Hi friends!

This week, we’ll talk about how sometimes good news can be bad news. Then, now that you’ve got some soup recipes to try, it’s time to move one step further into cozy season and get into the weighted blanket world.

We’re experiencing a bit of a paradox in reporting this week’s economic update, when we say that “Good news is bad news.” You may be wondering what that means! We have a very strong job market currently, with record low unemployment rates. Good news, right? It depends on who you ask. A strong job market with higher wages, typically promotes inflation. Inflation is what the Fed has been fighting for months now by raising interest rates at the fastest pace since the 1980’s. In normal times, a strong job market and rising wages would be considered a good thing.  But these days they are exactly what the US economy does not need. So, it depends on which lens you are looking through.

Currently, investors find themselves frustrated as last Friday’s jobs report may indicate that the Fed likely will raise rates again which is seen as unfavorable for the stock market. This is a conundrum that has many people confused about what’s best.

We’ll just have to wait and see how recent Fed policy affects inflation and the markets.

Of course, our expert team of financial professionals here at Obsidian is always happy to answer any questions or to discuss your concerns. We’re always just a phone call or an email away.

All right friends, let’s get lightly smushed by weighted blankets and hibernate til spring, shall we? Weighted blankets provide nice, full-body pressure that can help ease anxiety.

We’ve got a few well-reviewed ones here for you to consider, and if you have one you love that’s not on the list, let us know! (We should say that most weighted blankets are not suitable for children and none are safe for animals, so if you’ve got a small under-the-blankies snuggler in your life, make sure they’re not under the weighted blanket.)

• Forbes’s best overall is the Gravity Blanket, which comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and weights. The quilted style of it keeps the weighted beads in place, and the fabric is a delightful premium plush.
• Hot sleeper? We feel you. The Aricove Cooling Weighted Blanket is made of silky-soft bamboo so it’s nice and breathable. You can machine wash it, and it comes with its own duffel bag for travel time.
• Okay, here’s one exception to the not-for-kids rule: this extra-light Baloo weighted blanket for children or for adults who just want something a little lighter. It comes in cute colors and can help the kiddos have a more restful nap or night. Even with this one, don’t let pets sleep under it.

That’s it for us this week. Take a nap any chance you get, and we’ll be back in your inboxes next Friday.

How We Help

Pat has been working this week on helping a family that owns real estate put a family governance plan in place to best manage their finances and set up a solid estate plan. The plan will also help the family keep generational wealth going and keep that money in the family. Does your family have this kind of structure in place? If not, let us know–we can get you squared away.

Advisory Services offered through Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, LLC. Securities are offered through Triad Advisors, member ​FINRA/SIPC.​ Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, LLC, and Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, Inc, are not affiliated with Triad Advisors.