"Thinking about a summer pushing a wheel barrow full of bottles" by: Mike Reddell

   As befitting my age, and the circumstances of this brutal summer, I occasionally think about summers past.      I was remembering a summer day when I was nine in the North Texas town of Electra.      I often was shoeless in our neighborhood as were most of the other boys my age.

"Trying not to freak out when using Google for medical help" by: Jessica Shepard

   Sometimes I spend too much time using Google to search random things off the top of my head.

"Football is here and it at least gives us something" by: John Sample

   Last week was the best week for the indexes and averages in over a month.    Monday through Thursday, the S&P 500 was able to erase half of the monthly loss.    Friday the Dow added 100 points.    The reality is that we had a bit of setback that was not that significant.

PSA: What does it cost not to have life insurance?

   It’s probably not on your calendar, but September is Life Insurance Awareness Month.    Are you aware of the benefits of owning life insurance?    First, consider the risks of not having it.    If something were to happen to you, could your family remain in their house?

"Matagorda County Museum’s ‘School Spirit’ honors all county schools" by: Esmerelda Salinas

Hello, (Almost) Fall!    The first of September always awakens excitement for me because fall means cooler weather is on the way.     And it also means that it’s the season of learning as our kids go back to school!     Which also means…FOOTBALL!

"Reel Reviews: ‘Equalizer 3’ had so much potential, ended series on a weak note" by: Jessica Shepard

   My favorite part of any action movie series is always watching the bad guys get their just desserts.    It’s a lovely bit of karma and very rewarding to experience on the big screen.

"Learning how to identify, embrace your self-expression" by: Karen Restivo

   Self-Expression conjures up great art, the symphony, prolific books, cinematography and Olympic-worthy agility from artists who manifest their creative expression into form for all the world to witness.

"Can’t wait for summer to finally end, looking forward to fall events" by: Jessica Shepard

   Every once in a while I’m sitting in the car and just staring at the outside thermometer.     With “feel like” temperatures over 110 degrees, I’m eagerly awaiting the drift from summer’s oppressive heat to the cooler, mid-90s fall temperatures.

"Even good news isn’t what motivates this market in August" by: John Sample

   It has been a hot and ugly August. The S&P 500 has lost 4% for the month.     Last week, at least, was not a loss for the first time in nearly a month.     It was hard to explain as Fed Chair Powell didn’t say anything controversial in his speech at Jackson Hole.

PSA: Should you invest…or speculate?

   You’ll find some big differences between traditional and speculative investments - and knowing these differences can matter a great deal when you’re trying to reach your financial goals.     You’re probably familiar with traditional investments - stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and so on.