"Hitting the home stretch for the summer on a heater" by: John Sample

   We closed a volatile near all-time highs.  Last week witnessed the CPI coming in near expectations at 2.7%.  The problem came with the PPI coming in higher than expected.

PSA: 529 education savings plans: More flexibility than you think

   Planning for your child’s education can feel overwhelming.  But a 529 education savings plan offers a flexible way to help build a financial foundation for their educational future.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Happy Gilmore’ sequel recycles plenty of old jokes" by: Jessica Shepard

   Thanks to my uncles, Adam Sandler movies were sprinkled throughout my formative years – including those he acted in, produced and have even written.  I didn’t get into his standup comedy until much later, but, I think my favorites of his mid-1990s flicks was “Happy Gilmore” (1996).

‘The Five Love Languages’

   Cultivating and tending to a garden requires time and patience, but in the end, your care and nurturing produces a bounty of fruits and vegetables or a landscape of magnificent flowers.

"Lots to dislike in what’s going down in Austin, America" by: Mike Reddell

   I’m sure I’m far from alone from worrying about our state and our nation.    I’m likewise sure I’m far from being aligned with other Texans I know.

"My fall 2025 goal is to avoid voluntold tasks at all costs" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’ve been a volunteer off and on my entire life in some form or fashion.    I mean, it’s varied from extracurricular work back in school to local organizations and non-profit entities.    And even during my tenure at the paper, I’ve volunteered for special events and various boards.

"The stock market party appears to just be getting started" by: John Sample

   We nearly made the 18th record close for the S&P 500 while the NASDAQ made its 28th record close.    There just seems no stopping the Mag 7 and their high tech brethren from moving this market up.   There is starting to be talk that the multiples over 20 are something we will have to accept.

PSA: Does the 4% rule still make sense?

   You may have heard of the “4% rule” when it comes to retirement.    After you retire, you withdraw 4% of your retirement savings each year.    The truth is, the 4% rule should be viewed as a guide - not as a strict rule.    For example, the rule is based on retiring at age 65.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Weapons’ definitely a creepy, unsettling entry into horror genre" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’m going to be painfully honest with everyone – I had no real idea what IW as signing up for when I caught “Weapons” on the big screen last week.  In theory, the trailer showed something that did manage to grab my attention.  However, I wasn’t prepared for the actual ride this flick took me on!

‘Achievement + Connection = Success’

   Let the 2025-2026 school year begin.  For students in extracurricular activities, they’re already waking up at dark-thirty churning out practices wondering where summer went.