I have been on a working holiday visiting family in Crescent city, Ca.
It is a an interesting coastal town famous for its Redwood trees. And deservedly so, they are incredible reminders of nature's wonders and if you allow, serve as pretty good proof of God's existence as Creator supreme. I suppose that may not meet with everyone's opinion but try a little humility and at least second guess the accidental creation theories.
My visit was to my Nephew and his family who 3 weeks ago had a new baby son. Miguel Antonio Marier. Ole'. My nephew Michael obviously has a penchant for the Spanish language. I was also to see my grand niece Simone who has blossomed into a beautiful young lady and now even playing the trumpet. Her 8 year old brother Elysian charmed me with his terrific energy, intellect, wit and humor. My brother Doug and his wife Mary were the grandparents who started this branch of our family tree and frankly they are the biggest part of the tree with 15 grandkids. The Marier name lives on due to their progeny.
If one accepts it, this area offers a spiritual renewal serving up a good euphemism for life itself…rough rocky coast, endless horizons, magnificent creations of nature, it's all here. I met some new people especially Rayma, my nephews spouse. She is so easy to like and was so generous in being thoughtful to me and allowing the visit so soon after giving birth. I hope it is the first of many visits.
I will update this posting with a few pics once I get them off of my phone.
I usually do not get into family matters but this was such a wonderful respite that I had to memorialize it.
Tax season continued while I traveled and I am happy to report that all but a few made it on time. The wild ride in the markets might be calming down but Trump isn't done roiling it. A recession still looms and inflation though cooling is not done taking away purchasing power. The Tariffs continue to be a big news item and they will hit consumer prices soon enough. Though increasing prices in a one time hit, I do not think they are inflationary in and of themselves. But that one time does raise the floor on prices so what's the difference right? The big difference is that Tariffs are nor currency debasing. Of course we have some big money printing coming soon and that IS inflationary. I have to deeply sigh here, because I just do not see any way to avoid the continued debasement of the USD. Lifestyles change when purchasing power gets reduced and few have seen anything like what is baked in. It will hurt the poor as always, the middle class if there are any, but the wealthy don't really feel it. Wealth insulates those who have it from many of life's ill effects. Whatever may come of the future, the uneven wealth divide must get seriously worked on. That 1 or even 10% have the majority of wealth is not sustainable. Such income disparities have sharpened many a guillotine blades. Ouch!
OK, thank you for indulging my family report. If the tax bill gets done we will enjoy permanent tax reductions as Trump put in place. Tariffs are taxes and might raise some cash to replace lost revenue but that is not guaranteed. I say that because like with inflation people may simply avoid buying the tariffed items and seek alternatives. Look out below, lifestyles are about to take a dive.
I am still optimistic so don't take my points to mean otherwise. Just remain aware of what is the road ahead and plan to avoid it.
Best,
Donn Marier
DM-Your Own CFO