February 5, 2012

Memories: Freezing in a Pumpkin Patch

Ellie Kelsey and Mark at the Pumpkin Patch

Last fall, my sister wanted the whole family to go with her to the pumpkin patch so my niece could experience it for the first time.  Unfortunately, she kept pushing it off until it was almost winter so the pumpkin patch was going to close.  This left the only available day for a visit in the middle of a massive cold freeze with bone-chilling winds. Not having time to get dressed, I happened to have on a pullover sweatshirt, American Eagle blue jeans, and a pair of Versace prescription … [Read more...]

The Final Third of the Year Begins!

Autumn and Winter

I'm really excited that we are heading into the back third of the year and the schools are back in session. Third and fourth quarter generate most of our revenue and sales.  I love being well dressed, wearing a cashmere Ralph Lauren coat, and going Christmas shopping for family at my favorite high-end department stores.  I love having steak dinners at Fleming's and Ruth's Chris.  I love contributing to my retirement accounts and pension plans.  I love counting that year's profits and … [Read more...]

Department Store Sales Make Me Really Happy

JC Penny Ties and Dress Shirts

Although I'm normally a Nordstrom's guy myself, I have to say that after reading an article a few years ago (The Wall Street Journal or The Financial Times maybe?) about the vastly improved quality of department stores suits such as the J.C. Penny brand thanks to the use of expert tailors in Hong Kong for a fraction of the price and trying out the difference for myself, I have been genuinely shocked at how good the improvement is.  I waited until a 50% off sale and bought a couple of suits for … [Read more...]

The Bosendorfer Strauss Grand Piano – A Real Life Lesson in the Time Value of Money

Bosendorfer Strauss Grand Piano

The Opportunity Cost of a Bosendorfer Strauss Grand Piano I'm going to teach you a financial technique that can help empower you to make informed choices about your own life and keep more cash in your pocket.  I've been using it since college and it's done wonders from my bank balance and investments. From the time I was a kid and had only a few thousand dollars in the bank, I have wanted either a Steinway & Sons Model B grand piano and / or a Bosendorfer Strauss model grand piano, … [Read more...]