"It doesn’t matter how old dogs are in human years, they’re family" by: Mike Reddell

  I came across something at once interesting and arresting.  We have three dogs now ranging in age from 1 to 11 actual years.  Because I'm 74 and have seen lots of my dogs pass on, I do worry about our existing bunch.  Like most pet owners the loss of an animal friend like a dog is a gut punch.

"Culture festivals feature great experiences, chances to learn something new" by: Jessica Shepard

   Cultural festivals are my favorite public celebrations to attend.  I love learning more about the rich history of other countries and cultures within driving distance rather than going to a concert venue, farmer’s market, or similar event.

"Hard to knock a bull market down for the count" by: John Sample

   We are now awaiting the Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday to find out how much the Fed funds rate will be cut.    I would see it being a quarter of a point.    We can then get the election out of the way and have further cuts.    It seems that the data suggests that inflation is around 2.

PSA: Know the risks of investing - and not investing

   Investing involves risk — and so does not investing.  You should know how both these types of risk can affect your ability to reach your financial goals.  Let’s start with the risks connected with investing. Whether you invest in stocks or bonds, there’s always an element of risk.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Killer’ remake offers views of Paris amid crime" by: Jessica Shepard

   As a personal rule, I try to withhold judgment on reboot movies until I’ve seen the original and newest flick in close succession.  Unless it’s a movie that’s already near and dear to my heart!

‘Train of thought’

   The metaphor “Train of Thoughts” is an accurate reflection of how our thoughts follow each other like train cars headed down the track to its destination; in this case, delivering our beliefs and stories to others, but more importantly, to ourselves.

"Funny how a 67-year-old photo can bring back sharp memories" by: Mike Reddell

   Funny how an old photo can stir such precise recollections and it’s a struggle to remember something much more current – like yesterday.  A cousin of mine who lives in Onalaska, on the edge of Lake Livingston, messaged me with a photo of me, my brother and our cousins on a boat on a lake.

"Crossing another life achievement off my bucket list" by: Jessica Shepard

   I debated a lot of various ideas when it came to writing this column.  And, in true wordsmith form, I finally settled on the idea down below with my print deadline looming over my head.  Throughout my life so far, I’ve always had a knack for winning random door prizes, raffles, and contests.

"You can’t ask for more uncertainty than we have now " by: John Sample

    Well our holiday week came out poorly as far as the equities market is concerned.  We dropped over 2% on the various averages and indexes.  It was again the Mag 7 that took the lead down.  It did not help that the employment data was less than stellar.

PSA: Should you be a global investor?

   Investment opportunities don’t stop at the U.S. border.  But what should you know about investing internationally?  When you invest outside the United States, you can gain at least two key benefits.