My six-year-old niece asked for an iPod this past Christmas.  Not some kid-sturdy version of a portable CD player, not an MP3 player, but specifically an iPod.  She didn't get it (thanks to my sister-in-law's good sense). But the fact that she knew to ask for it-an expensive name-brand electronic device-astounded me.  Maybe it shouldn't [...]

Have you ever gone to the doctor, auto mechanic or other professional and left their office more confused than when you walked in?  Last week I met with a new attorney for a consultation.  Between our two businesses, we have five different lawyers we use for various purposes.  I'm not particularly pleased about that, but [...]

If you've followed my writings for a while, you may have noticed my slant on financial planning is less about money and more about a rewarding and satisfying life.  Money is a necessary part of life, but not the purpose of it.  Sometimes we get so focused on earning money, that we forget what that [...]