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. ...

Plant Your Financial Tree

  According to an ancient Chinese Proverb, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.  The second best time is now.” I find that to be a compelling message.  And one that lends itself to the world of personal finance.  One only need imagine the line “the best time to pay-off debt, or start saving for retirement…” to identify the fit. Several months ago, I was...

Note to Self

Ok, the next time I go to the grocery story, I need to pick up a gallon of milk, carton of eggs, a loaf of bread, and… When I’m out running errands I need to drop off my dry cleaning, pick-up an ink cartridge, find a box of those energy efficient light bulbs, and… When the economy picks back up I’ll need to remember that recessionary living, with its high unemployment and depressed...

True Love Is…

The holiday card industry tells us that it is time to express our inner feelings to our significant others, or our strong prospects for such roles in our lives.  So chocolates, hearts, teddy bears, flowers, lingerie, and yes cards will be flying off the shelves this weekend.  But what really is true love… well, I know that true love is more than an emotion, emotions are too fleeting…...

Taking the Buyout Plunge

  From the relative comfort of one’s sofa – or keyboard – the theory behind parachuting or bungee jumping is pretty straightforward.  It is sound, proven, safe, and untold thousands have done it before – most more than once.  But theory, and even a live example, takes not just a backseat but a way-backseat when your rear is perched either in the plane’s doorway or on the overpass. I figure...

Where did it all go?

  January 12, 2009 made for an interesting and life changing day in my household.  This day marked my last with my former employer – an employer with whom I had maintained a 12.5 year affair.  In fact, this had been my lone employer for my entire adult life.  The break-up was friendly, we parted amicably – buy-outs were offered to most of our… (tough habit) their North American workforce...

Dave Approved

  There are just somethings that standout to us.  Perhaps it’s their form or perhaps their function and on rare occasions it may be a blend of both.  Sometimes these may make our lives easier and more enjoyable at others.  Here’s a list of things that I particularly enjoy.  Some are large and significant and others small and seemingly trivial but each represent something I enjoy....