‘Another Day in the Neighborhood’

   We make simple choices every day: to get out of bed in the morning, go to work, take out the garbage, decide who our friends are, stay single or get married etc.    We like to think about it as free choice; the bible refers to it as free will.

"Trying new things seems key to personal growth" by: Jessica Shepard

   Look, by no means am I a life coach, guidance counselor, or supremely interesting personality that’s claiming to have life figured out.  So feel free to take anything and everything I say or recommend with a grain of salt.

"There is much to evaluate and hard choices to be made" by: John Sample

   That was a week with a lot to digest.  The inflation measures came in a bit higher than projected.  The initial earnings reports from the financials were about what was expected.  Then, of course, over the weekend, Iran directly attacked Israel with drones and missiles.

PSA: Be careful when naming beneficiaries  

   When you purchase insurance or open investment accounts, such as an IRA, you’ll be asked to name a beneficiary - but major life events may cause you to take steps to protect that beneficiary.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The First Omen’ could lead to worthwhile reboot for ‘Omen’ franchise" by: Jessica Shepard

   When I caught the initial trailer for “The First Omen” I had to go back and review what I knew of the original movie franchise.  After all, this newest release is set as a prequel before 1976’s “The Omen” even graced the silver screen.

‘Going back to the beginning’

   Our world has turned out to be so complicated.   The irony in that statement is that the world is a canvas from which human beings create complexity from their own desire to be in control.  To suggest a desire to return to simpler times, is to blindly believe there were simpler times.

"The eclipse amazing as always and weather as unpredictable" by: Mike Reddell

   MaLinda, Jessica and I shared a pair of eclipse shades Monday afternoon as we joined millions of Americans staring into the sun and moon.    I thought it was cool, seeing a celestial event first-hand, well sort of.

"Eclipse excitement dampened by weather, work" by: Jessica Shepard

   One day, I’m hoping I don’t have to work when there’s an eclipse.    Or, in the case of early Monday afternoon something with a little less cloud cover, too!

"It’s hard to argue with success until it is not there" by: John Sample

   We are into the eclipse week that may end up to being a lot to do about nothing due to weather.      Hard to experience an event if you can’t actually see it happen.      Sometimes things are just not meant to be what you planned and you adapt.

PSA: What should you know about long-term care?

   We all hope to remain healthy and independent throughout our lives – but life can be unpredictable.    If you ever need some type of long-term care, would you be financially prepared?    Long-term care can be quite costly.