In my latest blog, Mr. K mentioned that his frugal wife buys some of her clothes at Goodwill. Do you think that Ms. K is the only person who has a few dollars in the bank and shops at a thift store? Au contraire! Take, for example, the case of Mrs. Point and her husband. I […]
To the Point – Stop Acting Rich Read More »
Last Friday I was interviewed by Dani Garavelli who writes regularly for Scotland on Sunday. Her article entitled “Are our expensive attempts to keep up with the Joneses running the risk of destroying families?” provides a unique slant on the problems associated with unhappy hyper consuming people who live a treadmill existence. Ms. Garavelli explores several
Keeping Up with the Joneses. . . in the UK Read More »
People often contact me asking for a special dispensation because they drive expensive prestige makes of motor vehicles. They maintain that this is an effective way to show others (especially prospective customers or clients) as well as themselves that they are successful. And every one of them tells me that they either got a great lease deal
Rich or Drive Rich? Read More »
Several recent articles have been published about the parochial character of the members of the United States Supreme Court. The themes of these articles have centered around political orientation (conservative vs. liberal), religion, and the fact that there are no longer any WASPs (white, anglo-saxon protestants) on the court. Historically, the entire Court was composed of WASPs. These factors
The Millionaire Next Door – Not on the Supreme Court Read More »
Millions of “thank yous” to all those who recently helped rescue 118 beagles (see USA Today). These beagles were laboratory drug testing dogs. Caged up they were destined to spend their entire lives as guinea pigs. But after the research facility went broke several rescue groups took custody of the beagles. According to the article,
In a recent article, The New York Times profiled those people who have defaulted on unpaid mortgages of $1 million or more. The author contends that “the rich have stopped paying the mortgage at a rate that greatly exceeds the rest of the population. . . more than 1 in 7 homeowners with loans in excess
Long on Mortgage; Short on Wealth Read More »
I have noticed in the last week or so that I have felt more excited, proud, interested and attentive. Conversely, I have felt less hostile, ashamed, nervous, jittery and guilty. I thought this euphoria might have something to do with the upswings in the sales of my books or possibly the new Toyota 2010 4-Runner brochure I received.
What explains happiness in life? I don’t have all the answers. But, as a review of both my books and blogs, happiness in life has little to do with the brand/price of the watch one wears, the stores one patronizes, the make of car one drives or the brand of vodka one consumes. One’s overall happines
To Be Happy-Stop Acting Rich Read More »
What does my data tell me about hyperconsuming, high income, low net worth types? Often these income statement affluent (IAs), as I call them, actually subsidize balance sheet (BAs) millionaires. One example of this is found in the motor vehicle industry. Most BAs (about 80%) have never leased a car, SUV, pickup or minivan. No, not
Stop Acting Rich: Act Like Ken Read More »
In Stop Acting Rich, I point out that only about 27% of those who live in million dollar homes have a million dollars in investable assets. I believe the greatest detriment to building wealth is our home/neighborhood environment. If you live in a pricey home and neighborhood you will act and buy like your neighbors.
Millionaire Housewives? Read More »