June, 2016 | Frugal, Wealthy and Wise

Worthwhile Read: “Enough” by Jack Bogle

Over the weekend, I read Enough: True Measures of Money, Business, and Life by Jack Bogle, founder of the Vanguard Group. A short but erudite read.

It’s partially an autobiography — Mr. Bogle remains a vigorous spokesman at the ripe old age of 87. It’s partially an indictment of the financial industry and excesses leading up to the Great Recession and even today. It’s also about embracing a healthy perspective on wealth and investing for the long term using tried and true approaches. Continue reading “Worthwhile Read: “Enough” by Jack Bogle”

Dawning New Light – LED Light Bulbs Can Brighten Your Finances…

… by Slashing Utility Costs (Part 1 of 2)

Bottom line: LED bulbs now have the potential to save you tens, or even, hundreds of dollars a year.

Over the past few years, household light bulbs made from light emitting diodes (LEDs) have become a very viable, cost-effective option. Prices has dropped substantially while they have been tuned to radiate a soft white glow that is difficult to distinguish from a conventional incandescent bulb. Continue reading “Dawning New Light – LED Light Bulbs Can Brighten Your Finances…”

Catch the Little Foxes…

Lessons on Personal Finance from The Song of Solomon

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Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom. Song of Solomon 2:15

This ‘catch the foxes’ phrase comes from Song of Solomon in the Bible (also referred to as Song of Songs). On one level, Song of Solomon captures the romantic passion of a marital relationship – and it can get quite steamy in places! Continue reading “Catch the Little Foxes…”

Live Webcast With Vanguard’s Jack Bogle this Wednesday, 15 June

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Vanguard Founder Jack Bogle marks 65 years in the financial services industry.

Webcast Wednesday, 15 June 3:30 PM EDT / 2:30 PM CDT, 12:30 PM PDT / 1930 UTC

To Register:
https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=1184530&sessionid=1&key=7E1463707682DFD2BA4F430C1E34E6B5&partnerref=RetailNonResponder&sourcepage=register

Just wanted to get the word out on this. I am a big believer in Vanguard and their philosophy to invest for the long haul. Jack Bogel was the father of the index fund, among many other innovations.

Regards, Paul

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A Fable: Pennies a Day and the Power of Compounding

Once Upon a Time

There was a man of significant wealth and the father of seven children – six sons and a daughter. He resolved to teach them an important financial principle. On New Year’s Day, the first of January, he made this offer to each of his children. They could chose a gift of:

A million dollars today – or –
A penny today that would double each day for the entire month of January.

Continue reading “A Fable: Pennies a Day and the Power of Compounding”

Keep Your Finances Weird

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This posting’s title borrows from the Texas capital’s informal slogan: “Keep Austin Weird”. The point being: if you adopt a frugal lifestyle with the goal of long-term wealth accumulation, you will be out of step with how most folks spend their money.

Be warned: Once you adopt frugal ways, you could really stick out among your present circle of friends and colleagues – like card-carrying Democrat living in West Texas.

Continue reading “Keep Your Finances Weird”