TRUE WEALTH

            I was reminded that Oct. 16, 2016, Politico predicted a major Wall Street crash if Donald Trump won the election.  Since that day, the S&P 500 rose from 2200 to 3221.

             This year alone, the stodgy Dow Jones gained 22 percent.  All of this has pundits wondering if the increase is a flash in the pan or if it actually signals a major readjustment, known as recession.  Who knows? In that context, perhaps it is good on this first day of the year to contemplate things that are ALWAYS good investments. 

             Your physical health.  Few things are more valuable than being able to jump out of bed in the morning and have the physical energy to enthusiastically embrace the things you need to do today.  Many people can't do that.  Work on your body so it's functional. Exercise.  Get a massage. 

             Your nonphysical health.  Countless studies are now confirming that people who embrace faith, who embrace the Divine, have better mental an emotional health than others.  The single biggest factor in deterring suicide is attending church.  Get quiet; turn off your electronics.  I have a personal prohibition for Sundays.  No computer, no cell phone, no nothing.  Unplug. 

             Your diet.  Eat better.  Get in your kitchen.  Throw out the junk.  Cook from scratch--and that doesn't mean opening a can.  It means using a recipe to put ingredients together.  And get good ingredients.

            Your food provenance.  Few things give me more joy than knowing where things come from.  In a day of confusing labels, greenwashing, and cleverspeak, sourcing your food from a farmer you can trust is one of the best investments you can ever make. Plant some vegetables. Visit a farmer.

             Your information.  Read more.  Watch documentaries instead of Disney.  Gather information broadly so you have a bigger platform for decision making.  Thomas Jefferson said "knowledge is power."  But knowledge from only orthodox sources is a silo.  So be eclectic; you liberals, immerse in some Foundation of Economic Education stuff.  You conservatives, immerse in some Mother Jones articles.

             Your relationships.  Whether family or friends, make a list of the relationships you want to strengthen and the ones you need to sever.  Both are important.  Quit worrying and stewing about the ones that don't fit; concentrate on the ones that can work.

             Your skills.  This includes hobbies.  What have you been interested in for a long time?  Do it. Take a class in woodworking, small engine mechanics, or whatever.  Knowing how to build, fix, or make things is worth more than money.

             There.  That's a list of investments that will always return good dividends, no matter what the Dow Jones does and no matter who occupies the White House.  Now carry on through 2020.

             What's the most gratifying thing you invested in during 2019?