"Running against current can build you up or wash you away" by: John Sample

   The market keeps pushing forward with the S&P 500 climbing just above 6000 and only a little more than 2% to attain the record highs.   It has been fun to watch various financial institutions change their forecast for where the S&P will end the year.

PSA: Should you pay off debts or invest?

   Sometimes, paying down debt competes with your desire to invest.   What’s the best course of action?   Here are a few things to consider.   If your cash flow is strong after paying monthly expenses, you might want to invest the extra money.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Ballerina’ does John Wick franchise justice as spinoff" by: Jessica Shepard

   Regardless of when they arrive to the big screen or streaming platforms, I’m always leery of movies that spinoff of a main franchise.Despite this apprehension, I decided to catch “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” last weekend.

‘Self-Expression’

   Billions of dollars are spent on advertising and social media promoting flawless body types (plastic surgeries), nano technologies, premier automobiles, finest whiskeys and cigars, scientific skincare, and luxury goods all in the name of accelerating our image (figuratively and literally) to new...

"I’m learning the importance of understanding my electric meter" by: Mike Reddell

   A reminder for our clan: Be careful in arguing with the electric company about their surprising $1,000 power bills.   Back in March, we received a $1,000 utility bill.   MaLinda called and questioned the bill because our bill is usually around $400-$500.

"Japanese artificial blood substitute on the horizon" by: Jessica Shepard

   According to several reports, once a far-off fantasy of science fiction pipedreams - artificial blood – has been administered to male volunteers in Japan.   The studies began in 2022 and the goal is to actually put the universal artificial blood to use by around 2030.

"Stock Market has a positive week, a record not far off" by: John Sample

   We had a positive week for the S&P 500 ending the week above 5900.   It is no record close, but not that far away.   The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), came in Friday at just a tick above 2%.

PSA: Questions to ask your financial advisor

   You should always be able to ask as many questions as you’d like when working with your financial advisor.    So, before your annual review, think carefully about what you’d like to ask.    Here are a few suggestions:   First, ask if your goals are still realistic.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Bring Her Back’ unsettling, gory supernatural horror flick" by: Jessica Shepard

   Amongst all of the movie franchise sequels, installments, and reboots lately, there has been a steadily growing number of folks crying for original stories and content.

‘Making amends’

   Two powerful words set the foundation of the title for this article.  Understanding the difference between an apology and making amends might be a good place to begin.