Happy Friday, friends!

This week we have economic news, space exploration, and baseball in store for you. Plus, you’ll learn about Landon Buzzerd, one of our newest team members at Obsidian.

At the time of this writing, we are waiting to hear what the new Senate stimulus package will include. It will likely involve a second stimulus check, probably at $1,200 for individuals. The increased unemployment distribution is under discussion. Some want to maintain the $600 weekly and others wanting to decrease it to around $200 (and total jobless numbers are down for the eighth week in a row). The bill will also likely include the Payroll Protection Plan, provide aid to states, and fund coronavirus testing.

In a win for technology and space exploration, the United Arab Emirates launched the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission, the Al Amal Probe bound for Mars. Al Amal translates to Hope in English–something that we can never have too much of. The United States and China will also be embarking on Mars missions this year.

Finally, Major League Baseball had its opening day yesterday. We hope players and fans safely enjoy the return of one of America’s favorite pastimes, even in this shortened season.

Let’s hear from Landon; an intern turned full-time team member!

What do you do with Obsidian?

I started as an intern last summer and then came back over winter break, was fortunate that they asked me to come on as a full-time team member. My role includes a variety of things. Since I started full-time, I’ve been getting acclimated with many of the things going on, like money management. I work with Sean on the client portfolios. One of the main things I do is build internal procedures, so I spend a lot of time shadowing team members, either through screen sharing or in the office observing meetings.

I live in Pittsburgh now, so my role will mostly be remote. It’s nice to have that flexibility. I’ll come to the office a few days a month to have face-to-face interaction and check up on projects.

What did you study in school?

I was an economics major and a global poverty minor. I just picked that up as something to put on a resume, which turned out to be pretty interesting. The minor gave me a deepened worldwide perspective on how we contribute to the global economy and how different regions live and the challenges they face.

What is your life like outside of work?

Other than recently moving to Pittsburgh, I’m outside a lot. If it’s nice out, I’ll be outside. I love to hike, and golf but haven’t been able to get out recently. I love fishing, too. I’m starting to pick up some new hobbies just because there aren’t as many options. I’m a big sports fan, so lately, I’ve had to devote time elsewhere. I’ve been experimenting with cooking and have had some time to read. I like cooking a lot of Mexican food. I really enjoy it. I could eat tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas every night. The cheese might be what I like about it.

What have you been reading?

I read “Born to Win” by Zig Ziegler. My main genres are probably personal growth and finance because that’s what interests me. I need some broader exposure to something that’s not so strenuous on the mind.

Has COVID affected your life much?

I started June 1st, so COVID was well underway by then. I had to finish college online and didn’t get to have the in-person graduation. If that’s the worst thing that happens to me, I’m doing pretty well.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m working on getting some licensing. I’d like to be a certified financial planner and be more client-facing. That’s my three-year plan. It’s a 12 to 18-month course, and you have to meet industry specifications for work time, so it takes three years. I think being with Obsidian has been crucial. I didn’t know what I didn’t know until I got an opportunity last summer. Once I got to do some hands-on stuff, it took off from there. Being able to come back a year later as a full-time team member has been great.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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