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A self-made man
My father died twenty-four years ago today. As I drove to the airport this morning — I'm on a short trip to San Diego — my mind drifted back to him and what he was like. I don't think of Dad often...
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The power of focus: Why you should tackle one goal at a time
I used to be the sort of guy who loved to have a list of goals. At least once a year — usually around New Year — I'd sit down and make a list of all the things that were wrong with me, all of the...
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More money, less happiness: When money makes you miserable
Money, the conventional wisdom says, doesn't buy happiness. Modern psychology seems to back this up, with studies suggesting that beyond an income of $75,000, money doesn't make you any happier. This...
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How couples can create a shared plan for the future
J.D.'s Intro Last December, I took a trip to Europe with my cousin Duane. Before I left, I received email from a GRS reader named Matthias. “If you come through Switzerland, let me know,” he said. The...
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Six simple money habits that changed my life
Habits play such an important role in every aspect of your life. And those habits, good or bad, are reflected in your finances. Some of our habits are small, almost insignificant. Over time, though,...
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The flywheel of wealth (and the importance of patience)
His name is Dave. A retired Naval officer, he’s written two novels and about to publish his third. His books (thrillers in the style of Dan Brown and John Grisham) have been well received and even won...
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Does the world of personal finance need more politics?
Note: I've added a short addendum to this piece in an attempt to clarify some things. This may or may not have helped. Earlier this week at The Washington Post, Helaine Olen wrote that the world of...
View ArticleHow I’m fighting chronic depression and anxiety
Hello, friends! I have four money articles in progress, plus I'm editing several guest posts for future publication. But today I want to give a brief update on my mental health. My depression and...
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How Americans spend money: A look at the latest Consumer Expenditure Survey
When I discuss American spending habits, I try to cite specific numbers. Sometimes people write to ask where I get my info. Simple. Whenever I cite figures about American earning, saving, and spending,...
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How adopting two girls changed my money mindset
I’ll never forget the moment I got the text message from my wife: “Do you want to adopt two girls?” I was at work. We'd been exploring adoption for the previous year but had hit some roadblocks....
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Our first annual family meeting
Yesterday, to celebrate Thanksgiving, Kim and I instituted what we hope will become an annual tradition. Yesterday, we held our first annual family meeting. Kim approached me with the idea last week....
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Different strokes for different folks
A couple of weeks ago, I stopped in to visit Prosperity Pie Shoppe, a local dessert and coffee place co-owned by Luna Jaffe. Jaffe is a sort of wonder woman who blends art, psychotherapy, and financial...
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When to follow the rules — and when to break them
Last night's recipe from HelloFresh was Bulgogi Pork Tenderloin. As always, the instructions were clear and easy to follow. As always, it took me about twice as long to prep things as the recipe card...
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The clean slate
I'm pleased to report that seventeen days into 2020, my mental health seems to be making some marked improvements. I'm happy, engaged, and productive. I'm not ready to claim victory over my anxiety and...
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Moderators and abstainers
When I was a boy, I told my father I wanted a fish. I meant that I wanted a little orange goldfish in a small bowl that might live on the kitchen counter, just like other kids have. My dad knew that....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Our first annual family meeting
Yesterday, to celebrate Thanksgiving, Kim and I instituted what we hope will become an annual tradition. Yesterday, we held our first annual family meeting. Kim approached me with the idea last week....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Different strokes for different folks
A couple of weeks ago, I stopped in to visit Prosperity Pie Shoppe, a local dessert and coffee place co-owned by Luna Jaffe. Jaffe is a sort of wonder woman who blends art, psychotherapy, and financial...
View ArticleClik here to view.
When to follow the rules — and when to break them
Last night's recipe from HelloFresh was Bulgogi Pork Tenderloin. As always, the instructions were clear and easy to follow. As always, it took me about twice as long to prep things as the recipe card...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The clean slate
I'm pleased to report that seventeen days into 2020, my mental health seems to be making some marked improvements. I'm happy, engaged, and productive. I'm not ready to claim victory over my anxiety and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Moderators and abstainers
When I was a boy, I told my father I wanted a fish. I meant that I wanted a little orange goldfish in a small bowl that might live on the kitchen counter, just like other kids have. My dad knew that....
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