The Money Issue

Depending on who you ask, money either makes the world go round or is the root of all evil. And while we believe it’s a little of both, we also believe it’s a topic that should be discussed more frequently than it is.

When we set out to create an issue about money, we knew there would be a few things we wouldn’t do. We wouldn’t give anyone advice on how to invest their money. We went to journalism school, and they didn’t teach us how to do that. We wouldn’t predict or even opine on the economy – we’re not qualified for that either. And we cannot even begin to explain how cryptocurrency works. 

Instead, we wanted to make it personal. So without opening your wallets or peering into your bank accounts, we chose to cover topics that can make a difference in your everyday lives. We explored how to talk to your spouse about money, created a budget worksheet (yes, you can write in the magazine and even tear it out – you have our permission), and shared some of the best budgeting apps on the market today. Plus, we decided to help you improve your bottom line thanks to the free or inexpensive resources offered through our public libraries and towns. And we’re answering teens’ questions about money, thanks to our very own teen writers.

But if the idea of reading about money makes you just as squeamish as talking about it, there are other stories you can read. From learning about jewelry designer Cynthia Ryan whose unique architecural style has wowed folks since day one or Jason Charles who owns the food truck Bazodee Street Foods and a new deli in Bedford Hills, to meeting Jewel of Himalaya owner Tshering T. Lama and Ian Hendrickson-Smith who owns the Brewster jazz club Uncle Cheef, we’re continuing to introduce you to the interesting people in our communities. 

And we’ve begun a new series this year in collaboration with local artist Oscar Andy Hammerstein called “Up Close With.” Hammerstein will share his conversation with a notable artist or changemaker in our community and then invite you to learn more during a live, in-person conversation at one of our local venues. First up is artist V. L. Cox, who is best known for her work surrounding issues of human rights and equality. She’s a new-ish Peekskill resident who left her life in Arkansas because she feared for her future. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be the new year without a story about resolutions. So we’re exploring how to make and actually keep those New Year’s resolutions (yes, you’re not alone). If you’re curious about our resolutions, we have three:

1. Spend more time with our spouses (no, we’re not married to each other) and children.

2. Enjoy exploring more of northern Westchester (let us know your favorites – [email protected]). 

3. Continue our path to world dominance through this magazine, our video production division and our new app (head to the App Store or Google Play for the Connect Pass, which will give you discounts for local businesses).

Finally, we’d like to say hello to all our new readers. We now mail to over 21,000 homes and businesses in northern Westchester, so if this is your first time receiving our magazine, welcome. Head to our website to learn more about us and catch up on all the incredible stories we’ve told since our launch in 2022.