Given the over-abundance of trendy diets, celebrity nutrition experts, and half-baked medical advice on what we should eat and how much we should exercise, I am reluctant to post on these topics very often. However, when I run across something that makes me personally rethink what I’m eating, then I reconsider. Why? Because I have … More A Fresh Perspective on Sugar, Diet, and Health
When it comes to inherited wealth, we all have dreams of being on the (fortunate) receiving end. We seldom have to face the (possible) nightmare of being on the bequeathing end. It’s often obvious who you’re going to give your money to when you die. Once you’ve made that decision, you then need to decide … More Where There’s A Will…
Having lived in Paris for almost a decade now, I’m long past the ‘infatuation phase’ experienced by most tourists and many expats when they first arrive in the City of Lights. I’ve encountered the good, the bad, and the ugly, that concentrated mix that any metropolitan city serves up to its residents on a daily … More Paris and Patience
In today’s current political and social climate, it’s important to hear an articulate commentary on WASP values. After all, that’s pretty much what I advocate for here on this blog and in several of my books. Obviously, I don’t think that White Anglo Saxon Protestants have the monopoly on traditional Upper Class values. I see … More Legacy of the WASP: An Articulate Reminder
Every once in awhile, I’m asked why I encourage people to elevate their social standing or improve their financial position. What difference will it make? Granted, some people do have a world-view that is fairly laissez-faire: just go with the flow, do what you can do, take it easy, don’t worry…be happy. I don’t condemn … More Why Elevate?
Pardon my absence. Personal obligations have been at the forefront lately. Nothing bad, just time-consuming. I’m happy to be back, so let’s dive in… There are plenty of obstacles on the road to financial independence: a soft job market, nagging inflation, student loan debt, and, let’s face it, an endless stream of tempting consumer goodies. … More Peer Pressure and Financial Goals
If you live long enough, there’s a chance you get to see everything. If not everything, then a lot. Sometimes history seems to repeat itself, or, in the words of Mark Twain, if it doesn’t exactly repeat, it certainly does rhyme. So it goes with society’s idea of how to raise children. I was raised … More Zero Shades of Grey
Ho ho ho. It’s that time of year again. You’ve just now realized that you need to find a gift for that hard-to-buy-for, hard-to-surprise, hard-to-inspire friend, family member, or colleague. Clothing can be too personal. Wine or spirits, too cliche. Gift cards, too easy. And, let’s be honest, so many material things we give and … More The Ultimate Christmas Gift
I’ve reposted a couple of articles from Tatler, the iconic British magazine that chronicles all things royal, aristocratic, old money, as well as the newly minted and just plain famous. If you want to follow lords, ladies, dukes, and duchesses and keep current on who’s currently dating, marrying, giving birth, divorcing, or dying, Tatler is … More Fulfillment After Success
In response to a blog comment/question (which I cannot locate now, for some reason) I wanted to offer some insights into what makes a rewarding, relaxing, and enjoyable vacation. My apologies for misplacing the comment. And thank you, dear reader, for the inquiry. First, I would suggest that you really do some soul-searching first. This … More The Old Money Vacation