Celebrating others

   Any time we’re acknowledged for our hard work and achievements, it’s time to celebrate!  It’s easy for us to remember how much time, effort and patience went into the recognition of a job well done.

"‘2026 Winter Olympics’ coming to Italy, NBC in February" by: Jessica Shepard

   I have to confess that I’ve mostly forgotten about the Olympic Games until some advertisement flashed across Facebook to remind me that they’re coming in February.    Well, at least the winter games are coming to Italy starting on Feb. 6 with the actual opening ceremony to begin on Feb.

"New Year, new record highs and more concerns" by: John Sample

   We made it through the Santa Claus rally and the second trading day of the year pushed to through to positive territory.     Moreover, last week we had three weeks out of the last four ending up positive, pushing the S&P 500 to near 5000.     Needless to say, we are at record levels.

PSA: Join the trend with these New Year resolutions

   After months of rising prices on everything from milk to mortgages, money-related resolutions are prominent.    Here are the top three, according to 2025 research from Edward Jones and Morning Consult.    First is boosting your income.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Greenland 2: Migration’ hopes for humanity’s post-apocalyptic future" by: Jessica Shepard

  Every once in a while, I forget the movies I’ve seen in the past – especially when a sequel trailer crops up a few years later.      Such was the case of “Greenland 2: Migration” - its trailer previewing ahead of several movies in the last few months and barely registering in my memory banks.

The Hidden Power of Journaling

   When you find yourself repeatedly caught up in the cycle of overthinking, maybe it’s time to follow the expert’s advice and pick up a pen.

"Finding pleasure in the documents that serve us" by: Mike Reddell

   At my age, there are few things that come along signaling a difficult day approaching than hearing aids that won’t work.   That happened this morning before I went to the courthouse for the weekly Commissioners Court meeting.

"Some words continue having an impact long after I’ve heard them" by: Jessica Shepard

   I don’t know if you’ve seen the 2013 movie “Beautiful Creatures” or not.   But, I’d have to tell you that despite most of the storyline being annoying and teenage angsty drama smothering the supernatural characters – it’s got plenty of serious topics to contemplate if you’re paying attention.

"A New Year but will you do anything really different?" by: John Sample

   We are in the New Year and the Santa Claus rally was less than spectacular.    The various indexes climbed for three years in a row.    A fourth year of gains would be the first such stretch since 2007.    There have only been five such stretches.

PSA : Take control: Why budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive

   Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive.   In fact, it can be empowering.   A budget simply helps you understand your money flow and align it with what matters most.