These are indeed the decisions we all debate, some of us more intentionally and extensively than others. The keys may be to make no quick decisions, nothing spur of the moment, or reactionary to an event. Be introspective, say the thoughts out loud to others to refine your decision making rationale and sleep on it before acting to ensure no change if heart. Then remain flexible enough to change your mind again to change course if its still possible!
I read this at 5am EST prepping for an early 10k, one of many running races I've done annually for the last 7 years or so. As I near 50 my own money worries have continued to trend downward through good habits and some luck. I can envision reaching a similar frame of mind in the years to come of a life well lived without regrets or feeling cheated somehow.
My term life ends after 10 years when my son will be ten and i will be 53. Could we have gone longer? Of course but we have enough and only "more" would have been the reason and not a true need.
Jefferson no doubt read many if not all ancient philosophers and has possibly repackaged Seneca's writing on anticipated misfortune into "How much pain the evils cost us that never happened" among his ten rules. His own money management advice amongst the other ten rules not well followed.
A safe application of stoicism would be a greater detachment to the external of money many of us likely carry. A direct application of stoicism to investing is really a fun concept but truly a philosophical exercise as well and difficult to prove accurate or inaccurate. One speculation; stoics may not be as risk averse as many might expect.
I've been silently following along and enjoying Humbledollar.com since discovering it. Now I'm paying it back with comments in the forum in part an act of recognition for the positive impact Jonathan's writing has had for me. From the wsj, published book, and now here at Humbledollar.com. With appreciation, Ken
Inspired by my practical grandfather I'd occasionally rip paper towels neatly in half after calculating I did not need to full surface area for the clean up job at hand. He committed further with a pile of neatly folded and ripped paper towels in a bowl ready for use. Getting a few big financial decisions right is of far more value than a mentality of frugality or yes, true cheapness on smaller stuff especially when it pertains to how we treat others and make them feel with gifts and acts of kindness.
Comments:
These are indeed the decisions we all debate, some of us more intentionally and extensively than others. The keys may be to make no quick decisions, nothing spur of the moment, or reactionary to an event. Be introspective, say the thoughts out loud to others to refine your decision making rationale and sleep on it before acting to ensure no change if heart. Then remain flexible enough to change your mind again to change course if its still possible!
Post: Pick Your Peril
Link to comment from December 7, 2024
I read this at 5am EST prepping for an early 10k, one of many running races I've done annually for the last 7 years or so. As I near 50 my own money worries have continued to trend downward through good habits and some luck. I can envision reaching a similar frame of mind in the years to come of a life well lived without regrets or feeling cheated somehow.
Post: No Regrets
Link to comment from September 7, 2024
My term life ends after 10 years when my son will be ten and i will be 53. Could we have gone longer? Of course but we have enough and only "more" would have been the reason and not a true need.
Post: Unasked Questions
Link to comment from August 3, 2024
So many get no pension in today's retirement scenarios, what a luxury to have that decision to contemplate.
Post: Unasked Questions
Link to comment from August 3, 2024
Autul Gawande's book Being Mortal expands on this area. It's a very constructive individual read and family discussion tool.
Post: Unasked Questions
Link to comment from August 3, 2024
Nice article!
Post: No Slowing Down
Link to comment from July 27, 2024
Jefferson no doubt read many if not all ancient philosophers and has possibly repackaged Seneca's writing on anticipated misfortune into "How much pain the evils cost us that never happened" among his ten rules. His own money management advice amongst the other ten rules not well followed.
Post: Protecting My Sanity
Link to comment from July 20, 2024
A safe application of stoicism would be a greater detachment to the external of money many of us likely carry. A direct application of stoicism to investing is really a fun concept but truly a philosophical exercise as well and difficult to prove accurate or inaccurate. One speculation; stoics may not be as risk averse as many might expect.
Post: Protecting My Sanity
Link to comment from July 20, 2024
I've been silently following along and enjoying Humbledollar.com since discovering it. Now I'm paying it back with comments in the forum in part an act of recognition for the positive impact Jonathan's writing has had for me. From the wsj, published book, and now here at Humbledollar.com. With appreciation, Ken
Post: Raise Your Voice
Link to comment from June 22, 2024
Inspired by my practical grandfather I'd occasionally rip paper towels neatly in half after calculating I did not need to full surface area for the clean up job at hand. He committed further with a pile of neatly folded and ripped paper towels in a bowl ready for use. Getting a few big financial decisions right is of far more value than a mentality of frugality or yes, true cheapness on smaller stuff especially when it pertains to how we treat others and make them feel with gifts and acts of kindness.
Post: When have you taken frugality too far?
Link to comment from June 22, 2024