Category Blogs I Follow

Thanks to L. K. Benson for sharing with us.

Investment Markets

Investment markets started the year much the same way they ended 2023. US Large-Cap Stocks led the way again with a 10.6% return in the quarter. Eeveloped market international stocks and US Small-Cap stocks were not far behind at 5.8% and 5.2%, respectively. Those three asset classes posted the strongest returns in 2023 as well. Growth stocks continued to outperform Value stocks, though the margin narrowed from last year. Volatility remained quite low in the markets, with the Volatility Index (VIX) at the lowest level since 2017. The S&P 500 made 22 all-time highs in the first quarter after not making any new all-time highs in 2023.

When markets start hitting all-time highs, many investors worry that they should get o...

Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros on getting organized.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

This old proverb means that if you sort out a problem immediately it may save a lot of extra work later.

I’m thinking about short cuts and hacks to getting organized and decluttered. If we can prevent clutter from starting, that sounds like a really great short cut — right?

Here are some ideas to get your decluttering enzymes going:

1. When you are tempted to buy the latest hot selling book, first go to Libby and order a digital sample. Another option is to go to Amazon and order a FREE SAMPLE to see if you even like what you are reading...

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on why you should grow peas.

Grow Peas

Spring is the time to plant peas! We are nearing the end of our pea-planting window, so if you want to grow them this year, get them in the ground soon. Sowing peas is very weather- and temperature-dependent. There’s a tradition of planting them on St. Patrick’s Day, which is not a bad guide, but obviously, if there’s snow on the ground that day, or it’s pouring rain or freezing cold, you might want to hold off.

Peas are very hardy, and since we’ve had a recent trend of warm...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about how regular gutter cleaning can boost property value.

While there are plenty of seasonal maintenance tasks that homeowners dread, gutters are near the top of the list. Cleaning the gutters can be messy, wet, and gross. That’s if you aren’t afraid of heights or standing on a ladder! However, cleaning the gutters is still critical. How can gutter cleaning help boost property value for your real estate clients?

Curb Appeal Matters

First impressions matter when it comes to selling a home. Clogged, overflowing gutters not only detract from the aesthetic appeal of a property but also signal possible neglect to potential buyers...

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on beetle pollinators.

As we mentioned in previous posts, when we think about pollinators, we tend to think of butterflies and bees. However, we rarely consider the super-important hoverflies or other groups of organisms. In today’s post, I want to tell you about another of those little-known pollinator groups. Let’s talk about beetles that act as pollinators!

Beetles: “hard-shelled” pollinators

From a taxonomic perspective, beetles are a group of insects that belong to the Order Coleoptera. Among other important characteristics, they are recognized by their extremely well-protected body, in particular by structures called “elytra...

Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros on organizing projects you can do now.

If I had $1 for every time I heard someone say they were going to tackle large decluttering/organizing projects on “the next snow day” — I’d have a whole lot of dollars!! 

We actually had a real snow day recently and I wondered who was able to actually tackle long awaited projects. I know that I didn’t have much to show on my snow day other than shoveling!

Before winter ends and before our spring gardeners are off and running, what “something” can you do NOW so that you:

1. feel more comfortable having friends or family over.
2. spend less time feeling guilty about what you “should” be doing.
3. feel proud of yourself.
4. create more peace in your home.

Just...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about problems house inspectors might not catch.

Chimneys are not just a way to create a comfortable and welcoming ambiance in a home, they are also a critical piece of the house that requires regular maintenance to avoid any safety issues. Home inspections are a common part of the buying and selling processes. Home inspectors do not have the same level of expertise in inspecting a chimney. Additionally, they don’t have the same tools as chimney inspectors. What are some of the common problems that they might miss?

Hidden Creosote Build-Up

Creosote buildup within chimneys is a significant concern and a potential fire hazard. However, it can be challenging to detect creosote accumulation without specialized tools...

Thanks to L. K. Benson for sharing with us.

Last January, in our 2022 market commentary, we talked about how the world will never stop surprising us. Yet, despite the surprising nature of the world, our desire to try to predict the future never stops. Every conversation we have about the markets includes a question about what we think will happen next. Usually, that question begins with “I know you can’t predict these things,” but we still can’t stop ourselves from asking for a prediction anyway!

This doesn’t just happen in the markets. In sports, people spend hours trying to predict who will win the next big game or the next championship. Every election year, there is endless commentary and polls trying to predict who will be elected...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about how to deal with animals in your chimney.

As the cozy winter season sets in, there’s nothing like the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire in the hearth. Unfortunately, sometimes unexpected guests like animals can decide to make your chimney their home. It’s easy to panic when you realize that there is wildlife living in your chimney, but there are a few things you can do to get rid of the problem without hurting yourself or the animals.

Why Are Animals Attracted to Chimneys?

Most animals who end up in chimneys are there because they want a safe place to stay. This is particularly common during the winter, as the weather can be cold and harsh outside...

Ground Beetles: How to Support These Garden Helpers During the Winter

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on composting and climate change.

Do you ever wonder where insects go during the winter? This year, as you snuggle up under a warm blanket to escape the winter cold, think about how you can help the beneficial insects in your garden do the same. The harsh conditions of the cold season can be challenging to deal with. However, some insects can benefit from habitats that provide them with shelter not only during the winter but all year round. Ground beetles are a great example of insects that can be a tremendous help in the garden. They also appreciate a good nook or cranny to hide out in while the weather is less than ideal. 

Ground bee...