Encouragers

Everybody needs encouragers in their life. Hopefully it starts with parents, later great friends. Later still a good manager. I’ve had a few good ones who I still recall: a maths teacher; a boss; a girl-friend. Not so many but enough to get you through the tougher times, the doubts and the ever-present doubters.

A huge thank you to those who have encouraged me this past years with my posts, with my books and with correspondence. A specific shout-out to Michael and Kurt and Patrick. Their regular encouragent is incredibly appreciated.

Go be an encourager. Someone at this very moment needs it.

Sherlock Holmes

Have you read the one set at Christmas? The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892)? It has snow, involving a stolen gem found in a goose.

Go read.

Thank You

An enormous thank you to Kurt for his generous, kind words. Kurt and I have ‘known’ each other for a long time now. His blog is an inspiration of a life well-lived, a deep understanding of what’s important and a wonderful old-school philosophy of work hard, play hard.

Thank you, Kurt.

The Rules of Money, 7 of 7

Does money make you happy? That’s a tricky one. What is certain is that the lack of money makes you miserable. Make it an objective to get the finances sorted and then the field is wide open on the true quest for contentment.

The Rules of Money, 6 of 7

What might retirement be? It might be 1. Working part-time 2. Doing something you enjoy and 3. Maintaining your health. That’s easier-and perhaps more enjoyable-than the old formula which was to suddenly stop with the implications for cash-flow and physical and mental health.

Something to consider.

The Rules of Money, 5 of 7

If you do not yet have the number, calculate your personal balance sheet. Or, what are you worth? Add up your assets: what do you own, what money do you have…..add it all up. Take away your liabilities: what do you owe such as a mortgage, a car loan……add it all up. Now subtract the latter (the liabilities) from the former (the assets). Clearly it would be nice if the answer were large positive but depending where you are in your life and career it may be large negative. That’s why it’s useful to know the number and re-calculate it regularly. It helps you with your financial decisions and long-term planning. Go do some arithmetic.

Easy Break

Only listen to vinyl when working; a break and a walk will be naturally necessary every twenty minutes or so.

The Rules of Money, 4 of 7

If time=money, your earning potential is limited. If value=money, your earning potential is unlimited.

Daily, boost the value you offer until you become indispensable and you can command your fees. Easy? Of course not! Possible? Absolutely.

Go be better.