Wilfred Bain

12th Oct 202126th Oct 2021

DESPISE THE FREE LUNCH – KNOWING WHEN SOMETHING IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

This law, among other things, discourages persons from carelessly accepting unrealistic promises or things of value at seemingly no cost. While the offer/gift may be appealing in the moment, the recipient will likely pay in the future. Also, it is important to recognize that the free lunch can present itself in many different ways. While this is a financial literacy post, it doubles as a post about life as well in discussing the true cost of the free lunch.

8th Oct 2021

TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE – STAR TREK’S LESSON ON LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

The show, ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, has always been a favourite of mine. There have been many debates on which episode is the best, if asked, my pick is the episode named ‘Tapestry’ (episode 15 of Season 6). While this series was always engaging, this particular episode offered several lessons about how we are to get the most out of life and how we are to boldly...be bold!

24th Aug 202126th Aug 2021

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND THE TRUE COST OF CHEAP – ‘LO BARATO SALE CARO’

...the bigger lesson is one of ‘Lo barato sale caro’ - A Spanish phrase which means things that come too cheaply or easily will eventually become expensive. A corresponding phrase in English would be ‘if something is too good to be true, it probably is.’...

7th Jun 202111th Jun 2021

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND REAL LIFE – HOW BUYING PEANUTS TAUGHT ME ABOUT INFLATION

We hear a lot of about inflation and how it gradually lowers the purchasing power of our present-day dollars. There was an occurrence a few weeks ago that illustrated this principle to me quite clearly.

6th Jun 2021

THE MAN WHO LOST TWO JOBS

I worked with a gentleman many years ago (Let's call him John). Every time I think of him, I am reminded of the lesson that I learned from him - that no matter how bad things may be, I must always be my best self, no matter what. In what become a highly teachable moment, he became the man that lost two jobs.

17th May 202117th May 2021

TO BE OR NOT TO BE…WORK FRIENDS – MAKING THE CASE FOR AND AGAINST WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Essentially, the nature of office politics and the desire for upward mobility will challenge most relationships in the workplace. This begs the question, what is the upside to having work relationships?

4th May 202118th May 2021

ADAPTABILITY – A NECESSARY SKILL FOR THE PRESENT AND FUTURE

With the world progressing at such a rapid pace, there is great focus on what skills are needed for the future. While articles and experts focus largely on technology-based skills, there is a non-technological skill always finds it way on the list - skill of adaptability.

22nd Apr 2021

FIX THE PROBLEM EARLY – A LESSON FROM BROKEN HEADPHONES

...while my broken earphones may have been a relatively small loss, they presented me with a great life lesson and a powerful teachable moment...

9th Mar 202114th Mar 2021

NOBODY IS COMING – A LESSON FROM MELLODY HOBSON ON TAKING FULL OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LIFE

This statement, first said by Collins in 1994, was initially an encouragement to women to reject the patriarchal idea that men were the key to their financial stability and success. More recently, Hobson, having had this statement as a personal mantra, uses it as a call to action to all persons to take full responsibility for their lives and decisions and in particular, their financial health.

4th Feb 20214th Feb 2021

“IT’S WHO YOU KNOW” – THE VALUE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND WHY YOUR RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

The concept of social capital has become prevalent in recent times as experts in business, psychology and sociology seek to study and measure its value to individuals and groups in various situations.