Archive for December, 2009
14 Laws of Successful Investing: Part 1–Focus on Your Real Return
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“Any investment strategy that fails to recognize the insidious effect of taxes and inflation fails to recognize the true nature of the investment environment and thus is severely handicapped.” Sir John Templeton
“We just want something safe. We don’t want to take any chances on losing our money. We want something secure and guaranteed by the government.” The couple I was meeting with in my office one afternoon was explaining their goals for retirement. They were in their early sixties and had saved enough to supplement social security with a meager income.
I said, “Do you realize over the next 30 years of your retirement, with average levels of inflation, the cost of living will triple. So what you are living on the first day of your retirement needs to triple as well just to stay even.” Read More→
One Man’s Solution to the Unemployment Problem
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There he is twirling and dancing on roller blades at one of the busiest intersections in Fresno. The signboard strapped to his back reads “Cash for Gold” and advertizes a local jewelry store/ pawn shop. He is skating, playing the guitar and singing along with his boom box. People definitely see his sign though I don’t know if they visit the jewelry shop. Day after day he’s out there doing his thing with all of his energy.
A few months ago, a local newspaper did a feature article on him. He’s a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. He was out of work and needed a job so he applied for this one. He said he loves to be outside and roller blade. He also loves playing the guitar, singing and entertaining people. Seems like he created his dream job. He thought outside the box and threw in a huge helping of enthusiasm . Read More→
Enjoy the Journey!
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“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. . . . The thrill of possibility. . . .” Seth Godin.
Ok, I admit it, I’m a type A, goal-focused personality. I always have a list of things to accomplish and feel most comfortable checking them off. Not the best personality for enjoying the journey. I can become so engrossed accomplishing my goals I sometimes forget to just enjoy the moments. I look back with a sense of satisfaction at all I’ve achieved. Yet also long for the wasted days I spent focused only on tomorrow. Often I don’t enjoy the journey enough. And accomplishing one more goal is great but sometimes empty because there are always more. Read More→
Discovering Life Beyond Success
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A Navy Seal officer spoke at our Rotary club a few months ago. He was in his late thirties, trim, confident yet humble. He had served several tours overseas in combat areas.
During his last duty in Iraq his squad was ambushed. Several were killed in the firefight and he was wounded. He was shipped home to a military hospital for care. During his stay he met many soldiers who had been severely injured Read More→
