And why do we put up with this?

A recent article on firstlook.org shows how Congress has argued that it is OKAY for them to profit from insider information; not just have access to insider information, but to TRADE and PROFIT from that information.

Corruption is coming to a head and it is soon (within 1 year) that I beleive the tipping point will be reached.

What do you think?

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington, MA

Student Loans

There is ALOT I have to say about student loans, and I thought I would start with a very nice resource for students that have loans is this page at reddit.com.

This is mostly a resource page for recent graduates, but it may also help anyone who is considering borrowing money to go to school.

The things you need to consider are many, but essentially: Is it worth mortgaging your future to get a diploma? Will that diploma result in life satisfaction for you?

Take a look at the resources and tell me what you think. I will be stopping here more frequently w/ my thoughts and advice on Student Loans.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Tom Sirois
Great Barrington, MA 0

Why Spend, Save and Share?

Yes, I believe it is important children learn to share, but do we really NEED to have that be monetary and incorporate it into financial literacy? I think not.

The latest book: The Opposite of Spoiled discussed, at length the need to have your children understand being charitible is very important.

I think it is best for children to understand that many social "ills" are remedied through their tax dollars (forced sharing), so they MUST be diligent when looking into organizations they choose to support financially.

What do you think?

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington, MA

Who ends up with more? (A chart every college graduate should see)

Susan, who invests $5,000 per year only from ages 25 to 35 (10 years)

Bill, who also invests $5,000 per year, but from ages 35 to 65 (30 years)

And Chris, who also invests $5,000 per year, but from ages 25 to 65 (40 years)

See:

Compound Interest is a miracle.

The rest of the article can be read here: http://www.businessinsider.com/compound-interest-retirement-funds-2014-3

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington, MA

What To Do When You Win the Lottery

I am always fascinated by folks who win the lottery, and later declare bankruptcy. There are many reasons for it, but I suspect that MOST lottery players are not too savvy with financial matters, so the lack of financial management skills is the kiss of death if they are "lucky" enough to win.

I just came across a very nice slideshow presentation from CNBC (not always the best place to get financial advice) that has some great advice if your do win the lottery:

What to do when you win the lottery (via CNBC).

My particlar favorite is "Get the lump sum".

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington, MA

Do you think Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme?

Many people describe programs that they do not agree with as "Ponzi Schemes", but the truth is, many of the programs in our US Government are build similarly (if not exactly) like these schemes we are warned to avoid:

Click the link to see a brief video:

Social Security IS a Ponzi Scheme

What do you think? I happen to agree.


Tom Sirois
Great Barrington, MA

Money and Life Advice from 18 Wealthy and Prominent Leaders

Here is a great graphic from Entrepreneur Magazine, well worth the time paging through. If 10% of this sunk in early in our lives, I believe we would be much happier and wealthier.

Click here to go to "Inspiration Station"

Tom Sirois
Great Barrington, MA