Ten miles out, traffic in sight

Ishould’ve never downloaded that “see what airplanes are flying over your house” app to my smartphone. Oh, I thought it was a good idea at the time, but it wasn’t.

Inflation-fighting strategies for retirees

At different times, inflation may be high or low, but, except in those rare periods of deflation, it’s always with us. During your working years, when you may receive boosts in your salary, you at least have the potential to keep up with inflation — but what happens when you retire?

Forgive and forget

I’ve heard it said my whole life … forgive and forget … that’s how you get past hurts. Well, let me tell you, that’s easier said than done. There’s plenty I think I’ve forgiven, but forgetting -- now that’s a whole different ball of wax.

Porch Pirate prevention tips. Guarding your gifts and goods

Tis the season for porch pirates.Since this summer, more than 14 million Americans have experienced package theft, and that number is expected to increase dramatically throughout the holiday shopping season.

Slum refugees dumped in Hell on Earth

Five dozen Europeans from the slums of New York City set foot in Texas on Dec. 3, 1833 on their way to a promised paradise on the Rio Grande.John Charles Beales was an English expatriate, who moved to Mexico in 1804. A physician by profession, he was a late entrant in the race for Texas real estate.

The dressing that went south for the winter

When you have a recipe for Thanksgiving dressing that is passed down from one generation to the next, a recipe that is so revered that people from miles around would probably come by and have a taste if it weren’t for the fact they had their own get-togethers to attend, the last thing you want to...

Consider tax-smart charitable gifts

Frank ConradAs we enter the annual season of giving, you might be thinking of charities you wish to support. But you also might be wondering how to gain some tax benefits from your gifts.

Connally thought he was done for

When the presidential limo came to a screeching halt at Parkland Hospital on Nov. 22, 1963, the Governor of Texas believed John F. Kennedy was dead and that his own wounds would prove to be fatal.

Planes, trains and ideas to explore

You’re never too old to go on an adventure and keep a journal to record your comings and goings. This one is mine: Saturday, 24 June 2023 — My son Robert and I have decided to take a trip to Hamburg, Germany, to see the world’s largest (according to Guinness World Records) model train system.

Which IRA is right for you?

The individual retirement account (IRA) is celebrating its golden anniversary. Created in 1974, this savings vehicle has helped millions of people build resources for retirement. And in 1997, the Roth IRA was introduced. But which IRA is right for you?