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Field Notes: That one summer …
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. This summer, Pepsico is releasing a limited edition flavor of MTN DEW called "Summer Freeze." The label claims it is "MTN DEW with the taste of Americana," while the DEW website...
Are your goals ‘must have’ or ‘nice to have’?
Like everyone, you may have a lot of financial goals. But are they all of equal importance? Probably not. And do they share a similar timeline? Again, it’s unlikely. So, your first step may be to prioritize your goals — and then follow a process that can help you...
Field Notes: The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot passed away a couple of weeks ago at age 84. Younger audiences, if they've heard of him at all, likely know him for one iconic song, but he...
Four ways to use cash wisely
There has been a lot of talk about a “cashless” society, but it’s not here yet. In fact, cash can still be a valuable element of your overall financial picture – if you employ it wisely. But how? Consider these four key uses of cash: Everyday spending – Of...
Field Notes: You can go home again, and be a big jerk
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. In June 2006, Paramount Parks, where my wife worked as corporate controller, was acquired by Cedar Fair. As part of the buyout, she was given the option of taking a modest ...
Are you protected from disability risk?
Like many people, you may try to stay healthy by exercising regularly, following a good diet and avoiding dangerous activities. But as we all know, life is unpredictable, and despite your best efforts, you may encounter an injury or illness that can leave you unable...
Field Notes: In defense of banned books
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. When I was 8 years old, my father took me to see the movie "Patton," a biographical war film about the life of Gen. George S. Patton, who played a significant role in World War...
Can you benefit from a 529 plan?
Another school year is coming to a close. And if you have young children, they’re now a year closer to heading off to college or some other type of post-secondary education or training. So, if you haven’t already done so, you may want to start preparing for these...
Field Notes: Who was Irma Harding?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. In 2025, Volkswagen will begin selling a new electric vehicle roughly based on the old International Harvester (IH) Scout. In reality, the "New Scout" will have little in common...
Gary Blackmon, MoCo’s tourism coordinator: ‘We need places to stay; short-term lodging’
Earlier this month, Gary Blackmon was named Montgomery County's tourism coordinator. He was kind enough to answer the following questions for inclusion in the Speckled Paw Times. Where are you from? Where'd you go to school? I was born in Troy and currently...
Some ‘did-you-knows’ about estate plans
If you’ve done any estate planning, or even if you’re just familiar with it, you probably know the basics — that is, a comprehensive estate plan can help you pass on assets to your family while also achieving other goals, such as designating someone to take care of...
Field Notes: Are you gettin’ it? Really gettin’ it?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. I have always been annoyed by songs that use made-up words. Perhaps it's because I once considered myself a lyricist and struggled to find the right word to convey my meaning...