Re: Sunday dinner

[Robert <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>]

 > From: h <http://www.gmail.com/~h40>
 > Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2013 22:06:00 -0700
 >
 > I think there are some pretty good evaluative tools that some employers
 > also provide that result in defining values that give one a better notion
 > of one's place in a company --- or in management structure.  I know that my
 > friend's husband at NASA had to do some self-evaluation for these purposes
 > & found it extremely insightful.  I'll try to find out what he completed.

Yeah, I'd be curious.

While at my last big company, I completed the careerleader.com
inventory.  I cannot find the results right now -- it may be on my work
computer.  It gave me a list of possible career paths, all of which did
interest me, but it did not give me a list of general values, which, I
think, is the only way to navigate both work life and non-work life.

 > Everything you said seemed to make sense to me the other night --- it was
 > good conversation and some good financial insight for me to consider as I
 > move forward so thanks.

I was thinking more about that last night.  I think, given that a student
loan is a fixed rate, one must also consider timing, i.e., how the stock
market is doing at any given time.  If the stock market is relatively low
(like it was in 2009), then it probably makes sense to put more towards
investments and one's retirement; if the stock market is doing relatively
well, it probably makes sense to pay off one's loans as quickly as
possible.

In general, 'tho, the rule of thumb should be to pay off loans, especially
non-negotiable loans, as quickly as possible.

 > I found it very helpful to make 2-5 year plans, and then try to look a bit
 > beyond that, listing each time the top five to ten goals that I have for
 > myself.  It's a bit too personal to share, however.

OK.  What's the general structure?  Do you use a template?

 > Have a great next couple of weeks & I'll see you guys sometime in Sept.  hlh