Mind Over Money

I grew up singing “Go Mississippi.” In fact, I learned to spell the state name by reciting “M-I-crooked letter, crooked letter-I-crooked letter, crooked letter-I-humpback, humpback-I.” While I have often heard of the tensions surrounding our state flag, I had never heard of the segregationist themes of the state song. And I really don’t care. Why do [...]

It’s hug your regulator day! When I first started my business in 1993, I filled out the paperwork to become a registered investment advisor in the State of Mississippi. As a small start-up, I was put under the watchful eye of the Secretary of State’s Office. On three occasions, auditors showed up at my door, [...]

I don’t understand why doctors have special parking spaces near the front door, while their barely ambulatory patients have to park in the back 40. My investment company is a service business. As such, we are constantly trying to improve our customer service. We return calls promptly. We put customer concerns at the top of [...]

Recessions are part of the business cycle. They are relative, and they are temporary. They can last up to 18 months. The Great Recession, which began with the Financial Crisis of 2008, has been longer and harder than most. Here in Mississippi, we were late to the party. The effects of the contraction hit us [...]

I was so excited when the State of Mississippi finally started offering a college savings plan. My daughter was 16 and on the edge of qualifying. I plunked down my money for the full four years. By the time “H” headed to college, tuition costs had spiked. It was a great return on my money. [...]

I made my usual phone call. “Mom, Dad, how about coming north and staying with us until the storm passes,” I said, knowing full-well what their answer would be. My parents live in the same house in Gulfport where I grew up. Their street is about a mile off the beach but not in a [...]

I hate flying. Every time I climb on board one of those tin cans, I think, “Surely, God didn’t intend for us to be hanging around at 10,000 feet.” The source of my distaste used to be my irrational fear of flying. Panic would set in days before my scheduled trip. During the trip, turbulence [...]

Mississippi is a red state. Blood red. Come November, there will be no doubt which column our 6 electoral votes slide into. In fact, blue people are wasting their time going to the polls. Mississippi is no swing state, not even close! Head into any barber shop or beauty shop (not in the African American [...]

A  few weeks ago, we headed to Canton to sit in on a taping of Thacker Mountain Radio. It was a great evening on the square as people of all ages congregated for a night of music and community. The event coincided with the celebration of Armed Services Day. Representatives from each of the armed [...]

Gas prices are falling. Thank goodness! Something happens to my psyche when the number at the pump goes over $50, and I have a fuel efficient car and a short commute. Nationally, we only spend about 6 percent of our income on all energy. That includes transportation costs. In Mississippi, the number is a bit [...]