In Journey to the West - Part I, I wrote about a trip to India when I went to the Taj Mahal, saw monkeys swarm onto cars in the street, enjoyed spicy Indian food and was fortunate enough to see some of that amazing country. There’s not enough space in one column to relate all the memorable experiences in a trip through India, so in Part II, I wrote about cows that roamed freely in New Delhi, saw a rat run across the floor in a nice restaurant, and other unforgettable events. I promised to write about other remarkable experiences there, so here’s Part III.

If you buy livestock supplement in a round, steel tank, six feet across, you end up with an emp ty tank not designed for eventual long-term use as a water tank. Ask me.

It’s that time of year when many of us promise ourselves we’ll go to the gym more, or learn a new language, or take up a musical instrument, or any number of other worthy goals. But this year, when making New Year’s resolutions, why not also consider some financial ones? Here are a few to consider: • Don’t let inflation derail your investment strategy.

Retiring senator named Secretary of State Retiring state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, has been named the next secretary of state by Gov. Greg Abbott. She replaces John Scott, who announced his resignation effective at year’s end. Scott was the third nominee for the post not confirmed by the Senate. He was appointed in October 2021, and the Legislature has not met since then. Nelson, who is completing 30 years in the Senate, should be a strong candidate for approval because of her lengthy tenure there. A new legislative session convenes in Januar y. The secretary of state’s office, among other duties, oversees the state’s election process.

Texas is famous for big ranches and raising cattle. Where there are ranches and cattle, there are people that like their steaks. As a whole,weTexans like our steaks,and thankfully,so do most people in America. I know there are many vegetarians out there, and I understand, I like veggies and fruit too, but sometimes us carnivores just gotta have a steak, and there are many different cuts of steaks. How it’s prepared ranges from rare to medium to well-done, but the rare to medium range seems to be the preference for most.Having a good steak last week with Joel and Exa Lee Smith started me thinking about where do you find the best steaks. Where did you have the best steak? For me,I would have to choose a porterhouse I bought at an Albertson’s supermarket in Midland, Texas, and cooked on my outdoor grill. I wrote about that back in August 2021,when I was mistaken for someone else and sold the best steak I’ve ever had –“Mr.Taylor’s steak.”

As the year winds down, your thoughts might drift to the future. And, as part of that future, you may be thinking of where your financial assets will end up.

Patrick lays out legislative priorities Lt. Gov.

To achieve your financial security, and that of your family, you will need to create a comprehensive strategy.But for this strategy to succeed, you’ll need to guard it from various challenges – and that means you’ll need to build in different layers of protection. What are these challenges – and what types of protection can be used to defend against them? Consider the following: • Challenge #1: Protecting your ability to reach your goals – To achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you’ll need to build adequate financial resources.

Changes urged in funding comm unity colleges A report submitted to state leaders ahead of the 88th legislative session’s opening in January urges lawmakers to develop “an innovative new model” to fund community colleges. The Texas Commission on Community College Finance, established last year by the Legislature and consisting of 12 lawmakers, business leaders and community college leaders, offered three sets of recommendations for supporting the state’s strategic plan for higher educ ation: • Reward community colleges for positive student outco mes • Increase affordability and financial aid • Increase capacity at colleges to meet changing workforce needs “We need a funding model for our 50 community college districts that is bold, strategic and fully aligned with our emerging workforce needs,” said Woody Hunt, a member of the commission and longtime business leader.

Now that it’s the holiday season, gifts are probably on your mind – and you might intend for some of those gifts to go to charities. Although your intentions are good, you could be shortchanging both your recipients and yourself with your method of giving.But with some guidance, you can make choices that work well for you and those charitable groups you support.