By Amanda Morrall
1) Its well-being stupid
Bobby Kennedy is famously quoted as saying that GDP "measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile.''
The obsession by politicians and economists prevails, but new metrics, most notably those attempting to measure well-being and happiness, have crept into the mainstream. The Economist reports on the findings contained in the first provisional national well-being report in Britain.
The findings will undoubtedly resonate with a wider audience, including Kiwis. In the OECD's Better Life Index, New Zealand has been winning gold.
2) The perfect life; fact or fiction
Timothy Ferriss, in his bestseller The 4-Hour Workweek, sells disenchanted 9 to 5-ers on the idea that you can become a millionaire before mid-life and operate a successful business swinging in a hammock in Thailand. Of course, for the vast majority of people this kind of lifestyle is a fiction. Regardless, Ferriss' work and the global financial crisis has given rise to all manner of overly confident internet savvy folk pitching this possibility under the guise of lifestyle design.
Is it all BS? Personal finance blogger seanogle.com deconstructs the lifestyle design movement separating the wannabes from the winners and offers some grounding advice on how to model a work life less ordinary.
3) Laying tracks separately or together
Once bitten, twice shy. Here's how two divorcees, who decided to give marriage another go, decided to go about financial planning despite some obvious differences on saving and spending attitudes. He likes to live large and indulge in holidays, while she hates debt is "over travel" and wants to fast track the mortgage.
Interesting case study. Once again, communication is the key.
4) Second languages
Before I could tie my shoes I was enrolled in French. I believe this had less to do with my education and more to do with the fact that all the English speaking preschools were full. I continued with the French stream until my university years and on the times I'm required to draw on it, either for fun or practical reasons, I'm always grateful that door was opened.
Perhaps rather than investing in master's degree that no longer pays off, we'd be better off studying a second language in our own time. According to this piece from Good Is, the medical benefits could offer superior long-term returns for its brain boosting effects.
5) Yogic tax relief
That's it. I'm moving to New York and starting my own yoga studio. Okay, maybe in my dreams. Last week, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it would no longer be collecting sales tax on yoga studios. That's on the basis that yoga isn't just a form of exercise, but a spiritual practice as well.
How enlightened is that? To read more on the move, here's a link to the news published in the Yoga Journal.
Namaste.
To read other Take Fives by Amanda Morrall click here. You can also follow Amanda on Twitter @amandamorrall
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