Christopher Jones left Mansfield 13 days after graduating from Mansfield High School, intent on seeing the world with the U.S. Navy.

Theresa Cohagen has been in training for her new job for most of her life, even though she is the first one to hold the position.

When you’re working, you probably focus on how much you’re putting in to your investment portfolio. When you retire, how much you take out will be a matter of considerable interest. That’s why you have to prepare the proper withdrawal strategies. Once you retire, you’ll need to decide what percentage of your investment portfolio you can withdraw each year without running out of money. How much can you take out annually?

All of us face challenges in our efforts to achieve our long-term financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement. But if you’re a woman, the unfortunate truth is that you may have more hurdles to overcome than a man. However, knowledge is power, and as long as you are aware of what you are up against, you can take steps to boost your chances for success.

Mansfield’s history dates back almost two centuries. Jessica Davis’ roots in the community run almost as far.

Nationally famous investigator, entrepreneur, speaker, author, real estate investor and founder of the lucrative Judgment Recovery Industry Al Schweitzer will be guest speaker for the “AREA” (Arlington Real Estate Association of Investors). His topic will be “Secrets of Building Wealth in Real Estate.” The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. Feb. 23 in the Art Room of the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center St. in Arlington.

Beena Benny doesn’t have any kids yet, but she does know how they think.

Walnut Creek Country Club has elected Vern Wegner as chairman of its Board of Governors for 2008. Wegner and his wife, Judy, have been members of Walnut Creek since 1992. They moved to Mansfield after Wegner’s retirement from the United States Air Force. He retired as a colonel with 27 years of service. He now serves as the coordinator for the Retired Couples Golf Group and the past president of the Retired Men’s Golf Association.

These days Shelly Burman’s family room has charts with numbers and letters, child-size tables and large, brightly colored numbers on the floor. That’s because Burman has brought her work home with her, setting up a home school classroom for her daughter and six other youngsters.

If you make a New Year’s resolution and you don’t follow through on it, what are the consequences? It all depends.