20150502

Making investments (not just monetary)

• Investment, by definition, has a long event horizon and wide ranging expectations of continuing and expanding returns over time.
  • We primarily use the term in regard to buying stocks and bonds (individually or through funds) but that’s only a single form.
  • Planting a garden can be an investment just like the church runs farms and ranches.
  • Higher education is an investment in self to increase knowledge and skills in life and career.
• Speculation, by contrast, is more volatile and seeks more immediate returns (think options trading and day trading)
• Current investments I’m trying to make:
  • Family culture—I am working on implementing a 20-year plan.
  • Physical health
    • Tracking my weight
    • Regular doctor’s visits
  • Helping Laura escape her inertia and live in her sweet spot
    • This will benefit her, us as a couple, and our family in perpetuity.
  • Upgrading my home environment
    • Working in the yard consistently
    • Repairing damage in the home
    • Maintaining furnace/AC/electrical/plumbing proactively
• Investments I am looking to add:
  • AutoCool
    • This will save lives and make me financially independent if it succeeds.
  • Home lab/NAS
    • This will save money through replacing many little monthly subscriptions and it will give me more IT security and administrative experience.
  • Garden
    • This will increase our self reliance and probably enhance our property too.
  • LIGHTS (local interest groups)
    • This will help me be more social.
    • This might help me develop leadership skills.
    • This could lead to a more stable and connected society.