"The holidays are here and we all should be merry and bright" by: John Sample

   We have moved into the final month of the year.  November overcame the biggest loss for that month on almost two decades.  Most of the recovery was attributed to the belief the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates again this month.

PSA: Making the most of your health savings account

   If you’re looking for a smart way to save for healthcare expenses, a Health Savings Account – or HSA – might be your best bet.  To be eligible to contribute, you’ll need to be enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan and not on Medicare.

"Reel Review: ‘Jingle Bell Heist’ an oddly endearing rom-com from Netflix" by: Jessica Shepard

   Christmas is less than a month away and I’m usually game only for my classic seasonal favorites.    However, Netflix released “Jingle Bell Heist” last week and I opted to see if it would inspire me to start putting up decorations sooner rather than later.

‘Embracing your future self’

   Regardless of good intentions, the Thanksgiving Holidays wreak havoc on our best-laid plans of eating healthy.    Talk about history annually repeating itself!

"Sentinel’s anniversary a time to recall why we started" by: Mike Reddell

   It is with a touch of real pride that I announce we’re beginning our 12th year of publishing the Bay City Sentinel.    By “we,” I mean MaLinda, Jessica and me.    There have been a few others along the way and I always will remember their contributions.    Since I grew up in the business.

"Daydreams of elemental powers started early with ‘Captain Planet’" by: Jessica Shepard

   As a child growing up in the 1990s, I was an avid “Saturday Morning Cartoon” watcher and was exposed to a myriad of shows thanks to cable TV.

"'Let us all be thankful for our many blessings " by: John Sample

   Well now that was no way to get ready for the holidays.    The markets took a direct hit.   This happened even with market bellwether Nvidia reporting far better than expected earnings.    I have had numerous friends contact me as to my thoughts.

PSA: Generosity meets strategy with tax-savvy donations

   Are you thinking about giving to charity?  If you itemize your tax deductions, your donations to qualified charities may be tax-deductible.  For that to work, your total deductions must exceed the standard deduction.  In 2025, that's $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for couples.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Playdate’ one of the worst streaming films I’ve seen all year" by: Jessica Shepard

   I have to be brutally honest with you – I hadn’t even heard of this week’s movie coming to any theater, let alone a streaming service.

"Timing, my good Raiders, is everything in football " by: Mike Reddell

   At my age, I have lots of friends who attended the broad berth of Texas colleges and universities.  But it so happened that three esteemed Texas Tech graduates – all three close and two go back to high school football years – felt the need to call mid-day Saturday.  Coincidence?