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Notes From The Field
July 2025
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This year marks 249 years since the Founding Fathers wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence. We often look to that time and those words as beacons of hope for freedom, but when we contextualize both, we find the great weight of responsibility that those men took on. Centuries later, we celebrate their success with barbecues, parties, and fireworks, grateful to have the freedom they dreamt of. Freedom Is ...
But what is that freedom? What does it mean to be truly free?
To answer this, I consider the times when freedom has been defined by showing the places where it is not yet realized. I think of the many times in American History where men and women have fought against the systems and people that oppressed them and won. The Revolutionary War, Juneteenth, the 15th and 19th Amendments, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and so many more. In many ways, freedom reveals itself not in self-reliance and leisure, but as an unrealized belief that all people are created equal and deserving of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, went before the Supreme Court in 1841 after serving his term to argue on behalf of the African men who, having been taken captive by Spanish slave traders, liberated themselves onboard the Amistad. In this landmark case, Adams argued that the actions of these men paralleled our own Founding Fathers in their pursuit of freedom. He spoke earnestly about justice and every person’s right to themselves. His argument ensured that the court honored the freedom those men fought for, and in the end, those men were able to return home. In his 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Frederick Douglass said this: “Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me.” Considered one of the great orators of his time, Douglass poignantly highlighted the hypocrisy of celebrating that “all men are created equal” while many men and women remained enslaved and oppressed. This act of calling out discrepancies in the words and deeds of a nation that boasts freedom was and is imperative to seeing our ideals realized at every moment.
Freedom is not something given; it is something we take up and live into each day. It comes with responsibility to yourself, your family, and your community. Freedom is not for the individual; it is for the collective. If you choose to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, I encourage you to consider the ways you can help actualize freedom in your life and for the people in your community. Honor the men and women who have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of freedom by taking up the mantle. It is good to celebrate all that has brought us to this moment, and it is our responsibility to ensure freedom is secured for all, regardless of circumstance, background, or belief.
Let freedom ring.
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Moves Beyond Today’s Money SECURE STEPS TO A SAFE RETIREMENT
There’s often more to retirement planning than meets the eye, especially regarding taxes.
to provide to your heirs. However, prepare for the likelihood that putting too much money into a Roth conversion may lead you toward a higher tax bracket once retirement comes, so careful planning with professional assistance is advised. With taxes expected to rise in 2026 and beyond, it’s also prudent to work with a financial planner to implement strategies to reduce your financial obligations in retirement, including the amount taxed on your Social Security benefits. A Plan for Health Care Hurdles Unfortunately, reaching retirement age often means experiencing new health issues that could substantially impact your income. It is critical to consider how any changes to your retirement income may affect Medicare premiums or increase the chance of incurring penalties. Charting a financially secure future takes skill, focus, and tremendous care. What may work for someone else financially may not be the best solution for you. Consult a financial professional before implementing any plan that could drastically alter your comfort and security.
Although many people believe saving money for their golden years is the primary path to a secure retirement, tax planning and health care considerations play significant roles in the strength of one’s later years and subsequent legacy. Here are two essential aspects of proper retirement and estate planning that many often overlook. The Right Financial Tune-Up Time Frame The most significant risk to successful estate and retirement planning is not starting the process early enough. To ensure the smoothest transition possible, experts recommend engaging in tax planning no later than five years before you intend to retire. Getting a lengthy headstart will enable you to determine ways to make pretax funds work for you in tax-advantaged accounts. If you anticipate reaching a higher tax bracket in retirement, converting to a Roth IRA — in which you can grow post-tax funds toward your retirement and withdraw them tax-free after you reach 59.5 years old and have had the account for five years — may be a viable option to protect yourself and what you intend
SHOOT FOR
unknown? Kennedy’s speech hints at the human element required and leaves us amazed. What we see in these words is the declaration of a future reality that the speaker has not haphazardly imagined, but rather is wholeheartedly invested in. It was not JFK alone who got us to the moon; sadly, he was killed before this vision came to fruition. But THE MOON these words mark a new chapter in the story of the Space Race for Americans as it reignited our passion and determination.
On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 successfully landed on the moon. This “giant leap for mankind” has stood as a beacon for what humanity can accomplish when we set our task before us and commit to it. As we celebrate 46 years since the Moon landing, it’s worth taking time to consider what we can learn from the momentous journey that got us there.
Consider Kennedy’s speech: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to
organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.” This speech is more than motivational in nature; it is declarative and backed by a group of people willing to commit themselves fully to this goal. Many factors went into landing a team on the moon and returning them home safely. But is it the task that astounds us, or is it the triumph at last in a story of human determination to explore the
The truth of this moonshot is that you are capable of this same feat if you choose to set your future before you and leave your past where it is. Just as the U.S. had to create a new reality where the technology existed and functioned to get a man to the moon, you must create a new reality where your life is as you choose, not as your past dictates. Familiarize yourself with what has been, ground yourself in where you are, and set your eyes on what can be. If you shoot for the stars, you may just land on the moon.
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TAKE A BREAK
Budget Brilliance From a Bygone Era
AMERICAN BICYCLE CHERRY FIREWORKS FLAG
In a world where you can have anything delivered in a day, it’s easy to forget that less can be more. But our grandparents and great-grandparents knew the art of stretching a dollar. These timeless frugal habits aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re resourceful and surprisingly satisfying. Ready to channel your inner penny-pincher? Let’s bring these throwback habits back to life. Mend it, don’t end it. Once upon a time, people didn’t just toss a sock with a hole. Instead, you sewed it right back up! No need to rush to the store — just a few basic mending skills can save you from countless unnecessary purchases. It’s also more empowering to fix something with your own hands than tossing it — not to mention much more eco-friendly. Master the magic of homemade meals. Fast food might be convenient, but cooking from scratch is where the real savings (and flavor) happen. Think soups from veggie scraps and hearty meals made from simple pantry staples. Not only does it cut costs, but it puts you in control of your ingredients and nutrition — a win-win. Reinvent your leftovers. Gone are the days of letting food wilt in the fridge. Old-school frugal folks gave every last bite a second act. Roast chicken becomes broth. Rice gets turned into stir-fry. Stale bread transforms into French toast or bread pudding. Get creative! You’ll waste less and eat better. Choose cash over card. There’s something about handing over $20 cash that makes you think twice before spending it. Cash budgeting may feel outdated, but it’s one of the simplest ways to curb impulse buys. Envelopes marked for groceries, gas, or coffee dates give you a clear snapshot of your spending — and what’s left. No more senseless swiping! Save with secondhand savvy. Hand-me-downs were once a household norm! Today, thrift stores and vintage finds are trending again, and for good reason. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, or kitchenware, buying secondhand is kinder to your wallet and the planet. RETRO HABITS MAKE MODERN LIFE (AND PRICES) EASIER
INDEPENDENCE PADDLEBOARD PICNIC RUBY STARS SHERBET TRAMPOLINE
So, channel some old-school genius and start living a frugal, intentional lifestyle!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Freedom Is …
2
Ways to Win the Retirement Race
Shoot for the Moon
3
Old-School Habits That Will Save Your Wallet
4
The Future of UK Forestry
20 MILLION TREES TRANSFORM TOMORROW The Path to a Better Planet
The seeds for the future of our environment have been planted in the United Kingdom.
century. Perhaps most significantly, nearly 75% of the planned Western Forest will consist of farmland, introducing a strong probability of significant economic benefits for the area’s agricultural industry. Shaping a Sustainable Future The Forest of Avon, a UK-based charitable organization devoted to expanding and sustaining trees and woodlands, will oversee the project’s implementation. “[T]he Western Forest will enhance, connect, and improve our urban and rural landscapes, support investment into the region, create jobs and skills opportunities, and bring the endless benefits we get back from planting and caring for our trees,” noted Forest of Avon Chief Executive Alex Stone. “It is a
very exciting time for this region, and we look forward to helping shape what the Western Forest will become.” Positivity Across the Pond In addition to its clear environmental benefits, forestry plays a signature role in the American economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, forestry activities generate more than $13 billion annually. Additionally, research suggests that strolling through the trees or engaging in other natural settings improves people’s focus and lowers their stress levels. Whether here or abroad, your body and spirit would do well to get out in nature and visit a forest now and then — and by 2050, you’ll have 20 million more reasons to do so.
Earlier this year, the UK government announced the creation of the Western Forest, an initiative to plant 20 million trees over 600 acres by 2050. Spanning Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and the West England countryside and bolstered by nearly $10 million in government funding, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen biodiversity, help prevent the decline of rare species, prevent flooding, and bring millions of residents closer to nature. In addition to being the first new forest of its kind in the UK in 30 years, the Western Forest project is an ambitious step forward in the government’s goal of increasing tree and woodland cover by more than 15% within the next quarter-
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