May 2025 Newsletter

June 13, 2025
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Mark your Calendar

  • May 3 - Kentucky Derby
  • May 4 - Star Wars Day (May the 4th be with you)
  • May 5  - Cinco de Mayo
  • May 11 - Mother's Day
  • May 17 - Armed Forces Day
  • May 26 - Memorial Day (Federal Holiday)
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Charity of the Month

Verus Financial is excited to shine a charity spotlight on Avondale House during the month of May.

   

A diagnosis of autism can be very challenging for families. While Avondale House can provide services in many of these areas, there are other resources available to assist in providing appropriate services to individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism Fact Sheet

Autism Resources & Education for Families

Learn More!

   

Memorial Weekend Travel ideas for 2025

               

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For a meaningful Memorial Day trip in the USA in 2025, consider visiting Washington D.C. to explore the historical monuments and attend Memorial Day events, New York City for iconic landmarks and parades, Charleston, South Carolina for its historic charm, or Arlington National Cemetery for a solemn reflection on military service; depending on your interests, you could also explore options like San Diego beaches, the scenic landscapes of national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite, or cities like Philadelphia with rich American history.

Key points to consider:

  • Historical significance: Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Arlington National Cemetery offer profound historical sites to honor fallen soldiers.
  • Outdoor activities: If you prefer a more nature-focused trip, consider national parks like Yosemite, Grand Canyon, or Acadia.
  • Memorial Day events: Many cities host parades, ceremonies, and special events on Memorial Day weekend.
  • Beach getaways: For a relaxing option, consider coastal destinations like San Diego, Florida beaches, or Cape Cod.

Other potential Memorial Day trip destinations:

  • New Orleans, Louisiana: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant music scene.
  • Boston, Massachusetts: Explore the city's revolutionary history and Freedom Trail.
  • San Antonio, Texas: Visit the Alamo and experience Texan culture.
  • Denver, Colorado: Enjoy outdoor activities in the Rocky Mountains.
  • Savannah, Georgia: Explore the beautiful historic district with its Southern charm.  

   

   

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You can have fun with your mom on Mother's Day by going on a picnic, taking a class, or exploring nature.

Picnic: Pack a lunch of your mom's favorite foods and find a scenic spot to enjoy the meal

Take a class: Try a flower arranging class, Take a pottery class, and Try an at-home painting class.

Explore nature: Go on a hike, Go berry picking, and Go camping in the backyard.

Other activities

  • Have a wine tasting or tour a winery
  • Visit a spa
  • Organize a scavenger hunt
  • Serve breakfast in bed
  • Have afternoon tea
  • Make a keepsake memento
  • Help with chores
  • Watch a movie
  • Make a playlist
  • Bake something together

You can also try:

  • Visiting a museum
  • Planning a getaway
  • Going antiquing
  • Hosting a barbecue
  • Taking a fitness class
  • Doing a home decor project
  • Catching a show

   

Breakfast Tart With Pancetta

and Green Onions

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Prep Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 20 min

Serving: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

  • Butter, for the pan
  • Flour, for the pan
  • 1 9-inch unroll-and-bake refrigerated pie crust
  • 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 3 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 5 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded gruyere cheese  
  • 3 scallions, white and pale green parts, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Butter and flour the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Unroll the pie crust and gently press into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim any excess from the top.
  3. With the tines of a fork, prick the bottom of the pastry. Using a pastry brush, brush the crust with the beaten egg white. Put the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until the egg white has set. Let cool 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Whisk in the mascarpone, gruyere, scallions, salt, pepper and the pancetta. Pour into the cooled crust and bake for about 18 minutes, until the mixture has set and the top is golden.
  6. Cool the tart for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove from the pan. Cut the tart into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

More information on the Breakfast Tart and nutritional facts: Food Network

   

Only Finance Podcast is Live

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Visit the new Only Finance Podcast Site to catch up on the episodes. Do you have a topic and want to be a guest on the podcast? Email tlam@verusfinancial.us and let us know.

Please feel free to review link of our Privacy Policy, ADV 2A Brochure, 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!

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Verus Financial is an SEC registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only intended for a general audience.  The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed.  Verus has reasonable belief that this marketing does not include any false or material misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Verus has reasonable belief that the content as a whole will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Verus has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Past performance of information presented should  not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, nature and timing of the investments and relevant constraints of the investment. We may discuss and display charts, graphs, formulas and/or stock picks which are not intended to be used by themselves to determine which securities to buy or sell, or when to buy or sell them. Such charts and graphs offer limited information and should not be used on their own to make investment decisions. Consultation with a licensed financial professional is strongly suggested. Verus does not give tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the firm and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to change due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Adviser believes that the content provided by third parties and/or linked content is reasonably reliable and does not contain untrue statements of material fact, or misleading information.  This content may be dated.

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June 2025 Newsletter

June Insights - Ready for Summer!

May 2025 Newsletter

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April 2025 Newsletter

April 2025 Insights.

March 2025 Newsletter

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February 2025 Newsletter

February 2025 Newsletter

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.