Fun ways to spend the first day of the new year

New Year’s Day marks the unofficial culmination of the holiday season, which some feel begins months earlier with Halloween.

Avoid tapping into retirement savings early

If you want to make a big purchase, such as a new car or a piece of property, or you were faced with a large, unexpected expense, such as a major home or auto repair, would you have the funds readily available? If not, you might look at what may be your biggest pool of money — your 401(k) or IRA.

Get it Done Before Christmas To-Do List

Well, Christmas is barreling straight ahead, soon to run us over as if we were indecisive squirrels on the road, and I have things on my “Get It Done Before Christmas To-Do List” that still need to-doing. Such as: 1. Make sure all the presents are wrapped and under the Christmas tree.

Broken date with Davy saved friend’s life

Davy Crockett spent Christmas Day 1835 at Nacogdoches waiting for Ben McCulloch, but when the younger Tennessean was a no-show, his hero went on without him to San Antonio. The pressing family problems that delayed McCulloch’s departure for Texas spared his life.

Write a Story of Hope

As the last moments of the old year tick away, I can’t help but sit here with my cup of coffee, warmed by the gentle East Texas breeze (weather changes fast here), reflecting on the year that has passed and the one that is about to unfold.

The start of Christmas

It seems like sometimes, it gets tougher to mark the start of the holiday season. Large stores are putting out their Christmas items in September in some cases, issuing reminders that the holiday season is approaching with the subtlety of a sleigh of reindeer running over Grandma, as in the song.

Only one person texts me that late

“A sister is someone who knows everything about you and loves you anyway.” — Author unknown It was just a few days ago. November 14. 11:04 p.m. “Ding.” A late night text. My bedtime routine is … well, routine. With the best of intentions, I plan to be sound asleep by 10:00.

Do not fear

Iwas sitting in church yesterday, actually listening to the sermon, as I prepared myself for this Christmas week. We were reading from the book of Luke (Luke 2:1011): “The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Capital Highlights

Ahalf-dozen lawsuits challenging the 13 approved Texas constitutional amendments appear to be dead in the water, The Dallas Morning News reported. The secretary of state’s office last week declared the propositions approved and now a part of the Texas Constitution, while Gov.

Know the key benefits of Roth IRA

As you save for retirement, you’ll want to take full advantage of the investment vehicles available to you — and one of the best is a Roth IRA. But what sets it apart from other accounts?