Check out our May newsletter!
May 2025
captrust.com • (703) 535-5300 • 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314
STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY Recognizing the Women Who Shape Us and the Heroes Who Protect Us
In our family, May is an important month, filled with celebrations and recognitions of Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and, not to forget, my wife’s birthday. Mother’s Day is a time to honor all the mothers who have shaped us into who we are today. As many of you may know, my father passed away when I was in high school, leaving my mother to raise us by herself. She managed this with a part-time job as a travel agent while facing countless financial challenges. The resilience and positive attitude she maintained through those tough times were extraordinary. She always believed and taught me from a young age that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. This belief has guided me throughout my life, and I owe much of my success to her. Currently, my mom lives in a retirement community in Yankton, South Dakota, with my stepfather, Adolph. Even in her early 80s, she continues to inspire me with her wisdom and encouragement. Just like her, my wife Kim, the mother of my three wonderful children, instills strong values, work ethic, and empathy in our family. I am so incredibly grateful — Happy Birthday, Kim! Moving on to Memorial Day, this day often marks the beginning of summer for many, but its true significance lies in remembering and honoring the servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. Many of these brave individuals enlisted at a young age, fully embracing the call to serve, often without fully
understanding the potential costs. Their sacrifices allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. My family has a personal connection to the military — my father retired from the Army, and my brother served in the Navy’s nuclear program. I also have many friends and plenty of our clients who have served. To all who have served, continue to serve, or lost loved ones in military conflicts, I extend my deepest gratitude and respect. This country is incredible because of what your loved ones have done for us. I wish all the moms a happy Mother’s Day and a wonderful birthday to Kim. To everyone else, as we move into the warmer months, enjoy your summer!
“JUST LIKE HER, MY WIFE KIM, THE MOTHER OF MY THREE WONDERFUL CHILDREN, INSTILLS STRONG VALUES, WORK ETHIC, AND EMPATHY IN OUR FAMILY.”
Kelly Campbell
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Seasoned Traveler Secrets How Retirees Can Explore
Chords of New Wonder
THE WORLD’S FIRST COLOR-CHANGING GUITAR
“We’re crazy. That’s the first thing you need to know.”
the World Without Breaking the Bank
When Cream Guitars mastermind Luis Ortiz said those words in an interview with Premier Guitar on the floor of the 2024 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show in California, he summed up his company’s awe-inspiring vision for the future of music performance. Through a partnership with the Boston- based electronic ink and ePaper technology company E Ink, Ortiz has developed Cream Guitars’ revolutionary Voltage DaVinci, a guitar that can change color on demand. As Ortiz explained to Premier Guitar, a player who delights churchgoers with their white guitar in the morning no longer has to switch to a black guitar when they hit the stage with their heavy metal band in the evening.
Traveling as a retiree is a fun experience,but it doesn’t need to strain your finances. Let’s take a look at some effective budget travel hacks that can help seniors explore the world without spending a fortune. Choose the right time to travel. Timing can significantly impact the cost of travel. Choosing to visit destinations during their off-peak seasons results in lower costs for flights and accommodations and fewer crowds. Travel providers often offer substantial discounts during these quieter months, so keeping an eye on deals can pay off. Utilize senior discounts. Make sure to take advantage of senior discount programs. Many organizations offer savings on everything from hotels to car rentals and dining. Organizations like AARP have extensive networks of travel discounts, and flashing that membership card can open the door to unexpected savings. It’s worth asking about senior discounts for any service because they’re not always advertised. Explore alternative accommodations. Searching for other accommodations can also stretch your travel budget. Instead of traditional hotels, consider vacation rentals or possibly house-sitting. These options can provide a more authentic local experience at a fraction of the cost. Platforms like Airbnb offer numerous possibilities that accommodate diverse tastes and needs. Opt for public transportation. When it comes to getting around, public transportation is both economical and an excellent way to feel the pulse of a new place. Buses, trains, and trams are less expensive than taxis and rental cars, and they allow you to navigate a new city like a local. Eat like a local. For dining, try to seek out places where locals eat. Food trucks, markets, street food, and mom-and-pop restaurants usually offer great food at lower prices than more upscale restaurants. This will help give you a taste of the food specific to that area. Smart planning and a willingness to explore beyond the conventional tourist destinations can make travel in retirement both affordable and more fun! Here’s to a budget-friendly trip!
“We had the idea to break all the rules of the traditional guitar,” he states in an E Ink press release. “We’ve redesigned every part of an electric guitar to broaden and enhance the playing experience. Through our innovative collaboration with E Ink, we are providing artists a level of creativity that extends well beyond anything available in today’s market.” The Voltage DaVinci’s E Ink displays allow players to switch between seven styles and shades. Depending on a player’s specific needs, the guitar can be programmed to retain a static color or display various
animated looks as desired. This option will appeal to performers who welcome the opportunity to alter the color of their guitar based on the mood or presentation of a particular song. Developed in the mid-1990s by scientists and engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), electronic ink has become a staple of mobile phones, electronic notebooks, and e-readers. With its colorful arrival in the music world, the possibilities for sonic and visual expression on stages worldwide have never been greater. The color-changing guitars are expected to be on the market by the end of 2025 and have an estimated price tag of $3,200.
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STRAY DOG OUTSMARTS FATE AND SAVES HER PUPPY’S LIFE
When our furry friends get sick, it’s up to us to bring them in for a veterinary appointment. It’s part of the responsibility of being a pet owner, but stray animals have no owners. Who takes care of them when they most need it? Sadly, help is beyond their reach in many cases. However,
some dogs won’t let anything stand in their way, especially if it’s a difference between life and death. In January 2025, a stray mother dog noticed her puppy stopped moving and jumped into action. Without an owner to guide her, the mother brought her baby to a local veterinarian clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. The staff saw the dog standing outside their door, so they checked on her and noticed the lifeless puppy. The pup was freezing cold, and the vet wasn’t even sure if it was still alive! The vet could not hear the puppy’s heartbeat with a stethoscope, so he checked it with a needle, which provided promising results! The dog was alive but had a very slow heartbeat. The vet used a blow dryer to
warm the puppy up, and before long, it was awake and moving again. All the while, the mother was at the puppy’s side with her head perched on the examination table. So, how did the puppy’s mother know where to take her baby? This wasn’t her first encounter with this vet clinic; the same doctor was already treating the puppy’s littermate after good Samaritans brought her to the same clinic a few days earlier. Both puppies have been reunited with their mother and are all under the close eye of the clinic. Whether discussing humans or dogs, parents are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their children survive and thrive. However, dogs might have to be more creative with their efforts.
SPRING FAMILY PICNICS MADE EASY DITCH THE STRESS, EMBRACE THE FUN
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. Pick the perfect picnic spot. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. Don’t overthink the menu. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and finger foods are tasty and quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers. For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated
cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup.
Create a cozy, kid- friendly setup.
The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well;
outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun.
Don’t forget — it’s about family! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying
about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
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captrust.com | (703) 535-5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
INSIDE
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Reflecting on May’s Meaningful Celebrations
Meet the Voltage DaVinci
Smart Travel Strategies for Seniors on a Budget
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A Stray Dog Pulls Off the Ultimate Rescue Mission
Secrets to a Stress-Free Family Picnic
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Europe’s Hidden Paradise: The Hawaii of the Atlantic
Investment advisory services offered by CapFinancial Partners, LLC (“CAPTRUST” or “CAPTRUST Financial Advisors”), an investment advisor registered with the SEC under The Investment Advisers Act of 1940. @2025 - CAPTRUST | All Rights Reserved.
beauty offers plenty of outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking. The climate is subtropical, with year-round temperatures ranging from 57 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Religious festivals and traditional holidays abound on these predominantly Roman Catholic islands, an autonomous region of Portugal. Beyond that, however, the islands’ culture, dialect, and cuisine vary widely. The largest island, São Miguel, is home to numerous hot springs and Europe’s only two tea plantations. An emblematic nature area, Sete Cidades, includes the famed Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon) and Lagoa Verde (green lagoon). Numerous healing hot springs in Furnas offer opportunities for wellness and relaxation seekers. Ilheu de Vila Franca, a flooded crater islet accessible from the southern shore of São Miguel, offers exceptional visibility of unique marine life, plus snorkeling, swimming, and cliff diving. Wine lovers will enjoy the island of Pico, where vintners produce the islands’ complex volcanic wines. The Azores Wine Company offers tastings, tours, and overnight stays. The island of Santa Maria has the only white-sand beaches in the region. And Faial Island’s bountiful hydrangea gardens have earned it the nickname “The Blue Island.” Foodies will also enjoy famous local foods, including octopus stewed in wine, kale soup, fried mackerel, and fresh yogurt and cheeses. Taken together, the Azores have something to delight any traveler.
If a trek through timeless volcanic landscapes dotted with crater lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs, plus access to awe-inspiring marine life sounds inviting, the Azores may be the vacation spot for you! The Azores are an increasingly popular tourist destination, often called “the Hawaii of Europe” for their remote mid-ocean location and volcanic origins. The archipelago encompasses nine major islands 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal and is one of the best whale-watching sites in the world. Visitors should plan their trip from the end of April to the beginning of May to view larger migratory species, such as the blue whale. The rocky shorelines of the Azores ascend as high as 7,713 feet atop the Ponta de Pico on the island of Pico. The islands’ untamed A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME ESCAPE TO THE AZORES
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