To Help, And To Be Helped

Managing money may be simple, but it isn’t easy. Most of us struggle to save diligently, invest intelligently and figure out what will make us happy. HumbleDollar aims to help readers make rational financial decisions, especially when it comes to retirement. But we’re also acutely aware of the human side of money.

Those are Jonathan’s words. They are as close to HumbleDollars mission statement as I can find. This forum is Jonathan’s plan to perpetuate his dream. If we’re not careful, we might blow it up. 

Arguing about whether or not a politician lied, or someone slowed down the checkout line by having the audacity to write a check, has nothing to do with HD’s purpose. We need to tell our stories in ways that current and future retirees find helpful. People can benefit from knowing what we did right, and learn from the mistakes we made along the way. 

I like to tell friends who are checking out HumbleDollar for the first time to read anything written by Clements or Grossman, but I’ve also gleaned a lot of knowledge from many of you. 

Nothing is accomplished by debating the tax code. The tax code is what it is. Our job should be to figure out the best strategies to deal with it. Roth versus Traditional, short term vs long term, bond durations, buy versus lease. Also lifestyle discussions; life after divorce, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, a single parent re-entering the workforce, things we volunteer for, things we do in our communities. That’s why I’m here; to help, and to be helped.