Remember when you were a kid … and September came? Part of you rued the end of your summer freedom, but the rest of you was excited to be returning to school to reunite with old friends and discover new teachers. Well, I still get that same sense at this time of year.
My wife and I are standing in the sweltering, mid-morning heat on the sidewalk near Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee – three long states from home – saying goodbye to our son Sam, our oldest.
I have lived and worked around these parts for 27 years now and have yet to run the Crim ten-mile road race, through no fault of my own.
When it comes to this year’s financial markets, a few words may come to mind: volatile, frustrating, confusing, uncharted territory. All are very fitting when used to describe a market that began the first three weeks with a record-setting “worst start to the year ever” as reported by Bloomberg.com. This start of 2016 was met by a relentless move back to the year’s highs as Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve Chairwoman, signaled that she wouldn’t be raising rates as often as she had originally intended. The recent “Brexit” referendum that parted Great Britain from the European Union caused a two-day, 800+ point sell-off in the Dow Jones Industrial Average** only to be met by another relentless move back to the highs of the year. The move higher was attributed to many things; but in my opinion, the move by our British friends has made it almost impossible for Janet Yellen to raise rates any time within the next year or so.
I can hardly bear to turn on the morning news shows anymore. The reports are always horrifying – shootings, stabbings, politicians fighting. I feel so lucky to have a job that allows me to see the good things that are happening right here in Greater Flint. As a writer for My City Magazine, I have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and the honor of sharing their stories with our readers.
Most people will tell you that the gem of Italy’s Amalfi Coast is Positano. I disagree – first, because I like to be difficult, and second, because I genuinely think that there are far too many sandal-making boutiques, tourist restaurants, and people there wearing socks with their sandals. I prefer the city of Amalfi itself, which still has unspoiled areas. But, today’s tale is set in Positano, amidst the lush, purple vibrancy of bougainvillea and bright white and pale yellow buildings that dot the terraced city.
You may not want to face it, but it’s that time again … when summer comes to an end and we gear up for a new school year. I can remember spending hours shopping with my mom and younger sister. Although I was mourning the loss of my summer freedom, I was excited to pick out school supplies and that all important, first-day outfit. First impressions are everything, right?
I was at a restaurant up north recently when someone asked “the questions.”
Fashionable activewear is the latest hot trend, marrying style and comfort for an easy, “wear all day” look. Super-fit celebrities like Kate Hudson and Beyoncé have taken note of the growing popularity of activewear brands Lululemon and Athleta, creating their own brands – Fabletics and Ivy Park – to supply the growing demand.
Often, life’s lessons are learned through trial and error. When I was nine years old, I learned that I needed to wear a helmet doing tricks on my BMX bike. Unfortunately, I learned this when I had 47 stitches in my head after attempting an “Evil Knievel” long-distance jump and vaulting head-over-heels on the landing. Other lessons are learned through observation. I enjoy sharing with others what I’ve learned through experience. Here are five things I wish I’d known when I was younger about money and finance.
