Transitions

The 90%-10% rule

Because I have the world's most annoying accountant--the man has absolutely no sense of humor about meeting deadlines and filing accurately; he is in favor of both--I have already started getting my papers together to help prepare my 2008 tax returns. Here is something I have noticed in going through my files. I divided by savings/investings into two buckets: Some 90% went to my retirement. The rest to things like my emergency fund and general savings. I didn't consciously plan it this way, but I think it is a good way to go. Like you, I am not getting any younger. (I am 54.) And like you, I saw my retirement accounts get hammered last year. (Even with making contributions, I was down 30% year to year.) So, my retirement accounts are a priority. More…

Enough with the bailouts!

Possibly later today--and certainly before Christmas--President Bush will announce that he is bailing out the nation's automakers. Let me see if I have this right. The dogs (American consumers) won't eat the dog food (buy American cars in sufficient numbers) and so we are bailing out the dog food factories. Why? More…

I Know I should Feel Bad, but...

"In tough times, even the billionaires worry," read the headline in the newspaper the other day. To which I say (churlishly, I concede): It is very hard to feel sorry for people who have a lot more money than you do. More…

The Good Old Days

Enjoy yourself. These are the good old days you're going to miss in the years ahead. – Anon I found myself talking this week about the good old days and how much easier it was when I was young. I suddenly realized that I was showing my age. I remember my parents talking about the good old days. But as the above quote says enjoy this very moment because before you know it this moment will be a part of the good old days you reflect back upon. More…

Birthday Wisdom

As I told you in last week's blog, I had a milestone birthday recently. And though I'm not going to share exactly which one it was, suffice it to say that I've reached the halfway point. Of course, it's up to you to decide what's halfway! The point is that though I usually don't find age an issue, I did find this one somewhat daunting. Many just laugh it off and say, "Well it beats the alternative." The change More…