Quote of the Week
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
Tech Corner
Last week was again a relatively quiet week. The S&P 500 was up +1.57, the Dow was up +1.36%, the MSCI-EAFE was down -1.67%, and the Nasdaq was down -0.58%. Interestingly, the Nasdaq, which is home to all of the high flying tech stocks, is only up +1.94% for the year, while the S&P 500 is up +5.82% and the Dow is up +8.06% year to date. It is clear that there has been a rotation away from tech to move to mundane industrial companies.
This morning on the news, the Consumer Sentiment Index was reported. The Index went up from 90 to 109, which is a major move up. That means the consumer is bullish on the future. That is a really positive sign for the economy going forward, which should be good for stocks.
We are still in Quad II which should be good for the stock market. We don’t see any near-term changes in the Quads, so we will maintain our current positions.
Sue’s Thoughts
The following article from the Arizona Department of Transportation caught my eye. It came out about a month ago and I thought I’d share the news by reprinting it below.
The link to the article is
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZDOT/bulletins/2c3ea62
Arizonans can now renew driver licenses online
Contactless option will allow older adults to make healthy choices
PHOENIX – Renewing a standard Arizona driver license and a commercial driver license can now be completed with a few clicks on a website.
As Governor Doug Ducey’s Executive Order on deferring standard driver license expiration dates ends on Feb. 28, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is giving many Arizonans the ability to renew their driver license online. Previously, renewals could only be processed during an office visit.
“Most Arizonans with a standard driver license must renew their license when they turn 65 years of age and every five years thereafter,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “During the pandemic, ADOT wants to continue Governor Ducey’s efforts to help protect our most vulnerable and we’re pleased to be able to offer a contactless renewal option so people can continue making healthy choices.”
An in-office visit will be required to renew a standard Arizona driver license if an individual’s photo of record was taken more than 12 years prior to renewal, but most Arizonans will be able to renew their driver license without visiting an MVD office. Driver license-holders can log-in to their account at AZMVDNow.gov to see their eligibility for online renewal.
To renew a CDL online at AZMVDNow.gov, an individual’s address must remain the same, a valid primary document is on file with MVD and their current credential must be in good standing. CDL holders with a hazmat endorsement will not be able to renew their license online.
This new, streamlined renewal option was made possible, in large part, when MVD implemented a state-of-the-art computer operating system last spring. That change replaced an obsolete system that contained elements that were older than 35 years and no longer sustainable. The new system has made it possible for MVD to offer customers the ability to complete most services online at AZMVDNow.gov, eliminating the need to visit an MVD office for many Arizonans.
“We’ve all seen a lot of change over the last year, but this is something new that everyone can embrace,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “The website AZMVDNow.gov has added convenience for customers and made it easier for Arizonans to conduct their business with MVD. Adding driver license renewals to the long list of other services, like registration renewals, change of address and ordering a replacement license, will help keep Arizonans out of line and safely on the road.”
When renewing online, an individual’s official driver record will be updated with the new expiration date in the MVD system when the application and payment are submitted electronically.
When it comes time to renew a driver license, individuals can follow the below steps to renew online.
Go to AZMVDNow.gov and sign-in to your account. If you need to activate your account – everyone with an Arizona driver license has an account – follow those steps.
After logging in, select “Renew Now” in the “My Credential” section and follow the instructions.
Allow about 15 days for processing and mail delivery of your new driver license.
