The first step in making a decision is one of the most risky. Why? Because choices are not always about reality. Rather, they are about what you believe. As rational “choosers,” most all of us believe that we always strive to make the most rational choices possible. The problem is we don’t.
Life is a numbers game. There are no guarantees, only risks and probabilities. The question we face is “How likely is it that I (you, they, it) will … ?” In responding to uncertainty, however, it is important to understand that “possibility” does not mean “probability.”
Well-being (life satisfaction) peaks in our late 40s and it’s all downhill from there. Declining health, growing dependence, increasing loneliness, deepening depression and regret. “What a drag it is getting old,” crooned Mick Jagger. Or is it?
Online dating has become a cultural phenomenon as millions of users flock to access the names and profiles of potential companions. But the promise of blissful happiness comes with a host of privacy and security threats.
Brain Bites are “now and then” updates regarding trends, statistics, and interesting info-bites in personal economics. These tasty tidbits help maintain your edge over an unpredictable future. Think of them as cerebral snacks for the hungry mind!
Outcomes often fall short of expectations because we inaccurately predict how we will feel in the future. And somewhat surprisingly, predicting our “future self” is not something we tend to be very good at.
Social Security (SS) is a mandated supplemental retirement system (plus other benefits) set up to ensure that no one falls through the cracks. Benefits are paid based on a sliding scale depending on your income, how long you work, and at what age you retire.
A good decision is never an accident. It is always the result of logical intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives and the outcome is one that adds positive value to your long-term success.
This year thousands will marry wealthy. Marla Maples did it. Joan Kroc and Anna Nicole Smith did it. Roxanne Pulitzer did it and so did Tom Arnold. All of them went from first base direct to home plate, taking the shortcut to easy street.
We fail to appreciate just how rich today’s rich are—over 80% of the nation’s financial wealth is controlled by about 20% of the people (and the gap is widening). Research by social scientists has found that the rich really are different from us, and in many cases, not in a good way.
