Archive for the ‘Facts of Life’ Category

I Guarantee There Isn’t

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Uncle Bob always has the sure-fire investment that he’s confident will make us rich.  Ever wonder why he is just as poor as we are?

It seems to be human nature to not only want to get rich quickly (consider all those who purchase lottery tickets), but also to be assured that it can be accomplished risk-free.  When it comes to money–and life in general–we want safety, security, and peace-of-mind.  In short, we want to know that whatever time and resources we invest will be rewarded, or at least “returned” with their original value.  That is, we want a money back guarantee.

Trouble is that there are no financial guarantees, and only a few life guarantees.  Even the oft-quoted guarantees of “death and taxes” are only partly correct as many don’t even pay taxes.

Then what is the point?  Why bother if there is no guarantee that things will work out as planned?  Why not have a great time today (or as someone said “eat, drink, and chase Mary”) and worry about tomorrow . . . well,  tomorrow?

Good questions.  Even though practicing sound principles of money management (Financial First Aid) does not guarantee success, it greatly improves one’s chances of financial success.  That is the point.

And, I can almost guarantee that Uncle Bob will lose your money!

Sometimes the Sun Shines

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

A miracle happened yesterday, the day of my son’s wedding. The miracle was not that my son got married, but that the day was so perfect. The happy couple had planned for an outdoor reception months ago when there was still snow on the ground and daily high temperatures were well below freezing. Surely June would be warm and pleasant. However, the past two weeks saw rain everyday, unusual for the driest month of the year.

The forecast for yesterday was more rain and thunderstorms.  At times dark clouds looked as if they were beginning to gather, but the day was mostly warm and sunny.  Many of the out-of-town guests commented about the great weather and related that only hours before they had traveled–some from the North and some from the South–through heavy downpours to get to the reception.

The wedding and reception were a success.  And my son and daugter-in-law enjoyed a wonderful beginning to a new life together.  All who helped prepare for the anticipated event were “happy” when it was over and knew that a miracle had taken place.  I also knew that there were life lessons, including financial lessons, to be learned from this experience.

In spite of practicing sound principles of Financial First Aid, as with the weather, we don’t have much individual power to effect the economy.  In the midst of swirling economic uncertainty and downpours of financial gloom, there are often miracles of calm in our lives when things just go right.  Enjoy those moments while they last, and be thankful when they do.

Oh, and by the way, it has rained most of today.