I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about 2024...

I have decided that the greatest gift to you is to remind you of the wisdom distilled over the ages.

1. Take care of yourself-- Robust health is an absolute must in this life; without it, you can not take care of yourself and those you love. Unfortunately, those in good health tend to overlook this fundamental principle until their health has been majorly impacted by some adverse condition or event.

2. Family first, neighbors second, and then community-- set aside petty differences to create and maintain a support group with which you can celebrate the good times and withstand the hard ones.

3. Free yourself from your debts-- There are very few things as unpleasant as being unable to meet your obligations as they come due. Employers and others count on the fact that their influence over your life, including the time you spend with your family, is ensured by your need for a paycheck and your lack of options. Reduce the clutter. Curtail frivolous purchases. Invest in different asset classes. But, most of all, clear your debt. Remember, this applies to the government too, as they count on unearned entitlements and giveaways to buy your support.

4. Life is a journey-- Life is not experienced as a straight line. Do not, for one second, believe that tomorrow will be the same as today, even if today was the same as yesterday.

5. Do not believe everyone shares your values-- There is a large part of the world that is unfamiliar with your beliefs and lifestyle. They do not share your concept of personal freedom, democracy, or even the value of human life. When these people say they wish to kill you and take your property, believe them and take prudent precautions to protect yourself.

6. Politicians are not your friends, nor are they celebrities-- Politicians exist to serve their constituencies, not the other way around. Hold them accountable and punish wrongdoing. And like underwear, they should be changed often before they become soiled and stinky. In many cases, when politicians claim to be protecting the people, they are protecting themselves and the special interests who support them. 

7. New Year's resolutions are relatively worthless-- They change over time, they cause anguish if they are not met, and contribute little to straightening out the unexpected twists and turns of life. It is better to develop life habits that will benefit you in good times and in bad.

While I am sure there are many more prescriptive, these are the most important as they come readily to mind.

Bottom line...

Remember one, two, and three when in doubt, and life may become immeasurably easier.

People who tell you to embrace change usually do so when that change is most unwelcome.

Those who say it’s not personal, it’s business, meaning it isn’t personal to them as much as it feels personal to you.

Best of luck.

-- Steve