"Wanting graduates to return home requires something worthwhile" by: Jessica Shepard

School’s out for summer and watching a handful of my classmates’ children graduate brought up a variety of introspective moments.

"In good times, give thanks to those who gave ultimate sacrifice " by: John Sample

A holiday-shortened week.    Last week revolved around the earnings report for Nvidi.    It was once again buying on the rumor, but selling on the news.    The chip maker climbed above $1,000 per share just before a ten-for-one stock split.

PSA: New choices for business owners

If you’re a business owner with a 401(k) or similar retirement plan, you’ll want to stay current on changes affecting these accounts.      What’s new for 2024?      As part of the SECURE 2.0 Act, several changes will be enacted this year.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Atlas’ has a hodge-podge storyline, weak actor follow-through" by: Jessica Shepard

With local schools out for the summer and a holiday weekend in mind, I decided to check out Netflix’s “Atlas” film that dropped last Friday.      Even while writing this review Monday morning, the movie is ranked at #1 on the streaming website and I’m shocked.

‘Growing happiness’

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could grow happiness exponentially by simply sowing seeds purchased through the local nursery or on Amazon.com?   The process would involve preparing the soil, planting the seeds, and nurturing their growth until it was time for cultivation.

"Reddell rule: Never assume the Spaniel is not lurking nearby" by: Mike Reddell

MaLinda and I were having a relaxing moment at our backyard patio.  I mean the swallows were doing their usual aerial displays of finding food for their young chicks.  They were also posting guard for possible intruders to their now perennial home under the eaves of our roof.

"Extending Mother’s Day family holiday to Memorial Day weekend" by: Jessica Shepard

While both of my siblings came home for Mother’s Day for mom, my sister Ashlee stayed behind for extra family time.  The original plan was for her to be here for a full week, but that ship has since sailed.

"The markets are on fire and keep climbing on distractions, inflation" by: John Sample

Another week of gains and the last of the bearish analysts are throwing in the towel.    Estimates of where the S&P 500 have soared beyond 5500.   The Dow last week climbed above 40,000 on the close.

PSA: How is your retirement income taxed?

Once you’re retired, you will likely need to draw on several sources of income for your living expenses.  But do you know how this money is taxed? For starters, consider Social Security.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ set 300 years forward in franchise" by: Jessica Shepard

Like most folks, I’ve grown up with various incarnations and entries into the “Planet of the Apes” franchise since its 1963 French novel inception.  “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is the latest entry and frankly, not something I found worthy of the time spent watching it.