Cultivating Resilience: Tools and Technology to Help Combat Stress

When so many people rely on you personally, professionally, and socially, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed from time to time. Between running from client meetings to soccer games, organizing fundraisers, and caring for aging parents, the demands of daily life can be exhausting. That’s where technology can help. Use technology to stay organized, prioritize your well-being, manage your time, and continue to grow personally and professionally.

Technology can help you:

Stay in control
Worried about forgetting something important? Use your phone to set reminders, share calendars, and to-do lists with your loved ones. If you’re not already using one, a voice-activated AI-powered virtual assistant can answer questions, send text messages on your behalf, and help you manage your day more efficiently. A smart doorbell camera can help you monitor your home, and when you’re out and about, location-based apps can help you find nearby services, shops, or even your parked car.

Be mindful
On challenging days, staying calm can make all the difference. Use a meditation or deep-breathing app to reduce stress and regain focus. If you can’t make it to the gym, a workout app can help you stay active from home. Short on time for grocery shopping? A meal delivery service can ease the load. Wearable tech, like fitness trackers and smartwatches, can monitor your physical health, sleep patterns, and stress levels, offering real-time insights to help you build healthier, more productive habits.

Expand your knowledge
Online learning platforms offer convenient and flexible opportunities to develop new skills. Preparing for international travel? Language learning apps can help you build proficiency during your daily commute. When time is limited, real-time translation apps provide an effective solution for communicating across language barriers. With the right tools, continuous learning and global connection are more accessible than ever.

While technology can simplify and enhance daily life, it’s important to use it mindfully. Over reliance on screens can lead to tech fatigue, disconnection, and potential cybersecurity risks. Always follow safe practices for technology use, like using strong passwords and staying vigilant online, but remember to unplug regularly to stay present and balanced in the real world.

Reach Out to Crestwood
Crestwood takes a holistic, forward-looking approach that simplifies the complexities of wealth and allows you to focus on your well-being. Please reach out to your advisory team for strategies that make your financial plan resilient. And if you are not yet working with Crestwood, please contact us to start a conversation.

 

This document is provided for general informational purposes only by Crestwood Advisors, an investment adviser. Crestwood Advisors does not endorse, sponsor, or promote any of the products or companies listed or mentioned in this material. Any references to specific products or services are purely incidental and are included solely to illustrate potential strategies or concepts. The inclusion of such references does not imply any form of partnership, relationship, or approval by the Firm.

June Economic Update: The Deficit Could be Rising—But it’s Not Necessarily Cause for Alarm

June Economic Update: The Deficit Could be Rising—But it’s Not Necessarily Cause for Alarm

The recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Act or OBBBA (also known as HR 1) by the U.S. House of Representatives could have implications for the budget deficit in its current form, and in turn for domestic and international bond markets and the economy.

Although there will no doubt be significant changes to the House version of the bill before it passes, a major impact on taxes would be the extension of many provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and substantial additional spending on defense and border security.

The current administration believes the current bill will generate economic growth, lead to lower deficits, and put the country on a more fiscally sustainable path.

Reactions in the Bond Market
However, not everyone agrees the current bill will achieve these goals. The bond market’s reaction has been a decline in bond prices leading to an increase in yields. Notably, the 10-year Treasury yield has climbed to around 4.5% (from 4% earlier in the year), while the 30-year bond yield has risen to 5%, well above the 4.75% long term average.  While many factors affect trends in bond yields, this year bond markets have been skittish about the effects of increased tariffs and inflation fears.  The Federal government’s unwillingness to address deficit spending have added to the bearish narrative.

With higher interest rates driving up the cost of servicing debt, strong economic growth becomes even more critical to balancing the budget and maintaining fiscal stability.

Today’s Deficit is Manageable
While reducing the deficit is a worthwhile goal, it’s important to recognize that the US’s Federal debt level of 118% debt-to-GDP is not an outlier.  Among G7 nations, the average debt-to-GDP ratio stands at around 125%. Notably, Japan’s debt-to-GDP stands at 250% and has been above 100% for over two decades all while maintaining both economic stability and investor confidence.* Although elevated debt can contribute to risks like inflation or slower growth, it does not necessarily signal financial distress—particularly for an economy like the U.S., which continues to serve as the world’s benchmark.

Safe Haven Status
The U.S. can sustain high debt levels and still be a destination for global capital inflows due to a unique combination of structural, institutional and economic strengths. As the issuer of the world’s primary reserve currency, the U.S. benefits from constant demand for its debt, allowing it to borrow at relatively low costs. Its financial markets are the largest, most liquid, and among the most transparent in the world, reinforcing investor confidence. The U.S. economy is also highly innovative and productive, driven by leadership in technology, finance, and consumer sectors.

During times of global uncertainty, the U.S. is viewed as a safe haven, with investors flocking to its assets despite rising debt. Strong institutions like the Federal Reserve and a long-standing reputation for honoring debt further support its credibility. All of these factors make the U.S. an attractive and reliable place to invest, even with a high (and potentially rising) debt-to-GDP ratio.

Capital Markets
Equities bounced back in May after a turbulent April. The All-Country World Index (ACWI) finishing up 5.7%, led by the US with a gain of 6.3% for the S&P 500. Developed international equities, as measured by the EAFE index, had another strong month, adding 4.7%, to close May up17.3% YTD. Emerging market equities increased by 4.0%. Bond prices declined by .7% as interest rates rose.

Source: Bloomberg. EAFE is MSCI EAFE Index(1), Emerging Markets is MSCI Emerging Markets(2) and U.S. Bonds is Barclays U.S. Aggregate(3). ACWI is the MSCI ACWI Index(4). Small Caps is the Russell 2000 Index(5). S&P 500 is the S&P 500 Index(6). The above information is as of 5/30/2025. See last page for important information.

We continue to be focused on investing for the long term while remaining sensitive to potential short-term opportunities and risks. We encourage you to reach out to your Crestwood Advisor with any questions or concerns you may have. If you are not yet working with a Crestwood Advisor, we invite you to schedule some time to discuss how Crestwood works with individuals and families like yours to help them achieve their wealth goals.

This document contains forward-looking statements, predictions and forecasts (“forward-looking statements”) concerning our beliefs and opinions in respect of the future. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on them. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

*International Monetary Fund: https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/d@FPP/USA/FRA/JPN/GBR/SWE/ESP/ITA/ZAF/ What Lessons Can Be Drawn from Japan’s High Debt-to-GDP Ratio? Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, November 14, 2023

Love, Marriage, and Money: Planning for Life’s Grand Celebrations

Weddings are among life’s most joyful milestones, and often some of the most financially significant. As invitations start rolling in and plans take shape, we find that many couples (and their families) are thinking not only about how to celebrate, but also how to plan wisely.

From engagement to “I do,” today’s wedding traditions reflect evolving values around partnership, personal priorities, and financial responsibility. Whether you’re helping a child plan their big day, navigating a new chapter in your own relationship, or simply attending more events this season, these moments often come with important financial considerations. When thoughtfully integrated into your broader financial plan, they can strengthen your goals, express your values, and support your long-term vision.

Engagement Trends: Beyond Diamonds?
The engagement ring has long been a symbol of enduring commitment. Today, many couples are exploring lab-grown diamonds as a modern alternative – valued for their ethical sourcing, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. These stones are virtually indistinguishable from mined diamonds and offer an opportunity to allocate resources toward other shared goals, such as travel, a future home, or even early retirement plans.

Celebrating Smart: Wedding Costs and Creative Planning
Weddings can be as intimate or extravagant as you choose. While the average cost hovers around $33,000,1 for many couples – especially those planning destination events or multi-day celebrations – expenses can rise to $100,000 or more.

In addition, traditions have evolved. Some couples finance the entire event themselves; others share costs with family members or structure contributions creatively. One savvy approach: establish a clear wedding budget that includes a set sum for your event. Anything left over can be redirected to other priorities, like a down payment on a first home or an investment portfolio that supports your shared vision.

Prenups and Protecting What Matters
Though it may feel unromantic, a prenuptial agreement can be a valuable tool – especially if you’re bringing significant assets, family business interests, or prior commitments into the marriage. Clear conversations early on can help set expectations and protect what matters most.

Wedding Gifts: Navigating Etiquette with Grace
As you’re invited to celebrate other couples, consider how your wedding gift aligns with your own financial goals. In 2024, the average wedding gift was about $150,2 though closer relationships or grand celebrations might inspire a more generous gesture. Destination weddings or multiple events may warrant flexibility in your approach.

Plan Thoughtfully—Celebrate Confidently
At Crestwood, we see these life events as part of your broader financial journey. Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring, planning a celebration, or discussing how to protect your future together, we’re here to help. Let’s ensure your wedding day is a celebration of love – grounded in a clear financial vision.

Connect with Us
If you’re already working with Crestwood, reach out to your advisory team to integrate wedding planning into your financial roadmap. If you’re not yet a client, we’d be delighted to introduce ourselves and explore how we can support your goals together.

 

Source: 1  How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost, According to Data? The Knot, February 26, 2025
Source: 2 How Much to spend on a Wedding Gift According to Experts, The Knot, March 21, 2025