Basic Personal Finance:  The Things We Don’t Teach Any More

Basic Personal Finance:  The Things We Don’t Teach Any More

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You can’t pick up a newspaper or magazine these days and NOT see some article about the economy, interest rates, or some other force that may impact your home finances.  Many of us have learned about personal finance the hard way (me included) – through trial and error.  I’m still amazed that we don’t teach the basic concepts of personal finance to high school students before we unleash them into the wide, wide world of credit cards, home and car…

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Vacation Planning:  How Much is Too Much?

Vacation Planning:  How Much is Too Much?

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I’ll admit it – I’m a planner by nature.  I like things orderly and organized.  That’s just how I roll.  The same rules apply when I’m going on vacation.  I like to be prepared. Now before you roll your eyes and say “boy, I bet this guy is a blast on holiday”, let me explain.  Just because I’m organized and prepared doesn’t mean I don’t like to relax and have a good time.  Let me be clear – I’m not…

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Healthy Eating:  A Deliberate Act

Healthy Eating:  A Deliberate Act

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I know, I know.  Another article preaching the platitudes of healthy eating and a healthier lifestyle, but let’s face it – none of us are getting any younger.  I’m at the age where I’m routinely hearing about friends, co-workers, or acquaintances who are experiencing major health scares or even worse, I’ll read their obituary in the local paper.  I don’t know about you, but I’m on the cusp of retirement, and I’m not ready to cash in my chips just…

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The Backyard Swimming Pool:  A Blessing or a Curse?

The Backyard Swimming Pool:  A Blessing or a Curse?

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With the summer heat reaching record-breaking temperatures, wouldn’t it be nice to step out of the back of the house and take a refreshing dip in your very own swimming pool?  It’s the dream of a lot of homeowners, right? Be careful what you wish for. I know quite a few friends who happen to have swimming pools in their backyards (both “above ground” and “in ground”), and to a man (or woman), whenever I pose the comment “it must…

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Weekend Getaway:  Philadelphia, PA

Weekend Getaway:  Philadelphia, PA

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There’s nothing like a short summer getaway to recharge one’s batteries and to enjoy time with friends.  My wife and I recently did both, taking in a long weekend in Philadelphia, PA, where there’s more to the city than just the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the ‘Rocky’ statue. We headed north on Friday from our home in MD, making the short three hour-plus trip up I-95, passing through northeastern Maryland and Delaware before arriving at our lodgings for the…

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Summer Cocktails:  Fun In The Sun

Summer Cocktails:  Fun In The Sun

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The heat of summer has me longing for the shade of my front porch, where I can leisurely sit in the evenings with a good book or just watch the world go by.  There’s also nothing better than sipping on a summer cocktail whilst I enjoy a good parch sit, but what to drink?  I’ve seen plenty of videos and tik-toks on summer drink hacks that look fun, refreshing, and tasty.  Here’s a sample of a few that you might…

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Family Reunions – A Summer Staple

Family Reunions – A Summer Staple

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Ahhh, the family reunion.  An annual rite of passage for most families, you’ll often find the summer months as the “high season” for this type of extended family gathering. Reunions are done in a number of ways, whether it be meeting up at a relative’s house for a picnic/barbeque or gathering everyone together for a big trip somewhere – say Disney World or getting a cabin together in the Great Smoky Mountains. There tend to be two camps when it…

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Drone Shows:  Technology Goes Next-Gen for Nighttime Entertainment

Drone Shows:  Technology Goes Next-Gen for Nighttime Entertainment

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This week marks our country’s 247th birthday (just three more years until the Semiquincentennial – start your shopping now!), and what’s more American than watching a fireworks show to celebrate our Independence Day?  No matter where you see a colorful display light up the night sky, it’s always an exciting time of year. That being said, advances in drone technology are now being utilized by the entertainment industry, most notably in the form of drone shows.  Similar to a fireworks…

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The Sunshine State:  Rekindling Old Memories

The Sunshine State:  Rekindling Old Memories

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I spent last week in Florida visiting my youngest daughter, who is working for a theme park company infested with rodents (I think you know the one).  In addition, I also spent some time visiting my extended family on my wife’s side and delivering a car (the rest of my family flew while I drove the 920 miles to get there).  Upon my return this past weekend, I had some time to ponder about what I missed (and didn’t miss)…

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Stan:  The Myth, The Legend

Stan:  The Myth, The Legend

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Do you remember that one car you owned in your life that took on memorable status?  The one that not only revives horrible flop-sweats, but also brings back memories that make you smile? I have one of those. It’s a 1999 Toyota Camry.  A white, four-door.  The car that if you gave its description to a police officer, they’d say “well that narrows it down to about two million possible matches.”  They made a ton of these back in the…

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