I had an epiphany last night and had to share! I think handwritten letters are like warm hugs on paper, carrying the personal touch that emails can never quite capture. What do you think?

Hear me out. I am guessing that you and I live in the same fast-paced digital world. I have always been a communicator, but my communication, which used to be slower-paced, has morphed into mostly texting and social media posts. In this modern era of smartphones, laptops, and iPads, letter writing may seem obsolete.

Growing up in the 1970s, I dreamed large with Big Harry Audacious Goals (BHAG). During this computer age, Steve Jobs was changing the world in the personal computing industry.  I wanted to be part of that. Intel, Xerox, and IBM were already making groundbreaking strides in the industry, but it was Steve Jobs who had a vision. A vision for everyone to have a personal computer in their home, which seemed absurd at the time. Who knew personal computers were only a piece of the puzzle of him changing the world? He was an inspiration.

In the heart of our small town stood a time-honored establishment with a story as rich as the spirits lining its shelves. The family liquor store, once an ice cream parlor in the roaring twenties, transitioned through the years into a thriving hub for libations. My journey within its walls began at the tender age of 14, marking the beginning of a unique chapter in my life that taught me the value of hard work, family bonds, and resilience.

The 1960s was a decade defined by a cultural revolution, and against this backdrop, Junior Achievement (J.A.) emerged as a key player in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. This blog explores the unique confluence of human capital development and entrepreneurship within Junior Achievement during the psychedelic 1960s, shedding light on the organization's role in shaping not just business acumen but also the creative and innovative mindset of young individuals.

Goals, achievements, or priorities? It doesn’t matter what they are called; everyone should have them. Yes, even young children. Maybe it is to have good grades or something as simple as making their bed, doing choirs, or trying a new food or activity. Generally, goals are made as part of a New Year’s Resolution, but since most resolutions typically don’t last a couple of weeks, you might need some techniques to help. The secret sauce ensures the why is discussed, especially if it is a goal inspired by a parent or grandparent.

Picture this: It's a sunny September school day in a quaint little town where everyone knows your family inside and out, including your family's bustling business. It's snack Tuesday, and like clockwork, the solemn nuns take the scheduled 10-minute snack break where the opportunity to purchase a penny candy or a single-stick salted pretzel on the honor system, has just begun. The line was about to be open for their hungry guests.

Growing up with siblings can be a wild ride.

In my family, we were all girls, with three sisters born a year apart and another two born five and nine years later. Talk about 2 families! Even with the age differences, we were all born in the baby boomer generation, which added to our being vastly different in every way imaginable. The only thing we had in common? Sharing one bathroom. Needless to say, growing up was far from easy.

Decades have passed, everyone scattered from our little local community, and the wild commonality, along with the time spent together, became less and less. What do you do?

As grandparents, we cherish the moments we spend with our grandchildren. It's a time to impart wisdom, share stories, and, yes, teach important life lessons. Among these, one of the most valuable lessons we can pass on is about financial capital – the money stuff that shapes their future. In this blog, we'll explore why teaching kids about money is vital from a grandparent's perspective and offer practical tips for helping them understand its significance.