When I worked in the financial-insurance industry my firm would pay for courses to earn a FLMI. And then give you an automatic raise once you became a Fellow, Life Management Institute.
When I got a pay boost, if it was under 4%, would add 1% to some automatic savings/investment account. If it was over 4% I would add 2% to an account. I increased my savings AND got to enjoy some extra pay.
I won’t/don’t offer advice to ANYONE - family member or friend - unless they ask for it. Being a ‘computer nerd’ I get asked about that. But if someone doesn’t ask I won’t say a word about their new phone, for instance.
parkslope, I had a very well paid friend, guessing on his role in the firm, who was always complaining about how high his credit cards interest rates were. He didn’t seem able to resist the temptation to buy things.
Henry, Another great post! Since we’ve downsized we’re looking to replace our desktop and monitor with a
‘laptop’ to get us more room on our
“office” desk. Plus, we can fold it up and put it on the shelf when we want to use the desk for something else.
I carry cash for 2 main reasons: 1) I like to tip in cash.
2) A few retailers offer “discounts” if you use cash. (Avoiding the credit card’s processing fee)
Kevin, Excellent Comment!! We have the same sort of setup, but with different companies. Additionally, because I am very conservative about our personal funds PLUS I worked in the IT field for over 4 decades, I have a “bug” … ahem … about ‘cybersecurity’. So we keep about 1 month’s food expenses in cash.
Comments
When I worked in the financial-insurance industry my firm would pay for courses to earn a FLMI. And then give you an automatic raise once you became a Fellow, Life Management Institute.
Post: Six Ways to Grow Income
Link to comment from December 19, 2025
When I got a pay boost, if it was under 4%, would add 1% to some automatic savings/investment account. If it was over 4% I would add 2% to an account. I increased my savings AND got to enjoy some extra pay.
Post: Six Ways to Grow Income
Link to comment from December 19, 2025
I won’t/don’t offer advice to ANYONE - family member or friend - unless they ask for it. Being a ‘computer nerd’ I get asked about that. But if someone doesn’t ask I won’t say a word about their new phone, for instance.
Post: The Festive Sweater and the Dilemma
Link to comment from December 19, 2025
parkslope, I had a very well paid friend, guessing on his role in the firm, who was always complaining about how high his credit cards interest rates were. He didn’t seem able to resist the temptation to buy things.
Post: Curious perspective on profits
Link to comment from December 19, 2025
Henry, Another great post! Since we’ve downsized we’re looking to replace our desktop and monitor with a ‘laptop’ to get us more room on our “office” desk. Plus, we can fold it up and put it on the shelf when we want to use the desk for something else.
Post: Part 3.0: More notes and ideas from the retail tech world
Link to comment from December 12, 2025
I carry cash for 2 main reasons: 1) I like to tip in cash. 2) A few retailers offer “discounts” if you use cash. (Avoiding the credit card’s processing fee)
Post: An Uncomfortable Retail Truth
Link to comment from December 10, 2025
Excellent post with some very thoughtful comments. So glad I retired into an up-market a decade ago.
Post: Would You Raid the Piggy Bank or Mortgage the House?
Link to comment from December 8, 2025
Kevin, Excellent Comment!! We have the same sort of setup, but with different companies. Additionally, because I am very conservative about our personal funds PLUS I worked in the IT field for over 4 decades, I have a “bug” … ahem … about ‘cybersecurity’. So we keep about 1 month’s food expenses in cash.
Post: Where to Keep Cash
Link to comment from December 6, 2025
My thought too. I’m glad Adam had the stomach to read through its … stuff.
Post: Index Fund Bubble
Link to comment from December 6, 2025
A very timely article for me. Thanks, Henry!
Post: How to buy a laptop computer in an AI world
Link to comment from December 2, 2025