I’m always excited about the possibilities and opportunities a new year promises to bring, but I also like to look back and reflect on the year that has passed. In 2023, there were many special things for me and some of my beloved family members to enjoy and celebrate.
The economy in 2023 was resilient. The unemployment rate is currently 3.9%, marking 21 consecutive months below 4%. An average of 239,000 new jobs per month were created in 2023 and the economy grew by a whopping 4.9% in the third quarter. Inflation is currently at 3.7%, which is down from its peak of 8.2% in April 2022.
For most parents, one of life’s saddest moments is when their child discovers the truth about Santa Claus.
He doesn’t build toys, bake cookies or fly through the night delivering toys around the world, but he is one of Santa’s cutest helpers. For a few days every December, Santa Dog greets shoppers at the Bueche’s Food World in Flushing, collecting donations for the Humane Society of Genesee County. In his 40 years on the job, he’s raised an estimated $450,000!
For our final article of 2023, Team SHIFT wants to start by expressing gratitude. We are grateful for the opportunity to share a little bit of our unique style knowledge with OUR city and My City readers, including seasonal trends, fabulous upcoming things to look for, best color pairings and so much more! We are grateful for our SHIFT shoppers, new and seasoned, and grateful that you are ready to SHIFT your vibe to positivity when reading MCM.
New Year’s Eve, also known as Old Year’s Day or St. Sylvester’s Day in other countries, is always celebrated on December 31. (This year the date reads numerically as 123123! I found that to be an interesting tidbit of information.) The last day of the year is celebrated many different ways – from elegant parties with plenty of dancing, good food and champagne toasts – to a cozy evening at home with family and friends playing board games and waiting for the ball to drop.
In recent years, the world has witnessed a notable shift away from globalization and heading toward a new era of deglobalization. This trend, marked by the retreat from international cooperation, trade tensions and increasing protectionism has significant implications for global investments. This is very different from the past 30 years when production of goods was intertwined between different countries with minor conflicts worldwide. In this article, we will explore how deglobalization is affecting investments and what investors should consider in this evolving landscape.
In early November we found ourselves, once again, in the car on our way toward another mini-adventure. Because my fiancé is a recent transplant to Texas from Michigan, I feel a tremendous duty to familiarize him with his new home. The only problem is that Texas is gigantic and there are lots of places to see. Add in a five-year-old boy who doesn’t like all of the same vacation activities that two adults prefer … and you have a scheduling nightmare that is almost guaranteed to leave someone less than enthused.
Investing is often hailed as the key to financial success and independence. However, the age-old debate between passive and active investing strategies continues to baffle many aspiring investors. In this article, we’ll demystify the difference between passive and active investing, shedding light on the pros and cons of each approach to help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
Sometimes, the best kind of adventures are the ones you didn’t even know existed. A little off the beaten path, a little unfamiliar, but so worthwhile once you get there.
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 and honors all members of the Armed Forces who have valiantly served, fighting to protect us and keep our country safe. Veterans gave their time and risked their lives for you and me. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was first celebrated in 1921. In 1954, on November 11 at 11:11am, the U.S., France and England each buried an “unknown soldier” in honor of those who died in World War I. The time and day were picked because fighting ceased in World War I in 1918 on November 11 at 11:11.
