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

Not being able to understand what is happening around you is not all that bad   So much for the lazy hazy days of summer.  The S&P 500 climbed to 7750 last week as concerns over a rate hike were abated due to a drop in non-farm payrolls last month.

Simple budgeting tips that fit real life

To help you feel more in control of your money, consider a simple budgeting plan.  An easy starting point is the 50/30/20 rule.  Allocate about 50% of your income to needs such as housing and groceries, 30% to wants - like dining out and streaming services and 20% to saving or paying down debt.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Super Troopers 3’ shows its age, desperation for relevancy" by: Jessica Shepard

While I really try not to be a snobby movie critic - sometimes the sentiments are impossible to ignore and I find myself mostly agreeing with other movie reviewers.  Take last week’s new release “Super Troopers 3” that pretty much wasted all of its best jokes in the trailer.

A thousand tiny compromises

Based on national television networks, cable satellite outlets, legacy print, digital print publishers, public media and social platforms, the world is in a free fall to parts of the unknown this current generation views unrecognizable.

"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.