My heart goes out to those suffering from COVID-19. I ache for those having difficulty adapting, the homeless, and the mentally ill. I’m concerned for our senior adults, our parents, those living and working in healthcare facilities. Millions of mothers and fathers supporting families have been furloughed or lost employment. Small businesses are stretched, many have paused operations, some, unfortunately, are forced to close the doors for good. Even for the employed, future earnings may be uncertain. The stock market has tumbled. It’s like 1987,9/11, and 2008 all wrapped into one.

What Can You Do?

It seems as though this worldwide pandemic has come at us so abruptly, smacking us in the face. Your natural reaction may be to strike back, instantly. Do something rash. But I urge you to take a step back for a second and breath, pause. You don’t have to figure out a solution in the next 5 minutes. Slow down, take a step back. Each day that passes we get more information, questions are answered, you discover options, and ultimately may find solutions.

How I Can Help?

Plenty of information is being put out there regarding stimulus money, delayed payments, SBA loans and many other topics. We are all learning, quickly. I have had and will continue to have discussion with accountants, other financial professionals, financial institutions, corporate executives, retirees, business owners, employees and young adults about the various options and solutions that may be potentially available to them in the coming days, weeks, and months.

If you or anyone you know may benefit from speaking to me, my Zoom is open. Do not hesitate. I am offering complimentary calls during this time to help those that may be in need or just to run something by me or even for a quick question.

Many have been asking about my family and that means the world to me so here is the update.

We are in good health, in good spirits, and are optimistic about the future. All four of us eat dinner together every night. We play board games, watch TV and cook together. The kids have learned to do the dishes! We all miss our family, friends, parishioners, students, teachers, colleagues, and clients. We have been zooming and calling like crazy. We are fortunate that our neighborhood in Jersey City has gentrified. We have Harry’s Daughter, (a Jamaican/Irish pub) Morti’s Sandwich Shop, and the Grind Coffee that all deliveries and we are doing our best to support them. Our front yard is Liberty State Park which is still open for jogging, bike rides, and scenic views of Manhattan. We are grateful.

Big prediction, my wife and I will look back when the kids are grown up and remember these times as some of our most memorable.