THE FATHER BLOG

Depending where you get your news, you may have heard that AI is taking over the world and half the jobs currently held by humans. Is this a foregone conclusion? I have no idea. But I can say this much….if you aren’t at least researching some AI stocks to invest in, you could be missing a big opportunity.

As I’ve stated in the past, I am more into ETFs to reduce volatility in my portfolio….but that’s also because I’m not in my 20s anymore. But here are some things to consider:

What types of AI and technology ETF stocks are out there? Broad AI and Technology ETFs, Robotics and Automation ETFs, Generative AI ETFs, and Semiconductor ETFs just to name a few.

Within each segment, there are several to choose. Do you own research and due diligence as usual, but I can say this much: almost any one you choose will likely have a positive growth over the past 12 months on their charts.

If you are too lazy to spend lots of time doing your own research….you can probably just let AI do it for you!

When I travel, it’s a complete no brainer to find the local brewery or distillery. A great way to immerse yourself in any new place is to eat and drink like the locals.

I’m looking forward to my upcoming trip to the Virgin Islands because I do love the cuisine. I’ll gladly eat everything from a high end restaurant down to the food truck parked on the side of the road. I also love to explore the food markets or vendors and discover fruits and vegetables that I have never seen before.

Now some of these may not be that rare for you…but in NJ, these fruits are not sitting in our supermarkets. I want to find and try some soursop, cocoplums, sea grapes, and a sugar apple. Anyone every tried these before? I hope I can find all of them and experience new flavors. At the very least, I hear the beers from Leatherback Brewing are available everywhere!

If you are anything like me, you get absolutely disgusted when you start seeing Home Depot and Lowe’s displaying their Christmas decorations in early October. For the love of God….can’t you wait just a bit longer? We’ve still had many days in the 70 to 80 degree range as well…doesn’t feel much like Christmas yet.

But even though I disagree with the stores pushing things forward to quickly, I understand the need for families to start planning things out for Thanksgiving and Christmas early. When Mary and I were first married, we either did a split of the holidays (one family got the “eves” while the other got the actual day) or we had years when we just had everyone together. When the kids were younger, it definitely felt like it was way more important for the grandparents to get equal time. But the kids have cell phones and Emily is driving…so staying in contact isn’t a barrier like it was in the past. Not that there was ever a huge barrier, but putting a 2 year old on the phone and telling them, “say HI to Grammy” wasn’t the biggest connection or long interaction.

So with the holiday season approaching, we are still hashing out plans as far as I know. Luckily, between my Mom, Mary, and my sister in law…they eventually figure things out. Where as myself, Dad, and brother basically just say, “tell me where I need to be and when”. And then we make sure there is beer.

So what are your plans for the holidays? How do you divide time or decide where to go on which days?

Here is a Christmas picture from 2016: My buddy Radek was there that year and is coming for Thanksgiving from FL to be with us this year.

Thanksgiving was apparently rough on Emily that year:

Mikey enjoying Christmas in 2013