PSA: Key decisions for retired couples

Once you and your spouse retire, you’ll have some decisions to make - decisions that could affect your quality of life in your retirement years.  For starters, how much should you withdraw each year from your 401(k) and other retirement accounts?

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Monkey’ a letdown despite being a Stephen King short story" by: Jessica Shepard

In case you missed it in previous movie review columns – I’ll watch any movie tied to Stephen King’s works.  And honestly, I’m not let down with that self-imposed rule.

‘Embracing your Tribe’

Along with the family we were born and raised with, opportunities present themselves to meet, recognize and settle into relationships with folks we may consider our “tribe.”

"Learning about birds from vultures to cedar waxwings" by: Mike Reddell

Commissioners Court was interesting Monday as the court approved a resolution seeking a designation from the Texas Legislature for Matagorda County to become the official birding capital of Texas.  I don't know that throughout my years where a desire for recognition seemed more appropriate.

"Job descriptions proving ‘coyote ugly’ can apply to anything" by: Jessica Shepard

A large number of my friends and associates are struggling with their careers as of late.  It varies from toxic work environments and lack of support to unrealistic expectations and below-average pay and benefits.

"Another week of a market record and then a pullback" by: John Sample

It almost becoming too predictable.  We hit a new high on the S&P 500 and then had a pullback.  Some point to the weak projection from Walmart and others thought the economy may be headed for trouble due to tariffs.  I think investors are taking money off the table to protect profits.

PSA: Women caregivers face financial challenges

If you’re a woman who provides care for children and elderly parents, you may face some financial challenges.  How can you meet them?  It’s a serious issue.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ debuts Red Hulk, Adamantium" by: Jessica Shepard

Initially, I wasn’t super excited to catch the latest MCU movie – especially during its opening weekend during Valentine’s.  I’d established plenty of assumptions based on the strange trailer that had been running the past few months.

‘Comfortable with consistency’

A discussion came up with a friend of mine over lunch.  We have a habit of choosing a yearly word that best describes our overall goal.  For 2025, I chose the word consistency.

"Cemeteries always bring a notable part of life - history" by: Mike Reddell

Matagorda County’s history is one of its top features to me, and it continues to educate me.  Last Saturday, I covered the Official Texas Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony north of Pledger for the Jones-Jackson Cemetery.