When I was growing up in the 80’s my parents made it clear that in order to succeed that I had to do well in school, get into college, pick a practical major and become a doctor, engineer, lawyer or some other high earning profession.
This was the path; this is what you had to do to be a success; this is what you did to have a happy fulfilled life.
Yes, we knew back then that there were other paths, entertainment, sports etc. But this was pre-internet, when there were still gatekeepers keeping people out of those industries, and…
We live in an attention-grabbing world. A world where people make money off how much of your attention they can attract.
It is a world quite different from how it was only a couple of decades ago.
What it used to be like
I know I developed talents and knowledge when I was younger that I am certain if I grew up in today’s world I would not have.
I have spent hours reading about history for example. Nowadays I get curious about something and google it, go look it up online and I’ve got my answer. …
There are basically only two types of jobs in the world. You either work for someone else or you work for yourself.
Let’s talk about some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Working for a paycheck
Working for someone can be a great job or not so great job. The problem is which one it is, is mostly out of your hands.
But overall, there is absolutely nothing wrong with working for a paycheck.
I think that everyone needs to do this once in their life. If for no other reason to have built up some character and work…
Working remote means autonomy to many. But full autonomy to me means the ability to work remote but also the ability to decide when and how much.
Which basically means working for yourself.
I’m pretty sure, that’s the ultimate autonomy people are seeking even if they haven’t realized it yet.
And you might get there quicker and be able to sustain that lifestyle longer by spending time in the office.
There are a lot of people out there right now looking to take advantage of their work from home freedoms.
Now, that companies are allowing people to work from home…
Have more cash at the end of the year. Plus 2021 IRS contribution limits for your 401K, IRA and HSA.
If you’re planning on saving some money in 2021 for retirement you might as well do it in the most tax efficient way. For the very simple reason that you actually increase the amount of cash you get to keep at the end of the year.
I don’t think most people can really conceptualize this when deciding between their traditional and roth 401K.
But it’s quite true.
FYI, this article is focused on the U.S. …
Government has given out trillions in stimulus to businesses and corporations and just allowed crumbs to individuals.
We need to put guardrails in place so that Government cannot do this again. Never again should we let our politicians provide Government assistance to companies instead of people.
The approach we know that politicians and pundits always push is that we cannot let businesses fail. We can’t let the banks fail. We can’t let the airlines fail. We can’t let corporations of any kind fail. As far as I can tell from what the politicians and pundits tell us that is for…
I reached a point in my career where a couple of things happened that turned me into an asshole.
I was at a point in…
Tesla famously has zero sales and marketing budget yet has some of the best marketing of any company
Have you ever seen an add for Tesla on TV? Heard one on the radio? Seen one on Facebook, or off to the side in your Google search?
Nope, that’s because Tesla does not do any paid advertising. Similarly, they don’t have a network of auto dealerships with ads all over your local TV, and clowns and banners and those dancing wind puppet thingies.
Let me tell you how absurd this sounded to me when I first heard it especially given my…
But it’s hard to get started when you don’t have any money
To me minimalism is a beautiful concept. As someone who has adopted it I can tell you there is a progression to adopting it.
Here is the progression that I think most people follow.
1. Possessions
Initially when you first discover minimalism you apply it to your possessions.
You realize your wardrobe is overloaded and half or two-thirds of your stuff you have not used in over a year. So, you start throwing away clothes first and cleaning up your closet.
Then perhaps you move onto your garage…
College costs have been increasing at a faster rate than wages for the last forty years. The reason many of us are still willing to pay the increased tuition cost is that we perceive these institutions as brand names.
Finance professional with a passion for reading, writing, history, economics and the world.