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
One of the members of our tribe, JT, asked about the all-black wardrobe after my post on Old Money and Inflation. Even though I’ve discussed the all-black or mostly black wardrobe in previous posts (living in Paris, it was inevitable), I thought that the question warranted another post. My thinking is this: if you can … More Black in the Closet
Thanks to David, our valued foreign correspondent and long time Member of the Tribe, we have the following article on the intersection of class and diet. I can relate to the author’s sentiments for several reasons: I opt for a plant-based diet, as he does; I do view much of the world and its behaviors … More A Divide in Diet
THE FOUNDATION “Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.” —Samuel Adams (1749)
In this digital age in which technology rapidly impacts our lives–for better or worse–it’s important to be conscious of our traditions and our decisions to hold onto them, allow them to evolve, or to let them go and fully embrace change. I think technology is an accelerator, especially as it relates to the internet: it … More At Odds With Tradition and Change