Bad News Ages Fast

The ex Cincinnati Accenture Partners meet monthly for lunch to solve world problems, talk sports, reminisce, exchange politics and jokes - generally get updated on each other's life. A.C. was smiling as he said, "Garen would always peak his head into my office when there was trouble". I responded - "Yeah Al but at least I knew to get it in front of you fast". I remember your saying:

"Bad News Ages Fast". I learned that from Al and my parents. Don't think it will go away with time because it just get's more rotten each day.

I look back on my career and can thank my parents ( for initial life training), and then to many of the more senior managers and partners that shaped my performance and style in business.

You are the best and worst of the mentors in your life. Some are chosen for you - others you have a choice.

Chose Wisely.

Taxable Giving

I get a rash of letters this time of year asking for donations (I have 5 on my desk from last week). That and telemarketing must work or they would cease the practice. I've wondered if our tax code allowing deductions for charity actually encourages giving - either more, the timing, or both. It helps that Thanksgiving and Christmas align with taxable year end planning - combining a feeling of giving with minimizing the "gift" (tax that is) to the government.

I personally agree with Warren Buffet about estate taxes. I don't know his logic exactly - but mine is to create an incentive (even though the tax is a " death penalty") to encourage you to gift your money to the proper steward into the future. Notice I said the proper steward - because those that procrastinate in this decision end up giving it to the worst steward - the Government.

In Ron Blue's book "Splitting Heirs - Giving money & things to your Children without ruining their lives", he reiterates the point - "It's all God's". The only thing you are really doing with your money is finding the right steward - giving it to him/her (or the organization) and letting them do God's work.

Think about that - When you save money - you are just deferring the decision on it's productive use in God's eyes until you can decide who is the steward - you or someone else? When you spend money - you are choosing yourself as the "invest able steward" to grow the wealth further for God's purpose.

And when you give it to the government ......... one wonders it's purpose and the alignment?

So don't make giving a taxable moment. Give it while living to someone other than the government.

PS- SVP Cincinnati can always use a donation :)

Shopper's Lag

We were all dragging this morning after the Thanksgiving Holiday. Serena had pulled an all nighter with her friends to be at the store promptly at 4am on Black Friday. So it wasn't jet lag - but "shopper's lag" this Monday morning. The early reports are that this Black Friday was successful for the retailers even though this year there are 2-3 less shopping days before Christmas.

I was shocked to learn that Thanksgiving was changed to the 4th Thursday in November by President Franklin Roosevelt (signed in 1941) to give the economy a boost. Thanksgiving had been celebrated on the last Thursday of November and right in the middle of the Great Depression ( 1933 and 1934) that meant 7 or 8 days less shopping before Christmas.

SO again the tradition of Thanksgiving is really all about Thingspending.

Be of good cheer - in 2012 Franklin Roosevelt can look down and see 8 additional spending days and a full recovery :)

Christmas Books

I just finished the "Christmas List" by Richard Paul Evans. A good story about "beginning with the end in mind".

I read his first book "The Christmas Box" in 1995 and it had a profound effect on me. Probably because of my work habits and the main character's daughter was also named Jenna. The Hallmark movie was not nearly as meaningful as the book (but that happens alot).

I imagine books with the name Christmas in the title get a certain amount of sales (or at least a browse) by the reference of the holiday. I'm sure I picked up the Christmas Box because of my fond memories of Christmas and obsession with boxes. Plus the book is one of those smaller books - not too thick, short chapters, lots of dialogue, with a great story line (sort of mysterious).

What is your favorite childhood Christmas book? Is it a big picture book of the poem - "Twas the night before Christmas"? The Grinch? The Littlest Angel? The Nutcracker?

Signs of Christmas

There are signs of Christmas around the Wisner household this weekend. Jenna has taken the lead with decorating not just one Christmas tree but two. Off to Lowes to get a second tree (artificial) this evening - this one for the dining room.

Tonight with family and friends there was Christmas in the air. On Time Warner - Traditional Xmas music (Channel 933) piped through wireless speakers throughout the house. The smell of pine (from the candle scents) and the humming in the background (Paul, Serena, Ellen, Laura, Rima and Jenna). Fireplaces were lit to add to the mood. Thankfully the outdoor lights were put up last weekend (after nearly 4 inches of rain Wednesday and Thursday during the Thanksgiving).

Sounds, smells, sight - all creating a feeling - striking memories of Christmas past, and anticipation of the Christmas to come.

Titles or Testimonials

Nathan said "Which do you seek - titles or testimonials". I remember in 1989 when I was promoted to Partner at Accenture. It was quite the title although there were other titles in the hierarchy (e.g. Managing Partner, etc.). I had not changed but everyone else's perception changed with the added title.

The other weekend P.S. and I were reminiscing about the old Accenture days and I mentioned how many of the staff had stories about me - things I can't even remember. P.S. related immediately and told a story of how he had picked up the parking fee late one night for the staffer that was following him out of the parking lot.

Years later the staff saw P.S. at a restaurant and reiterated the story and how much that had impacted their life. What a testimonial for a person with the title - Partner.

Amazing what impact a small act of kindness can have.

You choose every day - seek the title or testimonial.

WaterColors

The only thing on XM Radio the family likes to listen to (in Susan's Tahoe) is Watercolors (Channel 71 Smooth Jazz). So it was with great sorrow that the minimalist in me (that's the new term I use for frugal) convinced Susan to cancel the quarterly charge of $48.72 ($12.95/mth plus royalty and taxes).

So - I called XM with the express intent of canceling the service and saving $50. We have been listeners to Watercolors since Jan. 2005 Suddenly I get Sedrick on the line and he says - "I can save you significant money - how about 5 months for $20 - our special program to keep you at XM. It's not really $20 because after tax and royalty it's $25 (but who's counting).

Unbelievable - Sedrick talked me into it. So instead of saving $50. I save $25 and get two additional months. Like all subscription business models - they count on the human condition of forgetfulness five months from now.

Watercolors lives on until April 23. And we get to listen to Xmas music for the Holidays.

Minimalists - never forget :)