What’s the most overused phrase in the English language? Here’s a vote for “the new normal.” (“At the end of the day” runs a close second.) Pundits talk endlessly about “the new normal” in healthcare, politics, foreign relations, sexuality, the climate, the workplace—you name it. One exception is the financial world where I’m seeing a …
I grew up watching Let’s Make a Deal with Monty Hall. Eager audience members would scream wildly, pleading with Monty to pick them to play the game. Once Hall had chosen someone to play, announcer Jay Stewart would bring down what looked to me like a TV dinner trey with a small package on it. …
“I should get on a budget.” Ever say that? It’s really an admission that budgeting isn’t easy or fun. (If it were, everyone would be doing it, right?) So, if you’re one of those who doesn’t have a budget, why bother trying to create and live by one? Because having a firm spending plan—which is …
“Honey!” the mother pleads, looking into her adult daughter’s eyes. “I just want you to be happy. Listen to your heart!” This line (or one like it) shows up in every sappy Hallmark movie I watch with my wife. I can’t imagine worse advice to give someone—whether in the area of romance, parenting, career advancement, …
In my 100% polyester, off-white leisure suit with its bell-bottomed pants and extra wide lapels, I thought I was hot stuff. My lime green nylon shirt sported a lion’s head on the back. My ensemble was made complete with platform shoes and a puka shell necklace. Oh, and I should mention my hair—blown dry and …
No matter why I go see my doctor, he always does a few things first. Whether I’m complaining of cold or flu symptoms, or getting an annual physical, he first listens to my heartbeat, assesses my breathing (with an extra cold stethoscope), and looks down my throat, up my nose, through my ears, and into …
What a year it’s been financially! Here’s a snapshot… A year ago, the stock market, as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, closed at 34,390. Today (I’m writing this on September 30, 2022) the Dow stands at 28,725—about 17% lower! Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has been falling since early January! A year ago, an …
“You’re saying I should invest NOW?” Jordan almost choked as he thrust the heavy weights over his head. He and his buddy Patrick regularly solved all the world’s problems during their noon workouts. On this day, the conversation had turned to personal finance. “Dude, the stock market is HORRIBLE!” Jordan said emphatically as he set …
“I have some other things I’d like to do,” he said with a slight hesitation in his voice. “So, I don’t think I can commit to that right now.” He was responding to my encouragement that he establish a regular saving plan. How unfortunate. Because except for those rare souls who win the lottery or …
One of my clients emailed me recently, saying “People keep sending me this video. What am I missing?” The video featured an attractive young man. He was glib, funny, a bit ironic, and full of confidence. The gist of his message was “Borrow money at 4% and invest it at 8%, and you’ll make a …
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