‘Beyond fear’

   When it comes to fear, you need look no further than television, newspapers and social media.  Fear gets top billing in world events while love, compassion and joy are reduced to page eight or sound bites closing out news programing.

"The art of shaking off Aggie loss and looking toward the new year" by: Mike Reddell

   As I write this early Saturday morning,   I'm trying to shake off another Aggie football bowl loss.  Here's how it happened – the Ags were up 24-7, then they lost by 35-31.   When I attended A&M, we lost a lot.

"Winter weather makes Christmas disappointing since 2004’s record-breaking snow" by: Jessica Shepard

   As anyone else who has grown up in Matagorda County knows – our winter season is strange.  I’m not talking about the realization that Climate Change is impacting our lives.

"2024 was just about as good as it gets for investors" by: John Sample

   The so-called Santa Claus end of year started on Tuesday and it was not spectacular.   We have until this Friday (Jan. 3) for the seven days to indicate what next year has in store.

PSA: Time for New Year’s financial resolutions

   Have you made New Year’s resolutions, such as exercising more or learning a new skill?  These are good objectives, but why not add some financial resolutions?  For starters, try to reduce your debt load.  You’ll improve your cash flow and have more to invest.

"Reel Reviews: Netflix’s ‘The Six Triple Eight’ surprisingly fast-paced war drama" by: Jessica Shepard

   Thanks to an onslaught of advertisements on social media, I was curious about Netflix’s “The Six Triple Eight” film and naturally had to check it out myself.

‘Cruising Altitude’

   With the end of 2024 departing and 2025’s estimated time of arrival nearing, I hope you’ve located your cruising altitude.   Expectations for the new year are high at this stage of the game, but some individuals may find themselves experiencing unexpected turbulence early on in the new year.

"The only thing worth celebrating on Dec. 31 is my sister’s birthday" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’m honestly not one to put much stock in New Year’s celebrations at large and the end of the year doesn’t mean too much to me.  Well, at large and out in public, it’s just another day – the same 24 hours of work sprinkled with a few breaks then it’s just bedtime.

"Let yourself enjoy all that has come your way" by: John Sample

   The old axiom of buying on the rumor and selling on the news raised its pathetic head this week with Fed Chairman Powel announcing an expected quarter-point cut in the Fed funds rate.   The problem came with his forecast for fewer rate cuts in 2025.

PSA: Are your protection plans in place?

   Between your family, your finances, your independence, and your legacy, you’ve got a lot to protect - so it's important to have protection plans in place.  Start with your life insurance.  Would it be adequate to help ensure your family could maintain their lifestyle if you weren’t around?