#382. Dad, has the pandemic changed you?
It has changed parts of me. I feel less stressed. I see the pandemic as a moment to reconnect with what is essential in my […]
Simplicity
#372. Dad, what is clutter?
Anything that does not bring tranquillity and peace to your life is clutter.
#370. Dad, what is “uitwaaien?”
“Uitwaaien” means to go out into nature as a way of clearing your mind.
#358. Dad, what is the most important relationship I can have?
No relationship is more important than the relationship you have with yourself.
#345. Dad, what is the best average day for you?
A low-stress day. Quality time with family and watching my favourite sports team.
#336. Dad, what is the law of “diminishing gratitude?”
When you take everyday blessings for granted.
#326. Dad, does success make anxiety and depression better?
Success is not a cure for anxiety or depression. Sometimes it makes it worse.
#304. Dad, my finances are a mess.
Congratulations! You have taken the first step to acknowledging that you have a problem. The rest can be managed with a plan. Dad, My Finances […]
#300. Dad, what is the definition of frugal?
Simply being thoughtful about your purchases.
#275. Dad, what is a “peaceful life?”
A “peaceful life” is the removal of ongoing stress.
#266. Dad, tell me about financial discipline.
Financial discipline fosters character traits like self control, prudence, and patience.
#262. Dad, what is a quick way to simplify my life?
Identify what is most important to you. Eliminate everything else.
#260. Dad, how do I get what I want?
One way, is to want less. Another way is to first help other people get what they want.
#255. Dad, how old are the principles of personal finance?
The principles of personal finance have not changed for 3000 years. That is why it is so easy to understand and apply.
#250. Dad, what is akrasia?
Akrasia is when you do one thing even though you know you should do something else. Like spending and saving.
#247. Dad, what is an askhole?
Someone who asks too many stupid, pointless or obnoxious questions.
#242. Dad, what happens when I am not present?
DAD: By not being present, we scatter ourselves; and that scattering causes us to look for fulfillment in the wrong places.
#237. Dad, it is so tempting to buy stuff
DAD: Advertisers trick you into wanting stuff. Ignore the noise.
#236. Dad, what should I talk about?
DAD: Talk about life, love, meaning, experiences, entrepreneurship. Be inquisitive, learn about people
#214. Dad, some days are so hard
DAD: Your track record for getting through hard days is 100% so far.
#200. Dad, I worry too much.
When you worry too much, it is easy to mistake your worries for reality, instead of recognizing that they are just thoughts.
#189. Dad, tell me about being quiet
Knowing how to be quiet teaches you how to formulate your thoughts. The quiet unhurried mind understands the most.
#185. Dad, does spending less equate to less joy?
On the contrary, spending less brings more joy.
#176. Dad, how do I increase my attention span?
Stop multitasking and remove anything from your environment that might distract you.
#139. Dad, I feel that I spend so much time organizing my stuff.
Better than organizing more, try owning less.
#138. Dad, sometimes I feel I am busy all the time
We are all busy. We’ve all taken on too much. Saying yes to less is the way out.
#131. Dad, is the grass actually greener on the other side?
Who cares what colour the grass is on the other side. Live in the moment and embrace the present.
#123. Dad, how do I stay balanced?
Balance is not about perfection. It’s about avoiding extremes.
#119. Dad, how did decluttering make you feel?
Decluttering allowed me to have more of what I love, and less of what I don’t.
#102. Dad, does having more stuff equal happiness?
Material items do not always equal happiness. Sometimes they just add stress and debt.
#89. Dad, do you have advice about getting out of debt?
Just get started.
#86. Dad, do I have to spend a lot of money to be content?
You don’t need to get out of the city to feel calm. You don’t need a gym membership to push your body and you don’t […]
#82. Dad, does having more stuff make me happier?
Material items do not always equal happiness. Sometimes they just add more stress and debt.
#81. Dad, what about spending money?
Being good with money does not mean you don’t spend it. And not spending does not make you good with money.
#80. Dad, what is the happiness fund?
Treat yourself if it brings you happiness. Enjoy your money with moderation. Balance is the key.
#72. Dad, what is minimalism?
Minimalism is less about the quantity of items you have and more about the quality of life you create.
#61. Dad, why do most parents spend so much money on lavish birthdays for their kids?
Many people forget that birthday celebrations are about people and moments rather than gifts and stuff.
#60. Dad, what percentage of items would you replace if you lost everything in a fire?
Definitely less than 100%. We all have way too much stuff.
#56. Dad, what is the quote from the movie “Fight Club” you mention when speaking about materialism?
“The things you own end up owning you”. Materialism, by and large, is a psychological trap. No matter how much you own, how much you […]
#36. Dad, tell me why holiday traditions are so financially stressful?
We don’t have to continue holiday traditions that leave us overwhelmed, broke and tired. Traditions should not detract from the season, they should elevate it. […]