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205 - 384 - 6942 New Boat Showroom Landau Pontoon Boat Sales “Brand New 2022 Landau 232 Tri-toon rentals. Powered by 140 four-stroke . Powerful yet fuel ef- ficient. Online booking for pricing and availability.” Bennington Pontoon Boat Sales Call Michael 205-384-6942 for Pontoon Boat Sales • Dry Storage RV Park Area • Pontoon Rentals • Wet Storage • Ship Store • Boat Sales • Boat Service (Routine Service & Appointments) • Fuel 24/7 • R V Park (Applications Required) www.duskinpointmarina.com ~ 198 Duskin Point Road, Jasper, AL 35504 smithlakeliving.com I 3
Duncan Bridge Marina & rV retreat 55 Marina Drive Arley, AL. 35541 duncanmarina3@gmail www.duncanbridgemarina.com 205-387-1208 RV Retreat • Wet / Dry Slip Boat Storage • Public Boat Launch $ 10.00 Fee 205 - 387 - 1208 • Gas - 90 Octane Non Ethanol • Store - Boating Accessories & More • Beach Area - Picnic Tables Duncan Bridge RV Retreat offers long term parking on concrete pads up to 20’ x 50’. All pads have full hook-up and utilities (water, power, sewer, and wi-fi ). The park has year around water with a dock for easy access to water, bath house, and is very convenient to Duncan Bridge Marina. Pricing starts at $ 300 a month.. 4 I smithlakeliving.com
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CONTENTS • 7 Smith Lake Info / Water Level • 50 B&H Tree Service • 9 Celebrate the Fourth of July Lake Style By Rachel Sweigard By Trish Hand • 58 Smith Lake Crawfish Boil • 14 The Whole Nine Yards By Kristine Bullock • 60 Agency Farms By Rachel Sweigard • 20 Fun Ways to Spend a Day on the Lake By Trish Hand • 65 Smith Lake Living 365 • 22 Smith Lake Rentals & Sales • 66 Tow BoatU.S. - Smith Lake By Rachel Sweigard By Rachel Sweigard • 28 Groundhog Up A Tree !!! • 68 BMS Marine partners with... By Rachel Sweigard Indian Creek Youth Camp • 30 Integrity Real Estate - Open House • 70 The Grille at Trident Marina • 72 Wake the World - Alabama • 36 “The House Always Wins” • 74 EVENTS By Jeff Roberts • 78 Advertiser Index Smith Lake Living™ { Summer 2022 } 14 60 THE WHOLE NINE YARDS AGENCY FARMS CELEBRATE THE FOURTH 70 LAKE STYLE 9 50 THE GRILLE AT TRIDENT MARINA GROUNDHOG UP A TREE. B&H TREE SERVICE 28 www.SMITHLAKELIVING.com 6 | smithlakeliving.com
RYAN CREEK A.P.C. Shoreline Permit Smith Lake Info: Local Office (205) 384-7385 www.apcshorelines.com The repair fees for Residential, Multifamily, and Elevation above sea level ( Full Pool): 510 feet Commercial dock repairs or for major repairs. Call APC Area: 21,200 acres Shoreline for review of your plans. Shoreline: 642 miles Lake level depth at dam: 264 feet Lake Level - June 8 , 2022 ................... 509.86’ Watershed drainage area: 944 square miles Rule Curve Lake Level June 8 , 2022 .........510.0 ’ Smith Lake Dam Facts: 0.14 Feet Below Rule Curve 0.14 Feet Below Full Pool In service September 5, 1961 Historical Average Lake Level ................. 509’ Two generators, rating 78,750 kilowatts each Type Rock-fill Record High Water Level Length 2,200 feet March 1973 .......... 521.2’ Maximum height 300 feet Smith Lake is licensed by FERC with the Record Low Water Level following uses: energy, flood control, recreation and October 1971 ........ 488.8’ economic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish/wildlife habitats. Source Corps of Engineers Water Temperature 81 degrees F June 10, 2022 smithlakeliving.com I 7
Smith Lake Living Smith Lake Living, LLC SUMMER 2022 Vol. XVIII No.2 788 County Road 97 The summer of 2022 started off with a bang with wonder- Bremen, AL 35033 ful events, concerts, and lake activities. Lots of boats and personal watercraft were out on Memorial Day weekend to Editor kick off the summer. Traffic was heavy on the main road- ways coming to the lake. Kristine Bullock Reservations are packed, convenient stores have lines, Photography and area businesses are all doing well, at least at Smith Lake. After a tumultuous few years, things seem to be back Eddie Hand to normal! Contributing Writers Smith Lake Living hopes all of our residents and visitors have a wonderful Summer 2022. * Kristine Bullock * Rachel Sweigard * Trish Hand * Jeff Roberts * See you on the Lake ! * Eddie Hand * Eddie Hand Publisher Smith Lake Living Magazine Published by Smith Lake Living Scan on your smart phone www.smithlakeliving.com Smith Lake Living, LLC “ a community magazine” Advertising ISSN 2150-3486 For information about advertising Issued by in Smith Lake Living Magazine, please call United States Copyright Eddie Hand 256- 287-1545 Office Email: [email protected] Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave. S.E. Letters Washington, DC Letters to the publisher are welcome, but must include the writer’s name and a daytime phone number. SUBSCRIBE TO S LLmIiVthINakGe Cover Smith Lake Living Magazine THE ASCH FAMILY ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION AVAILABLE SIPSEY FORK By Eddie Hand $ 25 check only (Make checks payable to Smith Lake Living LLC) a community magazine Mail to: Smith Lake Living LLC All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be 788 County Road 97 reproduced without written consent of the publisher Bremen, AL. 35033 Copyright 2021 NAME: ________________________________________ Smith Lake Living is a registered Trademark owned Smith Lake Living LLC ADDRESS:_____________________________________ SMITH LAKE LIVING MAGAZINE is distributed free of charge. _____________________________________ CITY | STATE | ZIP CODE PHONE: ______________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________SU 22 8 | smithlakeliving.com
CELEBRATE THE FOURTH OF JULY LAKE STYLE By Trish Hand ic playlist with favorites such as “God Bless the This year marks the 246th anniversary USA” by Lee Greenwood, and “Courtesy of the of the signing of the Declaration of Indepen- Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith to enhance dence and the birth of our country. The Fourth the celebratory mood. Don’t have time to make of July, or Independence Day, has been recog- a playlist? Many streaming music companies nized in the United States as a federal holiday like Spotify and Pandora offer stations designed since 1941. It is the summer’s most popular to be played during Fourth of July. Finally, find holiday, and is typically spent outdoors cele- a fireworks show to attend, or buy some fire- brating our nation’s freedom with family and works at a local store. No Fourth of July party friends. is complete without fireworks to view and enjoy. Smith Lake is the perfect place to host a Be sure to check out The Smith Lake Park Fire- Fourth of July party. Here are a few pointers works and Music Festival. More information can when planning a Fourth of July celebration be found on their Facebook page, or by calling Smith Lake style. First, preparation is the key. (256) 739-2916. Planning on spending several hours on the Other ideas to entertain guests on the Fourth water? It is best to have boats fueled up a of July include holding a water balloon fight (with few days ahead of time to avoid long lines at red, white and blue balloons of course), planning the marina. Loading up all water sports gear some festive arts and crafts activities, having a and life vests on the boat can also help save family picnic, camping and cooking s’mores over time. Next, shop ahead for all of the ingredi- a campfire, or just “grilling and chilling.” Howev- ents for star-studded recipes, and red, white er the day is celebrated, remember that we are and blue desserts. Nothing screams Fourth blessed to live in this great country called Amer- of July like a flag cake made with a boxed cake ica where we experience freedom. For that, we mix, iced with cream cheese or cool whip, and should all be very thankful. topped with strawberries and blueberries. Be sure to have plenty of water available so that God Bless America! guests will stay hydrated while celebrating in the hot July sun. Be prepared with a patriot- g hSmith Lake Livingtm smithlakeliving.com I 9
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THE WHOLE NINE YARDS By Kristine Bullock “A veteran is somebody who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The Unit- ed States of America’, and took an oath to defend its Constitution for any amount up to and including their lives.” While the author of this quote remains unknown, the sentiment rings true for any man or woman who has taken up the courageous fight to defend our country. The late Colonel Alfred Asch tells his story as a true survivor who had the unspeakable privilege of living through the atrocities of World War II. “The Whole Nine Yards…and then some”, is a captivating biography that depicts his life from his humble beginnings as 14 | smithlakeliving.com
Marcia “ Mar Mar” Asch David “ Poppy” Asch the grandson of immigrant farmers in Beaverton, Michigan to the battlefield in the air piloting the B-24 Liber- ator Bomber…and then some. After telling his life’s story to a captive audience at a retirement home in Brentwood, Tennessee, Colo- nel Asch was encouraged to write his memoir so that his words were able to echo through the tests of time. The book took three-and-a-half years to write, and was written entirely by hand almost without flaw. Colonel Asch was 90 years old when he started his manuscript. As he grew weaker towards the end of his life, his Continued on page 16 smithlakeliving.com I 15
David Asch presented Eddie Hand, Smith Lake Living with a sign copy of the book , The Whole Nine Yards at the Double Springs, AL. post office. son, David, helped to write the last few chapters. “The Whole Nine Yards” takes the reader through a miraculous journey of the 70 combat missions that Colonel Asch en- dured. In the early years of the war, the survival statistics for a combat pilot were stag- gering, with only approximately 15 percent of pilots surviving their first five missions. “The Whole Nine Yards” is an old colloquial American phrase whose origin has been described by some as “the most prominent etymological riddle of our time.” The origin was witnessed by Colonel Asch in which the whole nine yards referred to the length of the 50 caliber ammunition belt on World War II bombers. When a gunner had exhausted his ammunition, he was said to have shot off the whole nine yards, which would describe the intensity of a grueling battle. Today, the phrase is often used to delineate someone giving it their all. David was responsible for giving the book its title to illustrate the life that his father lived as a combat pilot. Colonel Asch life’s accomplishments were punctuated by numerous awards and decorations spanning his 27 years of military service includ- ing the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Legion of Merit. His extraordinary legacy of service culminated in the United States Congress passing legislation in 2018 naming the post office in Beaverton in his honor. With 2,000 copies of his book distributed and countless copies downloaded online, Colonel Asch’s legacy lives on through all those who have had the honor of crossing his path through his walk here on earth. Social connection theories estimate that we are approximately six or fewer acquaintances away from each other, which may explain how Colonel Asch is now internally connected to Smith Lake through his son David and his beloved Chris-Craft. 16 | smithlakeliving.com
Upon his father’s passing, David inherited the family’s 1959 Chris-Craft, which was parked in the yard at his home in Leipers Fork, Tennessee. When David’s wife, Marcia told him, “Either get rid of that boat or get something to put it on,” the couple began searching for lake property, and were ultimately drawn to Smith Lake. They found a cottage in 2015, and plan to relocate to the lake full time once their new home is built. David’s life is delineated with his own tales of miraculous survival, grueling undertakings, and unanticipated saving grace – but, that is a story for another day. If you are interested in acquiring a copy of “The Whole Nine Yards”, please visit http://thewholenine- yards.us or text/call David Asch at (615) 400-8617. Continued on Page 18 Asch Family - Lake Day Graeme, Marcia, Corrie, & David Asch Graeme Asch Raley Asch smithlakeliving.com I 17
Wake Surfing with the Asch Family Aryn Asch David Asch Kaelan “KK” Asch Graeme Asch What an honor to spend the day on the lake with the Asch family, and I can say they gave it; THE WHOLE NINE YARDS. ~ Eddie Hand g hSmith Lake Livingtm 18 | smithlakeliving.com
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Fun Ways to Spend a Day on the Lake By Trish Hand There are many different ways to spend a relaxing, fun-filled day on Smith Lake. Some people enjoy paddle boarding on a stand up paddleboard (SUP). Rec- reational SUPs look like surfboards, but are designed to be paddled from a standing position. They are long and wide which gives them stability, making them an excel- lent choice for beginners. Fishing is another great way to spend a day on the lake. Smith Lake spans across 21,200 acres, and has over 500 miles of shoreline, so there are plenty of good places to cast a fishing line. Anglers can expect to encoun- ter monster striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish, largemouth spotted bass, and smallmouth bass. Another fun way to pass time on the lake is sightseeing by boat. Smith Lake is filled with unique landmarks. Smith Lake Park has campgrounds, a pool, and beachfront access, and hosts several festivals and tournaments throughout the year. Big Bridge is another major landmark to add to a sightseeing list. Don’t miss the rock-like “Castle” on Smith Lake, which can be seen from several miles away. Smith Lake Dam is one of the largest earthen dams in the US, and Indian Head Rock is a large cliff formation overlooking a deeper part of the lake. It attracts thrill seekers who dare to climb up and jump into the water. Take a tour of the lake in a canoe or kayak, which are both well-suited for people of all ages and skill sets. All of these activities can ensure that days will be well-spent exploring the beauty of the Alabama treasure called Lewis Smith Lake. g hSmith Lake Livingtm The Castle on Smith Lake 20 | smithlakeliving.com
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SMITH LAKE RENTALS & SALES By Rachel Sweigard Smith Lake attracts many visitors each summer from all over the state, country, and even the world. These visitors need somewhere to stay, and often want to rent a home on the lake for their trip. Smith Lake Rentals is a great resource for homeowners who want to rent their home in the summer. Smith Lake Rentals started in 2004 when Maura and Jeff Thomas saw a need on the lake. They started by renting out their own personal cabin, and slowly learned the ins and outs of the home rental business. Today, the Thomas’s manage approximately 30 homes on the lake, and have served over 4,000 guests. Smith Lake Rentals has evolved into Smith Lake Rentals and Sales, and Jeff now serves pro- spective buyers. People who rent from Smith Lake Rentals have a variety of ac- commodation options from homes to serve large or multiple families, cabins for smaller groups or couples, or condos with boat slips, grills, and decks. Smith Lake Rentals has a home to match a wide variety of needs. Continued on Page 26 22 I smithlakeliving.com
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Lakeshore Inn & Marina Lodge • SPACIOUS , CLEAN & COMFORTABLE ROOMS Marina ~ Boat Storage • STANDARD KING, DOUBLE ROOMS & SUITES Pontoon Rentals • LAKESIDE PATIO, PICNIC TABLES, & STUNNING Floating Gas Dock ~ VIEW OF BEAUTIFUL SMITH LAKE 24 hour credit card service. • TV, WET BAR & MINI-FRIDGE • NO SMOKING / NO PETS (205) 489-2462 Lakeshore Inn & Marina www.lakeshoreinnandmarina.com 364 East Lakeshore Drive Double Springs, AL. 35553 BAR & GRILL • DRINK SPECIALS g hSmith Lake Livingtm • SPECIALTY DRINKS • 13 LED TV’S smithlakeliving.com I 7 • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY WEEKEND 24 I smithlakeliving.com
14538 County Road 222 Crane Hill, Alabama 35053 L to R: Christine Patterson (Realtor), Tonya Freeman (Realtor), Connie Teems (Broker/Owner), Francee Loyd (Realtor), Kayla Reel (Realtor), Riley Harris (Office Manager), Aubrey Negron (Realtor) Here at Integrity Real Estate, our goal is to assist our clients in the buying and selling process. We believe the best way to achieve this goal is with honesty and true commitment. Follow Us on FACEBOOK @integrityrealestate2020 www.teemupwithintegrity.com smithlakeliving.com I 25
Jeff & Maren Thomas started in 2004 renting a personel cabin they owned, now manage over thirty rental properties on Smith Lake. Smith Lake Rentals would not exist without the demand of homeowners on the lake wanting to rent their homes. The company serves to bring together owners and guests so that everyone involved gets what they’re looking for. There is no fee for homeowners to have Smith Lake Rentals take a look at their property for future rental list- ings. Homeowners receive the benefits of extra income and expense deduction from their property, while guests have the chance to experience the lake without having to stay in a motel room and commute to and from the lake each day. Homeowners typically make around $100 a night per $100,000 of home value. Smith Lake Rentals charges a 25-30% commission depending on the nightly rate. Owners will have some expenses such as sheets, utilities, increased property taxes and insurance, and cleaning, but these ex- penses are recouped in about a week of renting. Smith Lake Rentals can be reached at (800)769- 0757. Prospective homeowners and renters can find more information, including photos of available homes, at https://www.smithlakerentals.com/ g hSmith Lake Livingtm 26 | smithlakeliving.com
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GROUNDHOG UP A TREE !!! By Rachel Sweigard The Smith Lake area is filled with fun and excitement, but, like much of the South, is also filled with wildlife, insects, and other critters. People joke that Aus- tralians have it rough because everything living there will kill you, but Alabamians would argue that we have it just as bad. One critter that plagues Smith Lake is the weather-predicting groundhog. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks in some areas, are herbivores, mean- ing they eat plants. They are around two feet tall with a tail that is around nine inches long. Groundhogs weigh around thirteen pounds when fully grown. They are often confused with beavers, but groundhogs do not eat trees like beavers do; instead, they eat the leaves and other soft parts of the tree. Groundhogs hiber- nate during winter, and predict our weather during February. They will often climb trees to escape predators, and many people around the Smith Lake area have walked outside only to find a groundhog seemingly stuck up in a tree. Ground- hogs will come down on their own, so no need to fret. Just snap a few pictures and leave the little guy alone. Groundhogs aren’t notoriously aggressive, but they do have sharp teeth, so you’ll want to avoid trying to help it down unless it truly can’t get down on its own. Continued on Page 30 28 | smithlakeliving.com
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Groundhogs are prey to several animals such as wolves, coyotes, dogs, foxes, lynx, bobcats, and even some birds and snakes. To escape these predators, groundhogs will waddle away as fast as they can, and will often climb trees to get away. Groundhogs are not particularly good climbers, but anything can become good at something if a sharp-toothed animal is chasing after it. Groundhogs can also escape predators by swimming, so the next time you see a critter doggy paddling across the lake, it just might be our local weather man. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Integrity Real Estate Open House- June 8, 2022 256-735-4240 www.teemupwithintegrity.com 30 | smithlakeliving.com
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“ The House Always Wins” During times of extreme market volatility, two By Jeff Roberts people are often quoted, Warren Buffett and Mike most unusual because it only included a -7% decline Tyson. Although the precise wording has been embel- along the way, less than the average -14% intra-year lished over the years, back in 1987 Tyson quipped, decline.(3) “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”. In 2022, stock and bond markets have Armed with that understanding, I wrote “Ev- definitely taken a hit to the face. Emotions are esca- erything Costs More, So What?” in December 2021 lating, and even the best laid plans are starting to be and discussed supply chain issues, high inflation, scrutinized by battered investors. Rather than pon- Fed rate hikes, and the possibility of a Fed-induced tificate the short-term swings of the market, or the recession. The article warned investors to “buckle U.S. economy at large, this article intends to ground up” and “try not to get emotional about any bumps the reader in some perspectives that are extremely in the road ahead”. The Russian invasion of Ukraine important to remember during challenging economic and COVID lockdown issues in China have flipped all climates. that on its head. As this article is being written (June 6, 2022), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow) On March 23, 2020, the Standard & Poor’s and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) 500 Index (S&P 500), which represents the 500 larg- have declined beyond average annual levels (from est stocks in the market, bottomed-out after a -34% their highs, down -15.07% and -18.68% at their low- decline (in one month) at the onset of the coronavirus est points respectively). But, it is the NASDAQ that pandemic and an unprecedented manual shutdown has surprised most investors with declines far more of large portions of the global economy.(1) Just one dramatic than usual (-30% from the November high). year later, the stock market was on a tremendous (3) Remember, though, the S&P 500’s -14% de- rise with very little downward volatility. So, in March cline should be baked-in to expectations every year. 2021, I wrote an article titled, “Are You Asking the That much is normal. So, to balance out some of Right Questions?” (a great read, even now). I ex- this expected volatility, diversified portfolios include plained my greatest fear was the short-term memory bonds and alternative investments. These more of investors, and I reminded clients of the rules . . . conservative investments should act as a ballast to 1. Stocks are long-term investments. improve stability. But, even those have struggled 2. Buy low and sell high. in 2022. The core U.S. aggregate bond index was 3. Never get emotional about stocks. down -12.88% on May 6th of this year.(3) How often 4. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket. do stock and bond declines occur simultaneously? 5. No one can consistently time the market. Using data back to 1926, there are 37 quarters 6. Expect stocks to fall -15% (or more) in any given year. (10% of the time) in which returns of stock and 7. Review your strategic and tactical allocations regularly. bonds were both negative.(4) Regarding #6, I explained in great detail that A bear market is generally regarded as a peri- J.P. Morgan assembles a chart illustrating the cal- od of time where the stock market declines -20% or endar year swings of the S&P 500 over the last 42 more. There have been 26 bear markets in the S&P years. The average intra-year decline is negative 500 Index since 1929 but only 15 recessions during -14%.(1) So, if the stock market were to fall -14% in that time. Bear markets often go hand in hand with any given year, I would say, “Relax, that’s just aver- a slowing economy, but a declining market doesn’t age.” As it turns out, my March 2021 warning of necessarily mean a recession is looming. This year looming stock market volatility was early. The S&P is not yet a bear because the S&P 500 has not 500 didn’t peak until 9 months later on January 3, dropped -20% (as of the time this was written). It 2022, up +114% from the bottom of the pandemic. may cross that line, or it may not. Bear markets only (2) The nearly 22-month run-up in stock prices was last 9.6 months, which is significantly shorter than the 2.7 year average length of a bull market. Stocks 36 | smithlakeliving.com decline -36% on average in a bear market, which is scary, but it is important to remember stocks gain Continued on Page 38
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“The House Always Wins” the fastest -30% decline ever, which exceeded the pace of declines during the Great Depression.(7) +114% on average during a bull market.(5) “It’s different this time!” When investment markets experience mean- Yes, those examples are all very different. ingful declines, I often observe investor fear rise due And, yes, today is vastly different than those three to the perception that “It’s different this time!”. It’s most recent recessions. But, I will argue there will as if some new belief takes hold that the investment likely never be challenging economic climates that landscape has been significantly altered unlike any repeat themselves exactly like a previous one. Cli- other time in history. Lessons from the past do not mates will always involve different circumstances, apply, and we are forever operating on a new playing but they will have one thing in common… they will field. Before long, the psychology of investing im- be temporary. The investment markets will always plodes and rational thinking unwinds to, “This time, I rebound and often sooner than you realize. really can lose it all!”. When, in fact, there is no one who can accurately predict how all of these variables Picture the letter V. The left side of the will play out. Investors should stop fretting over a letter represents the decline of the market, and the misguided impression they are the only one who right side of the letter represents the assent of the doesn’t know what is happening or what to do. The market after bottoming-out. The left side is almost late economist Benjamin Graham once said, “The always steepest (on the decline), and the subse- investor’s chief problem – and even his worst enemy quent rise of the right side has been proportionate – is likely to be himself.” in trajectory, just a bit slower (but not dramatically). So, if you attempted to draw the V to correctly illus- I ask that you really think about the next three trate each of the last three recessions, the right side examples and reflect on your mindset at that point in of the V would be a little flatter than the left. time. First, we have the Tech Bubble where the S&P 500 fell -49%.(1) What hurt the most was it lasted for Date Months of Months for Era almost 3 years. The market fell -9.1% in 2000, an- Market Decline Market to Recover other -11.89% in 2001 and, adding insult to serious injury, another -21.1% in 2002.(6) I was 10 years into 03/24/00 – 10/09/02 31 48 Tech Bubble my career at that point, and I remember very clearly 10/09/07 – 03/09/09 17.2 37 Global Financial Crisis how many people were inconsolable. Many had lost 02/19/20 – 03/23/20 1 5 Global Pandemic faith in the investment markets, particularly stocks. “It’s different this time!” The last three recessions have shown that the market’s recovery is proportionate to its preced- Next, we experienced the Global Financial ing decline.(8) But, remember to reflect on how you Crisis. Stocks fell -57% over the 17 months between felt at the bottom of those cycles. 1) What was your late 2007 and March 2009.(1) We saw an unprec- self-talk? 2) Were you convinced “things were differ- edented collapse of our financial system and some ent”, and the rules of investing no longer applied? of the largest investment banks went under, while 3) Knowing what you know now, what would you do others were bailed out. This financial crisis is consid- differently if you could go back to 2002, 2009, or ered to be the second worst period in the history of 2020? You would BUY! Coincidentally, if you had our economy behind the Great Depression. Hence invested $10,000 in the S&P 500 Index on January the title, “The Great Recession”. By 2009, investors 1, 2000 (just before the beginning of the Tech Bub- had seen their stock portfolio lose half its value twice ble), three recessions later, you would have nearly in 10 years. “It’s different this time!” $40,000 today.(9) Most recently, we endured a global pandemic, ColumbiaThreadneedle Investments pro- where countries across the world began to intention- duced a study showing “Time in the market beats ally and systematically suppress commerce. Almost market timing”.(10) The study tracked the S&P 500 overnight, it was as if the United States manually Index from December 29, 1989 to December 31, turned off our economy. The stock market dropped 2021. During the 32 year period, the market pro- a staggering -34% in 33 days.(1) It was regarded as vided a +10.8% annual rate of return. If you tried to Continued on Page 42 38 | smithlakeliving.com
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“The House Always Wins” time to market and missed the 5 best days in the market during that period of time, your annual rate of return would have fallen to +9.2%. Here is what the study revealed: Buy and Hold Missing the 5 Missing the 10 Missing the 20 Missing the 25 Strategy Best Days Best Days Best Days Days 10.8% Average Annual 9.2% Average Annual 8.1% Average Annual 6.3% Average Annual 5.6% Average Annual Total Return Total Return Total Return Total Return Total Return Half of the S&P 500 Index’s strongest days in the last 20 years occurred during a bear market. Another 34% of the market’s best days took place in the first two months of a bull market – before it was clear a bull market had begun. In other words, the best way to weather a downturn could be to stay invested, since it’s difficult to time the market’s recovery.(5) When you study the S&P 500 Index one year at a time over the last 96 years, you will find that 26% of the time (25 years) the market finished the calendar year with a negative return. The average return of those 25 years was -13.2%. Conversely, 74% of the time (71 years) the market finished the calendar year with a positive return. Those 71 years have an average of +21.3%. And from 1926 to 2021, the average annual return of the stock market has been +10.5%, which includes the Great Depression, 15 recessions, and 26 market drawdowns of -20% or more.(6) You may have heard the universal rule of gambling: The house always wins. Everyone knows and accepts that truth. In the world of investing, the stock market is not the gambler, it’s the casino (the “house”). And, over time, it always wins. 1 JP Morgan, Guide to Markets (05/19/2022) 2 www.bigchart.com (03/23/2020 and 01/03/2022) 3 www.marketwatch.com (08/23/2020 – 10/25/2020) 4 www.callan.com/blog-archive/stock-and-bond-declines/ 5 www.hartfordfunds.com/practice-management/client-conversations/bear-markets.html 6 First Trust, Client Resource Kit – Markets in Perspective, page 6 7 www.cnbc.com/2020/03/23/this-was-the-fastest-30percent-stock-market-decline-ever.html 8 awealthofcommonsense.com/2020/03/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-your-money-back-after-a-bear-market/ 9 dqydj.com/sp-500-periodic-reinvestment-calculator-dividends/ 10 ColumbiaThreadneedle Investments, “Time Not Timing” The views expressed here reflect the views of Jeff Roberts as of June 7, 2022. These views may change as market or other conditions change. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, will not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not in- tended to provide investment advice and does not account for individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Jeff Roberts, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA®, AEP® is a Private Wealth Advisor with, and Founder and President of, MavenCross Wealth Advisors®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Birmingham, AL. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and wealth management strategies and has been in practice for 29 years. To contact him, call (205) 313-9150 or visit his website at mavencrosswealth.com. Offices are located at 31 Inverness Center Parkway – Suite 550, Birmingham, AL 35242 and 1400 Jack Warner Parkway – Suite 5, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404. Not FDIC or NCUA Insured No Financial Institution Guarantee May Lose Value The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Ameriprise Financial is not affiliated with any religion or faith-based financial advisor organization Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 42 | smithlakeliving.com
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Supporting local businesses! The Lake Company hats and apparel, Beehive Bathhouse, and One Nation CBD from our local Wagon Trail Hemp Farms HERITAGE DODGE CITY CULLMAN PHARMACY 256-287-3333 256-737-3773 561 AL HWY 69 S 1701 Main Ave. SW visit www.heritagepharmacyal.com Don’t TEXT and DRIVE ! ~ Stay Alert • Drive Defensively • Obey the Speed Limit & Traffic Laws • Be Safe ~ Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Matt Gentry (256) 734-0342 1910 Beech Avenue S.E. Cullman, AL. 35055 @ Cullman.Sheriff 48 | smithlakeliving.com
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B&H TREE SERVICE By Rachel Sweigard One of the best characteristics of the Smith Lake community is the prevalence of local businesses. These businesses become interwoven into the heartbeat of the community, and customers become family. B&H Tree Service has served the Smith Lake area for twenty-seven years, and has been owned and operated by Michael and Joan Cruce since the company’s inception. Sadly, Michael passed away suddenly in March, but his legacy will live on through his family, namely his wife Joan, and grandson Brayden Williams. Michael and Joan were middle school sweethearts who began dat- ing when they were thirteen and fourteen years old. They went on to gradu- ate from Cold Springs High School in 1974. Joan shares that Michael was a family man who loved everyone, and was a friend to all. Michael took a job with Drummond Coal after high school, and worked faithfully for the com- pany until he retired in 1995. Michael and Joan started B&H Tree Service shortly after his retirement with just one truck and the two of them running the day-to-day operations. Today, the business has expanded to include a fleet of trucks. Joan remarks that they have always loved the Smith Lake community, and especially have loved the relationships they have formed with many of their customers. Continued on Page 56 BRAYDEN , JOAN, & MICHAEL JOAN, & MICHAEL 50 | smithlakeliving.com
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