Thinking About Money

A funny thing happened to me about a year and a half ago. I suddenly realized that I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

Now, I’ve already done quite a few things. I’ve been an employee and an employer. I’ve started companies, some of which failed and some of which succeeded. I’ve invested, both making and losing money along the way. I’ve written books and articles, and have traveled around the world teaching about technology (my professional field). I’m not rich enough to retire, but I don’t have to worry about my next meal or mortgage payment either (though I’ve definitely been there).

Last April, a friend who I really respected told me I should read the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. I’m not going to talk about that here (I’ve posted an in depth review for those who are interested), but for me it was definitely a case of the right book at the right time. From it I realized three things:

1. I already know a lot. The book (and it’s sequels) put a lot of the things I knew into context and I realized I was already doing many of the things he recommends.
2. I have a lot to learn. I realized that like most people, I was relying on the judgement of others and/or wishful thinking instead of thinking things through myself.
3. Building wealth can be a game – you don’t have to take it all that seriously.

Hmm… A game. I like games….

So I resolved to educate myself. For me that means books, thinking, and trying different things.

But I’m also a skeptic. The world is flooded with investment advisors and financial sites, all of which claim to have THE answer – THE secret. Frankly, I don’t trust any of them. So my plan is to read a lot and try to filter through the 98% of it that’s garbage to find ideas that make sense. And this site is going to help me do it – because teaching something really is the best way to learn.

You’re not going to find investment advice or secrets here. I am not, nor claim to be an expert or financial genius (though in a world where lawyers and CPA’s are often not wealthy themselves, where billionaires can go bankrupt, and founders of huge businesses sometimes find themselves going to jail, it’s hard to say what external certificate, degree, or experience really does qualify someone to write on this topic).

What you will find is, I hope, a safe place to discuss and learn and think about a subject that most people I know are not really comfortable talking about – money. I’ll be posting shorter blog entries as I learn interesting things or come to certain conclusions. I’ll be writing longer essays and articles on topics that I think will be of interest or educational value. I invite you to comment on both (comments will be moderated to prevent spam).

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Disclaimer

This is an educational site, not an “investing site.” At some point it’s likely I’ll actually look at specific companies or mutual funds. At that time you might read something that sounds like advice. It isn’t. I may or may not own shares of stocks I write about – especially at first as I try to figure out my own portfolio. My goal is to help you learn to make your own investment choices (as I learn to do so for myself). If you I tell you I’m doing something and you follow that example, it’s not making your own choice – which rather defeats the purpose, don’t you think? You can read a more in-depth disclaimer here.

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