Newsletter Issue #471

Entrepreneur & Author

JeffCorbett.com

Memorial Day Weekend 2026!

“A moment to remember those who gave the most.” 

——- 

Memorial Day, observed each year on the last Monday in May, honors U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in service to the country. While the holiday weekend is often viewed as the unofficial start of summer because of its proximity to the summer season, Memorial Day is about far more than barbecues and travel. Its origins date back to the years following the American Civil War, though it did not officially become a federal holiday until 1971. As Americans prepare to commemorate the holiday once again, Memorial Day remains a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by countless service members.

Interesting Facts:

· Memorial Day began as something of a grass roots movement. According to History.com, by the late 1860s individuals in towns across the war-ravaged United States began holding springtime tributes to soldiers who lost their lives during the American Civil War.

· Among the more notable postwar commemorations was one organized by former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. That commemoration occurred less than a month after the Confederate forces surrendered in 1865. Despite that, History.com notes that in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the birthplace of Memorial Day.

· Postwar commemorations also were organized by northern veterans of the Civil War. General John A. Logan, who led an organization of Union veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance in May 1868. General Logan referred to the holiday as Declaration Day and chose May 30 because it was not the anniversary of any specific battle and therefore unlikely to be viewed by some as controversial.

· Early commemorations of Decoration Day, which gradually came to be known as Memorial Day, initially honored only those soldiers who died during the American Civil War. However, that changed over time as American servicemen fought in various wars, including both World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and other conflicts.

· The red poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day. That red poppy can be traced to a poem by Canadian John McCrae, who served as a Lieutenant Colonel in World War I. “In Flanders Field” notes the red poppies that grew in fields where countless soldiers had been buried in modern-day Belgium. The poem was published in 1915, three years before the war ended. Sadly, McCrae himself was a casualty of the war, succumbing to pneumonia in France in 1918 while still in the service.

Traditions:

• National Moment of Remembrance: At 3:00 p.m. local time, Americans are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to remember those who have died in military service.
• Cemetery Visits: People often visit cemeteries and memorials, especially Arlington National Cemetery, where the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Parades: Many cities hold Memorial Day parades featuring veterans, military units, and patriotic displays.
• Flags and Flowers: Graves of fallen soldiers are decorated with American flags and flowers.

We wish you and your family a very happy Memorial Day weekend.

As always, thank you for being part of the Global Common Cents community. And if you think of it, please hit one of the share buttons to send this edition to a friend.

Jeff Corbett

Publisher | Global Common Cents

Sponsor of this Issue:

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The Business Psychology of a Three-Day Weekend

“Why Memorial Day Weekend changes how people spend, travel, and think.” 

——- 

For many Americans, Memorial Day weekend represents far more than the start of summer. It creates a psychological shift. Routines loosen, optimism rises, and consumers begin thinking differently about leisure, travel, dining, and discretionary spending. According to the  National Retail Federation, seasonal and holiday spending patterns consistently reflect how emotions influence consumer behavior throughout the year. Memorial Day in particular blends nostalgia, anticipation, and escapism into a powerful emotional trigger. Families begin planning vacations, upgrading outdoor spaces, gathering for cookouts, and mentally transitioning away from the structure of winter and spring. That emotional shift helps explain why businesses across travel, hospitality, retail, and entertainment closely monitor Memorial Day demand as an indicator of broader summer spending trends.

The emotional component is especially important. Long weekends often create what behavioral researchers describe as “temporal landmarks,” moments that psychologically separate one season or phase of life from another. Memorial Day weekend functions as a symbolic beginning. According to a 2026 summer spending survey from PwC, many consumers begin budgeting and planning their summer travel months in advance, with younger generations especially associating the holiday with multiple trips and experience-driven spending. The survey found that 71% of Americans planned to spend the same or more on summer travel compared with the prior year. That anticipation fuels optimism and often reduces short-term resistance to spending because consumers view purchases as part of creating memories and experiences rather than simply buying products.

Smart brands understand this psychology well. Memorial Day advertising rarely focuses only on products. Instead, marketers sell emotion: freedom, family gatherings, road trips, outdoor living, relaxation, and the feeling of summer itself. Travel campaigns emphasize escape and reconnection, while retailers frame purchases around seasonal lifestyles rather than necessity. Even consumers facing economic pressure frequently continue prioritizing experiences. According to research cited by BMO Financial Group, many Americans planned to increase spending on vacations and leisure activities despite ongoing concerns about inflation and household costs. The result is a powerful reminder that consumer behavior is often driven as much by emotion and identity as by economics alone. Memorial Day weekend may officially honor remembrance, but from a business psychology perspective, it also marks the moment many consumers mentally give themselves permission to begin summer.

Businesses that Win Summer First!

“Why smart companies prepare for demand long before Memorial Day weekend arrives.”   

——-

For many businesses, Memorial Day weekend is more than the unofficial start of summer. It is often the first major test of operational readiness for the season ahead. Restaurants expand outdoor seating, travel companies ramp up staffing, retailers adjust inventory, and hospitality businesses prepare for heavier traffic weeks before consumers arrive. According to the National Retail Federation seasonal and holiday spending patterns remain one of the strongest indicators of consumer activity throughout the year, with businesses relying heavily on preparation, forecasting, and staffing to capture demand effectively.

The most successful entrepreneurs rarely wait for customers to appear before making decisions. Instead, they prepare early while competitors are still reacting. A landscaping company ordering supplies in March, a marina hiring seasonal workers in April, or a restaurant redesigning its summer menu before Memorial Day all reflect the same business principle: preparation creates advantage. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, many small businesses depend heavily on seasonal consumer activity, with some generating a significant portion of annual revenue during peak periods.

There is also a valuable business psychology lesson hidden inside holiday weekends. Consumers notice preparedness immediately, even if they never consciously think about it. Long waits, understaffed operations, poor communication, and empty shelves create frustration quickly, while organized businesses project confidence and professionalism. The companies that quietly win summer are often not the biggest companies, but the ones that anticipated demand first. In business, timing frequently matters just as much as talent.

The Backyard Economy

“How outdoor living became big business.“

——-

As Americans head into Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer, millions will spend more time outdoors grilling, gardening, entertaining, relaxing by the pool, or planning camping and lake trips. What many people may not realize is that this lifestyle shift has quietly created a massive economic ecosystem often referred to as the “outdoor living” market. According to the research firm Grand View Research, the global outdoor living structure market alone is projected to continue growing steadily through the decade as homeowners increasingly invest in patios, pergolas, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and upgraded backyard spaces. What accelerated during the pandemic has evolved into a long-term consumer behavior trend.

The ripple effects extend far beyond home improvement stores. Publicly traded companies tied to grills, pools, landscaping products, sporting goods, RVs, outdoor apparel, and recreational equipment have all benefited from consumers prioritizing experiences closer to home. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation generates hundreds of billions of dollars annually in consumer spending in the United States. Meanwhile, the RV Industry Association reports continued long-term interest in road travel and camping lifestyles, particularly among retirees and younger families seeking flexibility and lower-cost leisure options. Even gardening has seen renewed momentum as consumers increasingly connect outdoor activity with wellness, sustainability, and stress reduction.

For investors, the broader lesson may be larger than any single stock or sector. Lifestyle trends often create economic opportunities long before Wall Street fully recognizes them. The rise of the “backyard economy” reflects changing consumer priorities toward comfort, wellness, family gatherings, and outdoor experiences. In many ways, today’s modern backyard has evolved into an extension of the home itself — part entertainment venue, part wellness retreat, and part social hub. As summer begins, the businesses helping people enjoy life a little more outdoors may continue finding themselves positioned in a surprisingly durable growth market.

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.

A Guide to the Perfect Picnic

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.

“The unspoken rules that drive outcomes.” 

——-

The perfect picnic offers simple pleasures that transcend the ordinary – sunlight dappling through leaves, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers, and laughter mingling with birdsong.  It’s a chance to disconnect from screens, reconnect with nature, and enjoy delicious food in a beautiful setting.  Today I asked a local Trader Joe’s employee if he ever goes on a picnic.  He commented that it’s been too long since he had.  I shared a few of the following ideas and we had a nice chat, however holding up the check-out line.

Why Picnic?

Beyond the idyllic scene, picnicking boasts a surprising number of benefits. Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and even boosted creativity. The fresh air invigorates, while the natural environment provides a calming backdrop for conversation and connection.

Planning the Perfect Picnic

When planning any event, there are three things that must always be considered: location, food, and supplies.  Special attention must be paid to outdoor events, especially if you will be away from home or will not have a place to purchase last-minute items nearby.
Your picnic planning checklist:

• Choose the right location.  The activity or reason for your picnic will determine the general location – a beach, scenic park, a meadow in the country, or the parking lot of a stadium.  Consider factors like shade, accessibility (especially for young children or those with mobility limitations), and amenities like restrooms.

• The food!  When it comes to food, keep it simple yet satisfying. Pack finger foods like sandwiches, wraps, fruit skewers, and bite-sized desserts.  Don’t forget drinks and plenty of water.  And keep in mind someone must carry all the food, drinks, and supplies.  Pack coolers, cases, and backpacks as they’re mobile and definitely more reliable than paper or plastic bags.

• Essential necessities.  A blanket for lounging, plates and utensils (biodegradable options are a great eco-friendly choice), napkins, wipes, sunscreen, bug spray, first aid kit, and a cooler bag are all picnic must-haves.  If the picnic is centered around another activity, make sure to include those supplies, too.  Hiking boots, extra socks, bug spray, sunscreen, soccer ball, frisbee, swimsuits, a good book etc. may come in handy for some post-meal fun.

The Great Outdoors

There is one word to keep in mind when you spend time outdoors: unpredictable.  From the weather to untamed animals to the occasional patch of poison ivy, you never know what the great outdoors has in store for you.

If you’re planning to explore around your picnic site, or if you’re out for a hike, ensure that safety rules are explained to those participating. Children should be given boundaries to stay within.  And everyone should know what critters, poisonous plants, and other dangers to watch out for if any.

One constant rule when spending time outdoors is that you leave nothing behind.  Bring trash bags and dispose of all rubbish appropriately.

An Organized Plan

A really good picnic usually has a moment where everything clicks at once: good food, no rush, fresh air, and conversation that feels easier outside than indoors.  Picnics exist for the sole purpose of having a meal or snack with people you want to spend time with, while enjoying the outdoors.

Books, Notebooks and a Slightly Calmer Brain

by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired

Biography:  Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer.  She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.

“Support you mental wellness.”     

——-

Technology and innovation can be great, but there’s a certain kind of mental fatigue we all struggle with that comes from spending most of our days on screens. It may not be a massive or dramatic burnout, but it is a low-level feeling of having too many tabs open in your brain at once. You bounce between emails, texts, headlines, videos, notifications, and somehow end the day feeling both overstimulated and completely mentally unfocused. That’s probably part of why physical books and handwritten notes feel so different now than they used to.

Books, Libraries, and Journals…Oh My!

A lot of people notice they absorb information more fully when they read on paper instead of a screen and tend to remember details differently, scenes stick longer, and ideas connect more naturally. It’s a slower experience in the best way. As a matter of fact, plenty of studies exist showing that students retain much more information when reading from physical text (and writing with pen/pencil and paper) than by doing so on-screen…and yet, despite all of the benefits, and the fact that most of us grew up pre-screens, we have gotten so used to consuming information quickly that sitting down with a book can feel slightly uncomfortable at first. It’s as if our attention spans have to stretch back out again, but once they do, there’s usually a noticeable difference in how calm and focused we feel afterward.

Reading an actual book also requires a different kind of attention than what we are used to giving nowadays. When you’re holding something physical in your hands, there’s less temptation to jump around or multitask every few seconds. You’re not one swipe away from checking messages or opening another app, and your brain gets to settle into one thing for a while, which feels increasingly precious and rare.

The Pen is Mightier Than The…..Screen.

Writing by hand has a similar effect as reading physical books. While typing is convenient, handwriting forces your brain to truly focus on the message you want to convey.  You can’t move as quickly, so your thoughts naturally become more organized. Whether you’re journaling, making a list, or writing a letter, there’s a level of presence involved that just doesn’t happen when your fingers are flying across a keyboard at warp speed.

Journaling in particular can be surprisingly helpful for mental clarity. Thoughts often feel much bigger and messier when they stay trapped in your head, and seeing them written out on paper changes the scale of them somehow. Things become easier to sort through, and our patterns become easier to notice…which is why many therapists recommend journaling for patients suffering from anxiety and depression…and unlike social media or texting, handwritten journaling doesn’t come with the pressure to perform. Nobody’s reacting to it or interpreting it. You’re not editing yourself for an audience and it’s one of the few places where your thoughts can exist without being polished or filtered. Letter writing feels meaningful for similar reasons, and even a short handwritten note carries a different kind of energy than a quick text message. It takes more time, more thought, and people can feel that when they receive it. There’s something personal about knowing someone sat down and physically wrote something out for you…not to mention those notes, cards, and letters can become priceless keepsakes. Remember the love letters our grandparents used to write each other?  That type of priceless.

A Return to the “Oldschool”.

What’s interesting is that these habits don’t just affect memory or concentration…they also seem to affect how we feel emotionally. Reading and writing by hand create a quieter pace mentally because our nervous system gets a break from the constant input that comes with being online all day. There’s something healthy about having a few activities in your life that aren’t optimized for speed…and as we know, a book doesn’t interrupt you every thirty seconds, a notebook doesn’t send alerts, and you can sit with your own thoughts without immediately being pulled somewhere else.

Perhaps that’s why these “oldschool” habits still matter so much…they give your brain a chance to focus deeply, think clearly, and slow down enough to actually absorb what’s in front of you…in the most human of ways.

Fresh Air, Sunshine and the Longevity Effect

“Why time outdoors may be the healthiest part of summer.” 

——-

As Memorial Day weekend unofficially launches summer across America, millions of people will naturally head outdoors for backyard barbecues, lake weekends, baseball games, gardening, and long walks in the sunshine. While most people think of these activities simply as relaxation, growing research suggests they may also support long-term health and longevity in surprisingly meaningful ways.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and several other chronic conditions associated with aging. What makes outdoor activity especially effective is that it often does not feel like “exercise” at all. Walking through a park, playing catch with grandchildren, working in the yard, or simply spending more time moving outdoors can quietly increase daily activity levels while reducing stress at the same time.

Sunlight also plays an important role. According to the National Institutes of Health, moderate sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports bone health, immune function, and muscle strength. Researchers have also found that time spent outdoors may improve sleep quality and mood by helping regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm. In an age dominated by screens, artificial light, and constant digital stimulation, even small amounts of outdoor time can help restore mental balance and lower stress levels.

Perhaps most importantly, outdoor living often encourages something modern society increasingly lacks: genuine connection. Summer cookouts, neighborhood gatherings, baseball games, and evenings spent outside naturally bring people together. According to the long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development conducted by Harvard University, strong social relationships remain one of the clearest predictors of long-term happiness and healthy aging. Sometimes the healthiest moments of summer are also the simplest — fresh air, sunshine, movement, laughter, and time spent with people who matter.

Add Flavor to Your Memorial Day BBQ!

 “Fire up the grill this weekend.” 

——- 

Memorial Day weekend remains one of America’s most meaningful traditions, honoring the men and women who lost their lives serving in the U.S. Armed Forces while also marking the unofficial start of summer. Across the country, parades, family gatherings, and backyard barbecues bring people together during a weekend that blends remembrance, gratitude, and celebration.

For those manning the grill, one of the easiest ways to improve flavor is by paying close attention to temperature. Overcooked meats quickly lose their juiciness, which is why experienced grillers often rely on a meat thermometer rather than guesswork. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, proper internal temperatures not only improve taste and texture but also help ensure food safety.

Another simple upgrade is adding wood chips or chunks to the grill for extra smoky flavor. Mesquite, hickory, and applewood remain popular choices, even on gas grills when used in foil pouches or smoker boxes. Dry rubs also deliver stronger flavor than many marinades because spices and herbs stay on the meat during cooking instead of dripping away over the flame.

Finally, resist the temptation to rush the process. Many grilling enthusiasts swear by the “low and slow” approach, allowing meats to cook gradually at lower temperatures for deeper flavor and better texture. It may take a little longer, but the result is the smoky, tender barbecue taste that defines summer gatherings across America.

Whatever Happened to the “Do Not Call List”?

“The real reason your leisure time is often interrupted with unwanted calls.” 

——-

One of the great frustrations of modern life is that the National Do Not Call Registry still exists, yet millions of Americans continue receiving endless robocalls, spam texts, and unwanted solicitations. The registry, operated by the Federal Trade Commission since 2003, was originally designed to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls from legitimate businesses. According to the FTC, consumers can still register their numbers for free, and compliant companies are legally required to stop most sales calls. However, the system was created long before today’s sophisticated robocall technology and widespread caller-ID spoofing. Many of the calls now frustrating consumers originate from overseas scam operations or automated systems that simply ignore U.S. regulations altogether. According to the Federal Communications Commission, illegal robocalls remain one of the agency’s top consumer complaints each year.

The bigger issue may be how modern consumers unknowingly surrender some of their own protections. Hidden deep inside online sweepstakes entries, loan inquiries, insurance quote forms, shopping discounts, and mobile app signups are often consent clauses permitting companies and their “marketing partners” to contact users. In many cases, consumers technically authorize calls and texts without realizing it. At the same time, political organizations, charities, surveys, and certain debt collectors are partially exempt from Do Not Call restrictions, creating additional loopholes. According to the FTC, the registry can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, but it was never intended to stop criminal fraud networks. As a result, consumers increasingly rely on spam-filtering technology from phone carriers and smartphones rather than government lists alone. In many ways, the Do Not Call Registry reflects a broader reality of the digital era: laws often struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and modern data-driven marketing.

Memorial Day Weekend Travel Tips

“45 million people on the move!” 

——-

Certain times of year inspire more travel than others. Memorial Day weekend certainly fits that bill. AAA estimated 45 million people traveled during Memorial Day weekend in 2026 establishing a new record and that popularity is at least in part due to the holiday’s reputation as the unofficial beginning to summer.

AAA projects that:

• 39.1 million will travel by car
• 3.66 million will fly
• About 2.2 million will travel by train, bus, or cruise ship

A Memorial Day weekend getaway can be just what people need to get into the summer swing of things. With summer set to kick off, even if only unofficially, travelers can consider these tips to make the most of this popular time to travel.

· Book early. Whether Memorial Day weekend travelers are flying or traveling by bus or train, it’s important to book reservations as early as possible. Flights on popular travel weekends fill up quickly, so booking early can increase the chances flyers will be able to depart and return at the time of their choosing. The same goes for bus and train travel. Lodging also can fill up quickly, so book hotel reservations or reserve stays through sites such as Airbnb as early as possible. Booking early can help travelers ensure they aren’t shut out of their desired destination, and it also can save money, as rates tend to go up the closer one gets to the travel weekend.

· Time your travel. Memorial Day weekend motorists might want to get on the road before the sun rises. Leaving early, when there are fewer cars on the road, reduces the chances of being caught in a traffic jam. If pre-dawn is simply too early, AAA indicates it’s best for Thursday and Friday travelers to be on the road prior to 11 a.m. Leaving after 7 p.m. on Thursday or 8 p.m. on Friday is best for those who must travel at night. Travelers taking to the air or the rails might also benefit by leaving on Thursday and/or returning on the Tuesday after Memorial Day to reduce time spent in crowded airports or train stations.

· Expect delays. Travel delays can be stressful, but they’re nearly inevitable during peak travel periods like Memorial Day weekend. Parents traveling with young children can plan for travel delays by packing extra snacks and downloading extra entertainment onto kids’ tablets. Adults traveling without children can build delays into their itineraries and consider them before booking dining or entertainment reservations on the day of their arrival.

· Limit luggage. Memorial Day weekend tends to feature ample sunshine and warm weather, which makes it easier to travel light. Air travelers can pack just a carry-on so they don’t have to wait at the luggage carousel or worry about potentially lost bags. Car and train travelers also can pack light so they have more room to maneuver.

Memorial Day weekend is a busy time to travel. A handful of strategies can make this year’s travels a little more manageable