"Some words continue having an impact long after I’ve heard them" by: Jessica Shepard

   I don’t know if you’ve seen the 2013 movie “Beautiful Creatures” or not.   But, I’d have to tell you that despite most of the storyline being annoying and teenage angsty drama smothering the supernatural characters – it’s got plenty of serious topics to contemplate if you’re paying attention.

"A New Year but will you do anything really different?" by: John Sample

   We are in the New Year and the Santa Claus rally was less than spectacular.    The various indexes climbed for three years in a row.    A fourth year of gains would be the first such stretch since 2007.    There have only been five such stretches.

PSA : Take control: Why budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive

   Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive.   In fact, it can be empowering.   A budget simply helps you understand your money flow and align it with what matters most.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Song Sung Blue’ tugs heart strings on multiple levels" by: Jessica Shepard

   Look, I can safely say that the only song I ever remember by Neil Diamond is, in fact, “Sweet Caroline” and I know that he’s done so much more than that, given that the man is 84 and still writing music.

Renovations

   Bestselling author & podcaster Mel Robbins recently discussed leveling up our age-old repetitive take on New Year’s resolutions by following the 3-step process that global companies and leadership teams use when ushering in a new year.   The three steps are: Stop, Start, Continue.

Home care one of most overlooked resolutions

January   As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us resolve to eat better, save more, or slow down.   But one of the most overlooked resolutions - the one that quietly affects every part of our daily life - is taking better care of our home.

"Turning the page on 2025, for a better 2026" by: Mike Reddell

   Happy New Year to our Sentinel readers!  I continue to be amazed at how our readers backed MaLinda and me since 2014, when we decided to start our own paper.  At the time, people would ask who starts a newspaper in these times.

"Physical v. Digital – which medium do you prefer for your music?" by: Jessica Shepard

   Every year there seems to be a growing shift towards digital instead of physical copies of things.  By things I mean books, movies, shows, videogames, and of course - music.

"New Year will bring new chances in the stock market" by: John Sample

   We are in the midst of the Santa Claus Rally which encompasses the last 5 trading days of the year and the first two of the New Year.    Historically, this has been positive almost 75% of the time.    However, the last two years have been negative.

AI in personal finance: The promise and the limits

   Imagine this: Your budgeting app flags unusual spending and suggests a transfer.  Later, a robo-advisor rebalances your portfolio.  Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence - or AI - in personal finance.  AI tools can track spending, forecast bills, and offer advice via text.