Memorial Day - Remember and Honor
In observance of Memorial Day
our office will be closed on
Monday May 25, 2026
Summer Musings
Can you believe it’s already Memorial Day? Summer is here, and the year is nearly half over — where does the time go?
April and May have been wonderfully full for me: family weddings, graduations, Mother’s Day celebrations… and in between it all, I’ve continued my research on longevity and aging well.
Kendall’s Big Day and bittersweet too
I have to tell you about my granddaughter, Kendall. She just graduated from the University of Miami — and since I live only about 15 minutes from campus, I had the privilege of being part of her college years in a very meaningful way. Sunday dinners, shopping trips, and spontaneous visits were part of our routine.
I had the joy of watching her grow from a somewhat nervous freshman into a confident, independent young woman, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Kendall made a point of attending every class in person rather than logging in remotely — no small commitment these days. She truly valued being present with her professors and classmates and fully engaging in the learning experience. That speaks volumes about who she is.
For her graduation gift, she asked for a trip to Korea — and she’s there right now, off on an adventure with her parents. Good for her!
The entire family came to Miami for the celebration — both of my daughters, all the grandchildren, everyone. We wrapped up the week with dinner at the iconic Joe’s Stone Crab, and her graduation night was celebrated at Kendall’s favorite, Tropical Chinese, where we had shared so many Sunday dinners over the years. It was bittersweet and beautiful all at once. I was so lucky to have her just 15 minutes away all these years — and yes, I'm going to miss that very much.
Speeches Worth Your Time
Every graduation season, I revisit commencement speeches to see what wisdom is being shared with the next generation. Two remain my favorites:
Steve Jobs, Stanford University (June 2005)
(Search “Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Address” on YouTube)Admiral William H. McRaven, University of Texas at Austin (May 2014)
(Search “Admiral McRaven UT Austin Speech” on YouTube)
A line from each that continues to resonate with me:
“Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith… The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs
“Find someone to help you paddle.” — Admiral McRaven
His point is simple but powerful: none of us can navigate life’s challenges alone — we need a team, good friends, and the goodwill of others.
I highly recommend taking the time to watch both. Their messages are timeless — at any stage of life, even if you’re approaching 88, as I am!
The Cacho family also stayed the weekend to celebrate Mother’s Day with me — a wonderful addition to an already special time.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
This is something I’ve been thinking about recently — and I know many of you “super agers,” or your parents, may be as well.
Several friends and clients have moved to senior living communities over the past few years. Almost all have said it was one of the best decisions they’ve made — with only one expressing regret. While I have no immediate interest in moving, I also believe in planning ahead.
I truly love where I live. I have wonderful neighbors I could call in the middle of the night if needed. I’m close to everything — shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, even the Metrorail. I’m happy here and can comfortably afford to stay.
But then I think… what if I live to 100? That possibility isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed.
Through Raymond James, I found a firm that specializes in helping people evaluate exactly this question — whether to age in place safely or consider alternative living arrangements. I decided to explore it.
When the specialist came to my home, I invited a knowledgeable neighbor to sit in — always good to have a second set of ears. I expected a walkthrough inspection. Instead, she began by asking me a series of thoughtful questions. At first, I thought, I could have answered these online. But then it struck me — I was part of the evaluation. She was observing how I processed information, how I moved, how I engaged. I had to smile at that realization.
Eventually, she did walk through the house. Her only immediate observation? The area rugs with fringe pose a tripping hazard. Everything else will come in a written report, expected in a few weeks. I also shared that I’m installing an elevator, which she fully supported.
I’ll share more about the results — and whether I found the process worthwhile — in my next Musings.
Slow Down — A Hard-Learned Lesson
I’ll close with a story I’m a bit embarrassed to share, but it feels important.
Last week, I had a minor issue with my induction stovetop. Instead of consulting the manual, I did what many of us do — I asked Google and a chatbot. When their suggestions didn’t solve the problem, the chatbot offered to connect me with a technician. There was a vague mention of a “$5 refund,” which didn’t quite make sense, but I was in a hurry and ignored it.
That was my mistake.
Before I knew it, I had entered my credit card information — without carefully reading the details. The technician fixed the issue, but later I noticed a $70 charge. When I tried to cancel, I couldn’t find a way.
I immediately called Mastercard. The agent quickly identified the company — apparently, they receive calls about them every day. I had unknowingly signed up for a $70 monthly subscription. Canceling it was complicated, and I’m still receiving persistent messages. I’ve filed a dispute, and I’m told most people in this situation do recover their money.
Now, I absolutely know better — and yet I still fell into the trap. I was rushed, I trusted a familiar-looking search result, and I didn’t read the fine print.
So please take this to heart:
Never share your credit card information without fully understanding who you’re dealing with. Appearing in a search result does not equal legitimacy. And above all — don’t rush.
Another Celebration
In closing, we’re all excited to gather again next week for another family wedding in California. My granddaughter — and Bruce’s daughter — Micaela Kai is getting married!
Enjoy Memorial Day weekend. As we take time to honor those who served, I’m reminded how much we have to be grateful for: family, health, and the gift of time.
Sincerely,
Margaret C. Starner, CFP®
Senior VP - Financial Planning
2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Suite 500
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-461-6660
www.starnergroup.com
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