After reading the recent news about protests against Elon Musk and his role in the Trump Administration, I felt troubled. Of course, people have a right to voice their opposition to the South African’s unelected role in American government, considering his companies’ numerous federal contracts. Conflicts of interest are inherent and obvious in this case. … More A War We Don’t Need
It has been a long, wet winter here in the French countryside. Recently, however, we have finally been blessed with a few days of sunshine, and each new dawn seems to promises warmer temperatures and a slow introduction to spring. The ducks are paddling in the pond, and a few brave frogs have begun croaking. … More What I’m Reading Now
Conservative columnist David Brooks gave a remarkable 15 minute speech recently. While I don’t often agree with his political views, I found it a clarion call for our nation and our world. Enjoy it. Share it. BGT
We can all look back on our lives and identify good traits and bad, smart choices and blunders, luck and misfortune. We can see how we’ve changed, improved or declined, harnessed our habits or become victims of them. The most difficult challenge I face is accepting the fact that other people are not me. Not … More The Most Difficult Thing For Me
I recently found myself giving advice to an aspiring writer. It’s an opportunity that I look forward to, most of the time. I’ve had the privilege of learning most of my craft on my own, by trial and error, with little assistance from mentors, professors, or colleagues. I say ‘privilege’ because the road has been … More Without Discipline…?
As you all know, I am a writer, not an economist. That said, I have seen a few things in my time here on the planet, and I do understand how the economy works–or doesn’t–in general terms. I have also learned to ignore hyperbole: nothing is ever as good as it seems or as bad … More Not Business As Usual
I received an email recently concerning personal finance. A reader of the blog had received a modest inheritance, all cash, from a deceased relative. Their present financial situation is the following: they have a steady job with a fairly good income with some savings. Their expenses are modest, having read and followed much of my … More The Debt to Cash Dilemma
As many of you already know, I detailed the Core Values of Old Money in The Old Money Book. These included Health, Education, Financial Independence, and other important ‘tent poles’ that support the way of life that we refer to as Old Money. These are cultural priorities: touchstones that Old Money families build their lives … More The New Old Money Core Value
First of all, my apologies to any of you who have penned a comment to which I have not responded. It has been a busy and eventful time here. Any negligence on my part is not intended to offend. It is only a result of too much to do and too few hours in the … More The Power of Daily
When I travel, I have the opportunity to sit in airports and train stations and look at parents with their children. It’s probably the most unfair setting to make any kind of judgments or come to any kind of conclusions. Children are, for the most part, not good travelers. The environment is unfamiliar. Strangers abound. … More The Man From UNCLE