Alan C. Fox's Blog, page 27
January 6, 2015
12 Books Group Q+A with Alan
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G(oals) P(riorities) S(teps) for the New Year
The beginning of the year is the time when we each make New Year’s Resolutions. I propose a shortcut that will help you make your resolutions come true. I call it GPS.
Most of us already know that GPS stands for Global Positioning System. All you have to do is to enter a destination into your GPS device or smartphone and presto! The route will be mapped for you. So how can you find the most efficient route to achieving your New Year’s Resolutions (or any resolution)? It’s simple. Let’s use tho...
December 30, 2014
Five Reasons to Make the First Offer Work
Years ago I bought a residential lot in Carmel Valley and hired a contractor to build a house which I hoped to sell at a profit. The project took more than a year to complete, but I finally listed the home for sale at $420,000.
It took three months to receive the first offer, which was a disappointing $360,000. I countered at $390,000. The potential buyer came up to $370,000. I countered again, this time at $380,000. My counteroffer was refused. “Oh, well,” I thought. “Soon I’ll find another b...
December 23, 2014
Let’s Talk about Money
Talking about money is a taboo for most of us. We talk about politics, current events, the weather, even sex, but for some reason the subject of money is usually off the table, even between family members.
For example, early in my previous marriage my wife approached about her parent’s financial situation. She said, “I think my parents need financial help.”
“Why do you think so?” I said.
“I don’t know. It’s a feeling.”
“How much does your dad earn?”
“I don’t know.”
“How much do your parents have in...
December 17, 2014
Alan makes his TV debut on The Better Show
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December 16, 2014
How to Be the Right Person
My childhood fairy tale was to grow up, fall in love, then get married and live happily ever after. My parents were married for more than fifty years. When I was young I seldom heard a harsh word between them. Mom and Dad seemed to prove that the fairy tale was real.
Alas, for me, after ten years of marriage to my high school sweetheart Jo Anne, the “happily ever after” part was shredded by conflict.
Then I met Jill. We lived “happily ever after” for three years.
Next I met and married Susan. It...
December 9, 2014
The Best Defense Is No Defense
When I think of defense I think of forts in the 19th century American West, where pioneers huddled, protected from attack by walls and the U.S. army. I think of castles in England, with drawbridges, gates, and moats. I think of Neighborhood Watch groups, trying to spot potential intruders and keep them out of the neighborhood. Defense, by definition, is designed to keep others away or chase them off.
Years ago I read an excellent book, Do I Have to Give Up Me To Be Loved By You? written by Jor...
December 8, 2014
Why it Pays to be a Contrarian
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December 2, 2014
Emotion Trumps Intellect (or Does it?)
Every decision you make, whether to move to a new city or to decline bread at dinner, is based upon your emotions, your intellect, or a combination of both. My own decisions are based upon my emotions, verified by my intellect. When the decision is a close one, I reach a more satisfying result when I allow my feelings to prevail.
My father on the other hand, believes that intellect trumps emotion. And his approach has worked rather well for him.
Dad and I have enjoyed our running difference of...
