In high school I enjoyed debate. Our teacher did not allow us to choose sides, but randomly assigned us to our positions. Even though I was often assigned to support positions I strongly disagreed with, I put all my energy into studying and defending the side I was assigned to. In the process, I gained…
DetailsI planted a nice tomato garden this year, given the extra time I have been spending around the home. I took time to tie each plant carefully to a pole and trim the lower leaves to create airflow and avoid disease. I have been pretty proud of that garden which is currently filled with beautiful…
DetailsIn the Wizard of Oz, Glenda warns the wicked witch of the west that she’d better watch out, “Before someone drops a house on you too.” I think many people are feeling this way today as we wait for the next disaster, wondering if it might land on us. Government actions have consequences. Dramatic actions…
DetailsThe cause of most airplane accidents boils down to two pilot related issues, insufficient knowledge and poor judgement. Although knowledge doesn’t always result in good judgement, the lack of it will usually lead to bad decisions. One of my favorite childhood cartoon shorts ended with the phrase, “Knowledge is power.” That phrase never left me…
DetailsOur family has a little thing we do when, if we really want to buy something that is too expensive we say, “Imagine what it would cost if you bought it at Disneyland?” This always generates a chuckle and then makes whatever we want to buy seem cheap in comparison. I‘m pretty sure this is…
DetailsIn Utah, a largely desert land, we have endured many flash floods. One that hit in 2012 destroyed a dam which severely damaged my home and 65 of my neighbors’ as well. Within an hour volunteers showed up at my home to shovel, clean and tear down that which was destroyed. The community help was…
DetailsIn the midst of our current huge financial crisis, a prominent national publication released its annual list of the top financial advisors in America. I suppose maybe this is a good time for people to know who to turn to for their financial advice, so I read through the article. In the very small print…
DetailsMany have asked me why the stock market is doing relatively well, while the economic numbers keep getting worse. There are several reasons for this phenomenon so let’s review a couple things that are going on. High unemployment. The unemployment numbers are off the charts, which would normally indicate tough times ahead. However, consider this issue…
DetailsLast week I took an essential business trip to Colorado, which resulted in my booking a room at a well-known national hotel chain. As I approached the hotel I saw there were no cars in the parking lot. The place, which had only opened in the past six months, was a complete ghost town. My…
DetailsAs a financial advisor and a pilot, I consider myself a good risk manager but I can’t hold a candle to my wife. She has given birth to seven children. She told me that if you can survive pregnancy and childbirth, you can do anything. I believe it. With each child I have seen Launa…
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