Bankrate 2026 Report Indicates Most Credit Card Holders Carry Balance Over a Year (Fish Stories)

(Illustrative Only)
The days
when we could build
our own house
and afford to 
buy the land. 
You didn't need much
but you did need grit.

The Fisherman and
His Wife

Credit card use is rising, and for many people it’s becoming a real financial strain. While wages have increased in some areas, they often haven’t kept pace with the rising cost of living, and wealth continues to concentrate at the top. This creates a gap where everyday expenses outgrow average incomes, making it harder to stay within a budget. Although personal discipline and financial management play an important role, there are also larger structural factors contributing to the increase in debt. Credit cards, in particular, are among the most expensive forms of borrowing, and because they are so easily accessible, they can quickly shift from a short-term solution into a long-term burden.

The current credit system often appears to favor lenders more than consumers, which means individuals need to be especially proactive about managing their finances. Waiting for systemic change isn’t a reliable strategy, so planning and self-control become essential. I’ve experienced this firsthand—carrying high credit card debt before making the decision to pay it off completely, even if it meant dipping into savings. That moment reinforced how costly and limiting debt can be over time.

A major part of the problem is spending on things that aren’t truly necessary. Much of what we buy is driven by marketing, social pressure, or the desire to maintain a certain image rather than actual need. Take cars, for example. While reliable transportation is important, it doesn’t always require the newest or most expensive option. Choosing a more modest, paid-off vehicle—even one that needs occasional repairs—can eliminate monthly payments and reduce financial stress. In contrast, financing newer vehicles often leads to years of payments with little long-term value, especially when depreciation and insurance costs are factored in. Yes, I now drive a junker and I think insurance is costly and shouldn't be that way.

Ultimately, avoiding or reducing credit card debt requires intentional decision-making. Earlier generations often built financial stability through saving, patience, and gradual investment rather than relying heavily on credit. There’s value in returning to some of those principles. If you’re dealing with credit card debt, the path forward starts with a clear plan and a commitment to spending less. Not everything that looks appealing or is heavily promoted is worth the long-term cost. The temporary satisfaction of a purchase can quickly fade, but the burden of debt tends to linger much longer.

Credit Card Debt Report: Key Findings, Trends, and Statistics

• 47% of U.S. credit cardholders carry a balance, meaning nearly half of Americans are in ongoing debt.
• 61% of those with debt have carried it for at least one year, indicating an increase in long-term debt.
• 22% of credit card users in debt believe they will never fully pay it off.
• Average credit card interest rates exceed 19%, making repayment significantly more expensive over time.
• 41% of credit card debt is driven by emergency expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, and home maintenance.
• 33% of individuals rely on credit cards for everyday expenses like groceries and utilities.
• 64% of those in debt have delayed major financial decisions due to their balances.
• Only 48% of people with credit card debt report having a structured plan to pay it off.
• 19% worry they may miss at least one minimum payment within the next six months.
• 84% say credit card debt affects their financial decisions, from daily spending to long-term planning.

Bankrate. (2026). Credit card debt report. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/credit-card-debt-report/

Beyond the Herd: Choosing Integrity Over Conformity (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)

There are a lot of 
selish people out there.
Sometimes saying 
"no" protects others.
If they do it to you
they are doing it to
others. If they think
that way then it is
a pattern of thinking
that has actualized
outcomes. 
If they had values
they would have corrected
wrongdoing
a long time ago when
they first noticed it. 
If you know it
to be true, then
say your piece/peace. 

Accept the consequences
of having a
value system and
responsibilities.
You should not
expect any level of
justice until
their is reanchoring
to our core values.

Those who embrace
wrongdoing will 
unlikely ever
take responsibility
over their behaviors.
They will nearly always
seek to dump it on
the victims so
they can continue
engaging in such
behaviors. A few
courts promoted
the weakening
of institutional 
integrity and societal
value by politicizing
and targeting minorities.


Even if you fail,
you at least tried.
It is designed 
to insulate
wrongdoing.
They have a 
responsibility
to correct.
Reform and change
is needed. 
Self-Actualization

People often follow the group—we’re wired that way. Most of the time, it helps things run smoothly. But when concerns are ignored, following the crowd isn’t always the right choice. To see this more clearly, imagine a hypothetical “Story of the Clan,” or think of alternatively a situation where you have a valid opinion about a strategy and others disagree.

In the Clan thought experiment, a group creates harm in three ways. First, insider networks favor their own and exclude others. Second, strong group identity leads to normalization of punishing people who think or act differently, even when there’s nothing wrong with it. Third, authority is misused to justify and protect these harmful behaviors, making them seem acceptable (subjective moral conscious) even though at their root their are one of the biggest violations of the foundations of laws (Major Article 1 violations). In this philosophial example courts defaulted in a pattern of increasing lost trust because they embraced hate (social, racial and religious preferences), undermined the Constitution, ignored the Bill of Rights, intentionally harmed victims, retaliated against whistleblowers, targeted members of society and gave no recourse to those wronged. In this setting, taking a stand matters—not just for current victims, but for those who might be harmed next. It reflects a commitment to principles over identity (i.e. patriotism vs. nationalism). 

In environments like this, doing the right thing—speaking up or challenging wrongdoing—comes with real risks. Even if only part of the group supports harmful ideas, the pressure to stay silent can be strong. That silence is often what allows harm to grow. It’s easy to talk about values; it’s much harder to act on them when the stakes are high and outcomes are uncertain.

This dynamic also appears in workplaces. Sometimes the issue is ethical, where speaking up is essential to protect the organization, its stakeholders, and its long-term value. Other times, it’s about offering a different perspective. A dominant voice can steer decisions in the wrong direction, and without challenge, mistakes become more likely. Speaking up can improve outcomes, but it may come with consequences like criticism, loss of status, or even job risk.

In the end, standing up for your beliefs means weighing risk against principle. Life is short, and those who grow into themselves recognize that integrity matters more than approval or rewards tied to compromising one’s values. When you truly own your perspective, you can express it clearly and thoughtfully—even when others are quick to agree just to go along.

Standing Up for Your Beliefs: Psychological Benefits of Resisting Group Pressure

• A study from the University at Buffalo found that resisting group pressure can be a positive psychological experience, even when it appears difficult.
• People may outwardly conform to a group, but this behavior does not necessarily reflect their true internal feelings.
• The research used physiological measures (such as cardiovascular responses) to better understand emotional reactions under social pressure.
• Findings challenge the assumption that disagreement with a group is always uncomfortable; expressing personal beliefs can feel rewarding.
• The study highlights a disconnect between external conformity and internal satisfaction, suggesting authenticity may improve well-being.

Gambini, B. (2016, August 17). Study shows standing up for beliefs in face of group opposition is worth the effort. University at Buffalo. https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/07/014.html

Days River Poem

If you enjoy the outdoors, you might also appreciate a bit of poetry. This one was inspired by a recent hike—there’s still snow on the ground, and the rivers are running high with early-season flow.

Poetry often comes from making unique connections—capturing not just what nature looks like, but what it feels like. It draws on experience, observation, and a deeper understanding of the environment.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers no shortage of that inspiration, especially around Escanaba. This particular piece reflects time spent on the Days River Pathway—an easy, accessible trail with a few rewarding views along the way. If you’re looking for a relaxed walk with some scenic moments, it’s worth checking out.

Days River Poem

Rivers between the trees,

A soul it frees.

Covered with bark

A few the bucks left their mark.

Water flowing on its way,

in it the critters play. 

Days River offers a nature's hike,

or one can take their e-bike. 

Neural Mechanisms of Knowledge and Creativity in Poetry Composition

• The study uses fMRI to examine how the brain supports poetry composition, focusing on differences between familiar and unfamiliar themes.
• Poetry writing involves coordinated activity across multiple brain networks, particularly the language network, executive control network, and default mode network.
• Knowledge and topic familiarity significantly influence neural connectivity patterns, with familiar themes relying more on memory-related networks and unfamiliar themes engaging sensory and imaginative processes.
• The interaction between language and executive control networks is strongly associated with originality, but its effect differs depending on familiarity with the topic.
• Differences between expert and novice writers suggest that expertise alters how cognitive control is applied, with experts showing more flexible and less constrained creative processing.

He, R., Zhuang, K., Liu, L., Ding, K., Wang, X., Fu, L., Qiu, J., & Chen, Q. (2022). The impact of knowledge on poetry composition: An fMRI investigation. Brain and Language, 235, 105202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2022.105202

Why Veterans Are Among the Most Valuable Employees

Veterans are among the most employable candidates available in the market. Military service instills a level of discipline and structure that is difficult to replicate in other environments. From a young age, service members learn to master themselves, and as they progress, they develop strong leadership skills and professional competencies.

It is not uncommon for young service members to manage multi-million-dollar equipment and lead entire teams. These responsibilities are made possible through rigorous training and a deeply ingrained sense of teamwork, where individual performance is directly tied to collective outcomes. Leadership development is a core component of military life, shaping both new recruits and seasoned personnel.

Employers can benefit greatly from this talent pool by actively recruiting veterans, including those recently transitioning to civilian life. Partnering with local veterans’ organizations and professional groups can be an effective way to identify candidates and create pathways for hiring and advancement.

Even simple outreach efforts—such as sending an email or sharing job postings with veteran organizations—can significantly improve recruitment efforts. By tapping into this network, organizations can build on the valuable skills veterans already possess while strengthening their workforce with disciplined, experienced, and team-oriented professionals.

Developing Attributes of the Leader: From Military Service to the Civilian Workforce

• The article examines how leadership skills developed in military contexts can transfer effectively to civilian organizations, emphasizing adaptability and structured training.
• It highlights the importance of continuous learning and development frameworks (such as leadership development models) in building effective leaders.
• Collaboration between human resource development (HRD) and human resource management (HRM) is identified as critical for aligning leadership training with organizational goals.
• Creating inclusive organizational cultures and support systems (e.g., employee resource groups) enhances leadership effectiveness and workforce engagement.
• The study emphasizes feedback loops, skills assessments, and strategic alignment as key mechanisms for improving leadership development outcomes.

Henderson, L. R. (2024). Developing attributes of the leader: From military service to the civilian workforce. Advances in Developing Human Resources. https://doi.org/10.1177/15234223231212444

City of Escanaba City Council Meeting April 2, 2026: Escanaba Yacht Club Lease Approved

This was a short and sweet city council meeting. The lease with the Escanaba Yacht Club has been approved. 

Escanaba City Council April 2nd 2026

(Illustrative Only)

Ragnar decides
this summer he is going
to sail his ship
into Escanaba and 
pillage the good
food downtown, he
brought his ebike
and viking appetite
with him. 🙃

Global Yacht Tourism

City of Escanaba City Council Meeting Agenda and Proceedings (April 2, 2026)

• Provides the official agenda for the Escanaba City Council regular meeting held on April 2, 2026, including standard procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and approval of prior meeting minutes
• Outlines public participation opportunities, including public comments and scheduled public hearings related to city governance
• Includes a public hearing on Ordinance No. 1318 concerning amendments to zoning board membership regulations
• Documents prior meeting proceedings (March 19, 2026), including approval of a lease agreement with the Escanaba Yacht Club
• Records council decisions, motions, and voting outcomes, all of which were unanimously approved in the referenced meeting
• Notes discussion of legal matters in closed session related to ongoing litigation involving the City of Escanaba
• Identifies key city officials involved, including the mayor, council members, city manager, and city clerk

City of Escanaba. (2026). City council meeting agenda and official proceedings (April 2, 2026). https://www.escanaba.org/media/29471

A Picture of a Dutch Crocus

 The first sign of spring with this Dutch Crocus. A flower I saw. If interested send me a message to the right. Art Page

Dutch Crocus

Sailboat on an Ocean Painting: The Creative Lens of Art for Business Benefit

Art is a hobby—I never claimed to be a masterpiece myself. I just try to get a little better here and there, and every once in a while, someone actually pays me for it (which still surprises me every time). It has been a while since anyone bought anything so maybe I'm getting worse. :(

The funny thing is, art isn’t just about making something look nice—it kind of rewires how you think. Our brains get comfortable using the same “lens” to see the world, filtering out anything that doesn’t fit. Art forces you to mess with that lens. You start noticing things you normally ignore, and eventually realize… you probably don’t understand nearly as much as you thought. Very humbling. Also slightly inconvenient.

It’s similar to learning anything new. At first, you know just enough to be confidently wrong. Then over time—through reading, thinking, and experience—you build layers of understanding. Art just speeds up that process by training you to make weird, unexpected connections. Suddenly, a problem at work starts looking like a painting… which is either very insightful or a sign you need more sleep.

That’s why people who dabble in art tend to be a bit more open-minded. You get used to seeing multiple possibilities instead of just one “correct” answer. And that can actually help with business, strategy, and problem-solving—turns out creativity isn’t just for galleries.

Anyway, the piece I’m sharing is a ship on the ocean at night. I threw in some flowers along the shore because I felt like experimenting with beach foliage. No deeper meaning—just vibes.

If you’re interested, send me a message with an offer, or you can grab it on eBay. I usually donate part of what I make and keep about half. And on the rare occasion something sells, it absolutely makes my day—so if you feel like being someone’s hero today, you know what to do. 

eBay Art  and Art Page

Sailboat on an Ocean
Acrylic 11X13" canvas board
Can provide with or without
frame.

Title: The Art of Creativity

The article explains that creativity is a universal, learnable process involving stages of preparation, incubation, insight, and application, where openness, reduced self-censorship, and engagement with unconscious thought enable individuals to generate novel ideas, while factors like fear, rigid thinking, and external pressure inhibit creative expression; it emphasizes that creativity exists in everyday life, thrives through experimentation, play, and “flow” states, and can be developed by challenging assumptions, embracing mistakes, and fostering supportive environments.

Goleman, D., & Kaufman, P. (1992). The art of creativity. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/199203/the-art-creativity