QUOTES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026
“Remember, ignorance isn’t bliss—it’s simply avoidable.”
Me.
“Constantly choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil”
J. Garcia
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH, 2026
Mo. The big “M.” Yes—that Mo. As in “Mo Money” will once again be gracing us with his presence on Monday, February 16th.
If you’re interested in establishing a solid financial plan with a Registered Investment Advisor—or if you just need some genuinely friendly, no-nonsense guidance—this is your moment. Do not be foolish. Do not say “I’ll catch him next time.” There may not be a next time.
I can’t help but smile at the number of people who willingly pay 1% or more of their assets elsewhere for advice delivered through exactly the same allocation software. Yes—identical! The industry, by and large, runs on the same underlying software.
I hesitate to pull back the curtain and reveal the Great Oz, but the reality is simple: identical inputs produce identical outputs—only the invoice changes. By all means, spend your money however you like—you’ve earned that right. We’ll be here, smiling politely, as the costs add up and you pay through the nose for that in which we provide for free.
Schedule Your Appointment with Mo - Click below:
https://ibew-local697.empowermytime.com/#
DID YOU KNOW THAT...,
If your SUB Fund balance has reached its maximum, any additional contributions automatically flow into your Defined Contribution Plan. Many members don’t realize this when comparing hourly contributions to those of other IBEW Locals or when reviewing their statements.
Here’s the kicker: if that’s your situation, it’s like someone sneaking an extra dollar into your Defined Contribution Plan every hour—meaning your effective hourly contribution jumps from $8.50 per hour to a deliciously round $9.50 per hour.
Yes, math can be fun when it’s your money.
In other words, it’s a smart little bonus that quietly boosts your long-term savings.
You’re welcome!
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER
The Benefit Fund Office tossed out a reminder in its January 2026 newsletter covering all the key provisions of the various Benefit Plans. Now, there is absolutely no reason to rehash those points here—because, honestly, they’re all already in the SPDs, within that article, and we’ve mentioned them so many times that they’re starting to echo…
Therefore, think of this as a gentle prompt to read the article, aptly titled “You’re Probably Not Reading This—And That’s Exactly Why You Should.”
While the rules are always in effect, awareness remains optional. Choosing to be informed, however, is remarkably rewarding—reducing stress, confusion, and, in some cases, cost.
SPEAKING OF STAYING INFORMED
Please join us for the “All Things Benefits” Educational Meeting on Thursday, May 7th, at 6:00 P.M. in the Union Hall. Kindly mark your calendar and RSVP to reserve your seat by calling 219-940-6181.
No food will be served, and aside from water, no drinks either. Apologies for that though only to the extent necessary.
But really, think of it as a chance to nourish your mind instead of your stomach. Because sometimes the richest benefits don’t come in calories—they come in insight, understanding, and just a hint of “wow, I didn’t know that.”
