PSA: Do you need to fear retirement?

If you’re planning to retire in a few years, are you looking forward to it?  Or are you somewhat apprehensive and asking yourself: “What sort of retirement can I afford?”  To help ease this concern, you need to be financially prepared.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Don’t Let Go’ serves up endless jump scares amid desolate forest setting" by: Jessica Shepard

As we head into the fall season, I’ve got high hopes for horror/thriller movie selections.  So much so that I snagged a seat to see “Never Let Go” over the weekend.  Overall, the storyline is pretty weak despite an A-list lead like Halle Berry at the helm.

"It doesn’t matter how old dogs are in human years, they’re family" by: Mike Reddell

I came across something at once interesting and arresting.  We have three dogs now ranging in age from 1 to 11 actual years.  Because I'm 74 and have seen lots of my dogs pass on, I do worry about our existing bunch.  Like most pet owners the loss of an animal friend like a dog is a gut punch.

"Culture festivals feature great experiences, chances to learn something new" by: Jessica Shepard

Cultural festivals are my favorite public celebrations to attend.  I love learning more about the rich history of other countries and cultures within driving distance rather than going to a concert venue, farmer’s market, or similar event.

"Hard to knock a bull market down for the count" by: John Sample

We are now awaiting the Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday to find out how much the Fed funds rate will be cut.    I would see it being a quarter of a point.    We can then get the election out of the way and have further cuts.

PSA: Know the risks of investing - and not investing

Investing involves risk — and so does not investing.  You should know how both these types of risk can affect your ability to reach your financial goals.  Let’s start with the risks connected with investing. Whether you invest in stocks or bonds, there’s always an element of risk.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Killer’ remake offers views of Paris amid crime" by: Jessica Shepard

As a personal rule, I try to withhold judgment on reboot movies until I’ve seen the original and newest flick in close succession.  Unless it’s a movie that’s already near and dear to my heart!

‘Train of thought’

The metaphor “Train of Thoughts” is an accurate reflection of how our thoughts follow each other like train cars headed down the track to its destination; in this case, delivering our beliefs and stories to others, but more importantly, to ourselves.

"Funny how a 67-year-old photo can bring back sharp memories" by: Mike Reddell

Funny how an old photo can stir such precise recollections and it’s a struggle to remember something much more current – like yesterday.  A cousin of mine who lives in Onalaska, on the edge of Lake Livingston, messaged me with a photo of me, my brother and our cousins on a boat on a lake.

"Crossing another life achievement off my bucket list" by: Jessica Shepard

I debated a lot of various ideas when it came to writing this column.  And, in true wordsmith form, I finally settled on the idea down below with my print deadline looming over my head.  Throughout my life so far, I’ve always had a knack for winning random door prizes, raffles, and contests.