By Ron Bird Financial Concepts A new year always brings a sense of possibility. We promise ourselves we’ll get organized, simplify our lives, and take better control of our finances. Yet one of the most important steps toward true peace of mind is often the one we postpone the longest: estate planning. As a financial advisor, I see estate planning as a natural extension … [Read more...] about Start the new year with peace of mind
Opinion
‘Song Sung Blue’ is a holiday hit
People have been saying, “Why doesn’t Hollywood make great movies anymore?” Then along comes “Song Sung Blue.” It’s a romantic comedy, a musical and a documentary based on a true story. Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman put in Academy Award-deserving performances playing Lightning (Mike Sardina) and Thunder (Claire Sardina). Their show was the “The Neil Diamond Experience,” a 1990s … [Read more...] about ‘Song Sung Blue’ is a holiday hit
New Year’s financial resolutions: Making them stick
By Rene Andrade-Ixta As the calendar flips to a new year, millions of Americans pledge to improve their financial lives. But without a concrete plan, those well-intentioned resolutions often fade quickly. Financial goals consistently top the list of New Year’s resolutions. A 2025 CFP Board study shows that financial resolutions are prominent, with saving more money (45%) … [Read more...] about New Year’s financial resolutions: Making them stick
AI in personal finance: The promise and the limits
Your smartphone buzzes with an alert: Your budgeting app has spotted an unusual spending pattern and suggests transferring $50 from your savings account to your checking account. Later that day, a robo-advisor automatically rebalances your investment portfolio. Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence (AI) in personal finance, where technology is reshaping how we manage … [Read more...] about AI in personal finance: The promise and the limits
The Vocal Veteran: ‘Claims shark’ controversy hits home for Nevada veterans
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans nationwide, and statewide in Nevada from Virginia City to Boulder City, honestly receive benefits from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA). But under headlines that read, “The Unregulated Industry That Coaches Veterans To Pile On Benefits” and, “These Veterans Are Defrauding The VA’s ‘Honor System,’” the venerable Washington Post newspaper has been … [Read more...] about The Vocal Veteran: ‘Claims shark’ controversy hits home for Nevada veterans
Not a done deal
“Oh, it’s a done deal” was the frequent refrain of cynical, fatalistic residents of Moapa Valley regarding the massive limestone mine and cement plant proposed to be built in the midst of our small rural community. Their pessimism about the prospects of defeating a billion-dollar corporate behemoth intent on imposing their huge industrial complex on Moapa Valley was justified. … [Read more...] about Not a done deal
Gary Puckett still has a great voice at 83
It was a full house for Gary Puckett & The Union Gap at the CasaBlanca Showroom on Nov. 7. The 90-minute set was full of his hits and songs of other artists from the late 1960s. Between songs he told stories of his life as a traveling musician and being on the road with the likes of Glenn Campbell, Ringo Starr, The Beach Boys and Petula Clark. The opening song was one of … [Read more...] about Gary Puckett still has a great voice at 83
Nevada Day, not just Halloween
By CHARLIE COOPER US Government/US History Teacher, MVHS Every year everyone gets excited for Halloween. Seeing the kids dressed as ghosts and goblins, knocking on doors and yelling “Trick or Treat!” brings back memories of when we were young. The fun and the excitement take hold of us, and it brings us joy and happiness in the process. Are we as happy about other … [Read more...] about Nevada Day, not just Halloween
Nevada, A Jobs Market
By Greg Kaza For the third time in the 21st century, Nevada tops the U.S. in jobs creation in an economic expansion. Nevada’s nonfarm payroll employment growth rate has expanded 41.2 percent versus the U.S. average (22.2%) since the last recession ended in April 2020, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) records show. The growth is through June 2025, the last month with … [Read more...] about Nevada, A Jobs Market
Making the most of Medicare open enrollment
When you turn 65, Medicare becomes a vital part of your health care coverage. But signing up is just the beginning. Many people don’t realize that Medicare isn’t a “set it and forget it” program. In fact, you have the opportunity — and often the need — to review and adjust your coverage every single year. The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 … [Read more...] about Making the most of Medicare open enrollment


