There are many reasons to travel. Historic sites to experience, different scenery to see, exotic cultures, customs, and languages to learn about, friends to make, memories to store and share,and last but not least, enjoying the best foods from different regions.

Many people would agree that preparation is the key to success in many areas of life. Yet, when it comes to being ready for a financial emergency, a sizable percentage of Americans are feeling distinctly unprepared — and that can lead to problems.

From around the globe and ending in Texas, some questions and words of wisdom… The author of this one once asked an elderly man what it was like to be old and to know the majority of his life was behind him.He told me that he has been the same age his entire life.He said the voice inside his head had never aged. He has always been the same boy.

Many people make financial New Year’s resolutions, such as reducing their debts or contributing more to their retirement accounts — both of which are certainly worthy goals. But among those who planned to make a financial resolution for 2023, the primary reason was the desire to build an emergency savings fund, according to a December 2022 study by research firm Morning Consult. Factors such as economic concerns and the sharp rise in inflation seem to be driving this greater interest in building an emergency fund. But it’s extremely valuable to maintain this type of fund in any economic environment. An emergency fund can help you prepare for a temporary job loss or early retirement, or pay for large home or auto repairs, sizable medical bills and other needs.

Attention young people. (Humor me while I pretend to have some young readers.) Do you want to be on the leading edge? If so, intercept and read your grandparents’ monthly AARP Bulletin.

Bill would require fentanyl education The death of a Leander High School graduate from a fentanyl overdose has prompted state Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown, to file a bill that would require 10 hours of education annually concerning the dangers of the drug to students in sixth grade and up, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

House pushes armed officer at all schools Under legislation prioritized by House Speaker Dade Phelan, every Texas school would have an armed police officer, and aspiring teachers would receive extra support. The Dallas Morning News reported the bill would also provide $15,000 in annual funding for safety measures for each school in the state.

Military families face many challenges — one of which is the need to build and manage their financial resources. If you are connected to the military, either as an active member or as part of a family, what are some of the issues you face? And what opportunities are available to you? To begin with, when trying to save and invest for retirement, military families encounter two main difficulties. First, many military service members don’t remain in the armed forces long enough to earn a pension.And second,because military families move around so much, military spouses often don’t stay at a job long enough to become eligible to receive employer contributions to retirement plans or to become vested in these plans.

HANABA MUNN WELCH The next time your spouse asks that proverbial (if a question can be proverbial) late-evening question, “Do we have any popcorn?” and you don’t, what to do? Look for a jar of the real thing.There was life before microwaves. If nothing else, you stand a chance of ending the day with a popping scenario more entertaining than anything on television, which isn’t saying much, but still… Yes, I found a jar of kernels in the pantry.

Abbott lays out seven top priorities Gov. Greg Abbott, in a State of the State address last Thursday, outlined his seven top priorities for the ongoing legislative session before an invitation-only audience at a manufacturing facility in San Marcos, the Austin American-Statesman reported.