In the heart of Rome is Palazzo Colonna, a private palace owned by one family for 31 generations. How has the Colonna family been able to keep their castle and great wealth intact for over 900 years? Author Jim Rickards writes of an experience at a private dinner in Rome with some of the world’s… Continue reading Wealth that lasts: a third, a third, and a third
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Shock Doctrine
There is a tactic called shock doctrine. An unexpected event happens. The opportunist inflates the surprise and stimulates high levels of shock in a person to increase the emotional response in their brain. He manipulates the target to believe that the only “hope” is the thing he sells or proposes. In public policy, shock doctrine… Continue reading Shock Doctrine
Solid Strength
Imagine walking into the belly of an institution that has every power to disparage you, ruin your reputation, torture your body, and take your life. Not only do you know it but you WILLINGLY volunteer for the mission. Imagine sitting through a person’s every in-depth detail of pain and agony, WILLINGLY sympathizing and even choosing… Continue reading Solid Strength
Strings attached
A global problem, once defined, conjures up a global solution. And if the citizens don’t readily accept it, then a new global problem must be highlighted. And if still the citizens resist the solution, a third global problem must be emphasized until even the most stubborn of them begs for the solution. First of the… Continue reading Strings attached
Who are you getting money advice from?
If I approached a fly for consulting about how to survive winter, it would say, “What is winter?” If I approached a robin, it would say, “You don’t have to change much. It’s just going to get cold. We had some snow days last year but hardly nothing this year. “If I approached a coyote,… Continue reading Who are you getting money advice from?
Promptings of drought
When I say “that shirt looks blue”, I say it with no intention, only observation. When I mentioned in early summer that we are due for a drought, I had several peeps get upset. A couple thought I was being pessimistic. (That would have been a good time to prepare for it instead. ) When… Continue reading Promptings of drought
Wealth during economic downturns
The thing to remember about economic depressions is that wealth doesn’t disappear — it’s simply transferred. It’s not transferred by stratagem or deceit. The opportunities are seen by those who remain calm in the face of chaos while others are distracted by unconscious knee-jerk reactions of worry, anger, and fear. #opportunities#see
What to invest in, according to a 10yo
10yo: Mom, can I log on and check my budget?Me: Sure.10yo, looking at a list of work she has done: Mom, can we have a pay day? You owe me $34.Me, silently cringing: Sure. Did you account for tithing and savings?10yo, pointing at her spreadsheet: Yes, it’s right here. Me, thinking to myself, “Dang it,… Continue reading What to invest in, according to a 10yo
Untitled
One of the most comforting sounds to me on a winter morning is that of the furnace kicking on. I feel taken care of. In Tennessee, I lived in an old house built in the 1950s around the corner from “the projects”. My windows were single pane, the walls varied from room to room between… Continue reading Untitled
What I left behind in Venezuela
I was 6 or 7 years old when my parents told me we were going to the United States. We sold off all of our belongings. EVERYTHING. Somehow, it didn’t register in my mind that we weren’t coming back to Venezuela. I asked my mom to take a photo of me with some of my… Continue reading What I left behind in Venezuela