If you’ll soon retire — or recently have — market volatility may feel especially unsettling. At this point in your life, market downturns can have an outsized impact on your financial security. For instance, could you stay retired if the value of your portfolio dropped by 20% tomorrow and stayed there for a while? Now is a good time to stress-test your retirement income. … [Read more...]
Why does my dog ignore me outside but listen perfectly at home?
This is one of the most common frustrations dog owners face - and it comes down to environment, not stubbornness. Inside your home, distractions are low and predictable. Your dog knows the space, feels safe, and it’s easier to focus on you. Outside, everything changes. New smells, sights, sounds, and movement compete for your dog’s attention, often making you the least … [Read more...]
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle, hands-on approach that works with the body’s natural ability to regulate and reorganize itself. Instead of forcing muscles or joints to move, the practitioner uses light touch to listen to subtle patterns of tension and motion in the body—especially around the head, spine, and nervous system. When the nervous system feels safe enough … [Read more...]
What is the value of a funeral or memorial service?
There a number of important things that come from a funeral or memorial service. The biggest value is the actual “gathering” and “remembering” of the one we lost. This planned gathering gives an invitation to other family, friends, co-workers, and the community and provides a specific time, place and purpose. This gathering, which of course is beneficial for many reasons, sets … [Read more...]
Are there any vehicles I should never buy?
After 11+ years in the car business, I’ve learned what to buy and what to avoid. There are vehicles I won’t even consider at auction. For example, I stay away from Hyundais from 2010–2018. I’ve seen too many with serious engine issues. No warning signs, just sudden, catastrophic failure. I also avoid vehicles with CVT transmissions. Not all are bad, but I’ve seen enough … [Read more...]
What are the essential spring tips for checking your home’s plumbing and heating?
Spring plumbing and heating maintenance is important for preventing water damage and preparing your home for warmer weather. Taking a few minutes to check key areas now can help avoid costly repairs later. If you have a sump pump in the basement, make sure it is working properly. Check the breaker in your electrical panel and the outlet it’s plugged into to ensure it hasn’t … [Read more...]
Are nitrates in drinking water something I should worry about?
Nitrates are a common concern in agricultural areas and can enter private wells through fertilizer runoff or natural soil conditions. Unlike iron or hardness, you can’t see, taste, or smell nitrates in water — which makes testing especially important. High nitrate levels are most concerning for infants and pregnant women, as they can interfere with the blood’s ability to … [Read more...]
I’m planning to sell my business, so I want to cut back on expenses to show a better profit.
Absolutely, when business owners plan to sell their business, they want to show a good profit for prospective buyers. One common mistake business owners make is cutting back on their marketing. When you cut back on your marketing, you actually make your business less visible. When prospective buyers don’t see the brand of the business they want to buy visible in the … [Read more...]
Gregory E. Hagen
Gregory E. Hagen, 78 of Winona, Minn., passed away at home on Monday, March 9, 2026, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by the love of his family. Greg was born June 30, 1947, in Lanesboro, Minn., to Donna (Haakenson) and Everett Hagen. He grew up in Tawney, Minn., a place he held in his heart his entire life. He graduated from Mabel High School and obtained his … [Read more...]
Bruce Kevin Mills
Bruce Kevin Mills, 71, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away peacefully at his home. He was born on April 2, 1954, in Rochester, Minn., to Arlene Mills and George Balcoe III. Bruce enlisted in the Navy in 1972 and was stationed in San Diego. After his discharge he returned to Rochester and worked various jobs before finishing his apprenticeship as a painter. In 1985, Bruce … [Read more...]