I’ve been thinking lately about what makes a good friend. Is it someone who listens to you and holds your hand when you’re feeling down? Is it someone who doesn’t judge you and just loves you -- warts and all? Maybe a good friend is a person who laughs with you and tells you you’re funny – even when you aren’t. Or perhaps it is someone who gives freely of their time, their attention or – better yet -- their kidney.

What is financial stability and what does it look like in today’s economy? According to University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center, nearly 25 percent of Virginia Households don’t earn enough money to meet their basic needs, and about 28 percent lack cash savings, stocks or other financial assets to cover short-term emergency expenses.

If you’ve been keeping up with Charlottesville Inside-Out this season, you know we’ve covered a lot of interesting topics so far. For example, I had a great time playing music with Ellis Paul, one of the leading voices in American songwriting, and learning more about his craft. And I really enjoyed visiting Morven Farm, a historical “think-tank” located in one of the most beautiful spots in Albemarle County.