Good morning, Apexians, and welcome to the first week of autumn! (Or, if you live in the southern hemisphere, welcome to the first week of spring.) Today, as we sometimes do, we’re starting things off with our non-financial video.
It’s no secret that I’ve struggled with my mental health in recent years. Depression and anxiety have crippled me for large stretches of time. (I’m doing fine at the moment, thanks.) Last winter, during an especially rough patch, I managed to turn things around by diving deep into YouTube videos of certain comedians: the amazing Dave Chapelle, the savage Bill Burr, and the droll (yet hilarious) Norm Macdonald.
Macdonald died last week at the age of 61. In commemoration (and thanks) here’s a 100-minute compilation of the comedian doing his thing in various venues.
Okay, let’s move on to the money stuff, shall we? Here are some of the best stories we’ve read recently.
The case for renting. [PWL Capital] — “Choosing where we live and how we pay for housing is an extremely important decision; it is often influenced by the perception that renting is a waste of money. Renting has benefits over owning which must be considered. The people promoting home ownership as the only smart decision may not be doing so based on logic.”
Top luxury brands are beginning to offer expert repairs. [Robb Report] — “Darning socks and patching seams have typically carried an association with hard times. Why fuss? You can afford a new one. But the increased interest in repairs among luxury consumers is proving that attitude is changing. In reality, repairs have been a secret weapon of savvy shoppers for decades.”
Our final piece is important. I’m a vocal proponent of financial literacy. However, I’m also a vocal detractor of traditional financial education. It focuses too much on mechanics and not enough on behavior. When it comes to money, mindset matters more than math.
Now, financial literacy programs are being spear-headed by large corporations. These companies may or may not have good intentions. Regardless, their role in the world of financial literacy is somewhat problematic.
The financial literacy industrial complex. [Axios] — “Financial literacy education is increasingly being created by the very companies that the students should be taught skepticism toward. As the FoolProof Foundation puts it: ‘Today’s financial literacy education doesn’t work because virtually all major financial literacy resources are developed or shaped by businesses that benefit when consumers make money mistakes.'”
That’s all for Monday, mis amigos. I’ll be back tomorrow — from Austin, Texas! — with more of the best from the world of personal finance.