BROWSING:  Columns

January style trends are highlighted by designers’ in-between collections—pre-spring and resort wear. Since My Style in our city may include snowbirds, ski bunnies, or none of the above, SHIFT explores today’s collections with options for everyone: those kicking off the New Year at an exquisite warm-weather destination and everyday fashion enthusiasts looking to refresh their winter wardrobes ahead of spring.

Managing portfolios and building financial plans has been my focus for nearly 15 years. A recurring concern I hear from clients is the perceived “risk” of the stock market—often amplified by dramatic headlines and personal experience during downturns.

As the rush of Christmas and New Year’s fades and the holiday decorations come down, January offers a special kind of peace — a chance to slow down, breathe, and settle into a true Michigan winter. After the frenzy of gift-giving, travel, parties, and celebrations, there’s something grounding and almost restorative about quiet winter days: the hush after a fresh snowfall, the crisp chill in the air, and the promise of new routines.

What is your reaction to Jesus? Everybody has one upon learning of His Name and the many claims of His reality and power.

The 2025 economy was a mixed bag. By several indicators, it performed well: economic growth was strong, with output increasing by about 4% in both the second and third quarters. The unemployment rate remained low throughout the year—4.4% as of September, the most recent month with available data due to the government shutdown.

One thing I love about Facebook is the “memories” feed. I enjoy looking back at past years—it’s like a journal in some ways. One thought that often crosses my mind is, “Gee, I wish I were as fat as I thought I was then.”

We Americans love fast food. And most of us also love food that is fast (there’s a difference).

A new year is usually filled with resolutions, and mine often contradict one another. Save more money, but travel to new places. Start a more disciplined workout routine, but take more time to rest. Eat healthier, but also enjoy life’s most delicious pleasures. My goals end up clashing, and I’m left debating who I am trying to become—and what actually matters.

On October 29, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates for the second time in 2025, following several cuts in 2024. So how do these lower interest rates impact consumers?

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the season of gathering has arrived. The year’s grand finale is all about reconnecting with loved ones, sharing warmth, and creating lasting memories.

The holidays have a way of slowing time—of softening the edges of everyday life until everything seems wrapped in warmth and light. In Genesee County, that feeling is especially strong. Maybe it’s the snow that drapes itself over the pines and rooftops, or the way familiar places—Flint’s historic downtown, Fenton’s cozy storefronts, Grand Blanc’s glowing windows—take on a special kind of magic this time of year. But more than anything, it’s the people: the loud, the quiet, the cheerful, and the cranky relatives who somehow make the holidays whole.