"2026 seems to be picking up more speed than expected" by: Jessica Shepard

   Well, it’s the end of the first month in 2026 and I can’t even give a vague prediction for what we’re due for the rest of the year.  And that includes my work and personal life, too!

"In spite of it all, times are actually pretty good" by: John Sample

   Last week was about as unusual as it gets and I am not talking about the MLK holiday shortening the trading week to four days.  We had the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where our President’s speech referencing Greenland sent the market south on fears of a new tariff war.

Putting your aging parents’ wishes first

   As your parents grow older, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues.  Position these conversations to honor their plans and understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken care of as they would like.  First, consider health care.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Rip’ hinges its story on Damon, Affleck cop friendship" by: Jessica Shepard

   In light of the winter storm sweeping through Matagorda County over the weekend, I decided to catch a recently released Netflix film – “The Rip.

Mind games

   Forget about spending $$$ on video games like top rated “Grand Theft Auto VI,” “Resident Evil: Requiem,” or “Marvel’s Wolverine,” score massive growth in the reality of your own mind game.  Seriously, working on your own mindset comes with stellar growth and maturity.

"Learning how to enjoy books without piling them on chairs" by: Mike Reddell

   I have a decent book collection that truly speaks to my ever-changing interests.  Many of the books are along the large bookshelf that I acquired from Kit West, the Kerrville Daily Times society editor in 1980.  Back then, society editors carried everything outside of news and sports.

"Feeling the weather change & mitigating accompanying pain" by: Jessica Shepard

   Weather forecasters are predicting an arctic blast to hit sometime this weekend and I think I’m mostly ready for it.  Well, at least when I’m viewing the projected temperatures from the comfort of Monday night while I’m writing this column.

"In spite of it all, times are actually pretty good" by: John Sample

   Yet another holiday-shortened trading week with the MLK national holiday Monday.  It may be a good thing, as the news is nothing, but drama at such a rate that we may need a break just to reflect on where we are.

PSA: New Year’s financial resolutions: Making them stick

   Millions of Americans set money-related resolutions each January, such as saving more or reducing debt.  But too many resolutions fade quickly.  A 2023 Forbes Health poll found that over half of people give up on their resolutions by April.  The issue isn’t necessarily motivation.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Bone Temple’ possibly best in 28 Days Later franchise" by: Jessica Shepard

   I know that zombies and horror films are an acquired taste.  But, I just can’t help myself when it comes to the “28 Days Later” film series – I have to watch them all.  The novelty of having rage, or madness zombies rather than the historically undead version has always fascinated me.