helps ensure the right people will receive the right property at the right time. When you die, your assets are subject to a number of expenses that can significantly reduce the size of your estate left to your heirs. Proper estate planning can minimize these expenses and determine how the costs that remain will be paid.

    Using Taxes to Your Advantage

    Tax planning is the analysis of a financial situation or plan from a tax perspective. It is the reduction of tax liability by the way of exemptions, deductions, and benefits. The purpose is to ensure tax efficiency. Tax planning includes making financial and business decisions to minimize the incidence of tax.

    Protecting Your Greatest Asset

    To put it in simple terms, disability insurance is insurance for your income. It allows you to protect your most valuable asset, your income, in the event you become too hurt or sick to work. There are two options: Short-term and long-term. Analyze your existing coverage to find the plan that best fits your lifestyle! It can be more affordable than you think and the benefit can be used for different things such as medical expenses, household expenses, or help with household tasks. Most people protect their home, car, phone, and identity so why not protect your income.

    Protect Your Loved Ones With Life Insurance

    If you were to die unexpectedly, would your spouse have enough money to cover funeral expenses and daily living expenses? Would there be enough money to pay for everything your family relies on you for, if you were suddenly not around? Would your family have to move and change their lifestyle if you were to die prematurely? If your spouse were to outlive you by 10 or 20 years or more, would they be able to make ends meet? Life insurance pays cash to your loved ones after you die, allowing them to remain financially secure.

    College is Right Around the Corner

    Why Start Planning Now? A child that is born now will face tuition costs that are three to four times higher than what they are now. It is never too early to start planning for your child's future. There are many ways to save for college. Some you might have heard before, some you might not have. This article easily sums up different college saving plans that you can potentially think about using.

    The Basics of Investments

    What is Investing? Investing is the act of committing money or capital to an endeavor with the expectation of obtaining an additional income or profit. Making your money work for you maximizes your earning potential whether or not you receive a raise, decide to work overtime, or look for a higher-paying job. There are many ways you can invest which include putting money into stocks, bonds, mutual, real estate, or starting your own business. It does not matter which method you choose for investing your money, the goal is always to put your money to work so it earns you an additional income.

    Why You Should Keep Investing Even When Markets Are Down

    As investors during a decline in the market, it is difficult to remember why we decided to take the risk of investing. In its best days and its worst days, the stock market draws the most attention, but there is one surefire way to keep trading worth your time: Stick it out for the good and the bad. If you plan for the long-term, don't panic. Instead, here are 3 reasons to keep investing, even in the worst of times.

    What does Fed rate hike mean for the market?

    The big news today is that Chairman Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserves announcing a 25 basis point hike in interest rates. Let's see how this could potentially affect the market. If we take a look back at historical data, the S&P 500 has averaged a 3.7% growth, 12-months following the first rate hike of each cycle from 1971 to 2004. 24 months after the first hike, it has seen an average of 16.3% growth and averaged 31.0% after 36 months.

    August Market Summary

    GLOBAL EQUITIES: Q2 earnings data kept Delta variant concerns at bay, initially reversing the S&P 500’s mid-week decline. However, despite US Q2 GDP posting above its pre-pandemic peak, it came in lower-than expected, leading the S&P 500 to end the week lower by -0.35%. Meanwhile, Chinese stocks saw significant volatility as investors grappled with Beijing’s tighter financial regulations. The MSCI China Index ended the week lower at -6.06%. In the UK, a drag in the mining sector and variant concerns left the FTSE 100 up only 0.10%.

    Mega Roth IRA: What It Is And How It Can Work For You!

    Roth IRAs have been a popular topic as of late. For a long time, it was an unspoken secret used by retirement planners. However, the IRS released guidance that specifically addressed both backdoors Roth IRA conversions, and the so-called Mega Roth IRA. As a result, it has gained even more traction and interest.

    Where Will Your Equity Profile Be in a Year?

    The market is disengaged from financial fundamentals and all reality. Remember December 2018when the market fell 20% (over three months) over a “potential” China trade war? And remember the big rally in 2019 – and you’re saying to yourself “If only I had bought back then!” Surprise! You're getting a second chance!

    What can we do for you with our houston-based Financial services?

    Explore the various services we employ to see how we can improve your money.

    plan

    Your plan is more than just money; it’s personalized for you. We are side-by-side with you every step of this process to guide and help you create a custom financial plan based on your specific goals.

    Retire

    Imagine a retirement plan tailored for you. Everyone has a different money situation. That’s why you deserve realistic and personalized retirement plan to support your future.

    Invest

    For what matters most in your future. Saving for your goals and redirect your money away from companies with harmful products, policies, and practices.

    protect

    You are the most important resource to the people who depend on you. Our plans  designed to help you protect your loved ones whether it’s a child, an aging parent, or even a business partner and find clarity in next steps

    Business coaching

    Businesses deserve the guidance of a professional who understands not only its needs, but also how the business can affect a person's personal financial situation and life goals.

    Coaching

    You are your most important resource. Our executive coaching is designed to help you reinvent your career, create balance at work, and find clarity in next steps.

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