Rat Race Freedom

These days, it is impossible to conduct business without first having a truckload of software to handle a number of tasks. Developers are well aware of this, which explains the incredible amount of programs out there that can perform all manner of tasks. Even ones that were intended to do something else entirely have been [...]

You’ve always been a good story teller. You’ve even figured out how to extend your breaks, when the boss comes into the break room; you start into one of your famous stories, and it keeps the audience so rapt, including the boss, that you earn an extra five minutes away from the desk. (And with [...]

Everyone is prone to flights of fancy. Particularly when you have a nasty hangover from last night’s party, you have to report to work at 8 am, and you’re having the slowest day this side of the calendar. Thankfully, our boss overlords, as well as the evil scientists at Apple or ACME, haven’t yet found [...]

Dear Santa (if you really exist), I have been a very good member of the slave force… I mean, rank and file, this year. I filed my taxes on time, reconciled with my ex-wife, and even paid the child support she’s been demanding for the past 10 years. In addition, I did NOT follow through [...]

As the saying goes, any form of investment carries an inherent amount of risk. Whether you choose to invest in the stock market or play the currency trade, you are effectively placing your hard earned money at the mercy of market forces that are beyond your control. A flare-up in the Middle East can wipe [...]

Some people might think that going into business is a good way to get out of the corporate grind. This is sound and logical thinking, though it requires a lot of effort, so it isn’t for the lazy people out there who want out of the corporate world because of all the work involved. Then [...]

As a cubicle mouse, you know very well that a lot of things can take up your hard-earned money… sometimes, too many things. After all, you only have a limited source of income, whereas the possibilities for spending that income are endless. Of course, there are the basic necessities like food, utilities and transportation. Then [...]

In 1941, President Roosevelt made a speech in which he delineated what would come to be called the “four freedoms” that every one should be allowed to enjoy. They included the Freedom of Speech and Expression, the Freedom of Religion, The Freedom from Want, and the Freedom from Fear. The first two freedoms are guaranteed by [...]

A lot of people dream of financial independence, where they can stop worrying about paying the bills on time and big money-drainers such as tuition for the kids and the house mortgage. But few people ever attain it. Before you can dream of being Warren Buffet, start with something realistic, like getting your finances in [...]

So this time you have planned to ambush Yosemite National Park’s camping grounds. You can’t wait to be one with nature and marvel at the sight of its mountainous horizons, hear the sound of the spilling waterfalls, and trek down the groves of Sequoias. Your parents have approved of this trip, and promised to finally [...]