I visited with a couple this week who were seeking to get on a sound financial track. I asked what steps they had taken, and the reply was that they had read 12 books on the subject. When I questioned what they had learned there was a slight pause before both laughed as one said,…
Most middle-school children know Newtons third law of motion. “To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” This law applies to everything in life, not just physical objects in motion. Newtons’ law plays a key role in financial matters. Failing to account for it may lead to disasters such as our current battle…
Economic news shows often sound like someone pounding a single key on the piano. This week it’s all about the coming recession. Analysts are falling over each other trying to guess the date and time it will officially begin, with side predictions on how deep and long it will be. Financial talk shows pit financial…
One day I decided to walk home from work. My office was about 3 miles from home with much of the journey along a beautiful city trail with the remaining mile following a busy roadway. As I walked that last stretch, I had several good neighbors who were driving by, slow down and offer me…
Years ago, a large fund family sent out an advertisement showing a young boy at a table in front of a plate of peas. He was clearly unhappy with his meal given the expression on his face. The caption read, “This is what buying low feels like.” That ad is so true. When things are…
On a recent trip to Florence Italy Launa and I headed out for a walk to some landscaped arches we briefly passed by earlier. Soon it began to rain. We are always prepared for rain, but even an umbrella and good coat can’t keep you dry when the storm gets bad. Before long, our shoes…
When a bully appears on the playground he is often met with the phrase, “Go pick on someone your own size.” I find it interesting that the expression doesn’t find any fault with picking on someone. It only focuses on the fairness of the target. Children seem to naturally understand fairness. Adults understand fairness too.…
Our family’s love of theme parks began when Launa directed the Dixie Children’s Choir and took them on a performance trip every year. We enjoyed watching the kid’s excitement as they passed by us throughout the day, hurrying to the next ride. From those days we have continued our theme park tradition, even taking time…
Even though I try to eat a fairly balanced diet, I have been known to enjoy a good Krispy Kreme doughnut now and then. In fact, I was recently at the grocery store picking up some salad fixings when the doughnut delivery guy showed up. As he stacked the freshly filled boxes near the self-checkout…
The largest single financial transaction you are likely to make will be on the day you die. On that day you instantly transfer your entire accumulated net worth, to someone else. It is amazing therefore, how little thought many people put into that moment. I see people spend more time planning a child’s birthday gift…