It’s a surreal experience to walk into the White House with a meeting on the books with our nation’s leaders. As I wandered through the historic arched doors this spring as part of a small group of state financial officers, I couldn’t help but be humbled by the fact that it wasn’t just me walking through those doors, but every … Read More

Mississippi is no stranger to storm damage. We have endured hurricanes, heat waves, and tornadoes. But the storms that tore through our state in recent days leveled communities and uprooted lives. My heart truly goes out to these families and their neighborhoods. Like many Mississippians, I was raised to “Help Thy Neighbor,” so just hours after the winds died down … Read More

Mississippi just received some outstanding news: While reading scores are falling across the country, Mississippi’s are improving dramatically – so much so that some have called it the “Mississippi Miracle.” In fact, students in our state are now scoring above the national average, and I couldn’t be prouder. In recent years, our teachers have put a bigger emphasis on phonics … Read More

Mississippians work hard for their retirements. We put in long weeks – and sometimes nights and weekends too. We treat that money with respect and think carefully about how to spend it wisely. Shouldn’t the financial industry that is often trusted to protect (and grow) those same dollars for our retirements do the same? Sadly, some Wall Street elites have … Read More

It’s that time of year again, when we begin gathering our W-2’s, 1099s, and any other tax documents to share with an accountant or our favorite tax preparation software. For some, it means a tax refund is coming soon; for others, it means it’s time to write a check to Uncle Sam. Did you know, however, that your books may … Read More

“The arts and humanities teach us who we are and what we can be.” – President Ronald Reagan Every year, our team asks Mississippi students to imagine what they could be and then articulate that vision in a piece of art – and every year, I am amazed by the ambition, the drive, and the hope. This year’s College and … Read More

The Golden Years. Retirement. The reward for a lifetime of hard work. It’s what so many Mississippians look forward to, what so many plan for, hope for, save for. But in recent years, Wall Street bankers have taken a little polish off those Golden Years, sacrificing investment returns in exchange for feel-good talking points. I have long sounded the alarm … Read More

Did you know nearly 33 million Americans have money sitting in a government bank account waiting to be claimed? That’s about one in seven people – and you could very well be one of them. Money becomes “unclaimed” when it is abandoned (or lost) and the owner can’t be found. It could be an old stock, a distant relative’s estate … Read More

I understand why so many Mississippians are frustrated with Washington – I am too! The woke waste is breaking government and breaking the banks of hardworking taxpayers. On January 20, however, President Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as President of the United States for the second time, and with his swearing in will be the dawn of a … Read More

Winter Arc. Have you heard of it? It’s a TikTok trend that has led many to ditch the idea of a New Year’s resolution in exchange for a slower build up through the winter months. In other words, rather than the abrupt shift many attempt on January 1, those embracing the Winter Arc started making incremental progress on their goals … Read More