‍

Mark your Calendar

• September 1 - Labor Day - Federal Holiday/Markets closed
• September 5 - International Day of Charity
• September 11 - Patriot Day
• September 22 - Fall Begins
• September 29 - National Coffee Day

Charity of the Month

Verus Financial is excited to shine a charity spotlight on Ronald McDonald House Houston volunteer opportunities.

🎭 Boo Ball – A Night of Costumes & Compassion

Join Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston for their annual Boo Ball on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Hilton Americas–Houston. This glamorous costume gala blends fun and fundraising to support families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at the Texas Medical Center.

Enjoy a red carpet arrival, dinner, cocktails, dancing, auctions, and themed entertainment—all while making a real impact. Last year’s event raised over $1 million to help provide a home-away-from-home for families in need.

Tickets start at $500; tables available from $5,000.
More details at rmhchouston.org.

Learn More!

What Your Parents Want You To Know About Money In College

College is a time of immense freedom and new experiences, but with that freedom comes a new level of financial responsibility. It's the first time many of us are truly on our own, making our own decisions about spending, saving, and earning. And while your parents might not be on campus with you, their advice on money is probably some of the most valuable you'll ever get. Here are a few things they want you to keep in mind:
1. Embrace Frugality, Find Fun
Whether your parents are financial wizards or learning right along with you, college is your chance to take charge of your money. Even if you're lucky enough to have them footing the bill, don't squander this opportunity. Learn to be frugal and find ways to have a great time without spending a lot of money. The most memorable moments often aren't tied to expensive concerts or trips, but to late-night talks in the dorm or cheap pizza with friends. Frugality isn't about deprivation; it's about creativity and making the most of what you have.
2. Work All the Jobs to Find Your Calling
Whether it's a part-time gig at the campus library, a summer job waiting tables, or an internship in your field, work every job you can. Not just to earn money, but to figure out what you enjoy and what you don't. You'll also want to find ways to grow and make money on your own, whether it's through freelancing, a side hustle, or exploring different earning opportunities. Each job is a chance to learn new skills, meet new people, and discover what you'll love—or hate—in a future career. This process of elimination is key to finding the right path for you.
3. "Once-in-a-Lifetime" is a Gimmick
Don't let the fear of missing out (FOMO) trick you into taking on debt. Your parents have been around long enough to know that the opportunities you think you'll never have again will come around in a different form. A spring break trip to an expensive resort can be a fun memory, but taking out a student loan or racking up credit card debt for it is simply not worth it. The interest payments can last for years, shackling you to a financial burden long after the memory has faded. The best opportunities will always be there, and you'll be in a much better position to take them on when you're not burdened by debt.
4. Keep Your Savings Liquid
Your parents probably remember a time when money was saved in a simple savings account. Now, they'll tell you to look at a money market or a brokerage account. These accounts can offer better returns while still keeping your money easily accessible for an emergency or a sudden opportunity. The key here is not to lock up your savings in tax-advantaged accounts or things like CDs that have penalties and commitments in terms of time. The goal is to have your money work for you, even in small ways, so it's there when you need it.
5. Take the Job You Want, Not the Job That Pays the Most
This is probably the most important piece of advice your parents will give you. It's a cliché for a reason: A career you love is worth more than a paycheck you don't. They want you to take a job that will advance your skills toward what you truly aspire to do. They know that if you follow your passion, the money will follow. The extra $5,000 a year from a job you hate is a small price to pay for a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment.

Pickle Cheeseburger Bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serving: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. ketchup
• 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 4 slices American cheese
• 28 dill pickle chips
• 14 slices plum tomatoes
• 14 small lettuce leaves

Directions

1. Shape the ground beef into 1½-inch patties (about 14) and sprinkle with the salt.
2. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and mayonnaise.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, cook the patties 2 minutes per side, topping each with a small slice of American cheese after flipping.
4. Thread the patties onto skewers with the dill pickle chips, sliced plum tomato and lettuce. Serve with the ketchup-mayonnaise mixture.

More information and food substitutions, visit Pioneer Woman

Top 8 U.S. Fall Travel Picks for 2025

1. New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire)
   Few places capture the magic of fall like New England. Brilliant foliage blankets rolling hills, charming villages invite you to linger, and scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway provide postcard-worthy views at every turn.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA & NC
   Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this 469-mile route offers unmatched mountain scenery. In autumn, the Smoky Mountains burst into shades of red, gold, and orange, making it a dream for photographers and road trip lovers.
3. Hudson Valley, NY
   Just a short drive from New York City, the Hudson Valley combines vibrant fall colors with history, art, and farm-to-table dining. Explore charming river towns, hike scenic trails, and enjoy apple orchards in peak season.
4. Acadia National Park, ME
   Where the mountains meet the sea, Acadia offers a unique fall experience. Enjoy crisp ocean breezes, colorful foliage reflected in still lakes, and rugged coastal hiking trails for every skill level.
5. Yosemite National Park, CA
   Autumn in Yosemite means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and breathtaking scenery—from granite cliffs like El Capitan to peaceful groves of giant sequoias framed by golden leaves.
6. Zion National Park, UT
   The contrast of fiery red canyon walls against pockets of yellow cottonwood trees creates a stunning fall palette. Iconic hikes like The Narrows and Angels Landing are even more enjoyable in cooler weather.
7. Asheville, NC
   Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville blends vibrant culture with natural beauty. The city offers an eclectic arts scene, award-winning breweries, and easy access to scenic drives and hiking trails lined with colorful foliage.
8. Sedona, AZ
   Known for its dramatic red rock formations, Sedona glows even more in the soft light of fall. Warm days and cool nights make it ideal for hiking, while the surrounding landscapes offer a peaceful, almost spiritual escape.

🎧 Catch Up on the OnlyFinance Podcast
Missed an episode? Now’s the perfect time to tune in and get up to speed on all our latest conversations, insights, and tips.

📲 Listen anytime —

https://www.onlyfinancepodcast.com/

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!

Click Here to Schedule an Appointment!

‍

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.