Comments on: Simple Prosperity on Enjoying The Present http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html Personal Finance and Investing Blog Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:06:12 +0000 hourly 1 By: Rhonda http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125489 Rhonda Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:58:03 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125489 Joshua, Your story touches me. I am not exactly there (although we lost at least 30%), but it's like I tell my husband...they said that some banks were too big to fail. They are saying that the Dow can't go to zero. I am wondering now. What if it does? Can we really trust our financial system anymore? Joshua,
Your story touches me. I am not exactly there (although we lost at least 30%), but it’s like I tell my husband…they said that some banks were too big to fail. They are saying that the Dow can’t go to zero. I am wondering now. What if it does?

Can we really trust our financial system anymore?

]]> By: Joshua http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125488 Joshua Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:42:25 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125488 Chuck, for sure, I was over invested in stocks, definitely my fault. But a fairly diversified portfolio and one large stinker in Sirius XM. And only about 100k came from gains when I actively traded for two years on a regular basis - the rest was 20 years of hard earned, saved cash and some regular stock payroll contributions. I got too pumped up watching Mad Money and CNBC, then when I got tired of it and didn't have the time to watch the investments around the clock, I got hammered. Cramer is right about one thing, buy and hold just doesn't work for the common man. I blame only myself... Chuck, for sure, I was over invested in stocks, definitely my fault.

But a fairly diversified portfolio and one large stinker in Sirius XM. And only about 100k came from gains when I actively traded for two years on a regular basis – the rest was 20 years of hard earned, saved cash and some regular stock payroll contributions.

I got too pumped up watching Mad Money and CNBC, then when I got tired of it and didn’t have the time to watch the investments around the clock, I got hammered. Cramer is right about one thing, buy and hold just doesn’t work for the common man.

I blame only myself…

]]> By: Chuck http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125447 Chuck Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:03:28 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125447 Joshua, you must have been very aggressively invested. I'm down about 45% in my stock investments. With my portfolio (broad market) I was aware I was taking a certain amount of risk. To have lost 80% you must have been very badly diversified, and taking much more risk, which must have worked to get you up to 600k, but I'm almost certain most of your investment losses were investment gains, which I'm not sure eases the blow for you, but it does for me. (By that I mean, I earned X, and invested it until it was 2X, and now with the market cut in half I have X again. It's only mildly depressing to think of it that way.) Joshua, you must have been very aggressively invested. I’m down about 45% in my stock investments. With my portfolio (broad market) I was aware I was taking a certain amount of risk. To have lost 80% you must have been very badly diversified, and taking much more risk, which must have worked to get you up to 600k, but I’m almost certain most of your investment losses were investment gains, which I’m not sure eases the blow for you, but it does for me. (By that I mean, I earned X, and invested it until it was 2X, and now with the market cut in half I have X again. It’s only mildly depressing to think of it that way.)

]]> By: Joshua http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125397 Joshua Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:59:26 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125397 CORRECTION, I'm sorry, the above "I’ve taken on $600k in debt" should be "$200k". I'd shoot myself if that was the case!! Sorry again. CORRECTION, I’m sorry, the above “I’ve taken on $600k in debt” should be “$200k”. I’d shoot myself if that was the case!! Sorry again.

]]> By: Joshua http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125395 Joshua Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:25:26 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125395 Allow me to entertain you with my tale of woe. I've been a CPA modestly working professionally for 23 years after college although I've always had a job since 11. This time last year I had accumulated at least $600k in savings, no easy feat with a family of 4 in overtaxed / overcharged greater NYC. Basically scrimped and saved, a modest home, used furniture, minivan/cars driven for 15 plus years to their death, very modest vacations (basically camping), rare dining out, etc. We lived in rented 4 room cottage until the oldest was 7. Anything extravagant was solely for the benefit of the kids such as travel hockey, bikes and camps. A year later, my investments have lost 80% of their value and I've taken on $600k in debt to fund a new business that will take a while to generate profits, assuming that it survives in this economy since the product isn't exactly a household necessity like food or fuel. So now the kids are near college age and I've really been wondering lately if I haven't screwed myself by living and spending in the moment and fully enjoying a material life like many of my friends. I'd been in the same net position anyway. Could have had a great time blowing 1/2 million dollars instead of watching it evaporate. Food for thought. Allow me to entertain you with my tale of woe. I’ve been a CPA modestly working professionally for 23 years after college although I’ve always had a job since 11.

This time last year I had accumulated at least $600k in savings, no easy feat with a family of 4 in overtaxed / overcharged greater NYC. Basically scrimped and saved, a modest home, used furniture, minivan/cars driven for 15 plus years to their death, very modest vacations (basically camping), rare dining out, etc. We lived in rented 4 room cottage until the oldest was 7. Anything extravagant was solely for the benefit of the kids such as travel hockey, bikes and camps.

A year later, my investments have lost 80% of their value and I’ve taken on $600k in debt to fund a new business that will take a while to generate profits, assuming that it survives in this economy since the product isn’t exactly a household necessity like food or fuel.

So now the kids are near college age and I’ve really been wondering lately if I haven’t screwed myself by living and spending in the moment and fully enjoying a material life like many of my friends.

I’d been in the same net position anyway. Could have had a great time blowing 1/2 million dollars instead of watching it evaporate.

Food for thought.

]]> By: Rhonda http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125313 Rhonda Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:24:54 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125313 Lewis, it doesn't matter what corruption you see in religion. It matters what you do with that information. I was a preacher's daugher, and saw first hand some of the people who were corrupted. Being a man of God doesn't make you invinsible...it makes you human. I won't go into details, but the only person you have to answer to is God, not the men who were stupid and wrong. When you talk to God and tell him that those guys screwed you up, He's not going to hear you, because you were supposed to be listening to him. You show your weakness by listening to man. Lewis, it doesn’t matter what corruption you see in religion. It matters what you do with that information. I was a preacher’s daugher, and saw first hand some of the people who were corrupted. Being a man of God doesn’t make you invinsible…it makes you human.

I won’t go into details, but the only person you have to answer to is God, not the men who were stupid and wrong. When you talk to God and tell him that those guys screwed you up, He’s not going to hear you, because you were supposed to be listening to him.

You show your weakness by listening to man.

]]> By: Rhonda http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125311 Rhonda Sat, 07 Mar 2009 03:59:35 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125311 You know, we keep trying to find a separation between church and state, but if we are Americans, there's not one. It's either In God We Trust or we are as rotten as those who don't believe that. I don't understand how we got to be a nation who doubts that. Americans are supposed to be Christians...well at least that's what I was taught a thousand years ago. This is a financial blog, and I will try to keep it as such, but I can't disregard the impact that God has in our finances and our society. I expect that more of us will be turning to God as we have nothing else to turn to...sad that we couldn't have done it sooner. You know, we keep trying to find a separation between church and state, but if we are Americans, there’s not one. It’s either In God We Trust or we are as rotten as those who don’t believe that. I don’t understand how we got to be a nation who doubts that. Americans are supposed to be Christians…well at least that’s what I was taught a thousand years ago.

This is a financial blog, and I will try to keep it as such, but I can’t disregard the impact that God has in our finances and our society. I expect that more of us will be turning to God as we have nothing else to turn to…sad that we couldn’t have done it sooner.

]]> By: lynn http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125308 lynn Sat, 07 Mar 2009 03:40:13 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125308 There is no satisfaction without a relationship with Christ. There is no satisfaction without a relationship with Christ.

]]> By: Lewis http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125230 Lewis Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:29:45 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125230 Ouch Rhonda. Actually, I am quite familiar with Christian teachings on money, they were quite foundational to my own fiscal probity and are probably a big reason I am reading a site like this at all. On the other hand I don't believe that God's will for me is to make me wealthy a la Prosperity Evangelism, because money is really not what's important. And I find ads that slap on the label 'christian' to their make-money-at-home schemes deceptive and insulting. Make no mistake, some people want to use your faith to exploit you. It would be quite sickening if it weren't so laughable transparent in this case. Ouch Rhonda.
Actually, I am quite familiar with Christian teachings on money, they were quite foundational to my own fiscal probity and are probably a big reason I am reading a site like this at all.
On the other hand I don’t believe that God’s will for me is to make me wealthy a la Prosperity Evangelism, because money is really not what’s important. And I find ads that slap on the label ‘christian’ to their make-money-at-home schemes deceptive and insulting. Make no mistake, some people want to use your faith to exploit you. It would be quite sickening if it weren’t so laughable transparent in this case.

]]> By: Rhonda http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125169 Rhonda Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:05:52 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125169 Lewis, glad you think religion and finance mixed are hilarious, but don't disregard those of us who have a little more depth than you and know the connection. God blesses those who are diligent with their money, dude. If you never learn that, you are destined for financial failure, much less sadly bigger surprises to come for you. I'm sick and tired of people making fun of those who speak up for what's real. This financial crisis is real, and so are all the different ways we have to deal with it. May God have mercy on your money. Lewis, glad you think religion and finance mixed are hilarious, but don’t disregard those of us who have a little more depth than you and know the connection. God blesses those who are diligent with their money, dude. If you never learn that, you are destined for financial failure, much less sadly bigger surprises to come for you.

I’m sick and tired of people making fun of those who speak up for what’s real. This financial crisis is real, and so are all the different ways we have to deal with it. May God have mercy on your money.

]]> By: Lewis http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125164 Lewis Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:12:20 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125164 Btw, the mix of religious and financial ads getting served up on this page is hilarious. Maybe I should throw in some cats, pet food and other catnip terms to make it interesting. Btw, the mix of religious and financial ads getting served up on this page is hilarious. Maybe I should throw in some cats, pet food and other catnip terms to make it interesting.

]]> By: Lewis http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125163 Lewis Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:08:22 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125163 Good to see you (and we) can keep the big picture in mind, even as we scramble from one detail to the next. Keeping realistic expectations about what money can do for us (and how long it will take to get it) may not be fun, but it can save us a lot of grief. Good to see you (and we) can keep the big picture in mind, even as we scramble from one detail to the next.

Keeping realistic expectations about what money can do for us (and how long it will take to get it) may not be fun, but it can save us a lot of grief.

]]> By: Dana http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125140 Dana Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:21:04 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125140 @Jonathan, maybe there's a fine line between financial independence, or security, and financial abundance. I think in pursuit of independence, we more often than not have our sight set on abundance. And the definition of abundance can be quite relative. Perhaps it's in our pursuit of this more or less unattainable goal that we make ourselves less content than we can otherwise be. But then again, I'm sure that's me simplifying our (undoubtedly) complex internal happiness compass. @Jonathan, maybe there’s a fine line between financial independence, or security, and financial abundance. I think in pursuit of independence, we more often than not have our sight set on abundance. And the definition of abundance can be quite relative. Perhaps it’s in our pursuit of this more or less unattainable goal that we make ourselves less content than we can otherwise be.

But then again, I’m sure that’s me simplifying our (undoubtedly) complex internal happiness compass.

]]> By: Dee http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125138 Dee Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:06:32 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125138 Just for fun, here is another definition of happiness: "Happiness isn't having what you want, it's wanting what you have." I am finding that the art of living is the art of appreciating what I have now, what is around me now, who I am now. When I do that, I am happy now. And here's another saying to go with the first: "Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due." So don't worry, be happy :-) Just for fun, here is another definition of happiness:

“Happiness isn’t having what you want, it’s wanting what you have.”

I am finding that the art of living is the art of appreciating what I have now, what is around me now, who I am now. When I do that, I am happy now.

And here’s another saying to go with the first:
“Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.”

So don’t worry, be happy :-)

]]> By: Matthew http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125131 Matthew Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:24:38 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125131 It is not that "man" in the mankind sense longs to escape the present because it is not good enough, it is because human being were created for another reality--and that reality is an eternal relationship with their creator-God. What we try to do is stuff our need for God (As St. Augustine said, "our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee (God) or as Pascal so helpfully put it--there is a God-Shaped vacuum in the heart of every person) with the stuff of this world. Stuff, whether in the present or a longed for future can't fulfill the longing of the human heart. Contentment can only be found in connection with the divine purpose of our lives--to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. What a wonderful invitation from God is found in Isaiah 55 when he says "come and buy--without money--what I have for you." Medieval man longed for heaven not to escape the reality of the present, but to realize that better reality of God in eternity. It is not that “man” in the mankind sense longs to escape the present because it is not good enough, it is because human being were created for another reality–and that reality is an eternal relationship with their creator-God. What we try to do is stuff our need for God (As St. Augustine said, “our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee (God) or as Pascal so helpfully put it–there is a God-Shaped vacuum in the heart of every person) with the stuff of this world. Stuff, whether in the present or a longed for future can’t fulfill the longing of the human heart. Contentment can only be found in connection with the divine purpose of our lives–to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. What a wonderful invitation from God is found in Isaiah 55 when he says “come and buy–without money–what I have for you.” Medieval man longed for heaven not to escape the reality of the present, but to realize that better reality of God in eternity.

]]> By: Donald http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125127 Donald Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:32:44 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125127 To facilitate living in the moment, I recommend getting rid of your cell phone. If you have a cell phone, you are never alone and never, by definition, have a moment to yourself. And for God's sake, don't Twitter! To facilitate living in the moment, I recommend getting rid of your cell phone. If you have a cell phone, you are never alone and never, by definition, have a moment to yourself. And for God’s sake, don’t Twitter!

]]> By: Maury http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125110 Maury Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:18:40 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125110 I read a definition of happiness once that I have referred to again and again in my life. "Happiness is simply having something to look forward to." While it is true you should live for the present, there is something to be said for having something you are looking forward to. How often after going on a vacation, or meeting some goal do we come back to earth and feel let down because we have nothing to look forward to on the horizon. Live for the present, sure... But have something to look forward to or you'll go crazy. I read a definition of happiness once that I have referred to again and again in my life.

“Happiness is simply having something to look forward to.”

While it is true you should live for the present, there is something to be said for having something you are looking forward to. How often after going on a vacation, or meeting some goal do we come back to earth and feel let down because we have nothing to look forward to on the horizon.

Live for the present, sure… But have something to look forward to or you’ll go crazy.

]]> By: Over the Cubicle Wall http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125103 Over the Cubicle Wall Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:32:14 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125103 @Jonathon, re: is financial independence one of those things that is overrated on the happy/sad making ability? For me, probably, and I have thought about it a lot. I tend to enjoy the pursuit and anticipation of a goal more than the payoff. So, I'll still keep pursuing it, but if and when I get there, I will need to go after something else. @Jonathon,

re: is financial independence one of those things that is overrated on the happy/sad making ability? For me, probably, and I have thought about it a lot. I tend to enjoy the pursuit and anticipation of a goal more than the payoff. So, I’ll still keep pursuing it, but if and when I get there, I will need to go after something else.

]]> By: Jonathan http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125101 Jonathan Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:52:32 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125101 Interesting video of Dan Gilbert. Last part was like Paradox of Choice. I would agree that we overrate the ability of most things to make us either much happier or much sadder. Is financial independence one of those things? Yes, I do want to read Enough by Bogle. Eckhart Tolle sounds like an interesting read as well, but more on a spiritual level. Interesting video of Dan Gilbert. Last part was like Paradox of Choice. I would agree that we overrate the ability of most things to make us either much happier or much sadder. Is financial independence one of those things?

Yes, I do want to read Enough by Bogle. Eckhart Tolle sounds like an interesting read as well, but more on a spiritual level.

]]> By: Vern http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125099 Vern Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:18:10 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125099 So true. There's been a lot of talk recently about the "American Dream." I'm not even sure what that is anymore. We're still the wealthiest people on earth, with little chance of war, disease, or famine. Work hard, enjoy time your family and stop worrying about that 50" television! So true. There’s been a lot of talk recently about the “American Dream.” I’m not even sure what that is anymore. We’re still the wealthiest people on earth, with little chance of war, disease, or famine. Work hard, enjoy time your family and stop worrying about that 50″ television!

]]> By: financePHI http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125098 financePHI Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:46:36 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125098 Awesome post! I find that as we try to learn about saving and investing, we tend to believe that it will take us to a greater place once we achieve a certain net worth. It's important to take a step back and realize that we may have it pretty good in the present (well, compared to some other parts of the world). Awesome post! I find that as we try to learn about saving and investing, we tend to believe that it will take us to a greater place once we achieve a certain net worth.

It’s important to take a step back and realize that we may have it pretty good in the present (well, compared to some other parts of the world).

]]> By: Over the Cubicle Wall http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125094 Over the Cubicle Wall Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:43:04 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125094 I am going to check this book out. Thanks for blogging about it. I am going to check this book out. Thanks for blogging about it.

]]> By: Nick http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125096 Nick Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:11:35 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125096 reading some quotes here, it's materialism at its finest. Americans demand so much (I'm an American too). No wonder suicide and depression is highest here. reading some quotes here, it’s materialism at its finest. Americans demand so much (I’m an American too). No wonder suicide and depression is highest here.

]]> By: Rob http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125095 Rob Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:01:27 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125095 Eckhart Tolle Eckhart Tolle

]]> By: Rhonda http://www.mymoneyblog.com/simple-prosperity-on-enjoying-the-present.html#comment-125093 Rhonda Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:11:53 +0000 http://www.mymoneyblog.com/?p=3012#comment-125093 Wow, what an excellent subject, Jonathan. When I was a child, I dreamed of a prince charming. When I was a young woman I dreamed of a huge house with maids. Then I went through a time in my life (called divorce) that made me become grateful for so many of the things I had already taken for granted. I wonder if we can ever be truly happy. I am now married to "the one", and own a home free and clear. We have some credit card debt with 0% interest because of the rewards. Now I fantasize about when I pay off our credit cards (which we have the money to do, but are waiting until they are due) and then save most of our income. It seems I can never be happy with this moment. I have settled...no, been happy without the mansion I used to see myself in. But it seems that I always have to find something to be happier about tomorrow instead of today. I think we all need to WATCH MORE OPRAH. :) Wow, what an excellent subject, Jonathan. When I was a child, I dreamed of a prince charming. When I was a young woman I dreamed of a huge house with maids. Then I went through a time in my life (called divorce) that made me become grateful for so many of the things I had already taken for granted.

I wonder if we can ever be truly happy. I am now married to “the one”, and own a home free and clear. We have some credit card debt with 0% interest because of the rewards. Now I fantasize about when I pay off our credit cards (which we have the money to do, but are waiting until they are due) and then save most of our income. It seems I can never be happy with this moment.

I have settled…no, been happy without the mansion I used to see myself in. But it seems that I always have to find something to be happier about tomorrow instead of today.

I think we all need to WATCH MORE OPRAH. :)

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