Memorial Day weekend always marks a shift. School’s nearly out, summer is unofficially in, and the pace of life takes on a slightly different rhythm. For many of us in the investment world, it’s also the annual return of an old cliché: “Sell in May and go away.”

More on that in a moment.        

First, a quick story.

After two days of canoeing 🛶 and camping on the Delaware River with Wharton business school classmates, I returned home Sunday night and had a full schedule mapped out for Memorial Monday—early rucking with my brother and our dogs, journaling at the diner, working on the book (more to come there), a midday run, some laundry, and more writing, before some family grilling. It was tight, but doable. The plan didn’t include a stop at the pool. But something tugged at me.

Maybe it was the sun. Maybe it was instinct. Either way, I said “the hell with it” and headed over for an hour. And in that hour, I got to see my youngest daughter on her first day up on the lifeguard stand, scanning the pool like a pro—focused, calm, ready to protect others. And that's before the real rescue that came later (way to go Kai!!), but in that moment, I felt something even more powerful: growth.

Not just hers. Mine.  

I almost missed it.

I’m learning—still learning—that the small, unscheduled detours (part of what I call wanderlust) are often the ones that matter most. These precious moments remind me why I started Members' Wealth, why we build portfolios around purpose, and why we balance spreadsheets with stories.

Summer is Here, and So Are the Markets

Now back to “Sell in May and go away.” It’s catchy. But it rarely holds up under scrutiny. At least not in a way we are comfortable betting on. To us, it’s more myth than method. The S&P 500 has continued to deliver strong returns in plenty of summer stretches.

What’s more interesting to us at Members’ Wealth is the current setup:

• The 10-year Treasury is hovering around 4.5%
• The 30-year yield just broke out to higher yields again, north of 5%

• Markets remain fixated on the Fed, inflation, and geopolitics
• We’ve seen both resilience and fatigue in major equity sectors
• Year-to-date:
  • S&P 500: +~1.5%, A whole heck of a lot better than -15% just a few short weeks ago.
  • Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index: +~1.5%, so about the same, with a lot less volatility

Higher yields are creating compelling opportunities in fixed income, even as equities show both resilience and fatigue. We're seeing more dispersion—and more chances to be selective.

Changing Your Environment Changes Your Perspective

Just like stepping away from my keyboard and heading to the pool helped unblock my writing and open my eyes, sometimes stepping back from the market chatter helps sharpen our investment strategy and reminds us why we invest in the first place. New environments shift perspectives. That’s not just wanderlust talking—it’s sound behavioral finance.

So, at Members’ Wealth, we’ll continue to trade, rebalance, tax-loss harvest, and seek opportunities behind the scenes while you get to enjoy summer for what it should be: a shift in perspective and time with family, travel, adventure, and rest.

So, pack your bag. Hit the beach. Take the hike. Catch the sunrise. And when it comes to your portfolio?

We’re on the stand. 😉 Watching, scanning, ready.

Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day and a strong start to summer.

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If you’re wondering whether your portfolio is aligned for summer volatility or long-term goals, let’s talk. A quick review now could lead to better outcomes later.

Investment strategies, including rebalancing, do not guarantee improved performance and involve risk, including potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor's particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. 
All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.

About the Author

Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

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