"It might not be Santa’s Rally but I am taking it in whoever’s name to the bank" by: John Sample

   Another shortened trading week with earnings reports coming fast and furious.       The Federal Reserve will publish the Beige Book reflecting what the economy has been doing.       Last week the big banks earnings were released and to a great extent they were positive.

PSA: Open the (back) door to a Roth IRA

   If you’d like to contribute to a Roth IRA, but your income is too high, do you have any options?

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Devil Conspiracy’ is eye-catching but forgettable" by: Jessica Shepard

   In the grand scheme of things, Hollywood doesn’t put much stock in January movies being successful.     Depending on which camp you subscribe to, this is due to an overwhelming amount of “blockbusters” released during the holidays when the public usually has a lot more free time.

"Is it limbo or liminal – the struggles to find the best adjective" by: Jessica Shepard

   Sometimes I find myself stuck in a sense of “limbo” between one holiday and the next.      Still, I find that feeling lingering when it comes to any events that require me to be away from the house.

"It’s a new year, but we have the same old problems moving the stock market forward" by: John Sample

   Last week ended with a bang, moving the markets up for the first time in two weeks.      I’m not sure you can call that any kind of Jolly Elf rally.      It was fueled by a report that unemployment was still low at 3.5%, but wages slowed in their growth.

PSA: Worried about inflation? Consider these moves

   As you know, inflation was big news in 2022.      And while it may cool off in 2023, it’s still something to consider as you work toward your long-term goals.      If you’re still working, and you can afford to boost your contributions to your IRA and 401(k), try to do so.

"We defeat temptation by speaking the word of God" by: Caleb Gibson

   Paul told the church in Corinth that we all face temptations.    First Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.”    While we go through life, we need the help of the Lord.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Pale Blue Eye’ trips at the finish line, falls short of true Gothic Horror genre" by: Jessica Shepard

   I have to preface this by saying I’ve been a fan of Gothic Horror short stories since my early teen years.    I poured over Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and Anne Rice’s works.

"Viewing newspaper typewriters through rose-colored glasses" by: Mike Reddell

   We’re off to a new year.     For me, 2023 represents my 50th year in journalism.     I started as a reporter for my hometown Kerrville Daily Times in 1973.     In those pre-computer days, all of our newsroom work was done on manual typewriters.

"Things I’m looking forward to this New Year" by: Jessica Shepard

   Now, last week, I revealed that my family wasn’t a big participant in “New Year’s resolutions.”     That’s still true a week later.     However, I will say that there are certain things we look forward to in the upcoming days, weeks, and months.