Gulf Coast, AL April 2024

Hello April! Welcome to Our Investment Issue...

Investment is dedicating time, effort, energy, or finances to a specific undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in various aspects such as our community, relationships, finances, and health, hoping that our efforts will yield positive impacts.

Supporting our local businesses, schools, and organizations, along with engaging in volunteerism, serves to invest in our community. On a broader scale, staying informed through participation in City Council meetings and engaging with future city plans contributes to the well-being of future generations.

In terms of personal investment, directing resources toward our finances aids in wealth creation, meeting long-term financial goals, and securing retirement. On a more personal level, investing in our families and relationships by dedicating time and effort to those closest to us has a profoundly meaningful impact on both us and our loved ones.

As we navigate the diverse paths of investing in ourselves, relationships, community, and finances, let us cherish the shared aspiration of fostering a positive impact that yields meaningful results.

May your chosen investments bring forth the rewards you seek, and may our collective efforts contribute to the thriving and interconnected fabric of our beautiful Island community.

Thank you for your commitment to building a better tomorrow together- hope to see you around the Island...

Love local, live local, and spend locally.

Until next month…

ASHLEY ROBERTS, PUBLISHER @GULF_COAST_CITYLIFESTYLE

Ashley

Scottie Mae Photography April

Swiger Studio- JD Swiger, EyeSky Video

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-3: Expect Excellence wowed the sold out audience with an amazing production of Wizard of Oz. 4-7: OB Garden Club hosted its 36th Annual Game Day & Salad Luncheon Fundraiser.

WOLF BAY MEDIA - BRENT WILLIAMS

WOLF BAY MEDIA - BRENT WILLIAMS

WOLF BAY MEDIA - BRENT WILLIAMS

8: Sunmed mother and daughter team, Amy and Jaxan, were at HotWorx to celebrate Penny’s 90th. 9: December’s Island Spirit Award recipient was Doris Maynard of Perdido Beach Resort. Congratulations! 10: CABC’s First Friday Forum for February, Mayor Tony Kennon addressed the packed breakfast gathering. 11: Penny Hughey’s supporters rallied with her as she completed her 90th workout. Way to Go 12-13: OB Garden Club hosted its 36th Annual Game Day & Salad Luncheon Fundraiser. 14: Alabama Lieutenant Governor, Will AInsworth spoke after Mayor Kennon at CABC’s First Friday Forum.

city scene CONTINUED

15, 18, 20: Orange Beach Methodist Church hosted a Galentine’s Dinner at MileMarker158. Such a wonderful event. 16: Lurleen Tate-Smith of Coastal Family Eyecare was January’s recipient of the Island Spirit Award, congratulations! 17: Pastor Jim Kinder of OBMC set the Alabama mile record for his age group, congratulations! 19: JD Swiger was the keynote speaker for the 2024 Sustainability Summit at USA in Mobile. 21: Magnolia Flower Truck was on-site for Galentine’s Night. They have the best blooms!

LAUREN JONES

LAUREN JONES

LAUREN JONES

LAUREN JONES

OBMC

SWIGER STUDIO CITY

in love

business monthly

Hangout Music Fest: Your Ultimate Summer Vacation

Hangout Fest returns to the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores May 17-19 with an eclectic lineup featuring Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, ODESZA and more! Fest in style with VIP or SUPER VIP and enjoy perks including expedited entry, in-venue pool access, top-tier stage views, golf-cart shuttles between stages, complimentary cocktails and gourmet meals prepared by award winning chefs. Tickets are available now at www.hangoutmusicfest.com

Crafting Creative Campaigns that Connect People with Products and Places

If you’re eager to boost your brand's visibility, make a savvy investment in your marketing through Front Porch Network's full-service boutique agency. With expertise in website development, email marketing, social media management, pay-per-click, influencer management, and graphic design, Front Porch Network’s team connects people with products and places both locally on the Alabama Gulf Coast and nationwide in a variety of industries, from hospitality to healthcare. Learn more at www.FrontPorchNetwork.com.

New in Youth Sports: Announcing Orange Beach Swim Team

Offering a number of programs, including summer league beginning this June 3 - July 31, is the Orange Beach Swim Team. Registration will open April 1st at $180 (includes swim cap and t-shirt) with practices held at Orange Beach Aquatics Center, M/T & TH/F from 5:30-7 p.m. Practices will involve stroke and turn development, basic competition skills, and FUN! For more information, please visit orangebeachal.gov/ swim-team and follow/like on socials (@obstmakos). For ages 6 and up.

Investing In Your Future

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWIGER STUDIO-JD SWIGER

Financial Planning is where your personal game plan starts. Our friend, Alan Ryals, and his team at RFG Advisory including Chief Investment Officer Rick Wedell, are here to help you understand why the “death of the 60/40 investment portfolio” isn’t true and what you can do about it.

The classic 60/40 investment portfolio, consisting of 60% stocks and 40% bonds, has stood the test of time.  Its performance mounted a respectable comeback in 2023 after a rare poor performance in 2022.  The 60/40 strategy has long been a cornerstone of investment planning, and its continued relevance in today’s financial landscape cannot be understated. As we seek to secure our retirement and achieve our long-term financial goals, the 60/40 strategy remains a preferred choice for many, offering a balance of stability and growth potential.

WHY THE 60/40 MODEL ISN’T DEAD AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE CLASSIC 60/40 INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO,

CONSISTING OF 60% STOCKS AND 40% BONDS, IS ONE THAT HAS STOOD THE

TEST OF TIME.

At its core, the 60/40 strategy is valuable due to its ability to provide a diversified portfolio that balances risk and return.  Inherent in this diversification is the idea that in most bear markets, stocks and bonds are inversely correlated – bond prices typically rally when equity prices crash.  While market conditions may fluctuate, the idea is that in up markets the equity in the portfolio provides investors with growth, and in down markets the bonds provide the investor with safety.

One of the key reasons why the 60/40 strategy remains a popular choice for those planning for retirement is its focus on asset protection. By spreading investments across different asset classes, investors can reduce risk exposure while still benefiting from potential growth opportunities. This diversification helps to cushion the impact of market volatility and economic uncertainties, providing a more stable investment environment for long-term financial planning.

In today’s financial landscape, where market fluctuations and economic uncertainties are a constant reality, the 60/40 strategy offers a level of stability and predictability that resonates with investors seeking to secure their retirement. The combination of stocks, known for their growth potential, and bonds, valued for their income-generating and risk-mitigating characteristics, creates a balanced portfolio that can weather various market conditions.

Certainly, there is no “one size fits all” portfolio.  Investors should maintain the flexibility to adjust their asset collection based on their risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Whether an investor is looking for capital appreciation, income generation, or a combination of both, the principles that underpin the 60/40 strategy can be used to tailor a portfolio to meet individual objectives while maintaining a disciplined approach to investing.

Chief

Alan Ryals

RFG ADVISORY

Financial Planning is where your personal game plan starts. Our friend, Alan Ryals, and his team at RFG Advisory including Chief Investment Officer Rick Wedell, are here to help you understand why the “death of the 60/40 investment portfolio” isn’t true and what you can do about it.

Professionals like Alan Ryals and RFG Advisory can navigate the complexities of financial planning with care and thoughtfulness, working towards a more secure and prosperous future. Alan was also recently named Best of Baldwin’s Best Investment Advisor for the 3rd year in a row!

The Best of Baldwin Rating is provided on December 1, 2021, December 1, 2022, and December 1, 2023, by Gulf Coast Media. It covers the period of 2022, 2023, and 2024.

There was no compensation exchanged in consideration for this Rating. For more information, please visit https://gulfcoastmedia. com/bestof2023

For more information on RFG awards, please visit https://rfgadvisory.com/awards

Alan and Rick are here to serve you.

Alan Ryals and RFG Advisory exemplify the commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of financial planning and investment management. By understanding the client’s needs, aspirations, and concerns, Alan creates personalized investment portfolios that align with his client’s long-term goals and objectives. RFG uses portfolio stress testing and risk management tools to help position client’s investments in a way that may potentially cope with market fluctuations and contribute to their financial goals.

The ongoing guidance and support provided by RFG through regularly scheduled meetings and proactive portfolio monitoring underscore the importance of a holistic approach to investment management. By staying informed and up to date on market trends, economic developments, and individual financial circumstances, Alan and RFG Advisory empowers clients to make informed decisions and stay on track toward their retirement goals.

Understanding that market downturns are unpredictable, the 60/40 investment strategy aims to manage the risk in a portfolio by leveraging the characteristics of both stocks and bonds to provide stability and reduce the impact of market volatility. Here’s how the 60/40 strategy helps to mitigate risk during challenging market conditions:

1. Risk Diversification: The 60/40 strategy allocates a significant portion of the portfolio to bonds, which are known for their lower volatility and income-generating properties. Bonds act as a stabilizing force during market downturns, as they are less susceptible to sharp price fluctuations compared to stocks. By diversifying the portfolio with bonds, investors can cushion the impact of stock market declines and reduce overall portfolio risk.

2. Income Generation: Bonds play a crucial role in the 60/40 strategy by providing a steady income stream through interest payments. During market downturns, when stock prices may be falling, the income generated from bonds can help offset some of the losses in the portfolio.

3. Capital Preservation:  While stocks may experience significant price fluctuations during volatile periods, bonds typically offer more stability and can act as a defensive asset in the portfolio.

4. Rebalancing Opportunities: During periods of market stress, when stock prices may decline more than bonds, investors can sell a portion of their bonds to reallocate the proceeds to stocks to maintain the desired 60/40 allocation.

5. Long Term Perspective: The 60/40 strategy is designed for long-term investors who prioritize wealth preservation and steady growth over time. Long term investors can ride out the short-term market fluctuations and focus on achieving their financial goals.

EDWARD Jones

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWIGER STUDIO- JD SWIGER

Financial advisors provide a wide range of services to their clients to help them achieve their financial goals. We recently talked with Dec McClelland, AAMS® and Bob McDowell, AAMS® Financial Advisors with Edward Jones who are helping our community with investment and financial education. These loved locals have made significant contributions to their clients’ financial well-being. With their wealth of experience and dedication to their work and their clients, they have become trusted financial advisors in our coastal community.

Dec started as a sportscaster where he developed an ability to help others visualize critical events and understand subtle nuances that added life to the story unfolding. Dec would later discover a career that perfectly aligned with his strengths and passion for helping others; he could teach with a sense of humor while being a coach and mentor that people needed in one of the most challenging parts of their lives - finances.  Dec became a financial advisor in 2003, becoming the first financial advisor for Edward Jones in Gulf Shores. Dec has proven to be exceptional at guiding his clients through life’s financial challenges.  He takes great pride in helping a person, family or business develop strategies to maximize their opportunity to meet their financial goals and take care of those that matter along the way.

CONTINUED >

Financial advisors provide a wide range of services to help clients maximize their opportunities for financial success.

Bob’s journey in the financial industry began after a distinguished career in the United States Army as a Green Beret. His ‘others before self’ mindset, teamwork mentality, and excellent communication skills have been invaluable in his role as a financial advisor. Bob’s ability to effectively convey complex financial concepts to his clients has helped them navigate some of the most important aspects of their lives when it comes to finances. His passion for helping people shines through in his work, adding immense value to the lives of those he serves.

“I want to help others and the best way I can do that in this capacity is to help them have a solid understanding of their current financial status, listen to their goals, understand their needs, and help them to develop a plan to get to where they want to be.”

Dec and Bob are deeply involved in their community. They serve on numerous boards, sponsor charities, participate in local activities and have a genuine commitment to community involvement that reflects their belief in giving back, investing in their communities, and making a difference.

Together, Dec and Bob form a powerful team. With their knowledge, expertise, and genuine care for their clients’ financial well-being, they help individuals and families maximize their opportunities for financial success. Whether it’s planning for retirement, managing investments, or navigating financial milestones, Dec and Bob provide personalized guidance and

support and they are fiduciaries, which means they do things in your best interest.  They make it a point to understand you, build a strategy around you, and consistently place your interests and objectives above their own.

Some of the common services offered by financial advisors include investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and risk management.

Investment management encompasses their clients’ risk tolerance, investment objectives, and time horizon.

Retirement planning. Assists in developing portfolios and plans, optimizing contributions, and creating income strategies for the post-retirement phase.

Tax planning. Work with tax professionals to develop strategies to reduce the impact of taxes on investments and income.

Estate planning. Work with attorneys to help clients to ensure the smooth transfer of assets to their heirs.

Risk management. Help clients prepare for the unexpected. Review insurance policies, such as life insurance, health insurance, and disability insurance, to ensure adequate coverage.

Financial advisors provide ongoing monitoring and review of their clients’ financial plans. Through regular reviews and a personal relationship, they help navigate the financial implications that can come with marriage, divorce, children, job changes, relocations and planning for life when you are gone.

KING AND KING ATTORNEYS AT LAW

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWIGER STUDIO- JD SWIGER

King and King attorneys at Law, a dynamic duo comprising Dusty and Jennifer King, have made a remarkable journey from Tennessee to Alabama, driven by their love for the locals and lifestyle. This relocation not only marked a new chapter in their lives, but also presented them with opportunistic prospects. Our community has embraced them as well as the Kings have won Best of Baldwin “Best Civil Attorney” for two years in a row and “Best Law Firm” for 2024.

The Kings are not just legal professionals; they are advocates for well-informed decision-making. Their practice is founded on the principle of empowering clients with knowledge to navigate life-altering choices effectively. Dusty and Jennifer’s unique perspective as a husband and wife team allows them to empathize with their client’s needs, especially when it comes to making informed decisions about longterm investments.

CONTINUED >

Estate planning, a topic often evaded until life events necessitate attention, is a cornerstone of King and King’s services. They alleviate the burden on their clients by exploring all available options with a singular focus on their client’s best interests. Similarly, in the realm of Business Law, the Kings’ expertise shines through. Who better to address your business law queries than professionals who have their own successful business?

Their vision extends beyond traditional estate planning to include creating trusts for beloved pets—an indication of the Kings’ holistic approach to their practice. Their dedication to serving clients goes beyond legalities; it encompasses a genuine concern for the well-being of both individuals and their furry companions.

Contrary to common misconceptions, estate planning is not exclusive to the elderly. It is a critical aspect of financial planning for anyone who owns property, has dependents, or operates a business. King and King emphasize the importance of proactive estate planning, whether it involves drafting wills, establishing trusts, or structuring business entities.

At the core of King and King’s practice is a deepseated passion for people. While they excel in the field of law, their true fulfillment lies in connecting with clients on a personal level and guiding them through pivotal life decisions. Whether you are delving into the intricacies of estate planning or venturing into the realm of business formation, King and King offer comprehensive support tailored to your unique needs.

King and King attorneys at Law epitomize the synergy of legal expertise and genuine compassion. Their journey from Tennessee to Alabama reflects a seamless blend of professional acumen and community engagement. By prioritizing well-informed client decisions, the Kings have established a reputation as trusted advisors in Business and Estate Planning. With a focus on serving the diverse needs of individuals and businesses, King and King embody the essence of legal excellence intertwined with a heartfelt dedication to their community.

Dusty and Jennifer’s unique perspective as a husband and wife team allows them to empathize with their client’s needs, especially when it comes to making informed decisions about longterm investments.

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eat kind

EMBRACING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR BODY

Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way.

Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon

• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil

• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos

• Zest and juice from one lemon

• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard

• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened

• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced

• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.

2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.

3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.

4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!

simple roasted salmon with dill coconut cream

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 6TH

Mudbugs and Margaritas

Heritage Park in Foley | 10:00 AM

All food vendors will have unique, tasty crawfish dishes along with other menu items for purchase. Multiple margarita locations. Craft beer from Fairhope Brewing Company and wine. Scrumptious snack vendors. Live music all day. Art & craft vendors. Huge kids' entertainment/activity area. Admission:$5 entry, 12 & under free admission.

APRIL 6TH

Mimosas at the Marina

Marina Lawn at the Wharf | 12:00 PM

Get ready for a day filled with bubbles, laughter, music and mimosas at the first ever Mimosas at the Marina. The Wharf will be transforming the Marina Lawn into a vibrant haven for mimosa enthusiasts and those ready to celebrate the joy of Spring! There will be corn-hole and connect four set-up for your enjoyment.

APRIL 24TH

Wine Down Wednesdays Return!

Pink Pelican Art Gallery | 5:00 PM

We know a unique way to celebrate the last HumpDay every month. Join us for Wine Down Wednesdays at Pink Pelican Art Gallery on Canal. They have the best pop-ups in town, Magnolia Flower Truck is a constant. There will be live music. So come listen, dance, nosh, sip, shop, and enjoy the beautiful art surrounding you. See you there!

APRIL 25TH-27TH

15th Annual Bama Coast Cruisin' Spring Show

The Wharf | 9:00 AM

Bama Coast Cruisin’ is an inclusive show that welcomes anyone who loves cars and enjoys cruisin’ the open road. There are no restrictions to the vehicles that can be entered into the show. Our motto is: Bring your dream ride & cruise with us! Laid-back, family friendly weekend full of cool cars, events, entertainment and Southern hospitality. Thursday-Saturday 9am-5pm.

APRIL 27TH

Billy Currington + Kip More with Special guest, Larry Fleet

The Wharf Amphitheater | 7:00 PM

Outdoor concerts are back! Billy Currington + Kip Moore with special guest Larry Fleet play The Wharf Amphitheater on Saturday, April 27, show starts at 7pm. Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Moore recently released his fifth studio album Damn Love

MAY 2ND

Cody Jinks with special guests The Steel Woods

The Wharf Amphitheater | 7:00 PM

Cody Jinks with special guests The Steel Woods is coming to The Wharf Amphitheater on May 2, show starts at 7pm. Cody Jinks is a trailblazing independent musician and one of music’s most respected artists.

Compliance Packaging

Gulf Shores Family Pharmacy: Investing in Your Health with Dispill

I had to break down and purchase a travel dispenser that had slots for both morning and evening meds, if that’s not a sign of advancing age, I am not sure what is. Seriously, managing medication can be a bit overwhelming. It is easy to assume that one’s doctor is keeping track of all potential interactions, but if you see specialists, prescriptions may be written by multiple physicians. It is important to have a relationship with a local pharmacist and to make sure all your prescriptions are filled in one place, so that you have a second pair of eyes looking out for you.

It is important to have a relationship with a local pharmacist and to make sure all your prescriptions are filled in one place, so that you have a second pair of eyes looking out for you.

ARTICLE BY AIKEN CITY LIFESTYLE

BY DISPILL USA

Clients of local pharmacist, Stacy Davis of Gulf Shores Family Pharmacy and Lillian Pharmacy, have this service available to them. This is the perfect opportunity for the pharmacy staff to look for interactions and consult with patients to make sure they are taking all meds at the right time of day. If you’re like me and find keeping up with what to take when a challenge, Stacy will sort and package your medications by dose in a Dispill Pill Pack. That eliminates juggling multiple pill bottles and lessens the odds of taking a medication at the wrong time. Managing an ever-growing list of prescription medicines is a serious business. Utilizing the professional services of a Gulf Shores Family Pharmacy can simplify your life and ensure that you only take medications that interact well together.