Made a decision.
Or came to one, at least.
It’s time to invest. Or, rather, learn how/why to.
Not time time, oh-ho-no never actually that. I never in reality do something when I decide to do it. Gotta think about it, gotta ruminate, gotta consider, before that first step.
Because that’s a big step.
So, gotta book.
It’s a big book, with stats and graphics and sidebars, written by a “guy who knows.”
But the font is big, nice and spread out, so makes for an easy read.
Entitled: The Truth About Money. Written by: Ric Edelman. Circa: 2003, 3rd Ed.
(there’s a 4th Ed. 2010 but not paying for that / the basics re money don’t change that much)
So far, very truthy.
Mr. Edelman makes some seriously valid points, and I like that he refers to the dangers of not having a financial plan as the Four Horsemen of Financial Planning — injury/illness/death/lawsuits (heh).
He also talks about eliminating personal debt … so much all over this.
He mentions retirement a lot
— how to avoid running out of bucks before running out of breath, as it t’were.
No real plans to retire, but might not have a choice. A brain disease of the elders burdens my DNA, so rather than burden theKid (and maybe Half) with my decrepit ahhh gotta plan for long-term care.
He also talks about certain obstacles inherent in financial planning (see! “planning” not “budget” … it’s so nice to be right), sort of a variation of the Four Horsemen theme —
(1) procrastination [I’ll do it tomorrow]
(2) inflation [a dollar is not worth a dollar / see: “time value of money” (wat? yeh)]
(3) taxes [the biggest monkey of all, and that poo sticks] and
(4) spending [specifically how, where, when, and on what]
Methinks this is a good start.
Money = mystery … but needn’t remain thus, as it t’were.
Welcome to the ride.