No Father's Day would be complete without reflecting on lessons learned from my own Dad. "Tony G" - as I affectionately refer to him - had a financial smartness about him that few MBA grads possess. His intuition, wisdom, patience and discipline all made him ideal for investing. And while it was simply a hobby, I think he could have made a living at it. Most important, how he lived his life is ultimately what made him successful as a father, husband and a man. Here are some lessons I Read on...
Penny Wise, Pound Foolish
When most of us go to make an important purchase – a refrigerator, furniture, or a car – we shop around. We want to make sure that we don’t get taken advantage of and that we get a good value for our money. So why is it that when it comes to investments, (mutual funds, in particular) many of us have no idea what we’ve invested in and what it costs? Why would we rather haggle with a car salesman on a one-time purchase, than pay attention to our investment costs and our long-term financial Read on...
Investing Your Time Productively
“Hello I’m a procrastinator,” I may as well have introduced myself in this manner at the training session on time management. It turns out, I was in good company. Though I didn’t realize it at first, the room was filled with others who shared my dirty secret. The instructor stood at the front of the room holding up the calendar/planner and asked us to start our day – as we should every day – with a to-do list. When our pens stopped moving, he asked us to prioritize our list with A for Read on...
Marriage and Money: Learning to Get Along
If fighting about money has become a ritual in your household, you are not alone. Money is a leading cause of tension between couples. Before it goes too far, realize that you both have control of the situation. These steps can help you work together to fix your differences: 1. Know both of your money personalities and create a plan/budget that works. There are three basic money personalities: hoaders, splurgers, and avoiders. Understanding why you treat money the way you do, and Read on...