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The mid-year money reset: What to review now so you’re stronger by December

As the calendar flips to the second half of the year, it’s a natural time to take stock of your financial position. With several months behind you and the rest of the year still ahead, this is a meaningful moment to reassess your goals and progress. For individuals and families with multiple financial priorities, this moment can be especially valuable. A mid-year money reset offers an opportunity to assess progress, confirm priorities and ensure the second half of the year supports both near-term needs and long-term objectives.
 A mid-year review isn’t about making sweeping ...

Patience is a virtue when waiting for government to do its thing

In early July, this column focused on a report delivered by Marshall Police Chief Jim Marshall to Downtown Business Association members. The subject of community policing and the successful working relationship established with downtown retailers was brought up. Marshall’s report led to discussion on scooters and bicycle riders moving at sometimes high speeds on downtown sidewalks. "I still see scooters downtown," one member was quoted in the column. "I've personally seen them going down the sidewalk. Sometimes they're two on them. I see one of the non-classified e-motos, the ...

You can help save a life by asking the question

When it comes to depression and suicidality, saving a life can begin with a caring conversation. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the courage you show when you talk to someone who’s struggling might be lifesaving to a friend or family member. Around one in 20 people have considered taking their own life in the past year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Close to 50,000 people die by suicide in the U.S. every year. Professionals in behavioral health care often refer to stigma that doesn’t exist for physical conditions like a broken ...

DIY distress

There are several three-lettered acronyms that invoke anxiety, such as FBI, IRS, and IOU. An acronym that should be added to that list is DIY. “Do it yourself” sounds seductively simple. While there are numerous things that people should definitely do themselves — such as blowing their nose — there are some undertakings that should be relegated to professionals. Brain surgery is a good example of something that should never be a DIY project. But just because a thing is beyond a person’s skill level and would likely tax his patience doesn’t mean that some guys won’t ...

Miles to go

The uptick on my miles walked and ran in my fitness tracker app spikes every May. Right around Memorial Day weekend, the number of minutes for exercise jumps accordingly too and stays high straight through the balance of summer and into fall. While lamenting the purchase of a new pair of ...

Wow!

In case you haven't noticed it, life is a bundle of “Wows!” It hardly seems necessary to remind us of these Wows!, but we sometimes get so caught up in everyday happenings that we don't respond in someway to these special times. Early on, one of those Wows! for me was seeing a flax field in full bloom. I don't think there are too many of those fields around anymore, but once seen, the field is never forgotten. The blazing blue flowers only last for about a day or so, however, they plant a lasting memory. Wow! A recent wine gave me a Wow! The wine was Apothic Crush Soft Red ...