Today we will tackle the burning question tormenting many a parent: “What martial art should my kid learn?” Some may be asking, “Wait a minute, what does this have to do with personal finance?” (You parents who have experience with kids’ martial arts, stop laughing.) Well, martial arts classes are often expensive. Really expensive. I …
We talk politics sometimes in our house. While we encourage a very open discourse and thoughtfully consider all sides of an issue, I always remind the boys that they should be silent – very silent – outside of the house. If hints of our open-mindedness (and dark sarcasm) went from my son to a friend …
I coach two youth soccer teams. They’re just recreational teams, so we’re not grooming future Premiership players or anything. I just focus on having fun and learning teamwork, and the boys, including my sons, seem to enjoy it. As the roster of one team expanded this fall, we added a few players. This is a …
An Asset or Liability for Your Child (You Decide) Read More »
Last year marked the official entry of my eldest son into the ranks of income earners. He started a little entrepreneurial venture and made a whopping $32. That was great on its own, but it also kicked open the door to a Roth IRA. For you non-Americans (or less savvy Americans), the Roth IRA is …
A little over 10 years ago, a fellow by the name of Randy Pausch was planning a speech at Carnegie Mellon University. Pausch was a professor there, and his speech was to be in the style of a “last lecture” – the lessons he’d want to impart if he were to give a final lecture …
Let’s start by addressing your concerns. “Paul, thanks, but I think I’ve had my fill of musical instrument talk for, well, let’s say ‘forever’. I’ll see you next week.” And I’ll say, “Hold on there, pardner.” ‘Cause even though today is an alto-saxophone-themed adventure story, it is rich with broader financial lessons. I promise. …
It appears the entrepreneurial seed has sprouted. At summer’s start, my eldest son was taking his first steps into a larger world. I had challenged him to make some money by any (legal) means he chose over the summer. While his first choice was a lemonade stand, he quickly saw its drawbacks. He asked me …
While I’m generally happy with how I’ve turned out, I do have one regret: I wish I had embraced entrepreneurship far earlier in my career. I’m trying to remedy that with my children. If I can plant the seed of entrepreneurship at an early age, I will consider it one of my greatest gifts to …
Last month our spring break travels took us, among other places, to New Mexico. We visited Las Cruces and had fun sledding on the dunes at the White Sands National Monument. We also saw a roadrunner statue made out of garbage. It was cool. Travel can be a pleasant break from your your normal routine. …
Last month, just before Christmas, I went to Las Vegas with my 7 y.o. son. It was awesome. You might think going to Vegas with a 7 y.o. is a bit of a contrarian play, and you’d be right. But my son has decided he wants to be a magician (so much for the ol’ …