MARCH NEWSLETTER | A Call for Ease This Spring
Hi friends,
As the subtle signs of Spring arrive in Portland, we’re feeling change in the air.
As we begin imagining our lives in this next season of the pandemic, we are (re)considering our habits and calling for ease.
And as March is B Corp Month, we're focused on small new habits that can impact change.
So, let’s be easy on ourselves (and others) as we navigate this moment, together.
xo,
Georgia + Team Modernist
investment insights
With our clients, Spring is the season for Investment Reviews.
We're talking with folks about the market and how to clear the (very very loud) financial noise out there.
Ahead of Fall (our Financial Plan Review season), we're planting seeds for folks to notice how their planning goals are morphing after the past few years. Some folks want to shift to Sustainability portfolios or increase donations in an election year.
⚡️ Have you noticed your financial planning goals changing as we move into this next phase?
⚡️ACTION ITEMS⚡️ FOR StructurING Your Wealth Around Your Values
If you’re a Spring cleaner, consider giving your spending habits a gentle refresh, too.
Even a small shift to center who your $$$ supports can create a new normal for the world you want to see! Here are our team faves:
⚡️ Tip extra dollar(s) when you can—a small change in your total bill can make a big difference to a frontline worker!
⚡️ Switch one recurring purchase (coffee beans, weekly dinner out) to a local and/or BIPOC-run purveyor
⚡️ Choose a B Corp when making shopping decisions.
If you’re looking for some science inspo for habit changing, this episode of Shortwave from NPR (hosted by friend of Modernist Aaron Scott!) digs into how our habits changed in lockdown and how to form new habits. Make it gradual and small, friends!
⚡️ Gentle Reminder! ⚡️
If you haven’t gotten info to your CPA yet, we recommend sending them some good vibes and filing for an extension. But, make sure to make any IRA contributions and penalty-proofing tax payments!
modernist takes it outside
Congrats to Ashley Gerstley Feinstein of The Fiscal Femme, dear friend of Modernist! Her new book Financial Adulting was published earlier this month. We so need her wisdom and equity-centered approach in the world of money!
Ashley interviewed Georgia for the book, so you can find her voice throughout… sharing insights on ESG investing, creative ways to negotiate, and shifting our attitudes towards taxes.
⚡️ Get a copy at your local book store or from Bookshop!
FUND YOUR HEROES
In celebration of Women’s History Month and with the May primary coming up (plus the national midterms on our minds, too!) we’re encouraging folks to support orgs that help get progressive candidates elected.
Emerge inspires women to run for office and helps them hone their skills to win. With offices in many states, consider supporting one near you! And check out the Oregon chapter’s impressive alumnae list for current candidates.
OCF’s grant program creates serious change throughout Oregon. Get involved as a volunteer Community Grant Evaluator to help assess proposals and allocate grant money based on our community needs. If you’re interested, reach out at smckenzie@oregoncf.org.
📣 And if you’re applying for a grant, the deadline is March 31st!
ART BREAK: dance theatre of harlem
In 1969, at the height of the civil rights movement, Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook founded Dance Theatre of Harlem. Today the company remains one of the most democratic in dance.
White Bird is bringing the brilliantly trained dancers of this legendary company to Portland to perform.
📣 And we’re giving away a pair of tickets to see it, along with $100 to spend at beloved downtown spot Habibi! Enter over on our Instagram.
A Song That is REALLY About reconnecting with joy
“Heartbursts” by Lucius
It’s the pandemic transition dance party we all need! We’re recognizing the importance of seeking out moments of joy and connection where we can find them. We hope this colorful and bedazzled video from Lucius brings you just that.
Can we open our eyes now? / Heartbursts, heartaches / We don't know the shape, shape that this will take / It’s worth the wait / Better give your heart than never give at all / Giving it all for the hopeful heart / What if we find that the best is coming?