Photo Credit: Maitree Rimthong @pexels.com

 

Savings and Investing

 

Children often learn their money skills from their parents. For example, parents often tell their children to make a habit of saving money.

 

The problem is that many parents have very poor money management skills. Studies show that in America more than 25% of people have less than $1000 savings.

 

This situation is obviously stressful for the individual, as any job loss would spell disaster. The individual is locked into a job that they may not like, and they, and their family, are in a financially precarious situation.

 

The importance of saving and investing, and teaching these skills to our children, cannot be overemphasized. The power of compounding interest shows that a person who invests $10,000 at the age of 20 and leaves it in an ETF paying 7% would have over $210,000 if they retire at the age of 65 (and almost $300,000 if they retire at 70!!) with no additions!

 

Do you save? Do you have a part time job?

 

What are your financial goals for your 20s? For your 30s?

 

What age would you like to retire?

 

What does financial stability mean to you? How much money do you need to reach financial independence?

 

Recently, the idea of financial independence and even early retirement has taken hold in American and many western countries. What financial independence means to one person will, of course, be different from another person. One person can live a simple life surfing and playing guitar in a small beach town, and live very frugally. Another person may wish for boats and sports cars.

 

Neither preference is better or worse than the other. The important point is, however, to be true to yourself, and know what will make you satisfied with your own life.

 

How much do you need to retire (or become financially independent)? The question is not one of values, but a simple mathematical equation. When your income from passive investments (or “passive income flow”) exceeds your outgoing expenses, you have reached a position of financial independence.

 

The art of learning to save money (and learning to invest our savings) is a skill fundamental to our daily life. Unfortunately, this skill is very poorly taught at schools. The necessity for schools (and parents) to instill the mental requirements for saving and investing in children has many additional positive effects.

 

Questions:

 

Q1. What percentage of US citizens have less than $1000 in savings?

 

Q2. Who teaches kids about money?

 

Q2. What is the main problem when parents teach their kids about money?

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

A1. Over 25%

A2. The parents

A3. The parents are poor money managers, so they do not know how to teach good habits.

Photo Credit: Julian Jagtenberg@pexels.com

 

 

When you are younger, you usually do not spend time thinking about what it means to be “old” because you’re too busy doing the things that will become your life as you get older. When you’re older, you can get caught in the trap of looking back and wondering “what if I did this” or “what if I didn’t do that.” Both have very innocent reasons behind them, but have their strengths and weaknesses, positives and negatives.

 

At a younger age, you are (hopefully) full of inspiration and focus and in the pursuit of possibilities. There should be any number of things for you to pursue and consider, and only your willingness to explore may decide your path. A negative side of this freedom is you could get lost in the labyrinth that life can become sometimes, ever wandering and not sure how you got where you are. Sometimes that part of the journey and the deeper lesson have value, but it can also lead to restlessness in not knowing what you’ll find.

 

Once you get “older,” your life has (hopefully) balanced itself out and it’s easier to settle yourself on the things you want to do and not be thrown off by the events that don’t seem to go your way. You can afford to be content with what you’re doing and how you got there. On the other end, though, some people settle too soon and the comfort of predictability can narrow your vision of other things. You may question those who have made different choices than yourself, or, over time, begin to question your own choices. This can still lead to a positive path and some people get a new lease on life by reinventing themselves despite the challenge in doing so, but it can also push someone into the famed mid-life crisis.

 

The “why’s” and the “what’s” that life tests you with are not the same as other people, but they’re not meant to be predictable or avoided. Young or old, some people would try to minimize or soften the bumps by making the ride as smooth (and uninteresting) as possible. Wherever the destination may be and however you choose to get there, don’t worry about what you might leave behind or how difficult it may be to get there. The world is full of people who traded ambition for safety.

 

Don’t be afraid to be a little careless as your explore possibilities for yourself, and on the other hand, do not doubt yourself if you think you found what you want to do. A truly dangerous person is someone who knows what they want and are willing to give it their all once they found it.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. What decides where a person can be when they’re younger?

Q2. How can someone overcome problems when they’re older?

Q3. According to the author, what does he think the world has too much of?

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1.         A willingness to explore

2.         Reinventing themselves by choosing something new for their life

3.         People who have traded ambition for safety

Photo Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko@pexels.com

 

 

How many times have you heard that first impressions matter? Probably many, but what exactly do you do to succeed in coming across the right way? One could say that making a good first impression is an art. Whether it is in a professional setting, social gatherings, or everyday encounters, the way we present ourselves sets the tone for future interactions. Making a stunning first impression is like scoring an early goal in the first few minutes of a game. So, let's explore the three key elements that can transform a casual meeting into a memorable connection.

 

Confidence

Confidence is the magic ingredient in the recipe for a stellar first impression. It’s like the sparkle in your eyes and the assuredness in the way you carry yourself. When you walk in radiating confidence, it’s contagious. It shows that you believe in yourself and what you bring to the table, making others naturally gravitate toward you. Confidence isn't about being loud or overpowering; it's about believing in who you are and what you bring to the relationship. It is subtle, yet powerful magnetism that draws people in.

 

Authenticity

Being yourself is paramount. Authenticity is magnetic. When you’re genuine, it resonates with others. Acting to be something you are not, often backfires, but authenticity fosters connection. It’s about being comfortable in your skin, embracing your quirks, and letting your true personality shine through. Authenticity builds trust and rapport effortlessly. It’s the foundation upon which strong relationships are built.

 

Positive Attitude

The power of positivity is remarkable. A positive attitude can transform an interaction. It’s infectious and sets a welcoming tone. Nobody wants to engage with a downer, but everyone loves to be around someone who exudes positivity. It’s like a ray of sunshine in a conversation, creating a pleasant and memorable experience. A positive attitude sets the stage for meaningful connections and paves the way for fruitful relationships.

 

In essence, any situation involving meeting new people, making connections, seeking opportunities, or engaging in social or professional interactions benefits from a good first impression. It's about creating a positive and memorable initial encounter that lays the groundwork for fruitful relationships and successful interactions.

 

In summary, confidence, authenticity, and a positive attitude are the pillars of making an impactful first impression. They are the keys that unlock doors to successful interactions. Mastering these qualities sets the stage for a successful encounter, fostering connections that can last a lifetime. Whether you are trying to make new friends, land a new job or anything in between, there’s nothing more important than making a good first impression.

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

1. How does the author describe the importance of confidence in making a good first impression?

A) Loud and overpowering

B) Subtle yet powerful attraction

C) Pretentious and flashy

D) Timid and reserved

 

2. According to the passage, what role does authenticity play in interactions?

A) It fosters pretense and artificial connections

B) It creates barriers to trust and rapport

C) It builds trust and a harmonious relationship

D) It diminishes the significance of genuine connections

 

3. According to the passage, a positive attitude is described as infectious and

capable of setting a welcoming tone. Is this True or False?

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1. B

2. C

3. True

Photo Credit: Karolina Kaboompics@pexels.com

 

 

Covid-19 measures have been lifted, yet many people continue to wear masks outdoors; a culture which has grown in recent years. One of the main reasons for this is the dreaded ‘kafunsho’. 40% of Japan’s population have this allergy. If you are lucky enough to be unaffected you most certainly know a beleaguered hay fever sufferer.

 

Japan’s huge population of cedar (sugi) and cypress (hinoki) trees begin dropping their pollen at the start of the year - two weeks earlier than last year in some parts of the country due to warmer weather. Why are there so many of these tree species in Japan? To answer this question, we need to take a step back in time.

 

During WWII Japan used a lot of wood for production and construction. Forests were also lost to bombing and fire damage. Afterwards, as the country rebuilt its infrastructure, the Japanese government ordered villagers to plant millions of trees for future building projects and protection from landslides and floods.

 

However, instead of planting trees like Japanese beech (bunanoki), the government chose to plant only two tree species, the fast-growing evergreens, cypress and cedar. On top of that, some natural ancient forests were replaced with human-made plantation forests because cypress and cedar could be sold more profitably. As a result, 44% of Japan’s forests [https://www.nippon.com/en/features/c03913/] have only one or two species.

 

For the next twenty years, the trees were cared for, but from the 1970s, the price of imported building materials from Southeast Asia began to drop, leaving nowhere for these new trees to be sold. They were abandoned to live out their natural lives, unharvested and releasing huge amounts of pollen into the air every year.

 

Back to the present day, the task of recreating more vibrant and biodiverse forests won’t be easy. Japanese forestry law still puts limits on the reintroduction of more native species because when an adult cypress or cedar is cut down, it must be replaced with a seedling of the same type.

 

Every year hay fever allergy symptoms cost the global economy two billion US dollars due to sick days and lost productivity. This year, some Japanese companies have even provided hay fever allowances for employees to spend on prescription treatments and clinic visits. Prime Minister Kishida has called it a ‘social problem’ and ‘national disease’, promising to take urgent government action, most likely in the form of replanting forests with trees that drop less pollen and promoting a type of GMO rice that may lessen hay fever symptoms. It is a step in the right direction, but there will be no quick fix.

 

Forestry companies like Hyakumori [https://www.hyakumori.com/] fully understand that the solution will take time. Its ‘100-year plan’ aims to increase biodiversity and encourage long-term thinking about environmental issues. Hyakumori wants Japan to use a totally different and sustainable model for forest management. This could be possible if the government updates its policies and allows for more local control of forest transformation.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

 

Q1. In the last sentence of the first paragraph, what does the word ‘beleaguered’

mean?

Q2. Why were the evergreens, cypress and cedar trees planted after WWII?

Q3. In the last sentence of the second-last paragraph, what does the phrase ‘a step in the right direction’ mean?

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.           Stressed / harassed / long-suffering

2.           They are fast-growing trees that could be sold profitably.

3.           An action that positively advances a plan towards a goal.

Photo Credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com

Joining a circle or club is an important part of Japanese university life. These organizations are often called “student groups” in English-speaking countries. It helps make your time in college more exciting and can teach you many things.

First, being part of a student group can help you make friends. When you start university, it's common to feel a bit lost or alone. Joining a group means you meet people who share your interests. You can make friends and feel like you belong. It's like finding a little family on campus.

Student groups also give you a chance to learn new things. You can join a group that matches your hobbies, like music, sports, or art. Or you can explore something totally different. In groups, you'll learn from others and maybe even discover a new passion.

Moreover, student groups help you build skills beyond the classroom. You can become a leader, learn to work with a team, or plan events. These are skills that are important in your future job and life. It's like getting a head start on gaining experience.

Being part of a student group can reduce stress. University life can get overwhelming with exams and assignments. Group activities provide a fun and relaxing break. You can enjoy doing what you love with friends, and it can be a great way to relieve stress.

Student groups often organize events and activities. This means you'll have something exciting to do on campus. It's not all about studying. You can go to parties, games, or shows. This makes your time in university more enjoyable.

Another great thing is that student groups sometimes give back to the community. They do charity work and help those in need. Being part of such groups teaches you about kindness and helping others. It's a great way to make the world a better place.

In conclusion, joining a student group is a smart choice for university students. It helps you make friends, learn new things, develop skills, reduce stress, and have fun. Plus, it teaches you about giving back to the community. So, it's a great way to make the most of your time in college.

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. What does the author compare joining a group to?

Q2. What are three events you can go to if you join a student group?

Q3. What is a university circle or club referred to in English-speaking countries?

 

Scroll down for answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz Answers:

Q1. Joining a little family.

Q2. Parties, games or shows.

Q3. A student group.

Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio@pexels.com

 

 

Staying healthy is very important for university students. College can be a hectic time with lots of studying and busy schedules. But if students stay healthy, they can do better in school and enjoy their lives more.

 

First of all, being healthy means taking care of your body. It's making sure your body is in good shape. When you're healthy, you're less likely to get sick. You won't have to miss classes or exams because of being unwell. This way, you can focus on your studies and do your best.

 

Healthy students also have more energy. When you eat well and exercise, you feel more active and ready to focus your tasks. You won't feel tired all the time, and you can stay awake and alert during your classes. This can help you understand your lessons better. Moreover, staying healthy is good for your mood. College life can be stressful, and it's easy to feel down or anxious. But when you're healthy, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins that boost your mood. You'll feel happier and more relaxed, which is great for dealing with the pressures of university life.

 

Eating right is a big part of staying healthy. A balanced diet with fruits, veggies, protein and healthy fats can keep you in good shape. It gives your body the vitamins and minerals to function well. Plus, it helps you keep a healthy weight, which is important for your overall well-being.

 

Exercise is another key to staying healthy. Moving your body regularly keeps your muscles and bones strong. It can also help resuce stress and make you feel more energetic. You don't need to be a pro athlete; simple activities like walking, riding a bike, or using the stairs instead of an elevator can make a big difference.

 

Lastly, staying healthy helps you sleep better. A good night's sleep is crucial for your brain to work well. It helps with memory and thinking. When you're well-rested, you can concentrate on your studies and perform better in your classes.

 

In conclusion, being healthy is vital for university students. It means looking after your body and mind. When you're healthy, you can stay focused on your studies, have more energy, and be in a better mood. Eating well, exercising, and managing stress are all part of staying healthy. So, it's essential for students to prioritize their health during their college years.

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

Q1. According to this essay, what four types of food are part of a balanced diet?

 

Q2. What are three simple ways you can get exercise?

 

Q3. What are the chemicals in your body that make you feel good called?

 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz Answers

A1. Fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.

A2. Walking, riding a bike, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

A3. Endorphins.

Photo Credit: The Author

 

Phones have been used to connect people with each other for more than a century, and the benefits of technological advances outweigh the drawbacks.

 

My experience begins as I describe using the phone in the early 1960s in the United States. Take for instance, the physical form (see photo). It was as heavy as one brick and as bulky as a cake box. It hung on a wall in the kitchen or stayed on a desk. Our family phone had a 5-foot cord that kept you standing under it. There was no room for a chair. Unlike the iPhone that you can dial with one touch on someone’s number on the screen, the 1960s’ phone had a rotary dial. That meant sticking your index finger into the hole to drag the wheel around to the “finger stop”, a different distance for each number. For example, if you dialed a “1”, you dragged the wheel 2cm. However, if you had to dial a “zero”, you dragged it around the circle clockwise for about 10 cm. Your dragging technique had to be strong and smooth lest the number not registering, which required starting all over. Dialing the number of course caused a loud ringing sound in the recipient’s house, a ring so loud that made someone in the house jump up to answer it.

 

Because families only had one phone, somebody had to usually run to the kitchen from a distant bedroom, a comfortable sofa or up from the basement to answer it. Family members sometimes shouted to each other to answer the phone. There were no answering machines, and every caller was a mystery to the recipient until the voice was heard. There was no way to know if the caller was your friend, a family member, a boss or a business. Therefore, all the calls had to be answered.

 

Messages for family members were written on a piece of paper or maybe not and forgotten. Who called? What was their number?

 

In contrast to texting communication these days, there was very little privacy 60 years ago. Listening in to my mother’s phone conversations, I knew the names of her friends and what appointments she was planning. I learned to take messages from these other moms and learned formal phone etiquette. I learned from listening to her voice about who she liked. Her chats could last hours in a child’s mind.

 

When I became a teenager, I competed to use the phone with my mom and two sisters. At that time, the cord in the kitchen became 10 feet long, but I still could not get the privacy I craved. Contrast that with today’s teen who can make calls outside, but probably doesn’t because of the dream invention of texting quietly and privately.

 

Phones have come a long way. While we have gained in convenience, we have lost by not making connections with others in the public space because everyone’s faces are glued to the screens they hold.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. Why did some phone users have to stand while talking on the phone?

a. Because they wanted to see out the window.

b. Because they talked for a short time.

c. bBcause the cord was too short to sit down.

 

Q2. Where was the 1960s phone in the house?

a. In the kitchen

b. In the bedroom

c. In the living room

 

Q3. Which phone number was easiest to dial in the 1960s?

a. One with many 1s.

b. One with many 5s.

c. One with many 9s.

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.　↓

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

A1. c

A2. a

A3. a

Photo Credit: Charlotte May@pexels.com

 

College offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery, personal growth, and the acquisition of knowledge and skills. University life is a great experience, however, it is not without its share of challenges. College students will all face different hurdles. These challenges can be academic, personal, or financial in nature.

 

The transition from high school to college is difficult for many students. The sudden move from external motivation to internal motivation is difficult for many students, especially those who have grown up (and often thrived) under strict schooling regimes.

 

Fear of failure can often exacerbate stress and can lead to students who did well under a strictly structured high school model to stuggle with the freedoms, and the responsibilty to self, that is part of university life.

 

Many individuals arrive at college with both high goals and/or a high level of stress (self-imposed or external). Overcoming the fear of failure involves changing one’s perspective, and recognizing that making mistakes is an integral part of learning.

 

Personal problems include homesickness, loneliness, and the struggle to create a new identity in a new environment. For many, the college experience is their first time living away from home, and homesickness is often common. To overcome this, students should try to participate in campus activities to help form connections with their peers.

 

Loneliness is another issue many students face. The social landscape of college can be daunting, and the quest for genuine connections can be a challenging one. The key to overcoming this hurdle lies in proactive engagement. By attending social events, joining clubs or organizations, and seeking out like-minded individuals, students can create opportunities to build lasting relationships.

 

Financial hurdles are yet another facet of the college experience that students must navigate. The rising costs of tuition, textbooks, housing, and living expenses can be a daunting obstacle. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are essential tools in reducing the financial burden. It is vital for students to explore all available options, both need-based and merit-based, to secure financial assistance. Additionally, prudent budgeting and financial literacy enable students to manage their expenses more effectively. Moreover, students should also seek part-time employment to alleviate their financial pressures.

 

Students face many difficulties when they first enter college. Knowing that other students have faced (and overcome) the same or similar difficulties is the first step in overcoming hurdles in university life. Following the example of other students who have thrived at university by joining clubs and getting part-time jobs is the first step in creating a lasting and worthwhile college experience.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

 

Q1. What are the 3 main general areas of difficulties students may face?

Q2. The first step to overcoming fear of failure is to …

Q3. What is a good way to overcome loneliness?

 

 

Scroll down for the answers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

A1. academic, personal, or financial

A2. changing one’s perspective (AND/OR) recognizing that making mistakes is an integral part of learning

A3. Clubs // Part-time jobs

Photo Credit: Bich Tran@pexels.com

 

 

Keeping track of important tasks is difficult if you are a busy person like me. On any given day, I have 3-4 classes to teach and lots of preparation and marking. I also do volunteer work, have meetings, and household/family obligations. I have found a solution that you might want to try, and I recommend it to all of my students: Make a Bullet Journal [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm15cmYU0IM], or ‘Bujo’ as some aficionados call it!

 

The Bullet Journal method was developed by a man named Ryder Carroll. It seems he had trouble organizing his daily life and probably he found iCalendar, Google calendar, or paper planners to be ineffective for him. I certainly do. For some reason, I don’t like to use digital tools to organize my life. I always forget to check them and I find important notes disappear easily. I prefer to use paper but I can never find a paper planner that works for me. I have many paper organizers at home that I have never used. It’s a waste of money! But then I discovered the Bullet Journal. So, what is it?

 

A Bullet Journal is a customizable notebook that YOU design in a way that helps you remember important tasks and events. Mine contains a calendar, a to-do list, and a notetaking space. I use a regular lined notebook from the Muji store and decorate it with colored pens. I use Flexion pens and colored markers to make lesson plans and lists of things to do. If I need to erase something, these pens allow me to do so. My Bullet Journal is messier than the ones you can find online, like the ones here in this blog post [https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/work-money/a32155559/how-to-start-a-bullet-journal/] or this one [https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/bulletjournalist/your-bullet-journal-your-rules] but it works for me. Give it a try!

 

Here are some Instagram pages you might follow if you are interested in this topic: @bujoaddictblog, @Bujo_with_Fran, @dulcetbujo, @productivedoodling. Or Google these search terms to get started: “bullet journal ideas”, “bujo”, “bullet journal calendar ideas”. Good luck and happy journaling!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

Q1. What is a nickname for a Bullet Journal?

Q2. How does Gretchen waste money?

Q3. Why does Gretchen prefer Flexion pens?

 

Scroll down for the answers to the quiz…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

A1. Bujo.

A2. She buys planners that she does not use.

A3. You can erase the text if you need to.

Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio @pexels.com

One of the realities of getting older is knowing when you can reach your limit in certain areas. Whether it’s the ability or interest to try something new, or not adopting certain things that become a norm from year to year, it can be a blessing or a curse. I have learned about myself that a lot of things I may not show much interest in these days are largely because there are so many other things pulling my attention. I don’t necessarily doubt my ability to do something because of my age, but there are simply other things already in my orbit.

 

My family is one of those spheres orbiting my life, in particular my kids. For them, I am thankful they haven’t learned the idea of limits yet. That doesn’t mean my wife and I just let them run around, stalking the neighborhood like wild animals. Rather, we try not to stifle their interests before they realize what they want. Children’s lives do not need to be an amendment to their parents—they have their own lives that need to be understood on their own terms.

 

At the same time, there are some limits that are healthy for kids to have and wouldn’t hinder their imagination. The biggest one lately is my kids simply slowing down and resting. They currently still need to take naps. When they don’t, they are floating in the wind, bouncing around and responding to even the least little things. The fact that they are twins only heightens their reactions since they are also repeatedly bouncing off each other.

 

What does it mean for my kids to learn the limits of their bodies, those times in their day where it’s “okay” to take it easy and rest? As much as this is something for my young kids to learn, the world continues to pull at us to react strongly to anything and everything, to jump to conclusions without taking a breather or questioning what we’re doing. The world sometimes invites us to fall into the habits we had as children when we were weaker and less in control of ourselves.

 

During those times when we’re confronted with something new, we’re invited to be young children again. We don’t always take the time to question what we’re doing or why, or how far we should go. What makes the difference for me when I get older is knowing when to let go and move onto something else, and when it’s something worth fighting for. Then, it’s not about limits so much as it is understanding what’s most important, and that cannot really be taught.

 

 

Blog Questions:

1.     Why does the author not put many limits on his kids?

A.   His kids do not yet know what they are interested in

B.   His kids do not do many things

C.   His kids are too old

2.     How does life currently make us act more like children?

A.   We are childish people around those we love

B.    By people making decisions for us

C.    By reacting to everything without thinking about it; information overload

3.     What is different about limits when you get older?

A.   People have different hobbies when they are young

B.    Knowing when to let go and when to fight

C.    When you get older, you forget your limits

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.       A - his kids do not yet know what they’re interested in

2.       C - by reacting to everything without thinking about it; information overload

3.       B - knowing when to let go and when to fight