A number of Pearl River County residents gathered around a table of donuts and coffee on Wednesday morning to discuss the economic and financial landscape for the upcoming year.
It was the first of many monthly meetings that financial advisor Jenny Gates and Branch Office Administrator Cathy Dufrene will be hosting at their new Edward Jones office, located on North Curran Avenue in Picayune.
“We are going to do this the first Wednesday of every month,” said Gates, “Anyone in the public is invited.”
Gates stressed that these meetings will not be a sales presentation, and she would not be recommending any service in particular. Instead, she sees these “Coffee Club” sessions as an excellent chance for the community to engage in an open discussion of the economy, market and other relevant current events.
“These are the things that people are watching on their televisions and stressing about,” said Gates, “Rather than stressing, this gives people a chance to be productive and gets people talking about it.”
At Wednesday’s meeting, the group discussed the recent fluctuation in gas prices and the effect of current political events on the economy. Gates also led a discussion on a five-step investment outlook for 2015 that was published by a renowned investment strategist.
The discussion of the investment outlook was centered around making smart, patient decisions with one’s money, weighing the risks of investing abroad and maintaining focus on financial goals.
Gates said that market corrections can often be the result of an emotional reaction from investors, but that certain fluctuations in the market are to be expected.
The next Coffee Club meeting will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the Edward Jones office on 700 North Curran Ave. in Picayune. Gates and Dufrene invite anyone to attend, adding that guests do not have to be clients to enjoy an informal group discussion with other members of the community.