Good Afternoon,

I hope you are doing well and staying safe and healthy. May has arrived. We started the week with Star Wars Day, celebrated Cinco de Mayo and are ending with Mother’s Day.

There is not a lot to report in the news this week, which has been nice for a change. The biggest headline is that after 27 years of marriage, power-couple Bill and Melinda Gates are divorcing. Although their marriage is ending, their foundation is said to have no changes and they will both remain as co-chairs and trustees. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a non-profit organization fighting poverty, disease and inequity around the world.

It’s been quite the seesaw week in the equity markets. Since last Friday’s close, the Nasdaq fell 2.5%, the Dow rose 2%, and the S&P 500 hovered slightly up 0.4%. This earnings season continues to reflect an optimistic sign for the markets and the economy as a significant majority of companies are beating estimates and posting rosier outlooks. In fact, as of last Friday, 86% of companies that have already reported are reporting earnings above estimates. However, the share price reactions have been lackluster in comparison to the impressive earnings season. Nevertheless, more recent economic data seems to be following these signs of optimism (and rightfully so). Manufacturing and service sector indexes are still reflecting strong economic growth figures, albeit at a slightly slower pace due to supply shortages relative to increasing consumer demand. Tomorrow, we have the April jobs reports and expectations coming into it are looking favorable.

Mother’s Day began in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Ann taught local women how to properly care for their children. Anna Jarvis created Mother’s Day, after her mother’s death in 1905, as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. By 1912, many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. It has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending.

Being a mother is my greatest joy and accomplishment. The past 28 years have been filled with laughter and love. My heart is full because of my three sons, Corey, Cole, and Chance; and can’t forget Sammy.

We had such a great Medicare webinar with the team from Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) last week and hope that all who attended found it informative. Unfortunately, we were unable to record the session due to the complexities and ever-changing aspects of Medicare. Our team compiled a page on our website with an overview of the information discussed and helpful links to the most up to date information on Medicare. Click here to view this page.

I wish all the mothers out there a Happy Healthy Mother’s Day. Please call our office if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, our number is (888) 253-0288.

Warmest Regards,

Rhonda Ducote
President