Stampylonghead has started to play a role in my life. He and his friends are required characters in my bedtime stories to my boys. It’s not a problem, since I can roll with just about anyone in my stories – I’ve been able to seamlessly weave Skylanders, Octonauts, Godzilla, Woody and Buzz, my two sons, […]
Stampylonghead and the Beauty of Leverage Read More »
Let’s say you’re thinking of having a child. There are lots of ways to pull this off nowadays, but for simplicity and imagery, we’ll assume you’re part of a man / woman couple and will attempt conception in the “traditional” way. After perhaps years of practice, most of it hopefully quite fun, you’re about to
Get In the Mood…with Life Insurance Read More »
You do not want to hear this from your doctor. It’s the famous euphemism for, “You’re about to die – soon – so get your s*** together, say your goodbyes, and make sure you still fit in your dark blue suit.” “Getting your affairs in order” certainly sounds better, sort of like you have a
“You Need to Get Your Affairs in Order” Read More »
Recently our TV died, or came as close to it as it could (I’ve got grand plans to order a part and try to fix it, but that’s another story). Despite not subscribing to cable, our loss underscored how dependent we were on a TV as a medium. With Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, youtube, over
Dumb TV’s Are a Dying Breed Read More »
Generally, being a frugal person is cool on a number of levels. You save a lot more money. You aren’t driven crazy by the latest fads. Breaking your phone is not a major tragedy. But being frugal is not about seeing a bunch of awesome and popular things that you desperately want, and then having
For The Man Who Has Everything Read More »
After carefully examining all of the options, the missus and I were ready to execute on our 7 year old’s allowance. We decided to “Pay Allowance for a Wider Role / Increased Responsibilities”. The steady stream would allow my son to get used to managing money and hopefully hit our top objectives of teaching saving,
Allowances, the Zoo, and Marshmallows – Foundations for Financial Success Read More »
Kids are expensive. I fully understood that at a conceptual level before I signed on, but I’m always amazed at the new and interesting ways the cost manifests itself. Diapers and formula provided the first kick in the nuts, and they’ve been followed by an unending expense stream of the large (daycare, college saving), the
Capping Your Liability: The Allowance as a Training Tool Read More »
When I was younger, I worked at a consultancy with a friend who was a little older and wiser than me. One day he got to talking about his “number” – what it would take for him to be able to walk away from work and retire. This gentleman’s number, at the time (circa 1995),
Your Number Is Not a Moving Target Read More »
Debt is the ultimate anti-asset. It’s kryptonite to any early retirement dreams you might have, and applied in large enough doses, it can keep you from ever escaping a paycheck to paycheck, income-based life. Everyone knows that debt is dreadful, but fully understanding how truly bad it is a 3 step process. 1. Debt is
Financial Lessons from the World’s Most Ubiquitous Combat Rifle When the AK-47 was released, it earned the contempt of Western armies. It continues to earn the contempt of many gun enthusiasts today. It is cheaply made. It has, at best, average accuracy. It is an incredibly old design (the “47” refers to 1947, its first
In Praise of the AK-47 Read More »