Valentine’s Day and marriage

In the spirit of love and in the timing of Valentine’s Day, I decided to share about marriage in my contribution to “The Red River Sun” for the month of February. As we think about scripture, we see in Genesis 2:24 that a man and a woman are to be joined together in marriage.

Can you reduce thE Medicare surcharge

Before you turn 65, you’ll want to become familiar with Medicare’s rules and features. And if you’re a high earner, you’ll want to be especially aware of the Medicare premium surcharge — because, over time, it can add up to some significant dollars.

Unvarnished shellac facts

Shellac. Don’t take it for granted. Shellac is tediously produced by tiny lac bugs working on plantations in places like India. PETA is taking the bugs’ side. Seriously. Bought any shellac lately? Own anything shellacked? Have you ever been shellacked?

Electric versus gas: The choice is yours

I have been waiting for a significant paradigm shift in the automobile industry for the last few years. Electric vehicles (EVs) have doubled the rate of sales the last two years, but that only represents about 7% of all U.S. car sales.

Watch out for tax season scams

It’s that time of year when we do our taxes — but it’s also the same time that tax scammers go to work. What scams should you watch for — and how can you avoid being victimized?

The 501: The Gypsy violin gig

Gypsy violinists are where you find them. Unless things have changed since 1969 (maybe they have), if you eat perfunctory goulash in Hungary in a romantic outdoor setting, you’ll be serenaded by a tip-collecting, perfunctory, strolling gypsy violinist.

Open the (back) door to a Roth IRA

There aren’t many drawbacks to having a high income — but being unable to invest in a Roth IRA might be one of them. Are there strategies that allow high-income earners to contribute to this valuable retirement account? Before we delve into that question, let’s consider the rules.

Worried about inflation? Consider these moves

As you know, inflation was big news throughout 2022. But will it continue in 2023? And looking even further ahead, how should you account for inflation in your long-term plans?

The 501:

This is my brain on no sugar. So far, so good. New Year’s resolution? Nope. Coincidental timing. I fear for the future of Dr Pepper. What’ll I drink with those Sonic chilidogs? Unsweet iced tea? Sounds semi-ludicrous. That said, semi-ludicrous isn’t unfamiliar territory for me.

Capital Highlights

What to expect in legislative session The 2023 Texas legislative session opened Jan. 10, with property taxes, gun control and the power grid expected to be among the top issues on the agenda.