Common Cents by Tom and John
Mills
Nearly 20 years ago, I wrote
about some ideas for happiness:
— Plan ahead. If nothing else,
plan to write everything down. No surprises. Not only will I write in my
well-worn calendar/planner, but I will actually use it as it was designed to be
used.
— Keep a budget. Budgeting is
not just for those starting out in life.
— Save a little each month. Do
it in some account: savings, 401(k), college funds. It doesn’t matter.
— Pay off credit cards early.
Those evil plastic demons are modern man’s albatross. Use them sparingly. When
used, try to pay the balance off as soon as possible.
— Get a health checkup. With
good health you can be productive. Without it, you may not be.
— Review insurance — life,
disability, medical or nursing home. Being over-insured is almost as bad as
being under-insured.
— Recognize those who make you
look good. We all have them and most of us take them for granted. It may be a
spouse, partner or a co-worker. Most of us would not be where we are today if
it weren’t for the help of another significant person or two.
— Since I’m on a roll here, end
relationships that cause you pain. There may be a few people in your business
or personal life who cause serious pain.
— Improve relationships that
give you joy. Relationships are like bank accounts. If we overdraw, we pay a
serious price. If we make regular deposits, we earn the privilege to make
withdrawals. How’s your bank account with those who bring you joy? When was
your last deposit?
— Avoid procrastination. Every
aspect of one’s life is hampered by this nasty habit. If you put it off, it may
put you out. Don’t wait. Make the list and do it. You know the areas of your
life that need work.
— Clean up the clutter. This is
important. Most of us do this. We have too many projects. Undone projects
create clutter. It is essential to decide what is unimportant and put those
things away.
— Be grateful. Grateful for
those who have helped you get where you are. It may be to a higher power or to
an important person. Whomever. Show your appreciation regularly and often.
I hope this year will be
another year of prosperity for me and for you.
Tom and John Mills are
registered investment advisers and certified financial planners. Reach them at
254-0155, MillsWealth.com. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member
FINRA/SIPC. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of LPL
Financial. Investment advice offered through Strategic Wealth Advisors Group
(SWAG), a registered investment adviser. Mills Wealth Management and SWAG are
separate entities from LPL Financial.
