"Another week and another record in this Christmas season" by: John Sample

   Seriously this is like a scratch in a vinyl record skipping on and on.   The S&P 500 climbed to near 6100, Bitcoin is over $100,000 and gold is climbing toward $3,000.    Last week, the jobs report was neutral with unemployment moving up to 4.2%, while those without jobs over 225,000.

PSA: What you should know about RMDs?

   At some point, you’ll need to take money out of your IRA and 401(k).  What should you know about these mandatory withdrawals?First, they’re called required minimum distributions, or RMDs.  And you must start taking them when you’re 73, or, if you were born in 1960 or later, 75.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Nutcrackers’ highlights the importance of family during the holidays" by: Jessica Shepard

   This time of year always seems like a strange mash-up of films in theaters and available to stream.  After catching the “Nutcrackers” trailer on Hulu last week, I caved in to see the whole flick with hopes for Ben Stiller returning to lead a film for the first time in about seven years.

‘The Ripple Effect ’

   I’m told on a movie set there is chaos coming in all directions until one word is uttered, “Action!”   All work and preparation comes down to a three-minute take, and if successful, production is primed and ready to move on to the next scene.   Each of us is starring in a movie called life.

"Broken arm a new addition to Thanksgiving season hazards" by: Mike Reddell

   I’m beginning to think the day before Thanksgiving has some deeper meaning.    In 1958, I swallowed a quarter the day before Thanksgiving, requiring a hurried trip to Austin – we lived in Llano – to have currency removed.

" Forgotten memories found amid Christmas decoration purge" by: Jessica Shepard

   Between the busy high school football playoff schedule and Thanksgiving preparations and family time, somehow we managed to downsize my mom’s Christmas decoration collection.  What started as roughly 80 boxes worth of knick-knacks and various holiday ornaments ended up in the 60-ish box ballpark.

"It is a merry and profitable Christmas holiday season" by: John Sample

   A shortened trade week was no obstacle to the various indexes and averages climbing to new record highs.   Cypto and gold were not left out of the party.    The beginning of the holiday season found shoppers out spending record levels.

PSA: Consider these year-end financial moves

   Once again, it’s the busy holiday season.  Still, try to take the time to consider some financial moves before we turn the calendar to 2025.  First, review your investment portfolio to ensure it is performing as expected and still fits your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Dear Santa’ takes new twist in PG-13 holiday flick" by: Jessica Shepard

    Since I’m always on the lookout for off-beat and oddball mashups featuring my favorite actors, I thought I’d check out “Dear Santa” last week on Paramont+.

‘The Art of Communication’

  The Art of CommunicationThe difference between the right word and the almost right word is the Difference between lightning and a lightning bug.  Mark Twain  I’ve adopted a new skill for my resume - wordsmith.   The word has a purposeful intent to it.