Spring 2025 Newsletter

Tariffs, Tech, & The Spirit of '76!
As we approach July 4th, we expect the trend toward freer trade and economic shifts raise concerns, they also create opportunity. As a consumer-driven economy, the U.S. may feel pressure from higher prices volatility and a policyinduced recession remain possible. Interestingly, the subscription-based model embedded within many of the public companies that drive Wall Street (Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft) are showing defensive resilience. Think about it: what would it take for you to cancel your Netflix subscription or stop ordering from Amazon? Our bigger concerns are held with smaller companies and local farms that make-up Main Street as they lack the size and pricing power to weather a bigger storm. Jobs remain the key economic indicator. Historically, major downturns take root when job losses are widespread. While we've seen government level cuts, our service-based workforce remains highly employed and the AI boom is creating many new opportunities.

Heading into summer, our team is actively implementing strategies to enhance protection on short-term assets, while being in position for growth with funds set aside for the long term. As a dedicated team of four, please know we have the time and availablity to support. If you would like to schedule a planning session or discuss these markets, please reach out. From all of us on the Meeks Prosperity Planning team, we hope you and your family have a wonderful July 4th holiday!

Trailblazing On & Off the Slopes

Morgan had a fantastic ski season marked by a fun ending at Big Sky’s pond skim event. Over Bozeman’s “mud season,” Morgan returned to her hometown in Massachusetts for a quick trip where she reconnected with friends and attended a high school reunion.

Since joining the team, she has made significant progress in her role, demonstrating a strong grasp of our systems and a growing understanding of the financial planning process. Her commitment to learning, different perspectives, and dependability have been greatly enjoyed by all on the team and in the office.

Foot in the Door, Head in the Markets
Ryan had a busy season both professionally and on the home front. With not the shortage of current topics to explore, particularily global trade, currency shifts, and advancements in AI, Ryan continues to be a devoted student of the markets. Outside of the office, the kids continue their active schedules as Daphne and Brooks are fully engaged with lacrosse, while maintaining their horseback riding lessons, schoolwork, and time with friends. A special milestone this spring: Nichole and Daphne enjoyed their first trail ride together! At age 7, Daphne’s riding has mostly been under the guidance of instructors and in enclosed environments, making the shared experience especially meaningful. Brooks’ riding highlight is likely to come later this summer at the Bozeman rodeo, where he plans to participate in the Mutton Bustin’ event again.

The Meeks traveled to the East Coast in May to celebrate a relative’s graduation from the University of New Hampshire. They hiked the hardwood forests, adventured to the Bronx Zoo, toured a submarine decommissioned in 1972, and played on a beach in Maine. Reflecting on the employment landscape new graduates face, Ryan recalled entering the workforce during the financial crisis - literally sending out over 100 resumes per week. His first rofessional job came from a creative move born out of desperation: he physically delivered resumes inside of shoes with the line, “I’m just trying to get my foot in the door.” Fortunately, Ryan didn’t have to invest in too many shoes before his strategy worked. Our investment guidance for those with recent graduates in their lives: the best investment you’ll ever make is in yourself – so start early and compound often.

Morel Mushrooms & Market Meetings
Jase has had a productive spring blending professional growth and outdoor pursuits. He took a quick trip to Arizona to reconnect with a friend from D.A. Davidson’s Apprenticeship program, reflecting on past experiences and ongoing collaboration. He also attended an exclusive D.A. Davidson investment conference in Denver, where he engaged with analysts, economists, and colleagues in a valuable exchange of insights and best practices.

In the office, Jase has been working closely with CPAs and attorneys over the potentially changing IRS tax code. As a reminder, know that our team and internal reps at Davidson Trust Company can help serve as the "quarterbacks" to your financial team coordinating and collaborating with the other professionals in your life for personalized strategies and clean execution.

As the days get longer, Jase is finding himself in the backcountry of Montana more and more. He took time for a few spring hunts focused on turkeys and morel mushrooms, finding greater success with the latter. He's also looking forward to fishing as river levels lower with runoff subsiding.

Fishing the Flats of Florida
Theresa has been able to enjoy some well-earned time off as Morgan transitions nicely into the team. Theresa and her husband, Brian, recently visited St. Petersburg, Florida, with family where Theresa had a standout day of fishing. She landed snook, sea trout, red drum, and jack crevalle, coming very close to completing the coveted "Florida Back Country Inshore Grand Slam," only missing out on a tarpon, which had been spotted not hooked. The highlight for her was her four back-to-back Redfish, the third measuring an impressive 33 inches!