October means fall is officially here, and crisper days and autumn-themed activities are filling our calendars. One of your activities may include visiting a pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin. More than 800 million pumpkins will be ripe for picking this month in the United States and will be used as festive porch décor, baked into fall treats, and more. (Check out these delicious pumpkin recipes for humans and pets!) Golfers, make sure to schedule a tee time on October 4th to celebrate National Golf Lover’s Day. Believed to have been invented during the 15th century in Scotland, golf has become one of the most popular sports worldwide. Last year, over 41 million Americans participated in a golf-related activity, from hitting the links to enjoying a night out at an indoor golf simulator or entertainment venue. Grab your friends and head to your favorite course or share a photo of your favorite golf memory with the hashtag #golfloversday. October 9th is Fire Prevention Day, which raises awareness of fire hazards and promotes safety through education. Fall is an excellent time of year to check your fire preparedness, such as testing your smoke alarm batteries, making an appointment with a professional to have your fireplace cleaned, and reviewing home evacuation plans with household members in case of an emergency. Do you have an inspiring and supportive boss? Being the boss can be a demanding job with many responsibilities to shoulder and little appreciation shown. Express your gratitude to them on National Boss’s Day, October 16th, with a heartfelt card, offer to buy lunch, or chip in with your workgroup to give a thoughtful gift. If your sweet tooth can’t wait until Halloween, satisfy your cravings on October 28th in celebration of National Chocolate Day. This day celebrates all things chocolate – from hot cocoa to candies to decadent desserts. If you’re looking for inspiration on how you can observe this holiday, check out these enticing chocolate dessert recipes. Wondering what to hand out to trick-or-treaters this year for Halloween? According to a recent survey, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are Americans’ favorite candy, followed by 2) Snickers, 3) Milky Way, 4) Candy Corn, and 5) Payday bars, to round out the top five. However, candy is not a safe option for every child. In recognition of those who have food allergies or intolerances, consider placing a teal pumpkin bucket on your doorstep with non-food items, such as toys or trinkets. The teal pumpkin is part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, which advocates for a safer Halloween for all trick-or-treaters. October is also National Financial Planning Month, a topic near and dear to our hearts. As we approach the end of 2023, if you’re considering changes to beneficiaries, have questions about investment choices, or need to adjust your plan to accommodate changes in your financial situation, we’re here to help you. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. |

Aren’t You Gourd Fall Is Here? 🍂
October 02, 2023