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June and the summer have always been full of wonder. The days are longer, flowers are in full bloom, and love seems to hang on in the warm air. The part of summer for the wedding bells ringing, baseball diamonds coming alive under the evening lights, and families gathering to celebrate love together.
For me, June is full of ball fields and countless hours watching baseball games. The summer sun is the best. The crack of the bat, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the sound of a crowd celebrating a home run are all reminders that some traditions will never change.
It is no surprise that June has become one of the high points of wedding season – a season filled with love, celebration, new beginnings, and unforgettable memories. Both weddings and baseball have a way of bringing people together. They create moments we remember forever — first dances, walk-off wins, family photos, championship celebrations, and milestones shared with the people we love and care for the most in life.
This issue, we are honored to celebrate the couples, families, and local businesses that make these moments so meaningful. Everything about that day is put together to create something beautiful. A wedding is not simply about the ceremony; it is about commitment, partnership, and building a future together. In a world that moves too quickly, weddings remind us to pause and celebrate love, family traditions, and the moments that matter most.
June is also the month that holds Father’s Day. Fathers can play an unforgettable role in shaping our families and communities and in impacting a young girl’s wedding day. Cherish the time with your father; life is unpredictable. Show him, along with the rest of your loved ones, that you care for them.
We hope these pages spark ideas, encourage connections with local vendors, and remind readers that every love story deserves to be celebrated in its own way.
To all of the brides and grooms preparing for their big day, may this season be filled with joy, excitement, and memories for a lifetime. To our readers, thank you for continuing to support the local businesses and people who help turn dreams into reality.
Here is to love, laughter, summer nights, and America’s favorite pastime.
THE PUBLISHER Alyssa Jensen From A NOTE
PEDIATRIC EYE CARE WE LOVE
Optometrist provide comprehensive eye examinations that evaluate 17 visual skills children need to succeed in reading, learning, sports, and life.
• 60% of children struggling with school have undiagnosed vision problems.
• All children should have a comprehensive eye examination by their Optometrist at age 3, before starting kindergarten, and every year they are in school.
• At Family Eye Care Clinic, children do not need to know their letters or make difficult choices.
• Our doctors have the skills and instruments to determine a precise glasses prescription and assess the eye health without a child’s verbal response.
Dr. Terry Foster
Dr. Randal Cox Dr. Adam Cox
Michael Cade
MORE THAN A DRESS
How Ashley Carlow Built Gracyn Elizabeth Bride into a Place Where Love, Loss, and Celebration Meet
By: Michelle Horton
When Ashley Carlow walked into Traditions Bridal & Formal with her newly engaged daughter in 2016, she expected a fun afternoon of dress shopping. She did not expect to leave with a lifechanging opportunity. “At the time, the store was going out of business,” Carlow said. “What started as a simple, fun outing quickly turned into something much more.” During the visit, the owner unexpectedly asked Carlow if she would consider buying the store. At the time, the idea felt impossible. After all, she had spent 24 years as an elementary school educator, not a retail business owner. “I initially said no,” she said. “It felt completely outside of my comfort zone.”
Still, something about the opportunity stayed with her. Six weeks later, Carlow took what she describes as “a leap of faith” and purchased the business. For a year, she balanced teaching and bridal appointments before eventually stepping away from the classroom at the end of 2017 to focus on the store full-time. “The transition was both exciting and challenging,” Carlow said. “Teaching had been such a big part of my identity, so leaving that behind was not an easy decision.”
What surprised her most was how naturally many of those skills transferred into the bridal world. “In education, you are constantly building relationships, guiding people through important moments, and helping them feel confident and supported,” she said. “That carries over beautifully into the bridal experience.”
Today, Gracyn Elizabeth Bride has become one of Texarkana’s most recognizable bridal destinations, known
not only for its gowns, but for the deeply personal atmosphere Carlow and her staff have created.
The boutique’s name itself tells a story. “In 2000, our family experienced the loss of our stillborn daughter,” Carlow shared. “Her name was Gracyn Elizabeth.” Renaming the business became a way to honor her daughter’s memory while creating something meaningful from profound grief. “It gave the business a deeper purpose,” Carlow said. “One rooted not only in helping brides find their dream dress, but in celebrating love, family, and the moments that matter most.”
That sense of purpose shapes nearly every part of the store experience. Carlow speaks about brides with the warmth of someone welcoming people into her home, rather than simply helping customers make a purchase. “At its core, our mission is to create an experience that goes far beyond finding a dress,” she said. “We want every bride who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported, and confident.”
Carlow often tells her staff she wants the boutique to feel like Disneyland for brides. “It is about creating a little bit of magic,” she said. “Making each bride feel special and turning what could be a simple shopping trip into a truly memorable experience.” That philosophy has resonated with brides across the region. Some of the most meaningful moments for Carlow happen years after the appointment ends. “I love it when we receive
a wedding invitation from one of our brides,” she said. “Another special moment is when our debutantes come back years later to find their wedding dress.”
Even after years in business, Carlow says hearing a bride finally say yes to the dress never loses its emotional impact. “It never feels routine,” she said. “Even after all these years, it still gives me goosebumps.”
Beyond the bridal appointments, Gracyn Elizabeth Bride is also known for the Angel Gown initiative, a ministry especially close to Carlow’s heart. Through the program, donated wedding gowns are transformed into burial gowns for infants who have passed away and are then donated to local hospitals. “It is a way to take something that represents love and celebration and turn it into something that can bring comfort and dignity during an unimaginable time,” Carlow said.
She describes the initiative as a collective act of compassion, with former brides donating dresses and local sewing groups volunteering their time to create the garments. “While our boutique celebrates some of life’s happiest moments, this initiative also allows us to serve families in their most difficult times,” she said.
As bridal trends continue to evolve, Carlow says 2026 brides are embracing timeless romance. “We are seeing a return to vintageinspired lace, elegant scarves, and classic ball gowns,” she said. “Trends can be inspiring, but ultimately, the most important thing is
that the bride feels beautiful and confident on her special day.”
That commitment to personal connection remains at the center of everything Gracyn Elizabeth Bride does. Carlow credits her trusted team, supportive husband, and encouraging children for helping her balance business ownership with caring for her grandchildren and mother. “I truly see my staff as an extension of the heart of the business,” she said.
Looking ahead, Carlow hopes the boutique never loses what makes it special. “I hope to continue growing in a way that never loses the heart of what we do,” she said. “I want Gracyn Elizabeth Bride always to be a place where brides feel truly cared for, celebrated, and confident.”
For Carlow, the store has become far more than a bridal boutique. It is a place built from faith, resilience, compassion, and celebration. In many ways, every gown that leaves the store carries part of that story with it.
A SPARKLE THAT TELLS A STORY: Inside
Micah’s Jewelers
By: Michelle Horton
In a season defined by love, commitment, and once-ina-lifetime moments, the details matter. Few details carry as much meaning as the ring that marks the beginning of forever. At Micah’s Jewelers, that significance is understood on a deeply personal level.
Locally owned and rooted in the Texarkana community, Micah’s Jewelers offers more than beautiful pieces behind glass cases. It offers an experience shaped by trust, craftsmanship, and genuine care. Walking through the doors feels less like entering a store and more like stepping into a place where stories begin to take shape.
For couples preparing for marriage, choosing an engagement ring can feel overwhelming. Styles, stones, settings, and budgets all compete for attention. What sets Micah’s apart is its commitment to guiding customers through that journey with patience and expertise. Rather than rushing decisions, the team takes time to understand each couple’s vision, helping translate emotion into something tangible and lasting.
Their selection reflects both timeless elegance and modern taste. From classic solitaires to intricate custom designs, every piece is curated with quality and intention. For those who want something truly one of a kind, Micah’s also offers custom design services, allowing couples to create a ring that feels entirely their own. It is a process that transforms jewelry into a legacy.
Beyond engagement rings, Micah’s Jewelers continues to serve couples through every stage of life. Wedding bands, anniversary gifts, and heirloom repairs all find a home here. It is not uncommon for customers to return year after year, building relationships that span generations.
As Texarkana prepares for another season of weddings, Micah’s Jewelers remains a trusted part of countless love stories. Because at the end of the day, it is not just about the sparkle. It is about what that sparkle represents: a promise, a future, and a story worth telling.
tony.langford.roofing1@gmail.com
THE CLEMENTS
Cory and Anna
February 28, 2026
Cory and Anna met in junior high and both attended Hooks High School. Cory will tell you he asked Anna out back then, but Anna only remembers it as a friend offering her a ride to their school’s basketball game. Their love story may not have started then, but they remained good friends through graduation until Anna moved to college. Well over a decade passed before they reconnected and their love story began. Cory proposed to Anna on his family’s land, by a tree that had been there since his childhood. The family home they inherited from Cory’s late dad, Nub Clements, is also on that land, and they will be able to grow their family around such a deeply rooted place of love. Cory really pulled out all the stops by getting her best friends and family involved in the surprise. Anna says it was easily one of the greatest moments in her life. They still pinch each other sometimes, because they got to marry their childhood best friend.
Parents of the Bride: John and Terri Edwards
Parents of the Groom: Barbara Dickens and the late Nub Clements
Matrons of Honor: Katie Huckaby, Hailey Livingston
Bridesmaids: Kearston Allen, Kelsey Frias, Chelsea Cordova, Katie Anders
Best Man: Bradley Morgan
Groomsmen: Tommy Clements, Derrick Clements, Kyle Soper, Evan Penny, Jimmy Whorton
Flower Girls: Julia & Lydia Huckaby
Officiant: Brandon Cowan
Bridal Hair: Delainea Hubbard Hair
Bridal Make-up: Kimberly Bearden Beauty
Bridal spray tan: Jessica Angeles (Salt + Light)
Wedding party makeup: Kayla Lewis Beauty
DJ: Dustyn Priest
Venue: Four Fifteen Estates
Wedding Coordinator: Shelby Stephens
Cake: Molly Ann Cornett
Caterer: Scooters Pizza Hooks, TX
Photographer: Captured by Kelsi (Kelsi Brinkmeyer)
Wedding Dress: Gracyn Elizabeth Bride
Wedding Jewelry: Crockers Jewelers
Something Anna really wanted to incorporate into their wedding day was the feeling of family, especially the ones watching from heaven. Throughout the day, intentionally placed family heirlooms from both sides were brought from home to honor those who loved before us and to bring an old-school, vintage feel. Details were used from greatgrandparents, grandparents, parents, and more. It made the whole day feel very special and gave a unique way to honor those we wish we could have had there.
THE CRAGERS
and Ainsley
March 28, 2026
Beau
It turns out love was just down the street all along. Ainsley and Beau grew up on the same road—riding bikes, playing outside, and living just houses apart—yet somehow never crossed paths. Years later, they both found themselves at Louisiana Tech University, where mutual friends brought them together during their freshman year.
What began as a simple connection quickly grew into something meaningful. In what they believe was God’s perfect timing, two people who had lived so close for so long finally found each other. That led Beau to propose in Jacksonhole, Wyoming, at the Grand Teton Mountains the summer after graduating college.
Today, their relationship is filled with laughter, lighthearted moments, and a deep appreciation for the life they’re building together. From the same street to forever, they’re excited for everything ahead.
Ceremony Music: Here Comes the Sun, Turning Page, Goodness of God (Violin played by bride’s aunt)
Wedding Dress: Happily Ever After Wedding Jewelry: Lockhart Tuxedos: Squires
Having all of our family members and friends all in one place. It meant the world to us to have our family and friends there, knowing how busy life can be—everyone present held a special place in our hearts!
Dan L. Martin, DOM Doctor of Oriental Medicine
Northfield Acupuncture Clinic is an Oriental Medicine Clinic
THE SISSONS
19, 2026
Ryder and Sydney
Sydney and Ryder met through COTR-Connection in Texarkana when they both moved to the area for jobs. Ryder was living in Broken Bow while Sydney was living in Texarkana, which was a switch of their respective hometowns. With the help of some mutual friends along the way, and an immediate connection through shared interests, it took them three dates to make their relationship official. At that point, they had no idea how real their love was meant to be, but all of their friends saw the writing on the wall.
A little over a year into their relationship, Sydney decided to move to Tulsa for a new job, and Ryder knew he would follow soon after. Once they hit eighteen months of dating, Ryder took Sydney on a “Photography Date” that ended with him getting down on one knee and Sydney immediately saying YES. That day wasn’t about how hot it was when they were taking the photos or how he tried to hide the ring box in his sock; it was about starting the next chapter of something beautiful.
Groomsmen: Luke Smith, Anthony McAdams, Drake Ramsey
Flower Girl: Charlee
Ring Bearer: Henry and Maverick
Pastor/Officiant: Travis Jackson
Flowers: Shannon Fennel
Bridal Hair: Lexie Beam
Groom Hair: Vince McGaugh
Bridal Make-up: Molly Metcalf
Venue: Garrison Gardens
Wedding Coordinator: Karen Guilbert
Cake: Theresa Sisson
Day of Coordinator: Deleta Brumley
Caterer: Naaman’s BBQ
Charcuterie Caterer: Jamie Fannin
Rentals: Special Events Remembered (Cheryl Hughes)
Photographer: Colton Daffern
Ceremony Music: Chuck Guilbert
Wedding Dress: bryde - Tulsa
Wedding Jewelry: Vow’d
Tuxedos: Generation Tux
What made Sydney and Ryder’s wedding day special was that in every way, they felt like it was a perfect day. Whether it was getting to celebrate with everyone they dreamed of celebrating alongside, how they could help everyone understand how much they love one another throughout every part of the day, and especially all of the hard work from the people who came to help support and serve, all of those things combined truly made it the perfect day.
THE SWECKERS
Justin and Arlie
October 18, 2025
Justin and Arlie met while playing golf with their best friends. Little did they know that’s where the “setting up” began. A few weeks later, they went on a double date for dinner with those friends. While it wasn’t love at first sight, Arlie decided to give Justin a chance on a date. Both shy and awkward, it was a very quiet date consisting of dinner and axe-throwing. He invited her to attend the Dallas Margarita Ball, a charity gala in Dallas, where they could dress up and dance the night away. It was then that Arlie realized who Justin was and how she wanted to continue talking to him. Dating for almost a year, Justin took Arlie to Fayetteville for an Arkansas Razorback football game. That Sunday, he told her to get dressed for dinner. They drove around Old Main, Arlie anxiously awaiting dinner, and finally parked, where Justin took her for a walk. A random photographer (Alex, with The Villar Photo Co.) stopped them and asked if he could take pictures of them since they were dressed so nicely. A few photos later, Arlie turned to Justin, who was on one knee (he knew she wanted a photographer at her proposal whenever that day came). Arlie’s parents surprised her as well and got to be a part of the whole thing! It was the most perfect day!
Parents of the Bride: Will and Teniah Trosclair
Parents of the Groom: Jodie and Susan Swecker
Matron of Honor: Alissa Palmore
Bridesmaids: Jennifer Morrow, Skylar Ray
Best Man: A.J. Palmore
Groomsmen: Jonathan Swecker, Jeremy Johnson
Ushers: Gabe Richard, Colby Curry
Flower Girls: Ada Morrow, Ila Morrow, Doris Lingo (bride’s great-grandmother)
Ring Bearer: Nolan Curry
Pastor/Officiant: Jaron Tipton
Flowers: Amelia’s Picalily
Bridal Hair: Leanne Howard - Tangles Salon
Bridal Make-up: Presley Ainsworth
DJ: Jonathan Swecker
Venue: Garrison Gardens
Wedding Coordinator: Karen Guilbert
Cake: Amelia’s Picalily
Caterer: Amelia’s Picalily
Rentals: Strike A Posey Photo Booth
Photographer: Macy Wozniak Photos
Ceremony Music: Prelude: “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” -Hillsong United (violin cover by Elijah Gomez), Family Processional: “Canon in D (Pachelbel’s Canon) -Cello & Piano” by Brooklyn Duo, Bridal Processional: “A Thousand Years” -The Piano Guys Cover, Bride March: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” - violin cover by Daniel Jang, Unity Ceremony: “Goodness of God” -cover by Genavieve Linkowski, Recessional: “Best Day of My Life” -American Authors
Wedding Dress: Gracyn Elizabeth Bride
Wedding Jewelry: Grandmother’s pearls
Tuxedos: GEB Menswear
Even though I tried to let the rain put a damper on our day, that didn’t stop our people from showing up for us! Ashley made sure everything ran smoothly, Amelia’s Picalily made everything beautiful and exactly how we wanted, and our friends and family celebrating with us made the day so special!
THE WHITESIDES
March 7, 2026
Jacob and Savannah
They first met in the fall of Savannah’s sophomore year of college, and for a brief but meaningful season, they spent nearly every day together. It was during that time that Jacob shared words that would leave a lasting imprint on Savannah’s heart — he told her that he loved her. Though it surprised them both, it became a moment she carried with her, even through the years that followed. As life unfolded, their paths diverged for a time. Savannah devoted herself to her calling in nursing, and Jacob entered a season of personal growth. They lost contact, yet what they shared was not lost. In the fall of 2022, just before Savannah returned to begin nursing school, their paths crossed once more. What they discovered was not something new, but something preserved — a love that had been patiently waiting. Though their journey has been anything but conventional, the time they spent apart has allowed them to return to one another with a deeper understanding, grateful hearts, and the certainty that what God has joined together has only grown stronger.
Parents of the Bride: Chris and Deanna
Riddle
Parents of the Groom: Deanna Ball, Gary Whiteside
Maid of Honor: Faith Layton
Bridesmaids: Shelby Brooks, Haley Zuniga, Allison Lemley, Emerson Senne, Denver Nicholson, Anna Brown
What made our day so special was that a majority of the wedding was DIY! When we first got engaged, I quickly realized how expensive the wedding industry can be. Since I was in nursing school, I DIY’d as much as I could, including our florals, ceremony decor, the groom’s cakes, and much of the decor around the venue and reception area. It truly added a personalized touch to our special day. We had made our day centered around God, and my husband actually got baptized at our wedding!
SOON TO BE THE SMITHS Britt and Morgan
Morgan Brinkley and Stephen Britt Smith are pleased to announce their engagement and upcoming wedding in July 2026 at Four Fifteen Estates. The ceremony will be officiated by the bride’s grandfather, James Brinkley, and the couple plans to make their home together in Texarkana following the wedding.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Jason and Elizabeth Brinkley of Texarkana. Morgan is a 2009 graduate of Foreman High School. She attended the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith for two years before completing cosmetology school in 2012. She is currently employed as a cosmetologist.
The prospective groom is the son of Donnie and Vickie Starnes of Texarkana. Britt is a 1994 graduate of Texas High School and is employed with the United States Postal Service as a city carrier.
The couple’s engagement took place on Morgan’s birthday, August 15, 2025, during a special evening at their favorite date-night restaurant, Benchmark American Brasserie. After secretly carrying the ring for more than a month and first speaking with Morgan’s parents, her children, his daughter, and his own parents, Britt planned an intimate and meaningful proposal perfectly suited to Morgan’s personality.
Although Morgan had once jokingly told him she would be happy with a simple proposal in her kitchen, Britt wanted the moment to feel both romantic and personal. As the couple enjoyed dinner, Morgan had no idea Britt had the ring in his pocket the entire evening. When the waitress delivered a complimentary birthday dessert, Britt suddenly stood up and said, “Okay, I can’t take this any longer.” Startled, Morgan briefly wondered what was wrong before Britt knelt beside her booth and asked, “I can’t take a second longer without asking you to be my wife. Morgan, will you marry me?”
Morgan tearfully and joyfully said yes, laughing as she noticed the restaurant’s waitstaff and kitchen crew gathered nearby watching the heartfelt moment unfold. The restaurant erupted in applause as the couple celebrated together. Britt presented Morgan with a stunning three-carat solitaire ring from Alexander’s Jewelers, and she still says she cannot believe he managed to surprise her so completely.
Following their wedding celebration, the couple plans to honeymoon in Montana, where they hope to relax in a cabin and spend time hiking together.
AND NOW THEIR STORY BEGINS
Excellence In Healthcare!
Texarkana’s 2026 Excellence In Healthcare will be nominated by you, our readers! This section is a branch of the Reader’s Choice Awards. The healthcare professional categories have been removed and added here.
Now is your chance to tell us who you think should be included in ALT’s second Texarkana’s Excellence in Healthcare Award.
Categories
Mark Your Calendars!
Get ready for the 2027 Reader’s Choice! Mark your calendars to ensure you do not miss the upcoming dates for nominating, voting, and the announcement of winners. The nominations are from you, our readers and community. The top five to seven most nominated in each category will be placed on the voting ballot. Once voting has closed, the winner along with the top two runner-ups will be listed in the magazine.
NOMINATIONS: SEPTEMBER 1 - 30, 2026
VOTING: NOVEMBER 1- 30, 2026
ANNOUNCED: JANUARY 1, 2027
Shopping for a Mortgage? Good…. We Think You Should.
At Farmers Bank and Trust, we believe that one of the smartest things you can do when shopping for a home is to shop for your mortgage, too.
Most banks don’t want you to compare rates. We do. In fact, we encourage it. Our slogan says it all: “Get another quote.”
Why? Because buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and you deserve the best possible deal. That’s why we offer competitive rates, low fees, and clear, honest guidance at every step of the mortgage process.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or refinancing your forever home, we want you to look at all your options. Compare our rates. Read the fine print. Ask the hard questions. We’re confident you’ll like what you see. And if you find a better offer? Talk to us. We’ll work with you to match it — or even beat it. Because at Farmers Bank and Trust, we’re not afraid of a little competition. We welcome it.
We don’t want to sell you just any mortgage. We want to help you find the right one — the one that fits your budget, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
So, before you sign on the dotted line, do yourself a favor: Get another quote. Then talk to us.
Farmers Bank and Trust — Get another quote. Then get the mortgage you deserve.
Why a Title Company Matters More Than You Think
When buying or selling a home, most people focus on the exciting parts — finding the perfect property, planning a move, or closing the deal. Behind the scenes, however, there’s an important partner making sure everything is legally secure and financially protected: the title company.
A title company plays a critical role in real estate transactions by researching property records, verifying ownership, and ensuring there are no hidden issues tied to the property. Problems such as unpaid taxes, liens, or ownership disputes can delay or even derail a sale if they are not discovered early.
Beyond the research process, title companies also provide title insurance, which protects buyers and lenders from future claims against the property. This added layer of security gives homeowners peace of mind long after closing day.
Another key responsibility of a title company is managing the closing process. From handling important documents to securely transferring funds between parties, they help ensure every detail is completed accurately and efficiently.
In today’s fast-moving real estate market, having a trusted title company can make all the difference. Their expertise helps transactions move smoothly while protecting one of the biggest investments most people will ever make — their home.
Whether you are purchasing your first house, refinancing, or selling property, working with an experienced title company helps turn a complicated process into a confident closing.
NEW LOWER PRICE!
$600,000
FORGE YOUR PATH ONLY MINUTES FROM TEXARKANA!
Discover a hunter’s paradise and a dream playground for outdoor enthusiasts! Imagine your dream home nestled here, with the convenience of public water and electricity already in place.
WHAT’S STOPPING YOU FROM BUYING YOUR PERFECT HOME?
Welcome to 31 Lone Star Pkwy in Texarkana, TX—where comfort, style, and thoughtful design come together effortlessly.
A SURVIVOR’S SURVIVAL PLAN
The surprises that come with widowhood don’t have to catch you off guard.
Losing a spouse is a subject we tend to avoid. After all, it’s one of the most devastating events anyone can experience. But ignoring the inevitable is unlikely to do you any favors, especially when you consider that the vast majority of women will outlive their husbands. A healthier approach, perhaps, is to take your time and work through the things you can expect in widowhood. Doing so now might help during what will likely be an inherently difficult time for your family.
Worth Reflecting Upon
Women, on average, find themselves widowed in their 50s. That could mean 10, 20, maybe even 30 years of life without their spouse by their side. Of surviving women, 53% say they and their spouse had done no financial planning in case one of them passed away. Furthermore, only about 14% of women were involved in making financial decisions before their husbands died, which could result in some surprises in widowhood. Here’s what we mean.
• Being unaware of your entire financial picture could mean you won’t know where to start when you need to access liquidity after a loss.
• Neglecting to add both your names to important accounts could mean you may not be able to access funds right away and may need to borrow money to get through what could be a lengthy probate process.
• Do you know all the digital passwords to your financial information? Even if you’ve got
them written down somewhere, can you read them? Both spouses should know how to access their digital domain.
• Take the time now to get better acquainted with your financial advisor and confirm that you understand how you are invested and why. You’ll also want to master any budgeting software you may be using, if you haven’t already.
How can women think through all this and make the best of what’s to come? Through open dialogue, solid planning and ongoing support, you can indeed cope and eventually thrive.
Prepare Before the Loss
Planning for widowhood helps you avoid making hasty or uninformed decisions when it happens. There are many steps you can take, and a good chance you’ll uncover others along the way.
Talk: Make it a habit to discuss finances and accounts with your spouse – regularly. After just one or two times, you will begin developing a solid plan as a team. Involve your financial advisor as topics and tasks become complex.
Tell others: Along with your advisor, share your plan with your adult children (if you have any), the executor of your wills and perhaps a close friend or two.
Create a repository: Include account numbers and passwords, security codes and PIN numbers, key contacts, location of birth
and marriage certificates, divorce papers, vehicle titles, mortgage documents, life insurance policies, retirement plans, stock certificates and any other critical information. Store this sensitive data in a secure place, perhaps an encrypted drive or a safe deposit box.
Consolidate: Managing multiple accounts, especially ones of relatively small value, can be tedious. Consider parking everything in one place. Not only will it be easier to manage, but you’ll be able to see your financial big picture.
Stay current: Update wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives and beneficiaries. Ensure accounts are in both your names and titled properly. You will glide past many surprises by doing so.
Maximize Social Security: Talk with your advisor about the claiming strategy options you’ll have as a survivor, including any dependents you may have. You’ll want to maximize every source of income, and Social Security is an important one.
Pause After
Facing the emotions and potential financial fallout of widowhood can be incredibly overwhelming. So take time for yourself and consider putting things on hold while you gather enough emotional strength and support to move forward.
Your financial advisor can be one of those sources of support, especially since there are steps new widows should take almost immediately. Filing for survivor’s Social Security benefits, obtaining death certificates, filing as beneficiary for a spouse’s retirement accounts and getting permission to access any separate accounts. Though, of course, it’s a good idea to understand how to access all important accounts, including the passwords to online accounts.
To determine what can and cannot be put on hold, speak briefly with your attorney, accountant and financial advisor. Once you’re ready for more in-depth guidance and action, you can re-engage.
The Value of You
You are not alone. Other women have gone through what you might experience and stand ready to lend their guidance. And if they can heal, so can you. Here are a few self-care reminders.
Reach out: Staying connected with loved ones, letting them know how you’re doing and asking for help could get you through the darker days. Keep moving AND resting: If you don’t already have one, an exercise routine produces endorphins that can lift your spirits (baby steps are perfectly fine). And as hard as it might be, try to get enough sleep.
Explore long-term care: Considering 80% of women will be on their own toward the end of their lives, it’s never too soon to plan accordingly for your later years. By accepting widowhood as likely and developing a plan, you can help better navigate your future and feel more empowered over time. It will take work. But if you start now, you’ll have your spouse, family, friends and professional advisors to help you see a clear way forward for when you need it the most.
Drug Take Back Initiative Operation Medicine Cabinet
The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is proud to partner with Texarkana Emergency Center in an effort to remove unused and out of date prescription medicines from your homes.
•It is important to know that law enforcement is only interested in the removal of unused and/or outdated medications from the homes of our citizens.
•It matters not whose name is on the prescription, by whom it was prescribed, where it was prescribed, or where you reside.
•We stress that it makes no difference if you live in Texas or Arkansas.
•We take back all medications, no questions asked. You can remove the label if you desire but it’s not necessary.
•We ask that you do not deposit needles (sharps), inhalers, medication from businesses or clinics, ointments, lotions, liquids, aerosol cans, hydrogen peroxide, or thermometers.
One box has been placed behind the Bi State Justice Building at 100 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, Arkansas and another outside the Texarkana Emergency Center, 4646 Cowhorn Creek Rd., Texarkana, Texas. These boxes are regularly checked and the contents are immediately packaged for destruction. If you would like to personally drop your medications off to law enforcement, you can at the Miller County Sheriff’s Office on East Street and Bi State Justice Building in Texarkana. You can learn more about
program
Suzie TK SnippeTS
By: Suzie Tyler
I love technology. Suzietk’s Snippets will give you tidbits on everything from makeup to music, and everything in between. I have a wealth of information in my brain! If I can just access the hard drive, I will blog about it!!
A Blog??
What is a blog? It is a platform that displays a person’s personality through written content on various topics.
A podcast can be audio-only or in video mode! Karmyn ordered all the ‹lights, camera, action,› along with a professional microphone and paraphernalia for a video cast, but I have not had the confidence to ‘show my face!’
I have been writing an online blog for several years, which I named SuzieTK Snippets. Now I do it in ALT Magazine.
At first, it made my girls nervous, and they were concerned about what I would say. I am known for being surprised by what comes out of my mouth, but it is ‘G’ rated, I promise! Now they try to avoid answering the question-»If I am their mother!»
The internet changed the world for us old people. We grew up with wall phones, black-and-white TVs with three stations, and playing in the street with stick horses until dark. *Technology changed us from listening to a radio program and creating a scenario in our minds to seeing the scene played out on a screen in our living rooms.
Today, there are more stations than Heinz 57 Variety Soups, and computers that fit in the palm of your hand. The closest thing we came to today’s world was Buster Crabbe Space serials at the movies and The
Jetsons on television, and they were out of reach for our minds to grasp in reality! Cell phones were nonexistent.
At one point, while living in Texas and Arkansas, I ordered personalized license plate tags for my car with ‘Suzie T.’ There›s a reason I stopped, but that story is for another time, another place!
Some have asked me why I added a K to my name. When I got on social media, Suzie T was taken. So, I looked at my girl’s name, and TK flowed more than TD. Today, those last two initials have a completely different connotation than they did in the 90s.
I am a simple person (not simple-minded), but I love bling. I keep things conservative in most areas, except my design style.
I love fashion, and in my next life I want to be a dress designer. Back in the day, I watched The Bold and the Beautiful because it was all about fashion houses (not like most of the stupid things that soap operas do, although they did have their personal drama!)
My husband had to be the best husband that ever lived because he “put up with me“ and all of my weirdness! ha-ha
I play the piano and love music. God blessed me with the ability to play by ear at an early age, but sometimes my ear gets tired!! I’ve tried to retreat to the background of a pew, but things keep dragging me back. I began playing for Rhema Baptist Church over a year ago, and so far, they haven’t ‘fired me!’
I love life and am excited about what each day brings! Enjoy my blog journey with me.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Substack, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, TikTok, and my online blog, SuzieTK’s Snippets
*Copied from Growing Up In The Fifties and used by permission.
Passion For Pooches
Texarkana Animal League
Passion For Pooches
Texarkana Animal League
BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA : Facebook.com/BoxerRescueOfTexarkana MUTTLEY CREW GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE : Facebook.com/MuttleyCrewRescue
PASSION FOR POOCHES (mostly small dogs) : Facebook.com/passionforpooches TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE : Facebook.com/TexarkanaAnimalLeague TEXARKANA HUMANE SOCIETY : TexarkanaHumaneSociety.org : Facebook.com/TexarkanaHumaneSocietyInc : For more info call 903-824-8117
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