Jeff's Life Lessons

I talked to a friend whose home is out of state a few weeks ago. I have known this individual for thirty-five years through business, and I have met his wife and children over time. His wife was a teacher, and the children are now successful adults, personally and professionally. During our conversation, my friend shared that his wife had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Hearing him tell me this was crushing, and I can only imagine what his wife, my friend, and his children are going through.

This is a cartoon I clipped from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Pearls before Swine is one of my favorite cartoons. Stephan Pastis has this amazing ability to capture reality in four or five frames. The topic of this month’s note is both timely and personal.

I don’t know about you, but a lot has taken place in the first half of this year, and it has left me at times uncomfortable, sometimes worried, and sometimes afraid. I have wondered if this is simply a result of being older, technology providing me with information overload, or the media doing what the media does.

Our group just passed an especially important milestone on June 15th. We did not break out the Champagne or take the day off. It was just another wonderful day that happened to be our one-year anniversary with our new broker-dealer (the company that ensures we are compliant and working in your best interest), Cetera.

Here is a condensed version of a call I received long ago. Is this Jeff Stein? I am a cousin of _______, she was staying with us, she went to sleep a few nights ago, and never woke up. I found your name in her address book, hoping you can help me. I did not know whom to turn to. She had shared with me you helped her with her money and were pushing her to get a Will. I do not know where her Will is, where she might have her other cash and benefits, and who her beneficiaries are. Will you be able to help me get some money so I can pay for the funeral home?

“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead; tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I am going to be happy in it.” – Grouch Marx. Is April “How to be Happy month?” I know April is the month we pay our taxes (topic for a future note). The funny thing is, I have seen numerous articles on “Being Happy” this month.