Thank you for this, Andrew. I take my daily walk through a nearby subdivision where new homes are being built. I marvel at the workers, many of them apparent immigrants from Mexico and Central America, as they skillfully construct million dollar homes they'll never live in. They're up on steep roofs, casually walking around with no tethers, even when it's a 100 degree Texas summer day. And I wonder how many "native born Americans" would take on those jobs if all the immigrant workers suddenly were gone? I'd guess close to zero. Immigrants have built our country, oftentimes literally. As you said, their motivation is the same as ours---a better life for themselves and their families. I'm thankful for their contributions. Andrew
D.J., I enjoyed this story of your family's moves, and eventual success via hard work and a willingness to embrace change. We have something a bit similar in my family. My dad grew up on a farm in Maryland but, when the Great Depression hit and jobs on the east coast disappeared, he headed for California. On the way, though, he stopped in Dallas and was amazed that the banks there remained open. He stayed, got a job, married a Dallas girl (my mom), and our family history proceeded from there. Sometimes you have to be willing to take a chance! Hope you keep writing. Andrew
Good read, Adam. The 2022 bond crash you reference made an impression on me and is probably one reason I sleep better with an overweight allocation to cash, especially when it's paying a decent amount of interest. I know, I know...inflation eats away at it, but still, what's the value of a good night's sleep?
Ed, I enjoyed reading about your journey into retirement, with all its unexpected twists and turns. Like you, I'm always planning and doing my best to maintain control, and I don't respond well when that's all upended. I'm trying to become a bit more flexible and adaptable, but it's not an easy task for our personality type!
Laura, good on you for helping this displaced couple. As for topics, you might want to click on the "Guide" section of HD, shown at the top center-right of the page. That will get you Jonathan's writings on just about every personal finance topic. But to start out more simply, maybe help them open a brokerage account where they can invest the savings you're encouraging. One with topnotch customer service might be best---here on HD, Schwab and Fidelity seem to get the most kudos for that.
Comments
Thank you for this, Andrew. I take my daily walk through a nearby subdivision where new homes are being built. I marvel at the workers, many of them apparent immigrants from Mexico and Central America, as they skillfully construct million dollar homes they'll never live in. They're up on steep roofs, casually walking around with no tethers, even when it's a 100 degree Texas summer day. And I wonder how many "native born Americans" would take on those jobs if all the immigrant workers suddenly were gone? I'd guess close to zero. Immigrants have built our country, oftentimes literally. As you said, their motivation is the same as ours---a better life for themselves and their families. I'm thankful for their contributions. Andrew
Post: One World, One Kind of Work
Link to comment from April 30, 2026
D.J., I enjoyed this story of your family's moves, and eventual success via hard work and a willingness to embrace change. We have something a bit similar in my family. My dad grew up on a farm in Maryland but, when the Great Depression hit and jobs on the east coast disappeared, he headed for California. On the way, though, he stopped in Dallas and was amazed that the banks there remained open. He stayed, got a job, married a Dallas girl (my mom), and our family history proceeded from there. Sometimes you have to be willing to take a chance! Hope you keep writing. Andrew
Post: California, Here They Came
Link to comment from April 30, 2026
Dan, thanks for sharing your story. So glad your perseverance and discipline paid off for you. You and Chrissy did it right. Andrew
Post: Around the Obstacles
Link to comment from April 25, 2026
Jeff, thanks for sharing your story. A lot of wisdom in its lessons.
Post: A Life You Build
Link to comment from April 19, 2026
Good read, Adam. The 2022 bond crash you reference made an impression on me and is probably one reason I sleep better with an overweight allocation to cash, especially when it's paying a decent amount of interest. I know, I know...inflation eats away at it, but still, what's the value of a good night's sleep?
Post: Staying Rational
Link to comment from April 18, 2026
Ed, I enjoyed reading about your journey into retirement, with all its unexpected twists and turns. Like you, I'm always planning and doing my best to maintain control, and I don't respond well when that's all upended. I'm trying to become a bit more flexible and adaptable, but it's not an easy task for our personality type!
Post: A Bit More Humble
Link to comment from April 18, 2026
Hi, Rick! Great to see you back on HD. I think we've all missed your substantive contributions as well as your kind and engaging persona. Andrew
Post: Navigating a Turbulent Career
Link to comment from April 18, 2026
Adam, excellent article and explanation---thank you. Stock tokens are one more investment "innovation" I will happily avoid.
Post: Stock Tokens
Link to comment from April 11, 2026
Laura, good on you for helping this displaced couple. As for topics, you might want to click on the "Guide" section of HD, shown at the top center-right of the page. That will get you Jonathan's writings on just about every personal finance topic. But to start out more simply, maybe help them open a brokerage account where they can invest the savings you're encouraging. One with topnotch customer service might be best---here on HD, Schwab and Fidelity seem to get the most kudos for that.
Post: Nothing Like a War To Bring Folks around to Personal Financial Planning
Link to comment from April 11, 2026
Beautifully expressed, Andrew, and written in the Clements style---concise, straightforward, and crystal clear. Must be in the genes. (another) Andrew
Post: Carrying Humble Dollar Forward
Link to comment from April 7, 2026