Financial Focus: Ten financial steps to take before and after your wedding day

Getting married is a major decision that comes with a financial to-do list that’s arguably more important than choosing a venue or a cake. Talking openly about money can help set you and your partner up for a stronger future.What financial conversations should I have with my fiancé?

Becoming a better person

It’s hard for me to admit, but sometimes I can be a loathsome, uncaring, “It’s my way or the highway” kind of guy who’s well on the path to living a lonely “Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, going to the garden to eat worms” kind of life.

General on a desperate dash for Dixie

Gen. Winfield Scott, head of the Union armed forces, signed an order on Jun. 3, 1861 for the immediate arrest of Albert Sidney Johnston. If Texas’ top general would not fight for the North, he would spend the War Between the States in a prison cell.

Nostalgia creates a powerful fuel

“It’s a small world and the older I get, the smaller it gets.” — Still my favorite saying.------“Hmmm,” I thought, feeling my Cajun curiosity kick in. “Lacie needs my number?” Lacie and husband, Josh, are friends and I responded quickly.

Throw It Behind You

Lost terribly at the family game of cards? Tear up that score card and put it out of your mind. A silly little board game is not worth thinking about and ruining your day. But you know that. Or you should.

Homeless children ride orphan train to Texas

The last “Orphan Train” left New York City on May 31, 1929 bound for Sulphur Springs and points west ln the Lone Star State.Charles Loring Brace was a college- educated minister and social reformer working in the slums of New York City in the middle of the nineteenth century.

Maybe we need a change around here

Does the United States really need a president in the form and fashion that we currently employ? Why not turn it into an honorary position? A figurehead who welcomes visitors to the White House, throws out the first baseball, starts the Indianapolis 500, is a rescue animal spokesperson?

Help your graduate use credit and debit cards wisely

As your new graduate prepares to step into the next chapter of life – whether that’s more education or starting a career – one of the best things you can do is help them understand how to use credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards wisely.

Always start at the beginning

The best time to begin a diet is on a Monday. Who in their right mind would start one on Friday? Hamburgers, pizza, hotdogs, chips and salsa. Friday leads right into a weekend of barbecue, homemade ice cream and root beer floats. Monday is a new beginning, a starting line, a chance to begin afresh.

Saving for Retirement: Are You Guessing or Planning?

Let’s say you dream of spending your retirement mornings on a warm beach, coffee in hand, waves rolling in. To get there, you had a simple plan: save $1 million and buy the beach house you always wanted.But when retirement arrives, reality hits.