Class Reunion

This weekend should be an interesting one.  I am returning to my home town (just outside Nashville, TN) for my 20 year High School Reunion. A full slate of activities has been planned.  A Friday night football game – the season opener for my old Bruins, Go Big Blue! – a picnic Saturday afternoon and the more traditional reunion dinner event Saturday evening.  Clearly a great deal of...

Car Lease Saves Budget…?

Recently a reader commented on his grand plan to remove some uncertainly from his monthly budget process.  On the surface, and when introduced this way, it sounds like a good idea and something worthy of a second look.  However, that extra moment of review was at once comical and revolting, at least to my budgetary tastes. Now this article is not intended to blast a reader.  Only on a couple rare...

Authorize Yourself

   Who would have imagined it, but C&C Music Factory  Snap may have said it best…. “I’ve got the power“.  That’s an important and significant statement.  You do have the power and you should not be afraid to use it.  However, many of the masses fail to grasp or act on this reality.  These folks seek approval or permission to step up and seize the reigns over...

10 Reasons My HOA is a Joke

Home Owners Association’s are curious inventions.   I don’t recall any of the subdivisions we lived in growing up having an HOA but today it is seemingly unavoidable.  I do recall, however, those as friendlier environs with less sidewalk politics.  But as “subdivisions” were rebranded ”communities” and few (very few in some instances) amenities were built...

CD Ladders – My Take

A few weeks ago a friend wrote an article about his experience with his CD Ladder.  That article led to a comment, a follow-up article, and a promise from me to craft an article sharing my opinion and perspective on the topic.  Today, I (finally) make good on that commitment. So you ask, what the heck is a CD Ladder?  Great question.  It was not that long ago that I asked the very same question. ...

6 Month Anniversary

We pause our usual programming to bring a little attention to a small milestone.  Today, August 11, 2009 marks the 6 month anniversary of this little blogging endeavor. Now 6 months is not a huge accomplishment in most circles, but it is not completely insignificant in the blogging world.  Trust me, I’ve read much about this in my early days and I’ve observed much the same.  Starting...

Thinking is Unnatural

Recently, while listening to a David Allen podcast, I was struck by a simple and profound statement. “Thinking is an unnatural act” At first blush it is easy to recoil from this statement in sheer disbelief.  But when you actually start to think about it, it starts to make sense. Slow drivers in the left lane Absorbed shoppers blocking the grocery store isles with their carts Rampant...