The True Cost of Luxury (or why the Joneses suck)
My wife and I had a small money argument the other day. I opened a newly delivered Amazon box in my name, and it turned out to be a hiking bag she bought and already owns. We’ve been spending many of our weekends and holidays in the Appalachians lately. “Didn’t …
Impact Investing: the Economy is Moving Away From Profit and Toward Purpose
In life, there are two main ways you can achieve financial freedom: you could get rich at all costs and not care about anything else, which could also put you in trouble and make enemies along the way, or you could become a conscious investor with a purpose. The first …
How to Lose Weight and Save a Ton of Money
Would you rather be fat and wealthy with no guarantee of ever becoming fit? Or would you rather have excellent health for the rest of your life with no guarantee of having good fortune? Any smart person would pick the second right away. If you’re guaranteed good health, you’re already a …
Why You Probably Don’t Want to Live in a Mansion
I grew up thinking my family was poor. We lived in the heart of Manila but outside of gated wealthy villages in nearby cities. My parents didn’t buy me toys or new clothes. I only got to wear hand-me-downs because I have eight older siblings. I knew we were better …
How to Protect Yourself from Rising Inflation
Talks about inflation have been the rage across news outlets and social media lately. Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus package is freaking out too many stock-market pundits faster than the vaccine rollout. Some are probably on drugs to even suggest it could reach hyperinflation levels. This fearmongering has led people …
Here are America’s Richest Immigrants in 2021
Forbes has yet to release its annual list of billionaires for 2021, but I’m not relying on an outdated list this time. Instead, I’m publishing my highly coveted immigrant billionaire list based on last weekend’s closing prices. “But why should we admire these super-rich guys we have no chance of …
Why Married Couples Who Combine Finances Get Richer
When my wife and I first dated, I had to fly to Dallas to see her. She offered that I stay in her apartment while she goes back to work, which I accepted without hesitation. I was too cheap to get a hotel room. A whirlwind romance followed, I proposed, …
Why Would a Suicidal Man Murder His Family?
You’ve seen it in the news, especially during an economic depression. A man loses his job, gets into a big pile of debt, runs out of options, and then kills himself. In more tragic cases, he takes his whole family with him. If you think having a job is stressful, …
Cathie Wood and ARKK: Why Chasing Returns is a Loser’s Game
How do you call an investment that failed? Answer: a long-term investment! Far too many investors think it’s a joke to stick with underperforming funds in their portfolio— selling them in favor of attractive ones— turning temporary losses into real ones. Nothing wrong with buying and selling based on a …
Don’t Make a New Year’s Resolution, Start a Plan
One of my proudest accomplishments is being able to finish our basement with my own hands. It now comes with a full bath, laundry room, home theater, and a mini gym. I did most of the labor myself, including the electrical and plumbing, working mostly weekends with occasional help from …