I’m not one who spends money easily or frivolously. It should surprise no one that at some point in a purchase decision I will deliberate on the cost of the item in question. Can I afford it? Is it within my budget? Is this a wise use of my money? Will I derive sufficient value? […]
One of the core tenets of living in the United States is a right we revere: “Freedom of Speech.” Within very broad limits (such as not screaming “Fire” in a crowded room) we, in the USA, enjoy the freedom to say what we want, when we want, and in the way we want. At least […]
I don’t know if I wasn’t listening or am slow to catch on, but it wasn’t until later in life that I realized how to land a job: Silly me. I thought that people should just hire me because I could do the work—and would do it well. (I wouldn’t have applied if I didn’t […]
Capitalism is under fire. Pundits take potshots at capitalism. They decry its evil nature and harmful outcomes. Indeed much of this criticism is warranted. Just look at the many people who practice it wrong. I call this, greedy capitalism. Greedy Capitalism Greedy capitalism is the insatiable lust for more. Profits, not for any real purpose […]
Several years ago, the United States made a concerted political push to increase home ownership rates. The idea was to help renters become buyers. Politicians argued this would have many benefits for those who made the jump. This included an increased standard of living, greater self-esteem, and financial security (by building up equity). As a […]
When asked “How much would be enough?”, John D. Rockefeller reportedly answered, “just a little bit more.” That push for more has propelled people to accomplish some amazing things, but left unchecked and unexamined it can leave a wake of devastation—destroying lives, organizations, and resources. When the push for more focuses on wealth, it is […]
With Christmas and New Years Behind Us, It Is Time to Get Things Back to Normal It’s great to have time off from work for the holidays, wonderful to spend time with family, and enjoyable to feast upon holiday foods and delectable deserts. However, it is also good to return to a regular routine—for things […]
It’s important to set goals, both for our work and for our self. Goals Move Us Forward Without goals, it’s easy to drift from day to day, week to week, month to month, and year to year—and nothing really changes. One of my goals is to attend two writing conferences each year. This helps grow […]
Ringing in the New Year often marks a time for making resolutions. Common New Year’s resolutions include losing weight, saving money, studying more, finding a better job, improving a relationship, being kinder or more generous, drinking less, and so on. Well-Intentioned Resolutions Usually these well-intentioned resolutions are short-lived. Aside from being vague and difficult to […]
With Thanksgiving behind me and Christmas cheer beckoning me forward, it’s hard to think about the new year and the task of making an annual budget. You do have an annual budget, don’t you? I do—and I encourage you to use one, too. Although I’m an organized person with a penchant for planning, I don’t […]