APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER: We’re staying inspired thanks to David Bowie

Hello friends, 

So much is changing, so very quickly. We know that how we care for each other right now is essential: physically, financially, and emotionally. We’re so heartened to see our communities rally together. Read on for Modernist's COVID-19 resources, recent interviews, and the power of David Bowie + Freddie Mercury. 

In solidarity,
Georgia & Team Modernist

Invest In People: COVID-19 Resources

Change is a constant in our life, but self-care, compassion, and resilience can create the self-efficacy we need now.

We’ve gathered a list of resources to help you navigate Covid-19, from business continuity and personal cash flow to caring for soul, mind, and body. Please share widely.  

If (like us) you’ve got extra free time with your loved ones, you can delve into a deeper conversation about money using the resources in our Modernist Money Toolkit. Or check out On Being's Tools for the Art of Living, including a short loving kindness meditation for the people around you.

INVESTMENT INSIGHTS:
This Too Shall Pass

In our February 28th blog post (feels like eons ago now) about historic market volatility during pandemics, we discussed how keeping focused on the long-term helps us keep a level head during all kinds of storms!

On March 9th, Georgia and several other investment managers were interviewed by the Portland Business Journal in As Market Wobbles, Wealth Managers Urge Clients Not To Panic.

Modernist is talking with clients about transitioning to a Sustainability (aka ESG) portfolio while the market is down. PBJ also interviewed Georgia on current ESG Investing trends back in February in ESG Investing Arrives.

MODERNIST TAKES IT OUTSIDE

Georgia has been busy talking about ways to help navigate this moment. 

She and Farnoosh Torabi co-hosted an episode of the So Money podcast, focused on listener’s Covid-19 questions. Here's a preview: "If we can create choices for ourselves that continue to...keep some options open, that’s our best scenario in my opinion. Flexibility is very helpful at the moment."

Georgia also talked with Portland Monthly about what small businesses should be doing during the crisis, from cash flow projections to open communication with staff, vendors, and clients. Read it here.

You can check out all of Georgia’s recent interviews here.

#FUNDYOURHEROES

We are so inspired to see our neighbors working together to face the challenges of COVID-19, including the economic ramifications.

Check out this New York Times article discussing the various ways to make an impact with your direct payment (if you won't need it for yourself).

If you're in Portland, please consider these worthy options:

Oregon Food Bank provides sustenance for 860,000 annually, and that number is growing rapidly in this crisis as systems many people rely on are paused (think school cafeterias and community centers). If you're able, consider donating to their #EmergeStronger campaign, they could also use volunteers.

Rose Haven is critical resource providing shelter for women, children, and gender non-conforming folks experiencing the trauma of abuse and loss of home. They remain open (with limited hours) and could use donated supplies, as well as financial gifts.

A SONG THAT IS REALLY ABOUT RESILIENCE

We’ve worked together to overcome many *%^&* things in the past.

At Modernist, we're harkening back to the 1992 Freddie Mercury Benefit Concert that brought the world’s attention to the AIDS epidemic. Let the inimitable David Bowie and Annie Lennox rouse you with their rendition of Under Pressure.

'Cause love's such an old fashioned word / And love dares you to care for / The people on the edge of the night / And love dares you to change our way of / Caring about ourselves / This is ourselves under pressure

P.S. Those outfits are absolutely WFH inspiration!