Financial Focus Women retirees may need to adjust financial course

We all hope to retire comfortably. But once we reach retirement, we may need to adjust our expectations and behaviors somewhat in response to financial issues — and that’s especially true for women. So, if you’re a woman, what can you do to live a financially secure life when you retire?

The 501: Who wants to mop?

Ever want to get rid of a new hire who’s just not working out? Make ‘em mop. If they like mopping as much as I do, they’ll quit. Back in my letter- carrier days, I had to mop the post office lobby floor a couple of times when the janitor was on vacation. Bummer.

Capital Highlights

Senate passes tax bill as second special session begins The Texas Senate on the first day of the Legislature’s second special session unanimously passed a tax bill last Wednesday that increases the homestead exemption and includes a pay hike for teachers, the Austin American- Statesman reported.

Today’s Ag News

‘Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving’ COLLINGSWORTH COUNTY — This Independence Day, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) program, the U.S.

Financial Focus

If you save and invest for decades, you’d like to know you can retire without financial worries. Nonetheless, you still have to be aware of some threats to a comfortable retirement — and how to respond to them.

Ponder Points

Occasionally, I find myself humming a song I heard decades ago and seem to remember most of the lyrics. On the other hand, it is anybody’s guess where the key to my car is located. Memory is a tricky thing, and scientists still don’t completely understand the inner workings of the mind.

Capital Highlights

Conservation urged as searing heat wave sweeps state Texas’ power grid reported record electricity use early last week.

Financial Focus

If you have a family member with special needs, you might face emotional and physical issues, but you also may be concerned about maximizing the financial support your loved one requires. Consequently, you may want to consider establishing a special needs trust.

The 501: Taco Bell to Finlandia

Little packets of taco sauce are like coat hangers. They multiply. If you toss your unused packets, congratulations. You can stop reading now. If you keep all your unopened hots and milds, join the club. I exaggerate somewhat.

Should you consider 401(k) loans or withdrawals?

At some point, you may have more money in your 401(k) than in any other investment. And even though your 401(k) is intended for your retirement, you may one day think you have to tap into your account early — but should you? And if you do, how should you go about it?