Honestly, there’s no economic/personal finance topic that’s catching my interest this week. So you know what that means, another post about some of my favorite things I’ve watched, listened to, or read recently.
If you’re not interested in checking out my fantastic content recommendations but are yearning for something strictly finance-related, here’s a link to the main blog page where you can read past articles.
NOTE: The content is linked in the green titles.
“F*** You Money” is Useless Without the “F*** You” by Rick Foerster
Is the primary reason I enjoyed this article because it opens with a Shawshank Redemption analogy? Possibly. But it also hits on a point I’ve written about before, which is what happens to us as we approach financial freedom. How do we cope with the loss of purpose and progress?
“They’ve spent so long adapting to a system — whether it’s work, status, or achievement — that when they finally break free, they don’t know what to do with themselves. Rather than independence, what they’re really after is a kind of psychological comfort. A nice hug that comes from the validation they get working the system. They don’t really want the independence – it’s too much freedom and too much responsibility over their life.
Money, then, doesn’t help them escape the prison. It just transfers them to a better cell.”
Life and Death on Animal Spirits
Animals Spirits is typically an economics and finance-centered podcast hosted by Ben Carlson and Michael Batnick; however, on this episode they spend the entire first half talking about Ben’s brother who recently passed away of cancer. Hearing others’ share lessons from their personal tragedies has always been oddly comforting to me. It helps me ground myself to what really matters. Anyway, I thought their conversation was quite touching.
Is There a Scientific Case for Believing in God? on Plain English with Derek Thompson
No, contrary to what the title might lead you to believe, this is not a podcast about trying to convince you to believe in God. Rather, it’s a conversation about the decline of religion in America and a few reasons why that’s been the case, the value of faith in our everyday lives, and maybe a rational case for a belief in God. Perhaps this subject isn’t your cup of tea, but I think it’s worth a listen.
The Will of the Many by James Islington
I’m always on the lookout for a solid fantasy book to read for pure entertainment. This recent release by James Islington passes the test. I had no expectations going into it and was pleasantly surprised. It takes a while to get into it and he doesn’t explain every detail of the world he’s trying to build right away, but as you keep reading you get sucked right in.
When I first saw this movie a couple of years ago, I remember feeling slightly disappointed when I left the theater. But I decided to revisit it the other day and I was captivated the entire time. I couldn’t remember any of my original problems with the movie. It has an original idea, with great cinematography, and it’s thrilling. Also, I just think Daniel Kaluuya is awesome.
The best animated Disney movie ever made. This opening sequence is what movies are all about:
Carmen Twillie, Lebo M. – Circle of Life (From “The Lion King”)
If you have any other content recommendations, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email. I’d love to hear them!
Thanks for reading!
Jake Elm, CFP® is a financial advisor at Dentist Advisors. Jake a graduate of Utah Valley University’s nationally ranked Personal Financial Planning program. As a financial advisor at Dentist Advisors, he provides dentists with fiduciary guidance related to investments, debt, savings, taxes, and insurance. Learn more about Jake.</em