Every morning I look forward to The Morning email from The New York Times. An article that ran not long ago struck a chord. It discussed “why economic inequality began soaring in the U.S. four decades ago.” The author, David Leonhardt, began: “If you look at historical data on the U.S. economy, you often notice …
Upward mobility: the capacity or facility for rising to a higher social or economic position. (Merriam-Webster) Not every person reading this blog strives for upward mobility, but I would wager that most of you do. It is the idea that you want to make a better life for yourself, your family, and your heirs. Some …
Do you remember our discussion about asset allocation? Asset allocation is the process of dividing the money in your investment portfolio among stocks, bonds, and cash which are also called asset classes. For a review of asset allocation, check my Asset Allocation = Investment Chili blog. As you allocate funds between the three asset classes, …
If you have spent any time on my website or are a regular reader of my blogs, you know that financial literacy is my passion. I mean PASSION! Throughout my career and in my life, the question I ask myself is: What is the best way I can help others? My book, How to Dress …
“Numbers, numbers, numbers! Everywhere I look there are numbers! I hate math, I hate numbers!” Wow! Does that sound like you? Maybe not every day, but some days? Right now, I am trying to put together all the forms and records needed to file my income tax and, I will tell you, there are days …
I need a new dress for the party! I want a new phone for Christmas. Need to stop at the grocery store? Do you want to build a snowman? Heard any of those? Of course you have! When you hear “need.…” or “want….,” do they feel different? If you heard your friend say, “I need …
Do you like to cook? Have a favorite recipe? Fall is here and one of my favorite things to make in the fall is chili. If you think about chili, there are three main ingredients—sauce, meat/beans (protein), and seasonings. You may make your chili from scratch or buy it from the deli or in a …
Polonius to Laertes, his son, in Act 1, Scene III, of Hamlet: “This above all: to thine own self be true.” William Shakespeare According to the website Literary Devices, Polonius, addressing his son, believed that “a person can be harmless and good to others when he is financially sound. Therefore, he must be loyal to …
How will you know you are there if you don’t know where you are going? Good question! Have you ever gotten in your car with no idea where you were going? The last time I remember doing that was cruising in high school. We’d hang out a while at Mabe’s Pizza hoping the guys we …
Has the pandemic made you anxious and afraid for your financial future? Some fears are more real than others. Some come from valid concerns—your past and family experiences—and some from sources that might not be so valid—the media and other influencers. What can you do about your fears? How can you squelch those uneasy feelings? …