Rockwall, TX April 2026

April Can Be Taxing

April often brings one word to mind: taxes. For many of us, this season can feel overwhelming as we gather documents, meet with accountants, and focus on deadlines. While tax time demands our financial attention, it also offers something else. It offers an opportunity to reflect on how and where we are investing our energy, our resources, and ourselves.

Investment is not only about portfolios and returns. It is about the choices we make every day that shape our future. Yes, we want to make wise financial decisions for our families and our businesses. But true wealth also includes mental clarity, physical health, strong relationships, and a thriving community.

In this April Investment Issue, we are proud to feature local experts who share insight across a variety of topics. From financial planning and smart business strategies to wellness practices and personal development, these voices remind us that growth happens in many forms. Investing in yourself might look like meeting with a financial advisor, but it could also mean scheduling that overdue wellness appointment, committing to a fitness routine, or simply creating space to rest and reset.

Our local business leaders also understand that investment is about more than profit. It is about pouring back into the community, supporting one another, and building something sustainable for the next generation. When we choose to shop local, collaborate, and mentor others, we strengthen the economic and social fabric of our city.

This month, as you review spreadsheets and tax statements, I encourage you to pause and ask a bigger question. Are you investing in the life you truly want to build? Are you caring for your mental and physical health with the same intention you give your finances?

When we commit to investing in ourselves, our businesses, and our community, we create returns that extend far beyond April. We build resilience. We build opportunity. And together, we build a stronger future for everyone

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ashton Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Debbie Warner | debbie.warner@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christopher Bigenho Photography, Ty Harper

Photography, Kacey Borrmann: Top Knot Shots

STAFF WRITER

Travis Hager

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rick Lucas, Dr. Eva Mackey Meyrat, Derek Price, Amy Bailey, Sophie Brock, Angela Broockerd, Dawn Redig

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy Bailey, West Images

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

1-7: An unforgettable evening at Rockwall City Lifestyle’s inaugural Community Recognition Dinner at The Linden. Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite and VBRG Realty, with sweet treats from Wickland’s Sweet Connection and live entertainment by Don’t Tell Mama Band, the night sparkled with a masquerade ball theme, interactive champagne wall, and stunning photography by West Images (@west_images12). We were truly honored to celebrate and support the incredible individuals, businesses, and organizations making a lasting impact in Rockwall County. What a beautiful night of community, connection, and recognition 1: Podcast of the Year - Dr. Eva Mackey, GemMD 3: Writer of the Year - Tiffany Ditto 4: Event Participant of the Year - Joslin Sansom, Stretch Zone 5: Synergy Partner of the Year - Julie Barlow, Business Broker 6: Nonprofit Honorees serving Rockwall County 7: Commercial of the Year - Bobby Gladu, Artisan Masonry & Granite

8-14: An unforgettable evening at Rockwall City Lifestyle ’s inaugural Community Recognition Dinner at The Linden. Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite and VBRG Realty, with sweet treats from Wickland’s Sweet Connection and live entertainment by Don’t Tell Mama Band, the night sparkled with a masquerade ball theme, interactive champagne wall, and stunning photography by West Images (@west_images12). We were truly honored to celebrate and support the incredible individuals, businesses, and organizations making a lasting impact in Rockwall County. What a beautiful night of community, connection, and recognition!

15-21: An unforgettable evening at Rockwall City Lifestyle ’s inaugural Community Recognition Dinner at The Linden. Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite and VBRG Realty, with sweet treats from Wickland’s Sweet Connection and live entertainment by Don’t Tell Mama Band, the night sparkled with a masquerade ball theme, interactive champagne wall, and stunning photography by West Images (@west_images12). We were truly honored to celebrate and support the incredible individuals, businesses, and organizations making a lasting impact in Rockwall County. What a beautiful night of community, connection, and recognition! 15: Partner of the Year - Gail Fletcher 19: Veteran of the Month Honorees - Ron Glasgow & Clarence Jorif 21: Good Human of the Month Honoree - Jerry Cook

LAKESIDE AMBUCS

NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY ARTISAN MASONRY & GRANITE

Lakeside AMBUCS is a community-driven service organization dedicated to improving mobility and independence for people with disabilities. As a local chapter of AMBUCS (American Business Clubs), Lakeside AMBUCS carries forward a national mission while focusing its energy on meeting specific needs within its own community.

ARTICLE BY RICK LUCAS

Founded on the principle of “mobilizing communities,” AMBUCS chapters across the United States work to create opportunities for greater independence through adaptive equipment, accessibility projects, and scholarships for future therapists. Lakeside AMBUCS embodies this spirit at the

local level, bringing together volunteers, business leaders, and residents who share a commitment to service.

One of the chapter’s most visible initiatives is the provision of Amtryke adaptive tricycles. These specially designed therapeutic tricycles are tailored for children, veterans, and adults with mobility challenges who may not be able to ride a traditional bike. For many recipients, receiving an Amtryke is a life-changing experience. It not only provides physical therapy benefits such as improved strength, coordination, and endurance, but also fosters confidence and inclusion. The simple joy of riding alongside friends and family can have a profound emotional impact. AMBUCS members fundraise for and give away about 3,500 Amtrykes each year.

Fundraising is central to the organization’s success. Lakeside AMBUCS hosts events throughout the year that both raise funds and strengthen community ties. Whether through charity dinners, golf tournaments, raffles, or local partnerships, these events create opportunities for residents to engage with the mission in meaningful ways. Local businesses often play a vital role, offering sponsorships, donations, and volunteer support that amplify the chapter’s reach.

Another key component of the AMBUCS mission is education. Through scholarships awarded to students pursuing degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and related fields, the organization invests in the next generation of healthcare professionals. While these scholarships are administered nationally, local chapters like Lakeside AMBUCS help promote awareness and encourage aspiring therapists within their communities to apply. This emphasis on education ensures that the impact of the organization extends well into the future.

What truly distinguishes Lakeside AMBUCS is its volunteer spirit. Members dedicate countless hours to planning events, reviewing applications, assembling adaptive equipment, and connecting with families in need. Their efforts reflect a shared belief that service is most powerful when it is personal. By working directly with individuals and families, the chapter builds relationships that go far beyond a single donation or event.

In a world where mobility can never be taken for granted, Lakeside AMBUCS stands as a reminder of how local action can create lasting change. Through compassion, collaboration, and commitment, the organization continues to open doors—literally and figuratively—so that more people can move forward with dignity and independence.

Lakeside AMBUCS will host Bourbon and Bingo on April 10th from 6:30-10 p.m. at the 501 Yacht Club. This fun evening featuring bourbon, bbq, and bingo benefits AMBUCS Mobility and Independence Programs, AmTrykes, Scholarships.

To buy tickets, learn more about AMBUC and their mission, volunteer, or donate, visit lakesideambucs.org.

PROACTIVELY INVESTING IN HEALTH

ARTICLE

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE

Every day in my exam room, I meet people at different points along the same journey. Some come in feeling well, curious about how to stay that way. Others arrive after years of putting themselves last—juggling work, family, finances—only to discover that their health has quietly accrued interest, and not in a good way.

As a primary care physician, I often tell my patients this: health is not something you manage only when it breaks. It’s something you invest in, steadily and intentionally, over time.

HEALTH IS BUILT BETWEEN APPOINTMENTS

There’s a misconception that healthcare happens only in clinics and hospitals. In reality, the most powerful health decisions are made in kitchens, grocery stores, bedrooms, sidewalks, and workplaces. They’re made when you choose to go to bed instead of scrolling, to walk instead of sit, to ask for help instead of powering through.

Primary care isn’t just about diagnosing illness; it’s about identifying risk early, before it turns into disease. High blood pressure doesn’t usually announce itself with symptoms. Neither does insulin resistance, bone loss, or early depression. These conditions develop quietly, often over years, until they erupt into heart attacks, diabetes, fractures, or burnout.

Proactive care means catching these patterns early—when they are still reversible.

THE CHECKUP IS NOT “JUST A PHYSICAL”

Many patients apologize for coming in when they “feel fine.” I always smile and say, “This is exactly the right time to be here.”

Annual visits are not formalities; they are strategic reviews. We look at trends in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, sleep, stress, mood, and family history. We talk about life changes—new jobs, aging parents, new babies—that subtly but profoundly affect health. These conversations allow us to personalize prevention rather than react to crises.

They are also important times to get you caught up on preventative screening for things like colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Treating these things is much easier when we catch them early. Finding cancer when it is already advanced can be devastating.

Think of your primary care doctor as a long-term partner who understands your baseline. When something shifts, we notice faster because we know you, not just your chart.

GOOD HEALTH IS SIMPLE

I often see patients taking handfuls of expensive supplements or paying med spas thousands of dollars for unproven treatments that claim to be able to work magic. Everyone is on the internet searching for the secret to good health. Unfortunately, they often find con artists selling expensive gimmicks that will not produce long-lasting results. I understand the temptation of listening to a health guru, but the reality is there is no magic bullet or gimmick that is going to make you look and feel better. You should beware of any treatment that claims to be able to produce miracles with no side effects. You are better off sticking with the boring things you already know. Eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, minimize alcohol, avoid tobacco and manage stress. These don’t make headlines, but they save lives.

Patients often ask me for the “best” diet or the “perfect” exercise plan. The honest answer? The best plan is the one you can sustain. Health is not built through extremes; it’s built through repetition.

A 20-minute walk most days of the week beats an ambitious gym routine you abandon by February. Cooking simple meals at home most nights beats chasing superfoods. Going to bed an hour earlier, consistently, does more for your hormones and immune system than any supplement.

These habits don’t just prevent disease—they improve energy, mood, focus, and resilience right now.

PREVENTION IS NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL

Proactive health is deeply personal. A 30-year-old with a strong family history of heart disease needs a different strategy than a 60-year-old managing arthritis and high blood pressure. Someone navigating chronic stress or trauma requires a different approach than someone training for a marathon.

This is where primary care shines. We tailor screening, counseling, and goals to your risks, values, and life circumstances. Prevention isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment—making choices that fit your real life while nudging your health in the right direction.

YOUR HEALTH IS AN ASSET. PROTECT IT.

As your primary care physician, my goal isn’t just to help you live longer. It’s to help you live better, with fewer preventable setbacks along the way.

So if you feel well, come in anyway. If you’ve been putting yourself last, start small. The best time to invest in your health was years ago. The second-best time is today.

Dr. Eva has been practicing Family Medicine in the Rockwall area for the past 22 years, providing high-quality primary care that focuses on the needs of the patient. Invest in yourself. Call 972-9614171 or visit www.rockwallsgemmd.com.

INVEST IN PEACE OF MIND

It’s that time of year again. Tax Season. The emails are stacking up, envelopes are arriving in the mail, and for a lot of people, the stress starts to creep in long before the paperwork ever hits the desk. For small business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs, tax season doesn’t just feel busy, it feels personal. Your business, your livelihood, and your future all live inside those numbers.

That’s exactly where S. Godoy & Associates has carved out a different kind of space in the financial world, one that feels more like a trusted partnership than a transactional service.

Founded in 2024 by Stephanie Godoy and her husband Spencer, the firm was built to serve both individuals and small business owners who needed more than basic tax prep. They needed clarity, consistency, and someone willing to sit beside them instead of across a desk. From day one, the mission was simple: stop treating people like files and start treating them like partners.

Stephanie puts it plainly. “The partnership mindset started out of necessity, not strategy. When I launched S. Godoy & Associates, many of the clients who came through the door were already behind, overwhelmed, or had been brushed off elsewhere. They didn’t need another firm to lecture them. They needed someone willing to sit with them, explain things clearly, and help them move forward without judgment.”

That mindset shapes everything they do. Clients don’t just come in once a year to “clean things up.” The firm works in real time, helping people make better decisions as they’re running their businesses, not after the damage is done. Once accounts are stabilized, they’re maintained monthly, creating rhythm instead of panic.

Stephanie’s decision to launch her own firm came from watching fear dominate the financial lives of business owners. “I kept seeing people come in not because they were ready to grow, but because they were scared. IRS letters, state notices, penalties stacking up, and no one explaining what was happening. What bothered me most was the shame. People felt embarrassed for being behind when they really just needed guidance.”

Spencer brings a different lens to the firm, one rooted in systems and operations rather than traditional accounting. “A lot of financial problems aren’t really accounting problems at all. They’re process problems. Invoices not going out, payments not tracked, accounts not organized. When systems are broken, everything downstream feels chaotic.” CONTINUED

His role is about structure and flow, making sure money, information, and decisions move cleanly through a business. “Clear systems and processes that work in real life lower stress and create confidence. When the foundation is solid, the numbers tell a much clearer story.”

“A LOT OF FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AREN’T REALLY ACCOUNTING PROBLEMS AT ALL. THEY’RE PROCESS PROBLEMS. INVOICES NOT GOING OUT, PAYMENTS NOT TRACKED, ACCOUNTS NOT ORGANIZED. WHEN SYSTEMS ARE BROKEN, EVERYTHING DOWNSTREAM FEELS CHAOTIC.”

The firm also plays an active role in Rockwall and Wylie, working closely with nonprofits and community organizations. That community presence isn’t branding, it’s part of their identity. They see their clients as neighbors, partners, and people they’re invested in long term.

One of Stephanie’s most meaningful client moments captures the heart of the firm.

“A client sat across from me, hands shaking, admitting they hadn’t opened their IRS letters in months. So we did it together. One envelope at a time. Once it was all out in the open, the fear faded. By the end of the meeting, the panic was gone. They weren’t behind anymore, they had clarity.”

That’s the quiet power of S. Godoy & Associates. Calm replaces fear. Structure replaces chaos. Confidence replaces uncertainty.

When financial services often feel cold and impersonal, this firm offers something rare, partnership, consistency, and real human connection. Not just for tax season, but for every season of business.

Because the best financial guidance doesn’t just balance books. It steadies lives.

Stephanie and Spencer Godoy may be reached at (469) 314-1120, or book a consultation through their website at https://www. sgodoyassociatesllc.com/bookonline.

UNLOCK YOUR

ATHLETIC POTENTIAL

WITH WHAT IS

As an athlete, your body needs to be at its best to keep your edge. Stretch Zone's practitioner-assisted stretching uses our patented stabilization system and proprietary tables to help you perform better, move more efficiently, and recover faster. From high school students to weekend warriors, Stretch Zone is your game changer!

PRACTITIONER-ASSISTED STRETCHING?

Unlike stretching at home, our certified practitioners provide personalized stretches tailored to your needs. We do all the work, you get all the benefits.

ROCKWALL

2455 Ridge Rd, Ste 100, Rockwall, TX 75087 (469) 272-8969

Investing in Creative Community

Rockwall Art League’s Library Classes Nurture Creativity, Connection, and Lifelong Artistic Growth

When the Rockwall Art League hosts a class at the Rockwall County Library, the space takes on a different energy. Art supplies, which are provided free of charge to attendees, spread across the tables. Neighbors settle in beside one another. What begins as a simple class often becomes something more—a shared creative experience that brings people together through learning and expression.

The Rockwall Art League’s partnership with the library has created an accessible entry point into the arts for residents of all ages and experience levels. Hosted in a familiar and accessible public space, the classes remove many of the barriers that keep people from exploring their creative side. There is no requirement to be a professional artist or have prior training. The only expectation is a willingness to try.

Each class is designed to be welcoming and hands-on, guided by experienced local artists who understand that creativity flourishes best in a supportive environment. Participants learn practical techniques while also gaining confidence in their own artistic voice. For some, the class becomes a relaxing outlet. For others, it marks the beginning of a deeper artistic journey that continues well beyond the library walls.

ARTICLE BY DEREK PRICE, EVP OF MARKETING, ROCKWALL ART LEAGUE

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ROCKWALL ART LEAGUE

The impact extends beyond individual participants. Programs like ArtREACH and SHINE are designed specifically to bring art to individuals who might otherwise have limited access, including adults with disabilities and those facing social or economic barriers. These classes and outreach efforts emphasize creativity, confidence, and connection, reinforcing the idea that the arts belong to everyone.

While the library classes and outreach programs are a cornerstone of the League’s mission, they are only part of a broader effort to place art into everyday community life. Throughout the year, the Rockwall Art League organizes exhibitions and partnerships that give artists meaningful visibility while meeting residents where they already gather. Recent exhibitions at The Hub at Fate Station and Black Rifle Coffee are examples of this approach, transforming familiar community spaces into places for discovery and conversation through art.

In addition to these rotating exhibitions, the League hosts juried shows, workshops, and special events that celebrate local and regional talent. A major fall exhibition last year drew entries and attention from beyond state borders, underscoring Rockwall’s growing reputation as a supportive and vibrant arts community. Each initiative reinforces the idea that the arts are not a luxury, but a vital community asset.

Education remains central to everything the League does. Programs are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means introducing children to art for the first time, supporting emerging artists, or providing ongoing enrichment and social opportunities for seasoned creatives. This long-term approach reflects a

belief that investing in the arts pays dividends over time, not just culturally, but socially and economically as well.

The League also serves as a steward of Rockwall’s creative ecosystem, supporting artists while encouraging public engagement. By connecting artists, residents and local institutions, the organization helps ensure that creativity remains an integral part of the city’s identity.

For those interested in getting involved, attending a library class is often the easiest place to start. It offers a low-pressure opportunity to experience the League’s welcoming culture firsthand. From there, many participants discover exhibitions, events, and volunteer opportunities that deepen their connection to the local arts scene.

In a fast-growing community, thoughtful investment matters. Through its library classes, outreach programs, and year-round exhibitions, the Rockwall Art League is making a meaningful investment in creativity, connection, and the shared future of Rockwall.

To learn more about upcoming classes, exhibitions and events, visit rockwallartleague.org

YOU CALL... WE ANSWER POWERED

At HomeBank Texas, we still answer the phone—and we still believe in personal service. It may sound simple, but these days, it means everything.

Because the best banking decisions aren’t automated. They’re personal. Here, you’ll find experienced bankers who listen, understand, and care about your goals. No chatbots. No endless prompts. Just real conversations and real solutions—tailored to you.

SEAGOVILLE DALLAS

NMLS ID# 469538

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Banking Local

HOMEBANK TEXAS IS INVESTED IN THE COMMUNITY, INVESTED IN YOU

ARTICLE BY DAWN REDIG, BRN MEDIA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOMEBANK TEXAS

Banking locally is more than just managing your finances. It’s an investment in the well-being and future of your community. By choosing a local bank, you empower an institution that gets to know its customers and is dedicated to supporting neighborhood schools and organizations, helping build a stronger community.

For over 70 years, HomeBank Texas has been a trusted financial partner for Rockwall families and businesses alike, fostering growth and relationships built on trust, integrity, and personalized service. As a locally owned and operated bank, HBTX embodies the spirit of community banking—where decisions are made locally, and the focus is always on the people they serve.

From its humble beginnings to its status as a trusted financial institution, HBTX has always prioritized relationship banking. “We believe in getting to know our customers,” says Landon Lowry, HBTX Chief Executive Officer. “Understanding your goals and dreams allows us to offer financial solutions that truly fit your life.” This commitment to building relationships is what sets HomeBank apart in an increasingly impersonal financial world.

At the heart of HomeBank’s mission is a dedication to supporting the local community. Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses, the bank actively invests in the future of the neighborhoods it serves. Whether sponsoring local sports teams

or organizing food drives and holiday giving campaigns, HBTX is a true community partner.

“We’re here to serve the community, not just financially, but as neighbors,” says Kelli Delozier, Rockwall Market President. “At the end of the day, it’s all about people. Our customers aren’t just account numbers. They’re our neighbors, our friends, and our partners in building a stronger community.”

Chief Lending Officer Eric Stacey adds that as a community bank, HBTX is uniquely positioned to adapt quickly and offer tailored solutions that larger banks may overlook. By taking the time to work through individual challenges, HBTX ensures that each customer receives thoughtful and personalized support. This flexibility is a hallmark of the bank’s customer-focused approach.

Stacey explains, “When other banks might say no, HomeBank takes pride in finding ways to say yes, helping local entrepreneurs turn dreams into realities with flexible small business loans and creative solutions.”

While honoring tradition, HBTX also embraces innovation to meet the changing needs of its customers. Offering a blend of modern digital banking tools alongside classic in-person service, the bank ensures that every customer—from young professionals to retirees—finds the solutions they need. With mobile banking, online bill pay, and other convenient services, HBTX delivers the perfect balance of accessibility and reliability.

“We understand life is full of financial milestones and challenges,” adds Stacey. “Whether you’re starting a family, expanding your business, or planning for retirement, we’re here to support you at every stage of your journey. As your trusted financial partner, we celebrate your successes, navigate uncertainties together, and remain steadfast in our commitment to your financial well-being.”

Visit HomeBank’s locations in Rockwall (105 E. Ralph Hall Parkway), Dallas (3637 Buckner Boulevard), and Seagoville (601 N. Highway 175). Lobby hours: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drive-through hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. Rockwall and Seagoville offer 24-hour ATM service. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 469538

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

realty report

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. PROVEN RESULTS. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

Every great real estate journey begins with a conversation. Known for exceptional negotiation skills, deep local expertise, and a commitment to going the extra mile, The Sarah Naylor Team is proud to serve Rockwall County and the surrounding communities. Whether buying or selling, we’re here to guide you, advocate for you, and earn your trust every step of the way.

Raising Money-Smart Kids

TEACHING FINANCIAL LITERACY AT EVERY AGE

ARTICLE BY ANGI BURNS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TY HARPER PHOTOGRAPHY

In a world of one-click purchases, digital wallets, and instant gratification, teaching children the value of money is more important than ever. Financial literacy is not just about dollars and cents. It is about responsibility, discipline, confidence, and long-term security. When we start early and build intentionally, we give the next generation one of the greatest gifts possible: financial independence and opportunity.

Financial stress is one of the leading causes of anxiety in adulthood. When we teach children how to earn, save, invest, and spend wisely, we give them more than knowledge. We give them confidence and freedom.

Here is how to teach money skills at every stage, from preschool to young adulthood.

EARLY CHILDHOOD (AGES 3–7): BUILD THE FOUNDATION

Young children learn best through play, visuals, and repetition. At this stage, focus on helping them understand that money is earned and choices matter.

• Use clear jars labeled Save, Spend, and Give so they can see money grow.

• Divide birthday money or small allowances into the jars together.

• Read age-appropriate books about earning and saving.

• Play simple money-themed games like Monopoly Junior.

• Offer paid “extra jobs” beyond regular chores to connect effort with income.

Lesson:  When children see that money is earned and managed, they begin building healthy financial habits early.

ELEMENTARY YEARS (AGES 8–12): TEACH PLANNING AND PATIENCE

As children mature, they are ready to set goals and practice delayed gratification.

• Tie allowance to a simple budget that includes saving and spending.

• Help them save for a specific goal instead of buying items for them.

• Encourage small business ventures like lemonade stands, lawn care, craft sales, pet sitting, or Girl Scout cookie sales.

• Review earnings together and discuss profit, spending, and saving.

• Open a savings account to introduce the concept of earning interest.

Lesson: Learning to plan, save, and earn builds patience, confidence, and decision-making skills.

TEENAGE YEARS (AGES 13–18): PRACTICE REAL-WORLD RESPONSIBILITY

The teen years are when financial habits begin to solidify and independence increases.

• Encourage a part-time job to teach time management and responsibility.

• Review pay stubs together and explain taxes and deductions.

• Create a simple monthly budget that includes saving a percentage of income.

• Introduce compound interest and basic investing concepts.

• Discuss college costs, scholarships, savings plans, and student loan realities.

Lesson: Financial choices made during the teen years can shape long-term freedom and opportunity.

YOUNG ADULTS (AGES

18–25):

BUILD INDEPENDENCE AND STRATEGY

As young adults enter college or the workforce, financial decisions carry real consequences.

• Teach responsible credit card use and the importance of paying balances in full.

• Explain credit scores and how they impact renting, car loans, and future borrowing.

• Encourage building an emergency fund with several months of expenses.

• Promote living within their means and avoiding lifestyle inflation.

• Start retirement savings early through employer plans or individual accounts.

Lesson: Intentional financial planning in early adulthood creates long-term stability and wealth-building potential. By modeling healthy financial habits, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, and creating opportunities to practice money management at every age, we set the next generation up not just to survive financially, but to thrive.

“When we start early and build intentionally, we give the next generation one of the greatest gifts possible: financial independence and opportunity.”

APRIL 4TH

Heart of Heath 5K

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Towne Center Park: 200 Laurence Dr, Heath, TX 75032 | 7:00 AM

Celebrate community spirit at this beloved annual race supporting Heath’s parks and trails. Enjoy a chip-timed 5K, family-friendly run, lively music, warm-ups, prize drawings, and festive post-race fun including playground activities and local food vendors. It’s fitness with purpose and heart. Register at www.heathtx.com/heart-of-heath.

APRIL 4TH

Easter on the Farm

Huddin Homestead Fun Farm: 1666 FM1141, Rockwall, TX 75087 | 10:00 AM

Celebrate spring at this annual Easter celebration, where families can enjoy festive egg hunts and a charming visit with the Easter Bunny. Included with farm admission, this delightful countryside gathering offers wholesome fun and seasonal cheer. Visit the website to see cute animal pictures and plan your day at www.huddinfarm.com/easter-events.

APRIL 11TH

Aspasians

Spring Marketplace

Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium Parking Lot: 1215 T L Townsend Dr., Rockwall, TX 75087 | 8:30 AM

Discover a vibrant shopping tradition where more than 200 curated vendors showcase distinctive gifts, artisan crafts, and gourmet delights. This beloved community marketplace blends festive charm with purpose, supporting college scholarships for Rockwall County seniors. It’s an elevated day of retail and generosity. Learn about the impact (and the shopping!) at www.aspasians.org/marketplace.

APRIL 18TH

8th Annual Texas Pie Fest

Tate Farms: 12992 FM 548, Rockwall, TX 75032 | 10:00 AM

Indulge in a jubilant celebration devoted entirely to pie, where acclaimed bakers from across Texas showcase irresistible sweet creations. Enjoy artisan vendors, elevated food trucks, spirited baking and eating contests, and playful festivities that honor this beloved dessert. It is a flavorful experience not to be missed. Plan your visit at www.txpiefest.com.

APRIL 25TH

10th Annual Go Blue for Kids Gala

Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront: 2055 Summer Lee Dr., Rockwall, TX 75032 | 6:00 PM

Celebrate a decade of impact at this elegant evening benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County. Enjoy champagne receptions, curated experiences, live and silent auctions, interactive games, and a high-energy dance party, all in support of children affected by abuse. Learn more about the impact and reserve your seat at www.rockwallcac.org.

APRIL 25TH

Family Fishing Derby

Pickens Lake at Harry Myers Park: 925 E Washington St., Rockwall, TX 75087 | 9:00 AM

Cast a line and create lasting memories at this beloved community fishing derby designed for young anglers. With age-based competitions, prizes for biggest and most catches, and a welcoming lakeside atmosphere, it’s a morning of friendly competition and outdoor fun. See the rules and get hooked by visiting www.rockwall.com/parks_outdoor_recreation.asp.