I wanted to thank everyone for the comments and contributions we continue to receive on the blog. Overall, they’ve been constructive and beneficial to readers.
I’ve been delayed on the publication of the new Old Money title that I’ve been working on. Other writing projects have taken up more time than expected. (That’s good.) But I am a little irritated that I’m unable to stay on schedule. (Grrrr.)
Recently, I’ve received a lot of emails from readers asking about a variety of topics, as well as sharing stories, personal situations, and blog post ideas. A big thank you for the blog post ideas, and I’m honored and humbled that some people ask for my advice.
A few questions relate to the education of children, which I think is great: parents are prioritizing that and it’s going to make a huge difference in the lives of their children, and in our world. I tend to offer options and ask questions that only the parents can answer. In the end, it’s their choice, and I’m happy to contribute what insights I can.
A few emails are about clothing choices: how to dress yourself and your family in the best way possible (i.e. the most classic and most economical). I’m happy to respond, and I apologize if my response time is slow. I take time to consider the issues raised. My assistant is not involved with these emails or this blog. I am hands on here, and I want to be considerate, thorough, and fair to each inquiry, whatever the subject.
I would ask that, prior to emailing about attire, please comb through the blog posts thoroughly as we’ve covered that topic a few times in the past 5 years. Also, refer to The Old Money Book where those issues are discussed. If it’s a more specific question than what’s been covered, then fire off an email. I love it when I can help, and I know it’s important to feel that you’re getting it right when you’re investing in clothes. My door…and my inbox…are open.
BIG NOTE: I don’t give investment advice. I’m not qualified. I don’t want that responsibility. It is an important part of Old Money, but I can’t help. I would encourage readers to seek financial advice from qualified professionals. A CPA will help you minimize your tax liability, and an investment advisor can help you increase your net worth and/or develop reliable returns on your investments which you can reinvest or live on each month. I would encourage everyone to have more than one source of income, live below your means, don’t talk about your money regardless of how much you have, and remember that the risk/reward ratio is like the law of gravity: you can’t get away from it. Whatever the return might be, the risk is always equal to that potential.
SMALL DETAIL: if you have sent me an email and I have not responded, please be kind enough to accept my apologies. I respond to all emails. Please send another, and note that it’s a second attempt. I have deleted emails erroneously in the past, trying to do too much too quickly. It is a nagging fear that I may have done that again recently.
Okay. That’s enough about me for a year or two. Thank you all again.
- BGT
I had no idea you were working on another Old Money title. Excellent!
Thanks, Keith. Yes, the only thing that’s been consistent on the project is the delays. Onward! – BGT
Such a graceful post. Will be stealing your line “please be kind enough to accept my apologies”.
Steal away! thanks Barb. – BGT
I recently purchased your book and I have been following your site. I have enjoyed both very much. This entry made me think of what I feel is a loss of professional manners and courtesies in the work place. I address this concern directly to the old money folks that make up the boards, are the shareholders, and are the employers driving our economy. The main example I can think of is a failure to send rejection notices to candidates. I acknowledge in our algorithm age that an employer might receive thousands of applications. However, I am convinced that once an employer has narrowed their list and actually interviewed candidates, that those candidates deserve a rejection letter or email. Someone dear to me recently went through an experience as a applicant for a professional position at an academy. I am told that after a great interview, the employer went radio silent. Only ten or so applicants were interviewed. I cannot be convinced that the courtesy of a three line email rejection was too much for the school to issue. Applicants deserve some closure and notice that they need to search for or commit to other opportunities. Your readers can directly impact this kind of decline in good manners in our country even if there is less we can do to improve civility generally. Thank you for the forum and your ideas.
An excellent comment, Mr. Weed. Technology offers a slippery slope to manners: because things can be done quickly and impersonally, it’s easy to assume they can be done without regard. Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing more from you. Thank you. – BGT
Hello, I am so happy to read your comment because I have recently been given the responsibility of hiring part-time employees at the company where I work. After interviewing and making my decision, I was unsure about whether or not I was supposed to contact the other applicants. It is not an easy call or email to send when you are letting someone down. I decided to do it though, since I myself would want to know. Because the applicants were all young and this was one of the first jobs they had pursued, I wanted to give them a reason also. Young people are vulnerable, and need to know it is not something personal; some were not chosen simply because of scheduling conflicts, for example.
Anyway, thank you for confirming this for me!
Thank you, Elle, that’s very thoughtful of you to share your ‘best practices’. Well done. – BGT
Greetings Byron !
I am in and out of Paris regularly and am going to the US this Saturday . If convenient, I’d like to invite you for a cup of coffee. Your writing schedule and my afternoon Pétanque permitting.
If not this week, perhaps another time.
Regards,
David.
Hi David, that sounds great. Please contact me at byrontully@gmail.com and we will coordinate a cafe, time, and date here in Paris. Thank you very much. Hope we can make it work, schedule wise. Looking forward to it. – BGT
F.Y.I., I am giving away a copy of your book on my blog. https://melissabishop.blog/2018/07/03/100th-subscriber-give-away/ Details at the link provided.
Thank you, Melissa! Much appreciated. – BGT
Can’t wait for new book. I haven’t sent an email lately but will do shortly. Been a while.
Lily!!! I’ll reach out on email. Great to hear from you. Talk soon… BGT