"Magic of summer fades into nostalgia in adulthood" by: Jessica Shepard

It’s so weird that we’re at the end of July already and school starts for some districts next week.  I mean, I know that practically I say that every time another school year rolls around, but the amazement is also always there.

"Could things be any more complicated or change any faster?" by: Jessica Shepard

We just came off three down weeks for the Dow.    The S&P 500 holds just above 7400.   All this negativity was stoked by the fighting in Iran, which sent WTI back up to $90.    Just when it was really getting gloomy, a pause in the fighting in Iran sent crude prices lower.

PSA: Building your child’s education fund, 1 brick at a time

College costs can feel overwhelming - four years at a public university run around $120,000, according to the College Board 2025.  But you don’t need a perfect plan to get started.  There are savings accounts specifically to save for education.

"Reel Reviews: Greek epic ‘The Odyssey’ deserves worldwide No. 1 status"

I’m not even going to pretend to remember the last time I read the actual “Odyssey” epic myth by Greek poet Homer.  But, I’m sure it was sometime during high school or early college and I have since come across plenty of pop culture references in the meantime.

No escape hatch

The words freedom and commitment appear to be opposites when viewed through the lens of human nature.  Yet look closer at their definitions: Commitment means anchoring yourself soyou can explore more deeply; freedom means finding joy in the path you’ve chosen.  Something surprising emerges.

"Last week’s repeat of flooding unbelievable" by: Mike Reddell

I was going to put my thoughts about the Hill Country flooding last week, but my high school friend and the Sentinel’s current stock market writer has his thought on the matter further down this page.   In addition, I ran the Texas Tribune’s in-depth article on the subject that appears on Page 7.

"The quest for purple hair continues after latest disappointment" by: Jessica Shepard

After last week’s miniature rant, I tried to distance myself from those feelings and focus on something else.   I’d just finished waiting the allotted two weeks before moving forward with a more vibrant and exciting hair dye adventure.

"Another year, another long drive back to devastation" by: John Sample

When things happen more than once you get the feeling that someone is trying to tell you something.   Last year, I was in New Mexico at my cabin getting some work done and came home the evening of July 3.   I was awakened by a call from my daughter at 6 in the morning.

PSA: Debunking 5 common Social Security myths

Social Security is often a cornerstone of retirement income, but it’s often misunderstood, leading to confusion, worry, and poor planning decisions.   Here’s the truth behind five of the most common misconceptions.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Toy Story 5’ reinforces importance of imagination, playing" by: Jessica Shepard

I’m adding ‘Toy Story 5’ to my personal list of movies that no one asked to be created.  That aside, the whole production team hinged the flick on the importance of a child’s imagination and ability to play creatively.