"To heck with the market, I have a bracket to fill out" by: John Sample

Well, we are into March Madness and that has nothing to do with the Fed meeting this week.     The chances they will reduce interstate rates took a hit last week with the CPI and PPI coming in above forecasts.     Thoughts of six quarter-point cuts this year have gone the way of the Dodo.

PSA: Time for financial spring cleaning?

It’s time for spring cleaning. And just as you may decide to tidy up your physical surroundings, you might want to spruce up your financial environment, too.   For starters, think about how you clean windows to help you see the world more clearly.

‘A Bumpy Re-Entry’

There’s nothing like a bumpy re-entry returning to reality following a week of Spring Break.   So much anticipation occurs in the planning stages of destinations and activities.   Living in Matagorda, we witness the descent of tourists and locals settling in for days of sun and leisure.

“Savannah Sipping Society - a heartfelt comedy with lots to love” By Esmerelda Salinas

CAST’s director of Savannah Sipping Society, Darve Smith, and the entire cast nailed this one!     If you love comedy, then be sure to catch this play before it ends March 16.    This play is centered on the lives of four women who move through various transitions and stages in their lives.

"Texas high school soccer requires braving the cold" by: Mike Reddell

When I went into my broken leg exile in late January the world outside was gripped by winter by leafless trees and plants and cool to cold temperatures.    Now, as my leg heals, the world outside, as the calendar slips into mid-March, is in the unmistakable signs of spring.

"Skipping Easter this year in favor of Mother’s Day in May" by: Jessica Shepard

So, it turns out that due to conflicting schedules and things we won’t have a family Easter get-together this year.    On one hand, it’s a little depressing, but on the other, it’s kind of a relief.

"Hard to bet against a strong market until it’s too late" by: John Sample

We are back to thinking that changing the time gives us more daylight and saves on our electric bill.      How about getting up earlier and adjusting the thermostat.      It is amazing what’s sold to the public. But then again, that is why this world has some many con artists.

PSA: How can you manage student loan payments?

If you’ve got student loans, you may have been required to resume your payments.    What steps can you take to help ease the burden or reduce your repayment time?    For starters, sign up for autopay.    It can help you avoid late fees and possibly earn a quarter-point rate reduction.

‘ Holding space for others’

Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness. –Dr. Gabor Mate’        Holding space for someone is one of the deepest forms of communication we share soul to soul.

"Upcoming eclipse brings darkness, cash for some" by: Mike Reddell

Wow we're missing out on a great money-making opportunity this April because of celestial circumstances.  I'm speaking, of course, about the total eclipse April 8.  The narrow "Great North American Eclipse" will cut across 13 states in a diagonal path from Del Rio to Maine.