It is easy to wax nostalgic this time of year. I walk through the Halloween aisles in stores, amazed by how intricate some of the costumes are. They are so realistic, I can hear my inner child screaming with envy, especially if I am looking at a princess costume. Back in 1974, all I wanted to do was put on a long, silky gown and tiara and go door to door howling “trick or treat.” Of course, back then I had to settle for a polyester jumper with a gown painted on it and a plastic mask with a built-in tiara.
A 2024 poll by Navigator Research found that 57% of respondents blamed “greedy landlords who are jacking up rents” for the high cost of rent. This belief is misguided. Blaming landlords for rent is like blaming the weatherman for a heatwave. It is not possible for landlords to get together and collectively decide to “jack up rents.” Rent, like any price, is set by supply and demand. If landlords try to increase rent above the market price, a surplus of apartments will result, meaning apartments will go unrented, which will push rent back down.
Managing portfolios and building financial plans has been my focus for nearly 15 years. A recurring concern I hear from clients is the perceived “risk” of the stock market—often amplified by dramatic headlines and personal experience during downturns.
Austin is a special place. In general, yes—but especially to me. It was my first landing after leaving Michigan, my introduction to life outside the mitten. And it was spectacular.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Michigan transitions from September’s Indian summer to the vibrant hues and bustling energy of fall. It’s a season that uniquely blends the excitement of back-to-school, the thrill of football Saturdays, Halloween parties, apple orchard corn mazes, and the breathtaking beauty of autumn leaves—each inspiring a distinctive yet cohesive fashion vibe that captures the spirit of Michigan in the fall.
“Hope” is a word often thrown around—from political campaigns to advertisements promising to satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. Every person longs for hope. It’s what drives us to face each new day. Without hope, we are lost.
After a long, sweltering summer, the crisp promise of fall feels like a welcome reprieve. Cooler evenings, golden leaves, an abundant harvest of delicious foods — and of course, a fresh start for your wardrobe. As we celebrate the dedication of first responders in this issue, it’s only fitting to take a page from their book and get prepared — this time, for the stylish season ahead.
I never really understood what people meant by having an “out-of-body experience” — until one winter day in early 2022.
There’s something undeniably special about September in mid-Michigan. As summer fades into fall, the region transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color, culture, and crisp autumn air. The sweltering heat of July and August gives way to comfortably cool temperatures, making it one of the most enjoyable times of the year to explore everything the area has to offer. From outdoor festivals and fall colors to harvest-season activities and high school football, September is a month that perfectly blends relaxation and excitement.
Imagine going to your job each day not knowing what challenges and tasks await you. Then, coming back to work the next day will likely be totally different for you.
