In the past I have complained (and I plan to complain in the future!) about the way in which state and local governments typically encourage local economic growth using tax give-aways (incentives!) for businesses. I appreciated this TEDx talk’s research-driven approach to arguing for a different model, based on investing in Pre-Kindergarten education.  Since my

Please see my previous post, on Insurance as Risk Transfer Only Good uses of insurance Car insurance – mandatory and necessary, appropriately transfers risk of sudden damage to car or bodily health away from you to a company that can spread that risk around. Homeowners and renters insurance – similarly transfers risk of catastrophic damage

Insurance has one purpose, and one purpose only.  Remembering that purpose will keep you from expensive insurance ‘solutions.’  The purpose of insurance is risk transfer. For the rest of your life, insurance salespeople will try to sell you the idea that you can both increase your wealth and protect against risk at the same time.

On asking for money, in a simple three step process.  Warning: Metaphor in use. Step 1.  Find a donor. Step 2. “Oh, hi, it’s you.  Listen, can I ask you a favor?  Can you hold my baby for a minute?” Step 3.  In a few moments, donor not only cuddles baby – but ends up