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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...
Earth Day lessons for investors
It’s almost Earth Day (April 22), when people around the world focus on ways of protecting and preserving the environment. And the lessons from this occasion can be applied to other areas of life — such as investing. Here are some themes to consider:...
Field Notes: With a little innuendo
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. In my column on missing the bus and the Xenia tornado a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned how important the evening news was to family life in the '70s. Our household's preferred...
Investment ideas for business owners
By definition, business owners put a lot of their financial resources into their enterprises. But as an owner, you may need to invest in more than inventories and payroll to help achieve the future you’ve envisioned. Here are a few investments you may want to...
Field Notes: Thank the Germans
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. This year, the Cadbury "bunny" is a one-eyed rescue cat from Boise, Idaho, named "Crash." Although Cadbury used non-bunny "bunnies" for years in ads for its signature cream egg,...
Financial tips for blended families
Becoming part of a blended family can certainly be rewarding. Of course, as is the case in all families, there will be challenges, one of which is financial. A blended family must deal with some specific financial issues, so it’s a good idea to become familiar with...
Field Notes: Missing the bus
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. I rode the bus to school almost every day from first grade through 11th grade. Adjusting for the occasional after-school activity and inevitable sick days, I took roughly 5,000...
What goes into a retirement ‘paycheck’?
During your working years, you generally know how much money you’re bringing in, so you can budget accordingly. But once you’re retired, it’s a different story. However, with some diligence, you can put together a “paycheck” that can help you meet your income needs....