Traveling is a lot of things. It’s liberating — you are no longer confined by the self and circumstances of your everyday life. It can be affirming and meaningful, revealing parts of yourself you might never encounter in your regular world.
We have a Sunday tradition at my house: we pile into our king-sized bed with our pets and watch football. A king-sized bed may sound nice and roomy — but it can get pretty crowded when we share it with three dogs and a cat.
Veterans Day 2025 holds deep meaning for Greater Flint — a region with strong ties to military service, manufacturing, and civic pride. In Genesee County and across surrounding Mid-Michigan communities, honoring veterans isn’t just about gratitude; it’s a reaffirmation of who we are — resilient, service-minded, and deeply rooted in shared values.
As of writing this column, the federal government is shut down. It is possible that the state government follows suit. The federal government typically shuts down for one of two reasons: either the debt ceiling has been reached, or the fiscal year has ended without a new budget. In this case, both the federal and potentially the state governments have shut down for the latter reason.
On August 20, a former Linden family of five—and their two dogs—set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey: a 14-month, 6,000-mile boating adventure known as America’s Great Loop.
During this year’s Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race, Bella Luna skipper Gabby Stephens of Davison turned to her crew and asked, “Is this some of the best weather we’ve ever had for this race?”
It is easy to wax nostalgic this time of year. I walk through the Halloween aisles in stores, amazed by how intricate some of the costumes are. They are so realistic, I can hear my inner child screaming with envy, especially if I am looking at a princess costume. Back in 1974, all I wanted to do was put on a long, silky gown and tiara and go door to door howling “trick or treat.” Of course, back then I had to settle for a polyester jumper with a gown painted on it and a plastic mask with a built-in tiara.
A 2024 poll by Navigator Research found that 57% of respondents blamed “greedy landlords who are jacking up rents” for the high cost of rent. This belief is misguided. Blaming landlords for rent is like blaming the weatherman for a heatwave. It is not possible for landlords to get together and collectively decide to “jack up rents.” Rent, like any price, is set by supply and demand. If landlords try to increase rent above the market price, a surplus of apartments will result, meaning apartments will go unrented, which will push rent back down.
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.
Austin is a special place. In general, yes—but especially to me. It was my first landing after leaving Michigan, my introduction to life outside the mitten. And it was spectacular.
