Succeeding at Self-Control

Succeeding at Self-Control

Self-control is an important characteristic that can help us in all aspects of our lives from biting our tongue, to passing on the sweet treat, to accomplishing our New Year’s resolutions. But self-control isn’t easy! In fact, it can be downright painful, especially...

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Everything is Transitory

Everything is Transitory

In 2021, economic policymakers told us that inflation was transitory. In 2022, they changed their tune and said that inflation is persistent. They both could be correct, depending on the time frame being used. When it comes to long-term investing, many of the...

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Achieving Success

Achieving Success

As the year comes to an end, it’s a good time to reflect upon the year behind us. The good things, the bad things, and the success we achieved along the way.   Sometimes we rely upon favorable circumstances to achieve success, but circumstances are often beyond our...

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Calm Amid Crises

Calm Amid Crises

When markets and headlines become concerning, as they do just about every few months, remaining calm can be difficult – but is essential to making wise financial decisions.   Finding Your Calm   While we cannot control what happens in the world, the good news is that...

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Magnifying the Present

Magnifying the Present

It is human nature to focus more on the present than on the future, which is in line with our basic instinct of survival.   We focus on the present because that is where “life happens” and where we experience feelings such as pleasure, pain, anxiety, and peace. Every...

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ABCs of Successful Investing

ABCs of Successful Investing

As the kids go back to school and we realize that 2024 will be upon us in about 90 days, it is a good time to review the ABCs of successful investing.   A – Adjust Your Expectations  It’s important to accept the reality that all financial markets have selloffs. These...

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The Virtue of Slowing Down

The Virtue of Slowing Down

Time is an interesting dimension.  While time is a fixed measurement, our perception of time can vary greatly depending on what we are doing and/or feeling.    It has been said that the longest eight seconds in life is riding a bull.  I believe that’s a true statement...

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The Advantages of Low Expectations

The Advantages of Low Expectations

We all want desirable outcomes – those outcomes that bring us happiness, peace, and prosperity. Because we desire such outcomes, we may go into situations having high expectations. But it may be more beneficial to temper our expectations if we want to experience...

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Two (More) Great Thoughts from Warren Buffett

Two (More) Great Thoughts from Warren Buffett

Investing may be simple in principle, but it isn’t easy in practice. Markets and economies are fraught with uncertainty, constantly changing news and markets, and news about how great some other investment is performing. Warren Buffett is one of the most successful...

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What Can I Do as Interest Rates Rise?

What Can I Do as Interest Rates Rise?

I’ve been told that I have an amazing ability to state the obvious, but obviously some things need to be stated over and over again.  I’m also excellent at redundancy if you didn’t notice.  What I’m really trying to say is that rising interest rates are a significant...

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How Does Inflation Impact My Retirement?

How Does Inflation Impact My Retirement?

Over the past 12 months, by far the most common question I’ve been asked is about inflation and its potential long-term effects on retirement plans.  Ever since food prices started rising about 18 months ago, inflation has increased the cost of goods and services...

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