We put the house hunting on hold in December, so that we could enjoy Christmas and our Vegas vacation in January. And as fate would have it, the perfect house came along right after we stopped looking. It has a horse farm bordering the back yard, a golf course across the street, and a greenway (running path) by a stream, and is in the perfect location. We saw it for the first time yesterday, and put the offer in today. Now it’s just a waiting game.
Just When You Least Expect It…
February 8th, 2010Superbowl Sunday
February 7th, 2010Just two words – Go Saints!
Are Stay-At-Home Moms Lousy Housekeepers?
February 6th, 2010Here’s a strange. My brother-in-law, who owns a security alarm company, goes into a lot of houses. Yesterday he mentioned something I would have never imagined – that the sloppiest, worst kept homes they see are not those where both husband and wife have full time jobs outside the house and are rarely home. Instead, it’s the ones where a stay-at-home mom is there all day. Go figure.
Look Who’s Adding 5,000 New Jobs
February 5th, 2010Discount retailer Dollar General reports that they added 4,000 jobs in 2009, and expect to add 5,000 more in 2010. While companies like Starbucks are struggling, Dollar General is profiting from the recession, big time.
Guess I’m Not a Pampered Chef
February 4th, 2010
Someone gave us a Pampered Chef can opener for Christmas, and it’s supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. It opens cans without creating a sharp edge that can cut fingers. Problem is, the darn thing is so confusing, we had to get my sister-in-law to give us lessons on how to use it. This is why I like SIMPLE.
Money Tip
February 3rd, 2010If you’re over 60, you need long-term health insurance. Dave Ramsey says not to get it before 60, but if you have parents or other relatives who don’t have it and are past that age, help them get it. If you need help finding an insurance agent you can trust, look up one of Dave’s endorsed local providers in your area at: http://www.daveramsey.com/elp/long-term-care-insurance/
Feedback on 2-2-10 issue of Glenn Shepard’s “Work Is No for Sissies”
February 2nd, 2010There was a lot of “robust” discussion on this one, as the Washignton politicians like to say. Click on “Comments” below to view it.
Practicing What You Preach
February 1st, 2010
As most of my fans know, it disgusts me that my chosen profession of public speaking is full of phonys and fakers (most motivational speakers are the least motivated people you’ll ever meet, and most speakers who talk about success are totally broke). My friend and colleague “Mr. Z”, who I admire and trust more than anyone in our profession, was the first to inform me of this.
He and Dave Ramsey are the two highest paid people I know. Both are also the least selfish, and put their money where their mouth is.
While I hope that none of my fans ever question my character or integrity, I couldn’t blame you if you do. After all, I work in an industry that has earned itself a reputation that puts it only a few notches above politicians and pastors who cheat on their wives, ambulance chasing lawyers, and used car dealers that roll back odometers. (Ironically, each of those professions also relies on people being fast talkers with a silver tongue).
Brady’s First Snow
January 31st, 2010
We borrowed this sweater from my sister-in-law because Mr. Brady was shivering so much, but I’m a little concerned about my Man Dog wearing pink.
No Wonder Some Houses Aren’t Selling
January 30th, 2010
After running into one realtor after another who seemed to all belong to the same “Sales Prevention Department”, my beautiful bride and I put the house hunting on hold for a while. The straw that finally broke the camel’s back was when we drove all the way across town for an open house, and the owner/agent didn’t even show up. We still get emails when new houses that meet our criteria come on the market, and look at the photos online. But apparently a lot of homeowners didn’t get the memo that they’re supposed to clean up their house before they take pictures, and don’t have HGTV. No matter how nice the house is, we’re not too motivated to spend our valuable time going to see it when it looks this junky online.