"Reel Reviews: ‘A Man Called Otto’ more depressing than expected – bring tissues" by: Jessica Shepard

Growing up, I got the chance to spend lots of time with my grandfather.    While the memories are a bit fonder now, at the time he was very much emulating Archie Bunker and the cast members of 1993’s “Grumpy Old Men” and 1995’s “Grumpier Old Men.”

"Teenage drumming dream leads to lessons learned" by: Jessica Shepard

Back in high school, I thought it would be a cool idea to shoehorn my way into a drum set for having all ‘A’ averages for the semester.     I also threw in using the drum set as a birthday present instead of something else and managed to get my uncle on board with the plan.

"It might not be Santa’s Rally but I am taking it in whoever’s name to the bank" by: John Sample

Another shortened trading week with earnings reports coming fast and furious.       The Federal Reserve will publish the Beige Book reflecting what the economy has been doing.       Last week the big banks earnings were released and to a great extent they were positive.

PSA: Open the (back) door to a Roth IRA

If you’d like to contribute to a Roth IRA, but your income is too high, do you have any options?

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Devil Conspiracy’ is eye-catching but forgettable" by: Jessica Shepard

In the grand scheme of things, Hollywood doesn’t put much stock in January movies being successful.     Depending on which camp you subscribe to, this is due to an overwhelming amount of “blockbusters” released during the holidays when the public usually has a lot more free time.

"Is it limbo or liminal – the struggles to find the best adjective" by: Jessica Shepard

Sometimes I find myself stuck in a sense of “limbo” between one holiday and the next.      Still, I find that feeling lingering when it comes to any events that require me to be away from the house.

"It’s a new year, but we have the same old problems moving the stock market forward" by: John Sample

Last week ended with a bang, moving the markets up for the first time in two weeks.      I’m not sure you can call that any kind of Jolly Elf rally.      It was fueled by a report that unemployment was still low at 3.5%, but wages slowed in their growth.

PSA: Worried about inflation? Consider these moves

As you know, inflation was big news in 2022.      And while it may cool off in 2023, it’s still something to consider as you work toward your long-term goals.      If you’re still working, and you can afford to boost your contributions to your IRA and 401(k), try to do so.

"We defeat temptation by speaking the word of God" by: Caleb Gibson

Paul told the church in Corinth that we all face temptations.    First Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.”    While we go through life, we need the help of the Lord.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Pale Blue Eye’ trips at the finish line, falls short of true Gothic Horror genre" by: Jessica Shepard

I have to preface this by saying I’ve been a fan of Gothic Horror short stories since my early teen years.    I poured over Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and Anne Rice’s works.