A Sixth-Grade March Madness Memory

The Kris Jenkins Buzzer-Beater

Why March Madness Stays With Us

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The Ritual Makes You Slow Down

It starts with the ritual. Picking out a cigar, noticing the wrapper, and giving it a light squeeze to check the firmness. Cutting it clean. Taking a moment before lighting it. There’s something about that process that forces you to slow down. In a world where everything moves fast, a cigar doesn’t. You can’t rush it. And that’s the point.

Then there’s the taste. Different wrappers, different sizes, different blends, they all bring something unique. Some are bold and peppery. Some are smooth and creamy. Some change completely from the first third to the last. I enjoy paying attention to those shifts. It’s not about overanalyzing every note. It’s just about being present enough to notice.

The Best Part Is the Conversation

But if I’m being honest, the cigar itself is only part of it.

Some of my best conversations have happened with a cigar in hand. Sitting in the lounge at Cigars Unlimited. Catching up with friends. Talking business. Talking sports. Talking about nothing important at all. A cigar creates space for connection. You’re there for an hour or more. Phones go down. Real conversations happen.

I’ve also enjoyed cigars with family, celebrating milestones, birthdays, or just being together. Those moments stick with you. Years later, you might not remember the exact cigar, but you’ll remember who you were with and what you were talking about.

Why It Matters to Me

For me, cigars are about slowing down, being intentional, and sharing time with people who matter. The taste is great. The relaxation is real. But the company, that’s what makes it meaningful.

February 2026

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LPL highlights several keys for markets in 2025, covering the U.S. economy, stocks, and bonds. Then they broaden a preview and tease some other factors investors will want to consider when thinking about investing in 2026.

Please check out the LPL Forecast by clicking here.

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The Many Faces of Thanksgiving

For some, Thanksgiving is football—the yearly ritual of early meals, couches, more food, and pretending not to doze off during the 4 pm game. For others, it’s the feast: that first slice of pie, the smell of stuffing in the oven. And then there are those who cherish the stillness—the chance to slow down and enjoy the company.

A Season for Reflection

Maybe Thanksgiving is all of those things at once: the chaos in the kitchen, the desserts that only appear once a year, the familiar faces, and the stories that get retold whether we like it or not.

Intentional Gratitude

As the holiday approaches, take a moment to think about what makes Thanksgiving special to you. Is it a flavor? A moment? A game? A tradition? A person you can’t wait to see—or someone you’ll be missing but remembering with gratitude?

Whatever it is, let that be your intention going into the season. Celebrate it. Share it. And be Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 2025

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Let’s talk stats for a moment.

The average IKEA dresser has more parts than some small cars. A six-drawer MALM? Roughly 200 individual pieces. Directions? A 30-page manual that replaces words with cryptic cartoons of a smiley stick figure pointing at planks of wood. And while IKEA insists its “wordless directions” are meant to simplify things, in practice, they often lead to intense family debates about whether panel A is supposed to face up, down, or diagonally.

Studies have shown that IKEA furniture assembly can take the average person two to three times longer than they anticipate.

In fact, some consumer reports rank IKEA among the most difficult DIY projects, right up there with installing a ceiling fan or assembling a grill. It’s not just the number of parts, but the precision. Miss one step early on, and by drawer five, you’ve built a slightly lopsided monument to poor decisions.

And yet, I keep coming back.

Maybe it’s the affordable prices. Maybe it’s the sense of triumph when the last drawer slides into place and, for a fleeting moment, I feel like an accomplished craftsman. But mostly, it’s the IKEA paradox: the more painful the process, the prouder I am of the result.

October 2025

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That leaves me with golf—the one sport where the only real danger seems to be sunburn.

This season, I’ve been lucky to spend much more time on the course with my nephews and a few good friends, who are all much too patient with my unique definition of “par.” And I’ve taken lessons at BQ Golf Academy in Conshohocken, where I’m learning that there’s a lot more to the game than just grip it and rip it. Turns out there’s actual technique, balance, and rhythm involved—who knew?

Now, let’s be clear: breaking 100 is still on my “to-do” list.

I’ve come close, but golf has a way of humbling you just when you think you’re getting the hang of it. One hole you’re Arnold Palmer, the next you’re just searching for your ball in the woods, wondering how life got you there. Still, I’ve discovered that it’s not just about the scorecard—it’s about enjoying the walk, the sunshine, and the occasional miracle shot that keeps you coming back.

For me, golf has become a new way to stay active, laugh at myself, and enjoy time outside.

And if any of my clients are golfers too—whether you’re seasoned or just starting out—I’m always game to get out there for a round. Bonus points if you’re willing to share free lessons, free tips, or even just a free mulligan.

September 2025

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We started 2025 on a high note, though acknowledged “no market environment is ever permanent, and that change is always potentially around the corner.”

Please check out the LPL Mid-Year Outlook by clicking below.

Client Report

Executive Summary

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One of the best parts of summer is the music. There’s something about being outside on a warm evening, surrounded by good people and live music that just feels right. This summer, my wife and I made a point to soak in as much of it as we could — and it’s been unforgettable.

We kicked things off with a stunning performance by Cynthia Erivo at the Mann Center, where she performed alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra. 

Her voice is powerful and emotional, and hearing it backed by a world-class orchestra took things to another level. It was one of those nights that reminded us how lucky we are to have access to such a great music venue in Philly.

Not long after, we found ourselves at the Dell Music Center for a night with Anthony Hamilton. That show had soul. The energy in the crowd was infectious, and Hamilton had everyone swaying, clapping, and singing along. 

And the music isn’t stopping anytime soon.

We’ll be seeing Maroon 5 at the Boenning & LPL Financial annual conference in just a few weeks. It’s not every day that work and fun overlap so perfectly. 

Concerts have a way of bringing people together — whether it’s in a symphony hall, an open-air amphitheater, or a music center tucked into a local neighborhood. They’re little reminders to pause, enjoy, and connect. I’m grateful we’ve had the chance to do just that this summer.

P.S. My wife also had the chance to see Beyoncé with her girlfriends earlier this summer — and yes, she still hasn’t stopped talking about it.

August 2025

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My family has made LBI our Independence Day tradition since I was a kid.

Year after year, we relax by the water, fire up the grill, and make memories that feel both nostalgic and brand new. There’s something about the salty breeze and sound of the water that brings everything into perspective.

The island comes alive on the Fourth.

Mornings usually kick off with a boat ride or a donut run—Marvel’s donuts are 10/10. Days are spent soaking in the sun, jumping in the lagoon, and playing beach games with family and friends. There’s no shortage of energy, laughter, or SPF.

As the sun starts to set, the anticipation builds.

Fireworks light up the sky from Beach Haven to Barnegat Light. It’s one of those rare moments when the entire island seems to pause and celebrate together. Whether you’re sitting on the sand or on a rooftop deck, the view is unforgettable.

For me, the Fourth of July on LBI isn’t just a holiday—it’s a tradition rooted in family, freedom, and that timeless feeling of summer.

It’s where I reconnect with the people I love most and the place that always feels like home.

July 2025

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This year, Easter brunch was extra special for my wife and me—it was our first time hosting for Easter…And if you know anything about our family, you know that “hosting” means preparing for a crowd.

We’ve got a big, loving family. So when we extended the invite, we knew we weren’t just setting the table for a few—it was more like setting up base camp. But honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Cooking for a large group definitely had its moments. 

At one point, our kitchen looked like a scene from a cooking competition show—cutting boards everywhere, trays of food lining every surface, and the oven working overtime. But the end result? A spread we were proud of. We had crispy chicken cutlets, a baked ham, fresh salads, roasted veggies, and more desserts than anyone needed (but somehow still disappeared by the end of the day).

As we looked around the room—family filling every chair, laughing, telling stories, younger kids darting around with Easter eggs—it hit us: this is exactly why we love to host.

It’s not about having the perfect table setting or gourmet recipes (though those cutlets did come out pretty great). It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, relaxed, and at home.

We’re grateful to have a house that allows us to bring people together. Moments like Easter remind us that the heart of any home is the people in it, and on that Sunday, ours was full in every sense of the word.

Looking forward to many more gatherings, meals, and memories with family and friends.

June 2025

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