“The Week in Review: Money Issues” is my weekly blog research on financial topics that define us as Americans, and shape the way we should do business.
Somebody pinch me!
Did my Phillies just actually win the World Series Wednesday night? I still can’t believe it, and it feels so good that I never wavered (not once) like some of the fair-weather fans that I grew up with (you know who you are, posers)! It just goes to show you: the longer you wait for something, the sweeter it’s going to be when it finally happens! Thank you, everyone on the 2008 team — you deserve this one (have fun at your parade)!
Before I head out of here for the weekend, I want to leave you with some of the good stuff that I came across while surfing this morning. Enjoy: Continued
Let me introduce you to my well-heeled tenant, William Burnthru Cash.
No, he’s not related to Johnny — he is my alter ego, and he spends way too much money. Let me give you an example: the other day my Suunto™ watch broke, and I said to myself, “So what, I have a bunch of watches that can tell me the time.” If you never heard of this brand of watches, perhaps you should get out more. No really, these watches are designed to give you valuable information when you’re deep in the woods. Most of the times, I just use it to look cool. It’s a gadget, what can I say?
Anyways, this little jerk tells me, “But none of your other watches have these same features (altimeter, barometer, compass, etc.) Let’s go buy a new one!” I told you, he loves to spend! Ok, he did have a valid point, but right now I can’t afford to blow any extra money on something I really don’t need. He really shouldn’t start his sentences with a conjunction, however. It’s bad grammar! Continued
Television news has some crazy goals: more viewers, higher ratings, more advertising dollars, and more profit. What they show to get the “job done”: murders, rapes, fires, end-of-days economic news, etc., and etc.
Guess what guys! These are not the only facets of our society. So why is it, that they won’t show us how non-profit organizations are helping millions, how the SPCAs are keeping pets safe, or any of the tons of other random acts of kindness that occur during the course of each night? The simple answer (which might be hard to swallow): if they showed these happy events, Americans wouldn’t be frightened. In fact, we might be inspired, optimistic, and cheerful enough to really change this country of ours.
People watch television news for exciting, intriguing, even exotic spoken words and pictures — not to find out what good things this country has to offer. Most of us would rather watch a hot car chase than see a scientist explain his new theory, which just might change civilization for the better. TV news must be fast — all short sound bites and quick cuts — because on today’s TV, time is limited by the viewer’s remote control finger.
Well, how can we solve this sick crisis? How can we demand change? Simple: turn off this idiot box, and you’ll soon realize that life without this constant fear has many benefits. Below are five examples that I could think of right off the top of my head. Read, and then heed: Continued
Unfortunately, many of us learn about personal money management late in life. A situation sometimes results that is difficult for some and actually disastrous for others. The problem lies in the fact that this nation has no structured educational effort or curriculum, on most levels, devoted to personal financial management within the educational system.
Many of us have been a slave to this sad scenario in the past. That is why there is an increased realization that personal finance management is very important. Let’s examine why. Continued
Sure she’s beautiful, and sure she’s always saying the right things … Wait, she is saying the right things isn’t she. Oh, you wouldn’t know, because you’re looking down there and not into her money hungry eyes! She knows what she’s doing alright, and by the time you realize it you’re signing divorce papers and handing over half (or more) of what you saved for so long to get. Goodbye Mercedes, So Long 34’ Hattaras… Man, she even took “Sparky” (your best friend) — that’s cold!
The gold digger’s personality is like a nasty computer virus: it sucks the life out of you, and will rob you of all your personal property, and at the same time let you think it’s your fault that things are not working out. To steer clear of this “life sucker” use the following information to protect yourself from even starting a relationship with her. Note: don’t let this sit in an open file on your computer: she will find it, and then have an upper hand! Continued
