TIM MCINTYRE retired in 2004 from his position as president of Applied Systems after facilitating a successful sale of the company. At only forty-six years old, he made the unusual decision to fully retire to pursue other interests and simply enjoy free time. As a hard-driving Type A personality, this turned out to be a significant challenge for the Notre Dame and University of Chicago-educated MBA, CPA, and Certified Cash Manager.
All good things must end, as they say, and it is time for me to retire again, this time from my blog. I’ve really enjoyed writing the 200+ articles I have posted over the last four years. I’ve tried to be honest in sharing my thoughts and feelings, because I believed it would make no […]
When I was in my teens I had a recurring dream. In it I was lying in a casket, recently deceased. My family and friends were gathered around, crying and mourning. You might think this was a nightmare, or at the very least, a very sad dream. But no, it was actually quite peaceful. I […]
When you are a baby, everything is a “first.” The first time your mother holds you. The first time you smell the fresh spring air. Your first crawl, and then first steps. Then you become an older child—your first day of school. Then a teenager—your first kiss. And then a young adult—your first job, first […]
This is one of my favorite pictures of Anderson, because it captures his often playful and mischievous look. He is very “spirited,” as the dog trainers tend to say euphemistically. He seems to be always spoiling for a fight, or at least a good, rough-and-tumble play session, and with my high energy level, he’s met […]
When Elaine and I were home in Tinley Park this past December it was freezing cold, and with a puppy I spent a lot of time standing outside waiting for him to go potty. Apparently Anderson hadn’t gotten the memo that daddy doesn’t like to stand outside in the cold, so he would frolic in […]
I write a lot about good people and good deeds because I believe that is what we should all focus on and celebrate. However, I think it is also important to realize that evil, and specifically the devil, exists—and we need to beware of him in his many shapes and forms. When you think about […]
I think about someone as being “doubly dumb” if they have a problem and are both not sufficiently knowledgeable about it to remedy it, and also are not willing to seek out and consider good advice. They are being “not smart” twice, or “doubly dumb.” Of course, all of us are not knowledgeable in many […]
There was a time when I was very afraid of flying. I would begin worrying weeks before my trip and feel extremely anxious. What if the plane should crash? Surely all on board will die. I don’t want to die! I also went through a period in my life when I was preoccupied with getting […]
When I look back on my business career, sometimes I get down on myself. I remember situations that I could have handled better, and been more effective, if I didn’t suffer from such severe anxiety. I remember a meeting I had with the accounting department staff when I was CFO. In this executive position I […]
We all have friends (I hope), but do we choose them wisely? They say we become a lot like the 4 or 5 people we spend the most time around, so if that is true, we should try to have virtuous, nice, and fun friends. Since new friendships are always available, and old friendships can […]
How Positive Thinking Can Literally Turn Lemons Into Lemonade
Positive thinking, or an optimistic approach to life, has been much heralded over the last several decades, and for good reason. By allowing you to turn what could otherwise be a frustrating situation into one of peace and joy, positive thinking is a vital ingredient to a happy existence. I will provide a couple of […]
Why Does the Traffic Always Slow Down When I’m In a Hurry?
Men are disturbed not by events, but by the views which they take of them. Epictetus, born 55 A.D. In my book “I’m a Type A—How the Heck Will I Ever Retire?” I talk a lot about how what we think influences our attitude, mood, and behavior. I discuss how, unbeknownst to many of us, […]
How Much of My Children’s College Education Should I Save and Pay For?
This might be one of the most difficult financial decisions parents have to make. Every household has limited finances, and the cost of a college education has skyrocketed in the last couple of decades. Also, many professions now require a master’s degree (post-college graduate education), so it is not unlikely that you […]
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