Boerne Business Monthly - January 2023

Karl J. Eggerss Principal, Financial Advisor

Casey Keller, CFA Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

Shawn Morris, CFP®, AAMS® Vice President, Financial Advisor

Britni Mosher Associate, Relationship Manager

happy new year

I love a new year! That fresh start feeling is always so refreshing after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Personally, I am not much for resolutions, but I do usually like to set some goals for the new year. Not sure what the difference is? Well read our article on Resolutions vs. Goals and see if you are inspired to set a few of your own.

This month’s cover feature is all about the successes of our amazing Boerne ISD high school athletes. These local teams are killing it in all sports and we are excited to showcase just how well our local high schools have been doing!

Also in this issue, Dr. Leigh Ann Greenberg shares with us some tips to stave off that looming “Tripledemic” we keep hearing about on the news, Matt Nelson with PCIA gives us a Markets Overview, the ladies of Hill Country Home & Land update us on the state of the real estate market and much more.

As usual, there are plenty of fun local events and things to go and do here in Boerne. Have you gotten your tickets to The Four Phantoms concert presented by Boerne Performing Arts? The show is January 26th, so you better hurry!

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed 2023!

Lauren Stumberg Owner/Publisher

CONTENTS

health A Tripledemic? Prevention is the Cure by Dr. Leigh Ann

finances Time for New Year’s Financial Resolutions courtesy of Caleb K Clark, CIMA –Edward Jones ribbon cuttings community KCFA Equine Boarding Facility Christmas Light Contest

Boerne Business Monthly is published by Distinct Media, LLC, copyright 2023. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Boerne Business Monthly are those of the writers or sources and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute the endorsement of products or services herein. Although the information and recommendations in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, Boerne Business Monthly makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information and recommendations.

The Rivers have combined over 60 years of experience

PREFERRED LUXURY AGENTS, SPECIALIZING in EXCLUSIVE, RANCH and EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES

Awesome! Well Organized. Well Planned. Well Executed.

-W & W Godsey

We have had the great experience to work with Dwaine and Judith on both buying and selling a home. My wife Lindy and I have bought and sold many homes during our marriage, and never have we had such great customer service as we had with the River’s Team. They are professional, honest, personable and (most importantly) their follow up is spot in. They not only represented us in our sales and purchases, but they acted as consultants on the best way to market our home and purchase the best possible new one. They were patient and allowed us to make the best decision for us. We cannot recommend any real estate group any stronger than the Rivers.

The Rivers offer objective information and opinions through their many years of professionalism. We lo v e our people The Rivers continue to uphold their outstanding customer service by having an entire team including marketing, legal advisors and transaction coordinators that ensure a seamless experience.

B u y in g a n d selling is an e motio n al decision Let The Rivers’ years of knowledge step in and be the objective third party to help you stay focused and calm.

t o d a y’s market has never moved faster Moving mountains professionally and quickly is how The Rivers accomplish over 46 million dollars in business in 2021.

-Paul & Lindy L.

REALTORS ®

JUDITH & DWAINE RIVERS

theriversteam.com

711 S. Main Street Boerne, Texas 78006 C (210) 393-3231 theriversteam@phyllisbrowning.com www.theriversteam.com www.phyllisbrowning.com

REALTORS® jrivers@phyllisbrowning.com MOBILE (210) 393-3231 PHYLLISBROWNING.COM

We are a Post-Frame Building Company, and we specialize in outbuildings for all uses. We design and build custom shops to meet your specific needs and we can even match any homes exterior traits.

AUSTIN BOERNE FREDERICKSBURG NEW BRAUNFELS SAN ANTONIO

money Markets Overview

by Matthew K. Nelson, AIF ®

STOCKS

Many investors were caught off guard during 2022 as the Federal Reserve and other central banks swiftly shifted their monetary policy from extreme dovishness to extreme hawkishness. Through the month of November, the S&P 500 fell from its high point at the beginning of the year of $4,797 to $4,080, which represents a decline of -14%. While still deeply in the red, the level as of the end of the November was substantially higher than the trough of $3,577 achieved on October 12, 2022, which represents a fall of -25% from where the index began the year.

Following the previous two years of double digit returns from the S&P 500 on the back of extreme monetary stimulus from governments and central banks, investors were reminded that markets can go down just as quick, if

not quicker, as they go up. While 2022 has certainly been a difficult year for equities, how does it stack up to historical equity drawdowns? As illustrated in the chart from J.P. Morgan’s “Guide to the Market”, the average intra-year drawdown for the S&P 500 from 1980 through the third quarter of 2022 has been around -14%. 2022’s trough of -25% was deeper than the average drawdown, but not the deepest ever achieved; 2008 still holds this title with an intra-year decline in the S&P 500 at -49%.

J.P. Morgan’s chart also illustrates that over the same multidecade period, annual returns were positive more than 75% time and the years that had negative annual returns were followed by positive annual returns 80% of the time. While past performance is never a guarantee of

future results, history appears to be on the side of investors who maintain exposure to equities through difficult market conditions.

BONDS

Investors have come to bouts of volatility in the equity markets, so what really caught investors by surprise in 2022 was the drawdown in the fixed income markets. Through the third quarter of 2022, bonds had experienced one of their worst years in history. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index we down over 15% at the end of the third quarter. Since 1976, the average intra-year drawdown for bonds has been 3.1%, illustrating just how extreme 2022 has been for fixed income investors.

ECONOMICS

With both equity and bond markets being deeply negative for the year, investors are asking “why?” While markets are highly complex systems with millions of inputs, a major driver for returns during 2022 was the actions taken by the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (“FOMC”). As previously mentioned, the

FOMC greatly eased financial conditions during the early stages of the global pandemic by taking interest rates to zero and injecting significant money into the economy. While the immediate effect of these policies was to successfully restimulate the economy, the hangover has been high levels of inflation (i.e., increases in prices of goods

and services) not seen in American since the 1980s. To combat this high inflation, the FOMC has swiftly raised interest rates to slowdown spending and overall economic growth, the pace of which was causing the inflation. This policy has cascading effects for consumers, businesses, and foreign governments, one such being the effect that the FOMC’s policy rates have on the prices of risky assets (i.e., equities and bonds). As the riskfree rate goes up, the price of risky assets generally go down. As illustrated in the chart below from JP Morgan, the FOMC’s rate hikes sent interest rates almost vertical and was a major contributor to risky assets’ drawdown during 2022.

PORTFOLIO STRATEGY

Given what has happened year to date in the markets, investors are now wondering continued on page 10

how to position their portfolios. Each investors’ portfolio should consider his or her own personal financial circumstance and we strongly encourage working with a financial advisor to create a customize financial plan and portfolio. None the less, a popular and broadly successful portfolio strategy amongst investors over the past decade has been a diversified asset allocation strategy, or a customized mix of equity and fixed income exposure determined by the investors personal goals and objectives. The equity portion will tend to drive

by Matt Nelson, AIF ®

capital appreciation during economic expansions and the fixed income portion will typically soften the blow during economic contractions. A popular mix for investors has been the famous “60/40 portfolio” where 60% of the portfolio is allocated to stocks and 40% is allocated to bonds. However, with both equity and bond markets experiencing deep drawdowns for 2022, investors are justified in wondering if the 60/40 portfolio is now a dead idea. As illustrated by the chart below from J.P. Morgan, a generic asset allocation portfolio was down almost as much as Large Cap equities (i.e., the S&P 500) through the third quarter of the year.

The 60/40 investor has indeed faced a difficult year in 2022 and it’s possible that returns will remain volatile until inflation is under control. However, the upshot to the recent market weakness is that assets are much more attractively priced that they were a year ago. This is especially the case in fixed income, where risk free bond yields are at levels that will generate significantly more income than would have in the recent past. And, for stocks, the history of market recoveries following years of poor returns bodes well for future return prospects. While it is impossible to predict what market returns will be in the future, the outlook for an asset allocation strategy may not be as dire as – and in fact might be much better than – what many investors are expecting.

BBM

Matt Nelson is the Managing Director for PCIA’s San Antonio market. He has been in the financial services industry for over two decades. Due to Matt’s tenure, he has a wealth of experience assisting high-net-worth individuals to work through a multitude of financial challenges to develop a holistic approach to wealth management and asset protection. He also works with many large corporations throughout the Midwest and Southwest handling their retirement plans. Specifically, he consults with plan sponsors regarding fiduciary protection, vendor search, and selection as well as face-to-face participant education.

Matt’s approach to these services begins with a strong relationship with his clients by understanding their needs, listening to concerns, then coordinating with tax and legal experts to develop a holistic plan.

Matt loves raising his two daughters in the Boerne and Kendall County community and is very active in supporting the local community.

www.pciawealth.com | (830) 816-5131

JANUARY Calendar of Events

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT

SINGER/SONGWRITER SERIES AT TAPATIO SPRINGS

6:30pm to 10:30pm La Cascada Table & Bar 1 Resort Way – Boerne Kick back at our La Cascada Table & Bar and enjoy pure Texas fare, a refreshing beverage, and live music from talented artists Friday and Saturday evenings.

EVERY SATURDAY

A DAY AT THE FARM AND FARMERS MARKET

9:00am to 1:00pm 33 Herff Rd. – Boerne Vendors will be set up at Herff Farm to supply you with some of your local favorites. Check their calendar for special events and programs each week.

OLD JAIL MUSEUM TOURS

10:00am to 5:00pm

The Old Jail Museum 208 E. San Antonio Ave. – Boerne

The Kendall County Historic Jail was constructed in 1887 and served for a century as the county jail. In recent years, the Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail (FKCHJ) have painstakingly restored the space, bringing it back to life as a one-of-a-kind museum of Kendall County history. Adults $5, Children under 10, Veterans, and Law Enforcement FREE

JANUARY 9

KENDALL COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S COURT

9:00am to 11:00am Kendall County Courthouse 201 E. San Antonio Ave. – Boerne

JANUARY 10

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR ECHO PHYSICAL THERAPY AND ATHLETICS

11:30am to 12:00pm 1 FM 3351 Suite #140 – Bergheim

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR ABIDING HOPE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

1:30pm to 2:00pm 1201 S Main St., Suite 119 – Boerne

JANUARY 10 & 24

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6:00pm to 8:00pm Livestream Meeting See ci.boerne.tx us for link to meeting

Not so scary

The Real Estate Market isn’t so scary if you know where to find the right information. Since the market began to slow down in June of this year, many people have been fearful of what’s to come. As forecasts for 2023 begin to emerge, we wanted to give you some information, from trusted sources, to help you should you be considering a real estate related decision this upcoming year or if you just want to know what’s really going on.

“From buyers to sellers, to agents to lenders, the real estate market has had its shares of ups and downs this past year. With shifts in mortgage rates and inflation, the market continues to change. Despite tight inventory, buyers are starting to see less competition for homes. For sellers who price their home right, they’ll continue to be competitive.” Buffini

and Company

BUYERS

Buyers will continue to find few homes on the market and those homes will be priced higher than last year. Further challenging the ability to purchase a home will be mortgage rates which will remain higher and many lenders will require a substantial down payment. Despite those challenges, buyers are no longer having to forego inspections and the strain of competing with multiple offers. Buyers are able to take more time and are able to choose the home that suits them best.

SELLERS

Sellers will have to be more patient when it comes to the time it takes to sell their home. It may also be necessary for sellers to do one or two price reductions before receiving an offer. However, for those sellers who price their homes competitively, full price offers will still be possible. Many sellers will lament the frenzied market of last year when their neighbor got so much over the asking price, but they need to keep in mnd that their home value remains higher than a year ago.

For those who are still on the fence as to whether or not it’s a good time to purchase a home, keep in mind that the cost of rent continues to rise. Homeownership is the best hedge against inflation. If you’re thinking that you really need a different home, sell now and get the home of your dreams. You can always refinance when the rates go down. Change can be hard and we’ve weathered a lot of change in the last few years. Be sure to get advice from trusted advisors and, as the Brits say, “Keep Calm and Carry On.”

CAROL SCHULTZ & ARIEL BROOKS-STEVENS

BBoerne ISD’s commitment to student excellence has created a standard that is showing up in the classroom and the field of play. The last few years have seen the rise of Boerne student athletes in ALL sports from both Boerne High School and Champion High School. Whether you fancy a baseball game, a tennis match or some water polo, you’ve had a lot to celebrate over the last couple years.

Texas high school football is a religion; packing the stands under the Friday night lights. Under those same Friday night lights, Boerne High School boys’ soccer has done what no other team in the district has – won back-to-back State titles. Under the direction of Coach Michael Strong, the Greyhounds have made it to the final match for two straight years and come out with the

win. “Winning State back-to-back was special for me because of how hard the boys worked for it. We knew that going into the year we were going to have a massive target on our backs, but the boys embraced it and used it as motivation. It was also special because I got to see the guys on the team who were role players the year before becoming huge contributors for our second state run. As their coach, I couldn’t have been prouder,” says Coach Strong.

It's a long road to the State playoffs once an athlete makes it out of District competition. So many of the teams in BISD make it far into the playoffs year after year. The 2021-2022 school year was an incredible ride for many athletes and this school year is turning out to be the same.

The business community, family members and parents play a large role with our kids’ success through support of the Booster Clubs at both Boerne High (Greyhound Athletic Booster Club) and Champion High School (Charger Athletic Booster Club). The district’s athletic budget provides support for both high schools, but it’s the Booster clubs that provide the margin of excellence. Uniforms, balls, bags, general equipment are all possible because of donations through the two Booster Clubs. “The partnership between the district and the Booster clubs allows our athletes to represent our schools and community so well,” said Athletic Director Stan Leech. “Because of the support given to the Booster clubs, they are able to provide the ‘cherry on top’ of all this success.”

Whether you’re a Greyhound or a Charger, success for one team is success for our entire town. Each school challenges the other to perform at their best and whether it’s a win or a loss, together we continue to create opportunities for our student/athletes to reach their full potential.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY 12

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR OLIVE BRANCH INSURANCE AGENCY

11:30am to 12:00pm 121 S. Main Street – Boerne

JANUARY 14 & 28

KUHLMANN-KING MUSEUM TOURS 402 E. Blanco Rd. – Boerne Step back in time to experience and explore how a Boerne family would have lived in the late 1800s. Keep an eye out for different educational programs each month.

BLUEGRASS JAM AT THE AGRICULTURAL

11:00am to 1:00pm The AgriCultural Museum 102 City Park Road – Boerne Every second and fourth Saturdays of the month, bring your instrument and play along, or just come to listen to the Bluegrass Jam at The AgriCultural! This event is free and open to the public.

JANUARY 17

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR LIME PAINTING OF THE HILL COUNTRY 11:30am to 12:00pm 121 S Main Street – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR RANDOM HANGERS THRIFT SHOP & WAREHOUSE 1:30pm to 2:00pm 114 W Advogt Street – Boerne

JANUARY 19

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR BLINGLE! PREMIER LIGHTING 11:30am to 12:00pm

41205 IH-10 West, Bldg D – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR ESTRAYA BOERNE

1:30pm to 2:00pm

130 Gallant Fox Lane – Boerne

LIVE! AT THE LIBRARY: GEORGE ENSLE

7:00pm to 9:00PM

Patrick Heath Public Library Amphitheater 451 N. Main Street – Boerne

George Ensle is the featured musical artist for January’s Live! At the Library. This program is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the performance will move from the Amphitheater, to inside the Library.

Matthew Dwyer, MD Alexandra Matthews, DO ChristOpher I. Phelps, MD

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

alexanDra Matthews, Do Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Specialist

(210) 545-7171

210-545-7171 |

Christopher i. phelps, MD Board Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon

Board Certi ed Fellowship-Trained Board Certi ed, Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine Specialist Orthopedic Surgeon

OrthopedicPerformance.com

| OrthopedicPerformance.com

ADULT AND PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS

ADULT AND PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS

Boerne: 134 Menger Springs, Suite 1210 | Stone Oak: 1139 E. Sonterra, Suite 500 Sports Medicine: 225 E. Sonterra, Suite 206 | Bulverde: 32685 US Hwy 281 N, Suite 100

Begin Your Journey to Wellness

With more and more health care options available, it can be difficult to find what’s right for you. Now more than ever, people have begun seeking alternative solutions, such as a holistic and integrative approach, which provides a more natural healing process.

Areas of Focus

Heavy Metal Toxicity

Heavy Metal Toxicity is the result of exposure to heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic. Heavy metals bind to parts of your cells that prevent your organs from doing their job and can lead to chronic illnesses.

Health/Wellness

Helping you achieve a state where the physical body is free from disease, while working towards an overall balance of your physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and environmental well-being.

Holistic Living

Holistic living is a lifestyle that nourishes your mind, body, and soul...it's actually quite wonderful! We help you achieve a holistic lifestyle, allowing YOU to take care of your entire self; mind, body and soul.

Learn More or Schedule an Appointment at: www.KRMHealth.com

Hayley E. Filippini, BA, HIH

Krista R. Malone, RN, HIH

entrepreneurship

GVTC contributed $75,000 as a Rainmaker Founding Partner to Das GreenHaus, the business incubator set to launch in Boerne, Texas in early 2023. The $75,000 investment in the project is the single largest commitment to-date from the local business community.

“GVTC is proud to be a partner of Das Greenhouse. We are excited to be the exclusive provider of phone, internet, TV, and security services for this groundbreaking business and help make the dreams of community members come true. GVTC was built on the ideas of local entrepreneurs, and we want to continue that tradition.” said Ritchie Sorrells, President, and CEO of GVTC.

“We are so appreciative of the community and regional interest in the Das GreenHaus project. It is an honor to have a regional corporation such as GVTC join in the DGH initiative. As a Founding Partner, GVTC reaffirms

their continued commitment to strategic economic development for Kendall County,” adds Das GreenHaus Board President, Kathy Estes.

Das GreenHaus is a 501(c)(3) public-private entity that is supported by the City of Boerne, Kendall County, private businesses and individuals in Kendall County. The Mission of the Das GreenHaus is “To foster the community of innovators to grow Kendall County’s entrepreneurial vision.”

Das GreenHaus launched through a collaboration between the Boerne Kendall County Economic Development Corporation and the Boerne Kendall County Angel Network. For more information, please visit: www.DasGreenHaus.org.

BBM

pictured (left to right): Maria Claudia Redd-Marketing Manager GVTC; Jeff Mnick-Vice President Sales & Marketing GVTC; Amy Story-President/CEO Boerne Kendall County Economic Development Corporation; Ritchie Sorrells-President & CEO GVTC; Kathy Estes-Board President Das GreenHaus

Resolutions vs. Goals

IIt’s that time of year again! The New Year is here and we all aim to be the healthiest, most productive, highly creative and just generally best version of ourself. Well then, I guess we better make some resolutions… or goals, which is better?

SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RESOLUTIONS AND GOALS?

For centuries people have been making a big deal about New Year’s resolutions. However, a resolution is really just an intention. If you really want to make something happen, you need a goal with a plan! A goal is not just a statement of intention, but rather a statement of commitment.

The reason that most resolutions fail within a couple of weeks is that they are for the most part rather vague. You can’t just say “I want to get healthy.” Well what does healthy mean? It could mean losing weight, exercising more, eating better, drinking more water… there is a lot that can fit under that umbrella. So instead, figure out what is really important to you and make a plan to make that happen. Success is much easier to achieve if you have specific targets to help you stay connected to your goal.

Don’t make your goal too specific or too vague. If it’s too vague you will lose focus, too specific and you most likely will

get discouraged and give up. Instead, pick something that is achievable and then set out to get it done one step at a time.

THE PLAN:

Sit down and create a list of smaller actions that will help you to reach your goal. These can be one time actions, such as throw out all the junk food in the house, and recurring actions like meal prepping every Sunday afternoon. Once you do this, focus on one action. Once that feels natural, you can go back to your list and choose another action to focus on.

CREATE A CONTINGENCY PLAN:

Life happens and you will have setbacks. There will be good days and bad days, so be prepared for what to do on the bad days too. What if you are sick, what if you are too busy, what if I have to go out of town – couple each of your “what ifs” with something you can still do in those scenarios to keep you on track.

DID YOU KNOW? Research shows it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, with the average time being 66 days, for a new habit to stick!

BBM

Inspiring people to achieve their life’s ambitions

–Zig Ziglar

"If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time."

A Tripledemic?

Prevention is the cure

TThe New York Times published last month that the U.S. is in the middle of a ‘tripledemic’: COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine that will eliminate these viruses. Medications typically shorten the illness by a few days only if they are started within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. Maintaining a healthy immune system year-round is your best defense against catching these viruses and beating the symptoms quicker.

Many people know increasing the consumption of vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D help boost the immune system. However, it is important to take enough of these vitamins and minerals to provide adequate protection. The percent Daily Value (%DV) printed on the supplement facts of vitamins is not an accurate guide for maintaining a healthy immune system from bacteria and viruses. The Daily Values for vitamin supplementation have not been updated in over 20 years. Every person has different vitamin and mineral needs based on food consumption, disease states, and genetics. For example, most people can take 10,000 IU a day of Vitamin D3. Ask your healthcare provider to test your 25-hydroxy-vitamin d blood level to ensure this is enough. An optimal 25-hydroxy-vitamin d level is around 65 ng/mL or the middle of the lab-provided range. Studies show very high doses of vitamin C (5,000-10,000 mg a day in divided doses) are beneficial against COVID-19. Our pharmacists guide you on how much to take based on your needs. Healthy immune systems also depend on healthy guts. Almost 70-80% of our immunity lies within our gastrointestinal tract; therefore, a healthy gut can be a

by

first line defense for viruses and bacteria. Your diet is extremely important in supporting a healthy gut. Low carbohydrate and low sugar diets rich in raw fruits and vegetables are healthier for your immunity. Probiotics, such as FloraBalance and Endomune, serve an important role in maintaining healthy gut flora to combat viruses and bacteria that are introduced to the gastrointestinal tract. Decreasing the ingestion of foods that cause inflammation can assist as well. Annie’s Apothecary offers Food Sensitivity Testing to determine what those foods are. Our pharmacist then makes personalized recommendations based on your results.

Another way to boost immunity is by oral supplementation of immunoglobulins. The basic functions of immunoglobulins are to neutralize and mark bacteria and viruses for destruction by the body’s immune system. Unlike antibiotics, they allow

Dr. Leigh Ann Greenberg – Annie’s Apothecary

the immune system to differentiate between pathogens (bacteria and viruses) and the body’s normal flora. Each day the GI tract’s immune cells produce about 5 grams of immunoglobulins. However, during times of stress there is a significant reduction in production. I think we can safely say EVERYONE is under a certain amount of stress. Immunoglobulins taken by mouth act first in the GI tract to stop the growth of disease-causing organisms and toxins. Supplementation with immunoglobulins reduces the demand in the gut for naturally

produced antibodies. Since the body’s resources are not infinite, conservation of immune resources in the gut allows more resources to be available wherever else they may be needed. IG 26 Plus DF powder is an immunoglobulin product that may help your body defend itself from viruses.

As we live through the ‘tripledemic’, please continue your healthy habits all year long. Annie’s Apothecary is committed to helping you achieve your immune system goals now and year-round! anniesrx.com 211 S.

finances Time for I

It’s that time of year when many of us promise ourselves we’ll go to the gym more, or learn a new language, or take up a musical instrument, or any number of other worthy goals. But this year, when making New Year’s resolutions, why not also consider some financial ones? Here are a few to consider:

Don’t let inflation derail your investment strategy.

As you know, inflation was the big financial story of 2022, hitting a 40-year high. And while it may moderate somewhat this year, it will likely still be higher than what we experienced the past decade or so. Even so, it’s a good idea to try not to let today’s inflation harm your investment strategy for the future. That happened last year: More than half of American workers either reduced their contributions to their 401(k)s and other retirement plans or stopped contributing completely during the third quarter of 2022, according to a survey by Allianz Life Insurance of North America. Of course, focusing on your cash flow needs today is certainly understandable, but are there other ways you can free up some money, such as possibly lowering your spending, so you can continue contributing to your retirement accounts? It’s worth the effort because you could spend two or three decades as a retiree.

Control your debts.

Inflation can also be a factor in debt management. For example, your credit card debt could rise due to rising prices and variable credit card interest rate increases. By paying your bill each month, you can avoid the effects of rising interest rates. If you do carry a balance, you might be able to transfer it to a lower-rate card, depending on your credit score. And if you’re carrying multiple credit cards, you might benefit by getting a fixed-rate debt consolidation loan. In any case, the lower your debt payments, the more you can invest for your long-term goals.

Review your investment portfolio.

At least once a year, you should review your investment portfolio to determine if it’s still appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But be careful not to make changes just because you feel your recent performance is not what it

should have been. When the financial markets are down, as was the case for most of 2022, even quality investments, such as stocks of companies with solid business fundamentals and strong prospects, can see declines in value. But if these investments are still suitable for your portfolio, you may want to keep them.

Prepare for the unexpected.

If you encountered a large unexpected expense, such as the need for a major home repair, how would you pay for it? If you didn’t have the money readily available, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments or retirement accounts. To prevent this, you should build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses — or a year’s worth, if you’re retired — with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account. These resolutions can be useful — so try to put them to work in 2023.

To find out how to get your financial goals on track, contact us for complimentary review. edwardjones.com Member

Caleb K Clark, CIMA® Financial Advisor

138 Old San Antonio Rd Suite 203 Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-2176

When it comes to your list, put your future first.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Now Offering Jet Plasma

Jet Plasma pen is a handheld plasma device that uses a cooler atmospheric temperature so it does not create surface trauma like traditional fibroblast plasma. This extremely powerful device penetrates 13,000 volts of plasma through the epidermis, into the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin stimulating high levels of collagen and remodeling the cellular structure from the inside out. When J plasma is mixed with oxide oxygen, ozone plasma is created which kills surface bacteria and is anti-inflammatory to aid in calming keratosis, eczema, and rosacea.

ribbon cuttings

Greater Boerne ChamBer of CommerCe DeCemBer uttinGs

Opening was celebreated

Art World Gallery’s

Pedro Echeverria and Joel of Art World Gallery are bringing unique art to Boerne! They like to use the art of mixography in acrylic bases and oleo over natural textures to help bring art to life! Stop by and visit them at 1001 S. Main St., Suite 7 in Boerne, give them a call at (210) 687-8687 or check-out their Instagram by going to @ artworldgalleryusa! Congrats Art World!

With custom outdoor rugs, seasonal and game day wreaths, grills of all sizes, outdoor seating, kitchenware and more, they will be your one stop shop when it’s time to spruce up your outdoor area! Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, give them a call at (210) 803-9142, or stop by and check out the store which is located at 31007 IH-10 W., Suite 101 in Boerne!

Boerne Radio 103.9FM’s celebrated their 2 year anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony and Boost Boerne Business holiday event! Boerne radio 103.9FM and BOFARS MEDIA GROUP is celebrating 2 years of serving Boerne, bragging on Boerne, and Boosting Boerne Business! Boerne Radio is The Gateway to Great Music and you can listen to them on 103.9FM and AM1500. Congrats on 2 incredible years, Boerne Radio – thank you for all you do for our community!

Core Athletic Club is a family-owned, full-service health club proudly located in the vibrant city of Boerne! The club offers a variety of services, amenities, and equipment, and provides a family-friendly environment for all levels of health and fitness enthusiasts in the community. With locker rooms, child-care, a beer, wine and smoothie bar, and different membership levels to choose from, you have options that work best for your fitness journey and lifestyle. To learn more about their classes and training, to take a virtual tour, or to sign up, check out their website at coreathleticclubboerne.com! Core Athletic Club is located at 1580 River Road, Boerne, TX 78006 – stop by today for an in-person tour!

The Boerne Bookshop’s celebrated their 3 Year Anniversary with a special ribbon cutting ceremony! The Boerne Bookshop is an exciting bookstore in the heart of historic Boerne. They focus on high-quality experiences with books that appeal to all readers. Having a wide range of topics and an eclectic mixture in all areas is a point of pride for the bookstore! As a supporter of the community, owner Dale Adams seeks to develop activities and connections that promote reading and the personal development that goes along with literary pursuits, including author signings and a particular emphasis on local authors and topics. Swing by their store at 153 S Main St, #120 or check out their website at theboernebookshop.com!

Patricia Ptak,

and founder of Counseling Center of Boerne, brings personalized counseling to address what you need and where you are, from a place of love and understanding. From individual and family counseling, to trauma and PTSD services, Patricia works with any and all life stages and experiences. In addition to these services, she also offers women’s retreats, yoga workshops, and coaching for business leaders and executives to formulate goals and achieve them with specific skill and insight building. If you’d like to learn more about the Counseling Center of Boerne, go to counselingcenterofboerne.com/home, or give Patricia a call at (830) 428-1457.

Hairbenders Salon & Spa’s 30th year of business in our Boerne Community was celebreated with a special ribbon cutting ceremony today! Located in the heart of Boerne, Hairbenders Salon & Spa offers a fantastic place for all your hair styling and haircut needs! The goal at Hairbenders is to help their clients feel better about themselves, feel more positive about their future, and feel appreciated. The stylists at the salon and spa are professional, confident and experienced! They consistently stay up to date with trends by taking continuing education courses, going to Master Academy training, and bringing in professionals for hands-on training. Some of their services include coloring and highlights, men’s cuts, up-dos, wedding parties, aesthetician services, microblading and more! To learn more or to book an appointment, check out their website at hairbendersboerne.com, stop by and visit them at 802 E. Blanco Rd in Boerne or give them a call today at (830) 331-9181 to learn more.

The Patrick Heath Public Library’s new Dietert Historical Community Archives was celebrated with a special ribbon cutting ceremony! The Patrick Heath Public Library is celebrating the opening of the new Dietert Historical Community Archives, which will be available online! This gives everyone, anywhere, 24 hour access to the archives holdings for research into family history, building/architectural history and more! To check out the archives, go to openaccess.biblioboard.com/module/ dietert-historical-archives! This is super exciting for our community and we are so be part of the celebration. Congrats, PHPL!

Mercy International was started with a heart for all the people in Haiti. For over 40 years, Mercy International has been serving the people of Haiti in various ways. From education and medical care to church support, housing projects, and more, they are working to bring thriving, Christ-centered communities throughout the country. Since Hurricane Matthew in 2016, they have completed a second village that offers a home, a church to worship in, food, and education to those left without. Last year they started the third village in Tozia after the earthquake in August leaving hundreds without a home. Mercy now has built over 170 houses in Haiti for the poorest of the poor. To learn more about Mercy International’s mission or sponsorship opportunities, call them at (830) 331-1292, visit their website mercyintl.org or email them at info@ mercyintl.org.

(artworldgalleryusa) Grand

with a special ribbon cutting ceremony!

Boerne Backyard is a local store that specializes in outdoor furnishings, grills, smokers, and anything else you could possibly need to entertain in the outdoors!

EMDR Certified Therapist

by Lauren Stumberg

Last month I had the privilege of judging the Christmas light contest at the KCFA Equine Boarding Facility. I brought my daughter, Dylan, along to help me judge and what a fun time we had!

The boarders decorated their horses’ stalls and could even decorate nearby tack rooms or extra stalls. The judging was split into lighted and non-lighted categories and based on a points sytem for things like originality, how much work was put into decorating and theme creativity.

My daughter and I got to walk around,

pet the horses and take in the Christmas spirit! They even fed us a yummy meal of tamales, queso, salami, cookies and warm apple cider!

“The community here is just great! We have a lot of fun play days with the horses here on-site in the arena,” said Gayle Shussler, barn manager. “We have a good time together here and really love that the barn is convenient and inexpensive to board, which is a lifesaver for us boarders,” added Kathy Moore Cloud.

The facility is always looking for volunteers and sponsors to help upgrade and maintain safety and the boarders themselves have been putting in a lot of hard work!

If you are looking for a place to board your horse, this is a great location and seems like a fun community to get involved with! Contact Gayle Shussler at kcfaequine@gmail.com for more info.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

| cont’d

JANUARY 24

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR HAUTE IN TEXAS

11:30am to 12:00pm 10 Dominion Dr., Suite 2101 A-8 –San Antonio

JANUARY 26

BOERNE AFTER 5 MIXER: HOSTED BY RIVERVIEW NURSING & REHABILITATION

5:00pm to 7:00pm 1102 River Rd. – Boerne

THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT

7:30pm to 10:00pm

Boerne Champion High School Auditorium

201 Charger Blvd. – Boerne

An extravagant celebration of the iconic music of Broadway and more, The Four Phantoms In Concert features an extraordinary quartet of performers… all of whom have performed the infamous masked leading role (combined total of 6,000 performances) in the Tony Award-winning The Phantom of the Opera. This unforgettable night of entertainment features Brent Barrett, John Cudia, Franc D’Ambrosio, and Ciarán Sheehan, is under the music supervision of twotime Grammy Award-winner David Caddick and music director Ryan Shirar. Joining the Four Phantoms is special guest Kaley Ann Voorhees, one of the youngest sopranos to play the role of Christine on Broadway. Be mesmerized by the Music of the Night! Ticket info at BoernePerformingArts.com

JANUARY 28

GBCC ANNUAL AWARDS GALA: PRESENTED BY BEC

6:00pm to 10:00pm

The Cana Ballroom at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 202 W. Kronkosky St. – Boerne Complimentary Valet Parking Open Bar Cocktail Hour - 6:00 pm BBM

Protecting What Matters Most.

sonora-insurance.com

We are committed to helping Texans protect their horses, homes, autos, businesses, farms and ranches, and everything in between.

Let us show you our superior insurance options – backed by Sonora Bank’s strength, stability, and customer service. Sonora Insurance Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sonora Bank. Insurance products are not FDIC insured.