August Vibes Only 🌊

In the blink of an eye, August is here! As we enter the final days of summer, many of us are looking for opportunities to escape the heat and squeeze in one last vacation before Labor Day. If you’re looking for an epic getaway, check out this list from Conde Nast of 10 ideal places to visit in August. From watching animal migrations in Kenya to visiting the Minnesota State Fair to an expedition in northern Quebec, this list has something for everyone to enjoy.

Bonjour, Paris! The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics are in full swing, featuring athletes from 206 countries competing in 32 sports for a spot on the medal stand. This Olympics will also be the first time there will be an even split of 50% men and 50% women competing. One new sport making its Olympic debut this year is “breaking” – an urban dance style with roots in hip-hop. Other newer events you may have missed in recent years are sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, which all debuted at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Are you watching the Olympics? Let us know your favorite moments – we’d love to hear from you!

Do you love to read? If yes, August 9th is your day! Book Lover’s Day celebrates those who love to read. Share your love of reading with younger folks by reading your favorite childhood books to a loved one or recording yourself reading them. Or consider starting or joining a book club (if you’re not already a part of one). Reach out to your local library or check out Silent Book Club to find a group meeting near you.

About 70% of the U.S.’s public school students will return to the classroom by the end of this month, meaning the back-to-school shopping season is in full swing. Purchasing new items such as school supplies, clothing, and electronic devices can add up quickly, causing financial strain on families. Here are some tips to help you cut costs and stay within budget:

• Start early so you have time to research your options and take advantage of sales and discounts as they happen. Waiting until the last minute can limit your options, causing you to pay more.
• Before hitting the store, take inventory of any supplies you already have at home from previous school years and reuse what you can.
• Don’t feel pressured to buy everything on your list before the first day of school. Reach out to the teacher to find out which items are needed right away, and which can wait. Most retailers will offer discounts on school supplies after Labor Day.
• Look into refurbished electronics from reputable sellers like Amazon and Best Buy rather than splurging on new devices.

If you don’t have school-aged children but want to help lessen the burden on families and teachers, look for local opportunities to donate school supplies. Many organizations collect donations of standard supplies such as crayons, pens, and notebook paper and provide them to schools in need.

As summer starts to wind down, we hope you had a fantastic season filled with laughter and making new memories with loved ones and friends. If you have any questions or anything you’d like to discuss, feel free to reach out to our office. We’re always here for you. Stay cool and enjoy the rest of your summer!