Do you want to work your way from the mailroom to the corner office? You’ve got gumption, kid, so leave it to me. I’ll give you some swell advice that’ll have you drinking gold-leafed martinis quicker than you can say “Scrooge McDuck doing the backstroke in a roomful of golden coins.”

 

First, we need to clear up the common confusion between latter, ladder, and later.

 

A ladder is a thing your leaf butler climbs to clean out your gutters. It’s a tool with horizontal bars called “rungs” extending upward on affixed, parallel, vertical poles. I assume you understand this, so it’s time to move on.

 

Latter and later are a bit more confusing. Not only are the...

The tools and tips I share are meant to be used for good; please don’t gloat your grammar greatness over anyone; instead, use it to lift everyone up. I’m about to share a word to make everyone at the white-tie optional gala assume you’re the king or queen of some distant, exotic land. Use this word, and upper-crusters will consult you before ordering their newest monocle. They’ll picture you eating peeled champagne grapes while you brush the golden mane of your award-winning miniature pony, Lord Anponio.

I’m talking about the word “penultimate.” Although this sounds like a million-dollar word, it simply means “next to last” or “second to last.” It’s as simple as...

In an era marked by uncertainty and economic challenges, it is imperative that our lawmakers make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of American citizens and the growth of our economy. The proposed “Big Box Bill,” aiming to introduce credit card routing mandates akin to those enacted in 2011, raises substantial concerns about its potential repercussions.

While the bill may appear to target fairness and competition, a closer examination reveals that it could inadvertently favor large big box retailers at the expense of customers and the credit card benefits they cherish.

Congress must stand against this legislation to safeguard vital consumer benefits and protect the...

In the ever-shifting economic landscape, modern-day retirees face a trio of formidable adversaries — inflation, longevity, and market volatility. While these factors are unavoidable realities of the financial world, understanding them and deploying effective strategies to mitigate their impact is critical. One such powerful tool in the retiree's arsenal is an annuity.

 

KNOW YOUR ENEMIES

 

Inflation is the increase in the cost of goods and services over time, gradually eroding the purchasing power of your retirement savings. It can be particularly damaging for those on fixed incomes, as the value of their money decreases while the cost of living continues to climb.Longevity is...