"Looking back at when we always wanted to be older" by: Mike Reddell

   OK, I’m turning 76 on Wednesday and I’m trying to fashion something that’s funny, because there’s definitely nothing humorous about reaching ¾ of a century mark.  I tried to gain sympathy from my son earlier this summer, but he was focused on his rapidly approaching 50th birthday.

"Include safety as part of back to school prep" by: Jessica Shepard

   There’s roughly a week left before the majority of local school districts open for students next week.

"Summer is here and it’s far from lazy days" by: John Sample

   To say you needed to be strapped in or get hurled off your seat from the roller coaster ride we experienced last week is not hyperbole.    The S&P 500 looked like it would drop below 7300, only to recover within shouting distance of 7500.

PSA: Build confidence in your 401(k) decisions

   Many people have a 401(k), or other workplace retirement plan, but aren’t sure what to do next.  You don’t need to have it all figured out, but a little curiosity goes a long way.  Here are some questions to get started.

"Reel Reviews: Latest ‘Spiderman’ flick brings ‘Punisher’ as backup" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’m going to level with you – the only reason I initially wanted to see “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” last week was to see how Peter Parker and Frank Castle interacted beyond the limited scope provided by the trailer.

Turn off your emotional autopilot

   We spend an enormous amount of energy managing our inner lives.   Analyzing our thoughts.   Arguing with our emotions. Rehearsing what we should have said.   Replaying what someone did to us.

"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.