Simple budget tips to fit real life

If you’ve just started managing your own finances, recommitted to doing it well, or noticed your spending isn’t making you as happy as you’d hoped, a budget might be exactly what you need.

Okra-centric musings and recipe

Okra.The off-putting name sounds appropriately yucky for something that turns slimy when cooked.Don’t get me wrong. I’m not anti-okra — which sounds a lot like Annie Oakley. I’m not her either. (Forgive my grammar, but I just couldn’t say “I’m not she.

Don’t Leave Rural Texas Behind

Over the Fourth of July weekend, I watched a documentary about President Theodore Roosevelt.

Tax plan must work for Rural Texas, too

Everyone wants lower property taxes. That is what makes the Texas Taxpayer Empowerment Plan powerful. It promises local spending limits, voter approval of tax increases, slower appraisal growth and elimination of school property taxes for homeowners.Texans should control their taxes.

Build confidence in 401(k) decisions

In its simplest form, saving can mean putting money into a jar, adding to it and letting it grow slowly. A 401(k), or other workplace retirement plan, is a step beyond that. It’s more like a garden than a jar.

Likeability helps you get ahead

No matter what line of work you are in, you are in the people business. And the more people like you, the better and easier life becomes. It’s that simple.

Removing a senator

Two important stories from last week were the hospitalization of US Senator Mitch McConnell and the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham. While both events are serious and sorrowful, what is interesting from the perspective of this column is how our Constitution addresses each situation.

Great big dreams for America

Sixty years ago, I started piano lessons. Now, I return to all those ideas as I teach a single young student.After a few weeks, we have come to the upper (treble) clef and lower (bass) clef found in written music.

Building your child’s education fund

Every solid house starts with a good blueprint and a strong foundation. Saving for a child’s education is very similar.College costs can seem daunting. In addition to tuition, you’ll need to account for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other expenses.

The McKinney legacy

Ask anyone who has ever met Claude McKinney, and they will likely use the adjective that is now the name of this newspaper, for Claude McKinney was truly an intrepid lawman.