Comments on: Investing in Skills (or Fear of an Apocalyptic Economy) http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:22:21 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Vincent Scordo http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-423967 Vincent Scordo Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:07:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-423967 Trent, I've always been an advocate of investing in your home, but doing it wisely (basic upkeep and key renovations that are not over the top). I also agree with the conservative investment strategy, unless, of course, you've done the index funds, have the 6 month cash reserve in a CD or savings account, etc. Thereafter, it may make sense to take a little risk with risk investments (especially in a down market). My two cents. Vincent http://www.scordo.com/blog/blog Trent,

I’ve always been an advocate of investing in your home, but doing it wisely (basic upkeep and key renovations that are not over the top).

I also agree with the conservative investment strategy, unless, of course, you’ve done the index funds, have the 6 month cash reserve in a CD or savings account, etc. Thereafter, it may make sense to take a little risk with risk investments (especially in a down market).

My two cents.
Vincent
http://www.scordo.com/blog/blog

]]> By: Sharon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-420641 Sharon Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:18:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-420641 It is the subtext that I see in many, many places. Trent talks about eating organic, often. Look around! These are not just posts in response necessarily to a specific essay, but they are ongoing conversations. It is the subtext that I see in many, many places. Trent talks about eating organic, often. Look around! These are not just posts in response necessarily to a specific essay, but they are ongoing conversations.

]]> By: Charley http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-420612 Charley Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:33:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-420612 To Trent's excellent advice I would add, visit Jim Rawles' SurvivalBlog site (www.survivalblog.com) regularly. To Trent’s excellent advice I would add, visit Jim Rawles’ SurvivalBlog site (www.survivalblog.com) regularly.

]]> By: over the cubicle wall http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-420190 over the cubicle wall Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:53:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-420190 I hope nobody thinks eating right and exercising are a replacement for having health insurance. Things happen that are outside of your control that can destroy your life. Conversely, I hope no one thinks having health insurance is a replacement for eating right and exercising. Those are things you can control, and they can better your quality of life. I hope nobody thinks eating right and exercising are a replacement for having health insurance. Things happen that are outside of your control that can destroy your life. Conversely, I hope no one thinks having health insurance is a replacement for eating right and exercising. Those are things you can control, and they can better your quality of life.

]]> By: Mule Skinner http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-420155 Mule Skinner Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:52:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-420155 Repairing your own car is not as easy as it used to be. Some makes and models are particularly difficult, so if you intend to do this, do some research first and buy one that's easy to work on. The big dilemma here is that the older models are easier to work on, but are also less safe and more polluting. I do agree with bicycles. People seem to throw these away like paper cups, so you can probably get two or three for cheap and build one good one out of them. They are generally easy to repair, and in some situations can replace a car. Repairing your own car is not as easy as it used to be. Some makes and models are particularly difficult, so if you intend to do this, do some research first and buy one that’s easy to work on. The big dilemma here is that the older models are easier to work on, but are also less safe and more polluting.

I do agree with bicycles. People seem to throw these away like paper cups, so you can probably get two or three for cheap and build one good one out of them. They are generally easy to repair, and in some situations can replace a car.

]]> By: Johanna http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-420134 Johanna Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:54:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-420134 Sharon, what comments are you reading? Nobody mentioned organic foods except you. Nobody suggested blaming people for their health problems except you. Nobody suggested *not* getting regular checkups except you. Sharon, what comments are you reading? Nobody mentioned organic foods except you. Nobody suggested blaming people for their health problems except you. Nobody suggested *not* getting regular checkups except you.

]]> By: Lisa @ Cents To Save http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419951 Lisa @ Cents To Save Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:21:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419951 As of late, I do not make a habit of watching the news. When I do, I get all nervous inside and anxious on the outside. I scan the newspaper, read what I think is important but mostly just avoi d the hyped up news. I build my savings, and enjoy my family. That alone keeps me pretty busy. As of late, I do not make a habit of watching the news. When I do, I get all nervous inside and anxious on the outside. I scan the newspaper, read what I think is important but mostly just avoi d the hyped up news. I build my savings, and enjoy my family. That alone keeps me pretty busy.

]]> By: moolah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419729 moolah Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:14:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419729 there's a saying"formal education can make you a living but self education can make you a fortune"you are so right about this you need to discipline yourself take stock of yourself,build alliance this is a times of trial for everyone of us we can't predict our economy but with our skills we can get through it,we should also get a ""personal finance advice" there’s a saying”formal education can make you a living but self education can make you a fortune”you are so right about this you need to discipline yourself take stock of yourself,build alliance this is a times of trial for everyone of us we can’t predict our economy but with our skills we can get through it,we should also get a “”personal finance advice”

]]> By: Michael http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419610 Michael Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:06:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419610 Having a lot of children is a good way to build your support network and diversify your assets. Having a lot of children is a good way to build your support network and diversify your assets.

]]> By: Lenore http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419578 Lenore Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:31:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419578 Kudos to Sharon for challenging the New Age and Oprah-fueled idea that we can control our physical destinies. Healthy choices and positive thoughts won't hurt anything and may even help, but we can't stave off all forms of tragedy. And its rude to blame others for their afflictions, bodily or financial. I always snicker when someone says, "I make my own luck," because we are all fortune's fools. It's important to educate ourselves and choose our actions wisely, but every now and then, we all feel like that guy in the SCREAM painting. That was the perfect picture for this article and these times, Trent! Kudos to Sharon for challenging the New Age and Oprah-fueled idea that we can control our physical destinies. Healthy choices and positive thoughts won’t hurt anything and may even help, but we can’t stave off all forms of tragedy. And its rude to blame others for their afflictions, bodily or financial. I always snicker when someone says, “I make my own luck,” because we are all fortune’s fools. It’s important to educate ourselves and choose our actions wisely, but every now and then, we all feel like that guy in the SCREAM painting. That was the perfect picture for this article and these times, Trent!

]]> By: Jules http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419529 Jules Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:07:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419529 Learning new skills is fun, too! It always amazes me to watch MTV (always accidentally, when I'm channel-surfing for favorite shows) and see spoiled-rotten teens who can't tie their shoes because they've never had to. Carpentry reminds me that tomorrow I need to build a shoe rack...girls and power tools--what could be sexier? ;-P Learning new skills is fun, too! It always amazes me to watch MTV (always accidentally, when I’m channel-surfing for favorite shows) and see spoiled-rotten teens who can’t tie their shoes because they’ve never had to.

Carpentry reminds me that tomorrow I need to build a shoe rack…girls and power tools–what could be sexier? ;-P

]]> By: Deborah Johnson http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419512 Deborah Johnson Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:50:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419512 I read a great article in the Wall Street Journal about survivors of the Great Depression. Their stories echoed what my grandmother used to tell me about growing up during that time. What really impressed me was how people shared and helped each other survive. Even those who didn't have much shared what little they could to help out others. Grandma and her family often went hungry during the Depression. As an adult, she made sure that never happened. There was always food on the table at her house, and plenty was available for family, friends and strangers. No one went hungry at Grandma's. That sense of community is inspiring. I read a great article in the Wall Street Journal about survivors of the Great Depression. Their stories echoed what my grandmother used to tell me about growing up during that time.

What really impressed me was how people shared and helped each other survive. Even those who didn’t have much shared what little they could to help out others.

Grandma and her family often went hungry during the Depression. As an adult, she made sure that never happened. There was always food on the table at her house, and plenty was available for family, friends and strangers. No one went hungry at Grandma’s.

That sense of community is inspiring.

]]> By: Tammy Brackett http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419509 Tammy Brackett Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:46:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419509 Such valid comments! Investing in oneself is certainly an investment that doesn't lose money and gains value! I like learning new things but often find, if the thing is not something I can make money from, I don't do it! That's flawed reasoning I realize. I need to learn to do things that are fun as well as useful as well as creating a "side hustle" as our friend Frugal Dad puts it. Another great post Trent. Keep em coming! Such valid comments! Investing in oneself is certainly an investment that doesn’t lose money and gains value!
I like learning new things but often find, if the thing is not something I can make money from, I don’t do it! That’s flawed reasoning I realize. I need to learn to do things that are fun as well as useful as well as creating a “side hustle” as our friend Frugal Dad puts it.
Another great post Trent. Keep em coming!

]]> By: Sharon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419502 Sharon Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:36:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419502 People are under the illusion that exercise and eating organic foods will somehow, magically keep them "safe" from becoming ill. It doesn't. I know many people who live a healthy lifestyle get blindsided by cancer, mental illnes, MS, or a host of really nasty things. I'm not saying that it is a bad idea to live a healthy lifestyle, but what is underlying a lot of these comments is the idea that people who do become ill somehow "deserve" it for not "living healthy." Shit happens, people. Live healthy, but don't indulge in magical thinking. You still need checkups and to keep on top of things that are early symptoms of potentially disastrous illnesses. And look as closely at safety issues as well. You are far more likely to end up with a serious and expensive injury than a serious illness. Wear helmets yourself (invest in the good ones!) and have the kids wear them on bikes, skates, skateboards, skiing, etc. (No health insurance? Stay off the above!) Wear seatbelts every ride, every distance. Invest in steel-toed safety shoes, impact goggles and wear long pants when you mow the lawn. There is a lot more to safety, so learn about it and DO IT! People are under the illusion that exercise and eating organic foods will somehow, magically keep them “safe” from becoming ill. It doesn’t. I know many people who live a healthy lifestyle get blindsided by cancer, mental illnes, MS, or a host of really nasty things.

I’m not saying that it is a bad idea to live a healthy lifestyle, but what is underlying a lot of these comments is the idea that people who do become ill somehow “deserve” it for not “living healthy.” Shit happens, people. Live healthy, but don’t indulge in magical thinking. You still need checkups and to keep on top of things that are early symptoms of potentially disastrous illnesses.

And look as closely at safety issues as well. You are far more likely to end up with a serious and expensive injury than a serious illness. Wear helmets yourself (invest in the good ones!) and have the kids wear them on bikes, skates, skateboards, skiing, etc. (No health insurance? Stay off the above!) Wear seatbelts every ride, every distance. Invest in steel-toed safety shoes, impact goggles and wear long pants when you mow the lawn. There is a lot more to safety, so learn about it and DO IT!

]]> By: A Dawn Jornal http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419497 A Dawn Jornal Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:29:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419497 I agree with the point that investing in skills is a smart thing to do. I presented some ideas to survive financial meltdown in an article a few days ago. Here is the link for The Simple Dollar readers - Ten Tips to Survive the 2008 Global Financial Meltdown -http://adawnjournal.com/2008/10/30/ten-tips-to-survive-the-2008-global-financial-meltdown/ I hope readers will find this helpful. Cheers, A Dawn Journal I agree with the point that investing in skills is a smart thing to do. I presented some ideas to survive financial meltdown in an article a few days ago. Here is the link for The Simple Dollar readers – Ten Tips to Survive the 2008 Global Financial Meltdown -http://adawnjournal.com/2008/10/30/ten-tips-to-survive-the-2008-global-financial-meltdown/ I hope readers will find this helpful.
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal

]]> By: Kate@Living the Frugal Life http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419496 Kate@Living the Frugal Life Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:29:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419496 One other investment that person could make in their property would be edible landscaping. A fruit tree, berry canes, an asparagus bed or some other perennial vegetable would be a nice investment that would cost little compared to the other high ticket renewable energy items. A mature fruit tree on your property is a nice asset whether you want to eat the fruit or sell your home. One other investment that person could make in their property would be edible landscaping. A fruit tree, berry canes, an asparagus bed or some other perennial vegetable would be a nice investment that would cost little compared to the other high ticket renewable energy items. A mature fruit tree on your property is a nice asset whether you want to eat the fruit or sell your home.

]]> By: Joan Meadows http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419490 Joan Meadows Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:26:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419490 I stopped watching the news on TV because it fueled the panicky feeling within. My husband and I both grew up very poor. His mother taught me the fine art of "making do". Her husband died when she was 8 mos pregnant and already had 6 kids and no insurance. She lost the farm, gave birth in a snow storm (no doctor) and got up and found food for her kids. Someone finally let her live in an old abandoned store. Now that lady really knew what hard times were. I've tried to learn and imitate her. This article reminded me of her. The boys learned to hunt, fix things, farm, garden, etc. She could walk in the woods and find things to eat. She always had a huge garden from which she canned, froze, and traded for she might not have. She was amazing! She passed away 15 yrs ago at the age of 76. I stopped watching the news on TV because it fueled the panicky feeling within. My husband and I both grew up very poor. His mother taught me the fine art of “making do”. Her husband died when she was 8 mos pregnant and already had 6 kids and no insurance. She lost the farm, gave birth in a snow storm (no doctor) and got up and found food for her kids. Someone finally let her live in an old abandoned store. Now that lady really knew what hard times were. I’ve tried to learn and imitate her. This article reminded me of her. The boys learned to hunt, fix things, farm, garden, etc. She could walk in the woods and find things to eat. She always had a huge garden from which she canned, froze, and traded for she might not have. She was amazing! She passed away 15 yrs ago at the age of 76.

]]> By: over the cubicle wall http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419451 over the cubicle wall Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:39:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419451 Good health and practical skills are good to have in any economy. Good health and practical skills are good to have in any economy.

]]> By: Kelly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419448 Kelly Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:32:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419448 Although we're not the reason you wrote this post, I'll have to make sure my spouse reads this. He often talks about being worried about the possibility of an apocalyptic future (fueled by the great fiction he loves to read, and our real world uncertainties). I balance him out by thinking and doing positive things and attributing his "paranoia" to wanting to make sure his family is always safe, which I have to appreciate. But worrying and thinking gloomy thoughts doesn't make anything better- it's what you do about it that matters. Be prepared and connect with people. I totally agree with Trent's ideas- and the other comments so far, too. I suppose I also ought to learn how to do all those home/car repairs etc, but at least I've got people close to me I can rely on or call for advice if i ever need it. In the mean time I'm going to keep surprising my neighbors and friends with dinner after their surgery, or home baked snacks as a thank you, reach out to the new folks to make them feel welcome, and help out where I can. The world is what you make it, and even when you feel like it's not, you can still make a difference. I believe in the power of positive thinking... isn't there something about your thoughts become your words, become your actions, become your habits, become your legacy... or something like that. Maybe it's the artist in me, but I know I'm just too sensitive to let myself think drastically gloomy thoughts, or watch horror movies, or even watch TV, or play most video games. I just feel like it's brain rot. Don't get me wrong, we have our fair share of things to stress and worry about- like trying to get rid of our house in this rotten market. But we just try to remember the lessons we are learning and know that in a few years we'll be able to look back and say "Do you remember when..." One of the biggest reasons I love my spouse is that he always finds some way to laugh about our hardships -despite the occasional paranoia :) Although we’re not the reason you wrote this post, I’ll have to make sure my spouse reads this. He often talks about being worried about the possibility of an apocalyptic future (fueled by the great fiction he loves to read, and our real world uncertainties). I balance him out by thinking and doing positive things and attributing his “paranoia” to wanting to make sure his family is always safe, which I have to appreciate. But worrying and thinking gloomy thoughts doesn’t make anything better- it’s what you do about it that matters. Be prepared and connect with people. I totally agree with Trent’s ideas- and the other comments so far, too. I suppose I also ought to learn how to do all those home/car repairs etc, but at least I’ve got people close to me I can rely on or call for advice if i ever need it. In the mean time I’m going to keep surprising my neighbors and friends with dinner after their surgery, or home baked snacks as a thank you, reach out to the new folks to make them feel welcome, and help out where I can. The world is what you make it, and even when you feel like it’s not, you can still make a difference. I believe in the power of positive thinking… isn’t there something about your thoughts become your words, become your actions, become your habits, become your legacy… or something like that. Maybe it’s the artist in me, but I know I’m just too sensitive to let myself think drastically gloomy thoughts, or watch horror movies, or even watch TV, or play most video games. I just feel like it’s brain rot. Don’t get me wrong, we have our fair share of things to stress and worry about- like trying to get rid of our house in this rotten market. But we just try to remember the lessons we are learning and know that in a few years we’ll be able to look back and say “Do you remember when…” One of the biggest reasons I love my spouse is that he always finds some way to laugh about our hardships -despite the occasional paranoia :)

]]> By: Early Retirement Extreme http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-419439 Early Retirement Extreme Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:17:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/15/investing-in-skills-or-fear-of-an-apocalyptic-economy/#comment-419439 Also... Get healthy enough to depend as little as possible on medications. Along the same lines get sufficiently fit/capable to rely less on energy intensive technology (cars, electric appliances, ...) Also… Get healthy enough to depend as little as possible on medications. Along the same lines get sufficiently fit/capable to rely less on energy intensive technology (cars, electric appliances, …)

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