Hopeful Followers,

As beautiful days begin to frequent themselves in many parts of the world, it is a reminder that seasons come and change as do we in our life and especially our grief journey. May we see that in our journey, we can continue to grow and help others.

 Ever hopeful,

Carolyn

This Month’s Financial Tip

Budgeting and Tariffs

TIP: Please review your personal expenses and consider adding an additional 25-30% more to your budget to prepare for likely higher prices on everything.

Did you know that 80% of avocados that we Americans love, come from Mexico?

If you need or want help with your budgets, please reach out, we have worksheets that can help.

941-841-6564 OR email me at [email protected]

Tariffs, Tariffs, Tariffs - What does it mean?

We have much news these days about tariffs. How do they impact us as Americans? Instead of giving a client example this month, I thought discussing how tariffs can help and hurt us.

I have a lemonade stand. I make my own lemonade and charge $1/cup. I decide that I will go to the next town over and buy ready made lemonade and import it to my town. My town decides anything bought from adjacent towns will impose a 30% tariff or tax. My lemonade cost $.80/cup to buy from the adjacent town but with a 30% tariff, my lemonade charge is now $1.10/cup. The goal is to support the local business.

So, I will keep making lemonade and not shop in the next town. What if I do not have lemons available in my town and I must go to the next town and buy lemonade – I will have to pay higher prices and pass those prices onto my customers.

If you want to understand how Tariffs can affect you and your budget, please call me at 941-841-6564 or email me at [email protected]

Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

It may cost more to do Spring Cleaning this year due to the Tariffs.

Articles Worth Reading

Historical novels are my favorite genre for book reading. A favorite author is Geraldine Brooks – she made a lot of news last year with her book HORSE – Geraldine was widowed 3 years ago and she has written a book about her husband’s sudden death and her response.

It is a classic that many of us can relate to. It is MEMORIAL DAYS.

If something you read today made you think of another friend or family member, share this newsletter with them

This Month’s Recipe

It’s Guacamole time!

Ingredients

3 ripe avocadoes
1-2 small Roma tomatoes, diced
1 small lime (2 tablespoons)
1-2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 small jalapeňo (optional)

Directions

1 • Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop out flesh into a bowl.
2 • Mash gently until you get your desired consistency (chucky or smooth).
3 • Add lime juice and salt; mix gently.
4 • Stir in onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeňo, and garlic (if using).
5 • Taste and adjust salt and lime juice as needed.
6 • Serve immediately, or press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning.
7 • Options: Add 1 finely chopped mango. For high protein, use 2 avocados, add ½ cup plain Greek yogurt and/or 1 finely chopped boiled egg.
8 • Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.