What’s your schedule look like tomorrow? Are you packed with little time for lunch or do you have a day open for creative thinking? Yes – that’s right, creative thinking. Drake Baer writes a thought-provoking piece for Fast Company and talks about the first time Warren Buffet met Bill Gates with an open schedule in his little black book. Buffett is known to guard his time and believes whole heartedly in the value of an open schedule. “You’ve gotta keep control of your time,” Buffett says, “and you can’t unless you say no. You can’t let people set your agenda in life.”
Drake references writer Kevin Ashton who found a theory on creativity and success looking at a few key people ““Wipe away the magic and myth of creating and all that remains is work … No matter what you read, no matter what they claim, nearly all creators spend nearly all their time on the work of creation. There are few overnight successes and many up-all-night successes.”
It’s rare in the work force to see individuals sitting at their desks cultivating creativity. We often find scenarios of working through lunch, double booking meetings, and overtaxed and over scheduled home lives to coincide.
In order to create the next “big thing” you’ve got to find the space to allow yourself to explore your creative. I challenge you to create a space in your schedule for doing so; otherwise you’ll just end up in the rat race like the rest of us.
After ignoring Wall Street, let’s get on with our life one blog at a time … by Julie Klingler
We would never say it’s a good idea to listen to Bernie Madoff but he gives an interesting interview on how investors can become more informed and ways the SEC could level the playing field. It’s not to say that a Ponzi scheme won’t happen again, but it’s a unique perspective from a scheming ring leader. He points out that the best chance for the least amount of fraud is investing in an index fund. “It’s the safest place and least likely place to get scammed.” Now this may be something we agree on.
This isn’t the first time we’ve discussed Mr. Madoff. Bill wrote a poignant piece back in 2009 discussing investors needing a wake-up call and taking control of their financial future, rather than people like Bernie Madoff. Now four years later, would you say we’re in a better place or should we all review the three Coffeehouse principles one more time?
After ignoring Wall Street, let’s get on with our life one blog at a time … by Julie Klingler
photo: Getty Images
After ignoring Wall Street, let’s get on with our life one blog at a time … by Julie Klingler
Last week I highlighted Bill’s recent article on Forbes.com. He discussed a few not-so-obvious advantages to index funds besides lower cost fees. Vanguard recently attached a few numbers to these “lower cost fees” to demonstrate the impact investments costs can have on portfolios. It’s not something you think about every day, yet the dollars can really add up and put a dent in your nest egg overtime.
“Over 30 years, the higher-cost portfolio could cost a retiree $45,000 more in spending power (in today’s dollars) than the lower-cost portfolio, according to Vanguard’s analysis.”
Still not convinced by the $45,000 price tag given by Vanguard? Well then listen in on a persuasive argument about Index Funds & Beyond with Bill on Wednesday evening, June 19th. By the end of the webinar, you’ll either be convinced you’re doing it right with a passive index fund portfolio or you’ll wonder why you haven’t started yet. His passion for index funds and saving you money is worth your time tuning in.
He’s at it again! Bill continues to educate investors about the advantages of index funds and discusses a few benefits in his recent article on Forbes.com. He’ll be appearing from time to time as a guest columnist on Forbes so keep your eyes peeled for his advice and we’ll do our best to highlight his articles featured. Have a great holiday weekend!
After ignoring Wall Street, let’s get on with our life one blog at a time … by Julie Klingler
It’s the time of year when colored cardboard tasseled hats fly in the air in celebration. With the coveted college diploma in hand, these young people will look for inspiration and guidance as they navigate life. Since they only partially listened to the graduation keynote address, these young minds are blank pages with stories to tell (if they haven’t already shared on Facebook) and are looking for advice. The Wall Street Journal published 29 rules for college grads that offer a “lighter” version of life guidance. Rule #3 hits home for me, my husband and I are still discussing why we continue to sleep on my first mattress I purchased after college 13 years ago; it really is a bad bed and needs to go. Enjoy the list; I’m sure you’ll find something that resonates with you.