MAY NEWSLETTER: Making sense of the noise with Dolly Parton
Hi friends,
It’s noisy out there in the world these days. We’ve been thinking a lot about buzz and trends, about where to tune in and when to tune out. (Because we all need to tune out sometimes.)
This month’s newsletter digs into digital currencies like Bitcoin, values and policy in real estate, and an unexpected emotional response to unexpected wealth.
We hope we can help you cut through the noise.
Georgia + Team Modernist
investment insights
Everyone seems to be talking about Bitcoin, right? Again, the noise! We put together an accessible intro to digital currency (plus what we recommend to Modernist clients).
We also shared a look back at Q1 markets from our investment committee. In a nutshell: Markets are up right now, but remember, every day is a good day to invest!
And for even more fun, here’s a rundown of our data-backed investment methodology.
⚡️ACTION ITEMS⚡️ For dismantling wealth inequality
We're digging the insights from Dorothy A. Brown (also featured last month) about how racism is woven into the “American Dream” of homeownership and our tax code. Together, the myth and tax structures deepen racial wealth inequality in the US.
⚡️ ACTION ITEMS ⚡️
⚡️Are you listing your home in today’s competitive sellers’ market? Consider a 3% Reparations donation. The National Fair Housing Alliance is working nation-wide for equity, and here in Portland, the African American Alliance for Homeownership is a great org to support.
⚡️Spread the word, maybe start a convo about zoning? “If you care about social justice, you have to care about zoning.” This New York Times op-ed sheds lights on economically discriminatory zoning policies and modern redlining. Let's discuss.
MODERNIST TAKES IT OUTSIDE
Did you read the recent NY Mag article about the woman who made $6 million at her start-up's IPO and now she finds herself navigating unexpected emotions around it?
Well... Georgia and Farnoosh had many thoughts and dug in on a new episode of So Money – give it a listen!
FUND YOUR HEROES
Georgia is excited to co-host Akasha For The People’s campaign kick-off next Thursday, May 27th at 5:30 p.m. If you want to learn more about Akasha, RSVP to the kick-off, and we'll see you there!
Akasha Lawrence Spence’s campaign is all about building a coalition of people in our community who are invested in the promise of justice for all: economic, racial, reparative, climate, reproductive and health justice.
If you’re able, please consider making a donation to Akasha’s campaign. Every little bit counts!
We were happy to see the (virtual) grand opening of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon at Naito Center happen this month.
We must remember our history: on May 6, 1942, Portland was forever changed by the erasure of Japantown. Today we celebrate a permanent home for JAMO in the heart of Portland.
Plan a visit and lend support here.
ART BREAK: 32 Short Films about Glenn Gould
One of Georgia’s favorite movies is a collection of short films about the delightfully odd, multi-faceted, genius pianist Glenn Gould. Says Georgia:
“Film #21: The Tip” is a visual short story about why we want to avoid hot stock tips and quick money; basically, why we prefer widely diversified broad market investments! Please don’t try this at home!
A Song That is Actually About Searching For Home
In college, Georgia DJ’d a country music radio show; Dolly, Emmylou, and Linda's album Trio was on regular rotation, especially the wild child anthem, Wildflowers.
I grew up fast and wild and I never felt right / In a garden so different from me...So I uprooted myself from home ground and left / Took my dreams and I took to the road / When a flower grows wild it can always survive / Wildflowers don't care where they grow.
Here’s to a world where we all have the dignity of home and the freedom to live as wildflowers of every gender and heritage!