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. ...

Found Note

  One day last week upon returning home from a difference making day at the office, as I was beginning the Mr. Rogers routine – which is to say changing from my business man attire to a much more comfortable bum-like relax wear – I noticed something stuck to the bottom of my shoe.  Fortunately, this finding was more interesting than disgusting. It was a wayward post-it note.  Face...

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...

Limited Time Offer

If current events have taught us anything over the recent weeks, it is that tomorrow is promised to no one.  No matter the vehicle – cancer, heart attack, old age, drugs, or acts of violence – we all exit stage left at some point. Sure, it is sad and tragic and too soon but it is also inevitable and unavoidable. For those reasons it is imperative that we take steps to prepare ourselves,...

You Make the Call

Try as we may, we don’t always make the best decisions.  We may improve our odds by creating rules and other criteria to evaluate our options but even in the best of times these rules may develop bends in the direction of our wants. Sure, every rule has its exception, but likewise, the justification slope is a slippery beast. So with that backdrop, allow me to share a recent financial decision...

Does Your Money Even Like You?

It is easy to assume that you like your money but do you convey that affection through you actions and behaviors?  How does your money reciprocate? Of course there are Biblical Principles at play here.  The parable of the talents comes straight to mind.  Principles of stewardship and thankfulness are, as well, quick at hand. The precept here is that a relationship exists between you and your money. ...

Goal Setting – Household Goals (part 9)

This is the ninth installment in my Goal Setting series.  In this article we will demonstrate the model set forth in the first episode for Household Goals. As a recap:  You will recall that I am a firm believer in establishing goals across 8 unique facets of my life – Spiritual, Financial, Career, Personal Development, Physical, Family, Social, and Household.  I name my approach after a 1998...