Play Sports with Heart and Be Positive

My son has advanced enough in tennis to consistently beat me.   Yeah, I can make excuses like recovering from major surgery or knee pain, but that would dismiss that he just is much better than me skill wise.   It's to the point, I'm not much competition for him.

He was starting to get bored, so I decided to up the stakes.  I had him spot my 4 games each set and 15 points each game.  His immediate response was, "That's unfair!"   Despite his complaint, that's how we played the next two sets, which I won handily.   He showed a lot of frustration.

Of course, I explained to him why I had him spot me the games and points.   I wanted him to mentally get used to being behind, and focus on winning points instead of worrying about the previous error.  It didn't take him long to start consistently beating me again, despite the lead I had.

Then I upped the stakes on him again.  After playing him for several weeks being spotted 4 game and the first game points, I could anticipate his play and shots about 50% of the time.  Also, I knew his weaknesses, one of which was lobs.   I started winning one set.   Today, I won two sets.

However, my son has now keeps calm, forget about missed shots, continue to play hard and stay positive.  This approach is also helping him as he plays in tournaments.  He shows much less frustration than before, which is helping him win more sets.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor sports advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Forgot to Pay Estimated Taxes by Due Date

Ooops, I forgot to pay my state estimated tax due date of June 15, and paid it today on June 27.  Even though I expect to pay over 100% of our estimated taxes, there my still be a small interest payment due for being late based on the rules of estimated payments.

Here's my understanding of the rules:

• Estimated payments need to be paid by the due date to be considered on time without verification.  Withholding payments can be paid at anytime without consideration for timing.
• If estimated payments are not paid on time, there are two ways to be exempted from interest payments:
• Estimated payment were made later due to timing of receiving income, which is not received regularly.
• The amount owed is less that the threshhold for interest to be charged.
• Otherwise, a form to calculate the interest penalty should be filled out or one can allow the tax agency to compute the interest penalty.
• Finally, one can ask for penalty forgiveness to be granted this one time.

I don't expect to pay interest penalty for this missed payment.   First, my quarterly payments are greater than our expected tax liability divided by 4.  Second, our income is lumpy and skewed towards the end of the year, with 20% of income coming in December.

Anyway, I'm lucky this year.  I will put in place a process to avoid late estimated payments in 2027.  Specifically, I will over pay on the first quarter which should offset any late payments in the remaining quarters.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor tax advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Writing Down Ideas

I used to have a very good memory; not photographic, but accurate and long term.  I also would remember numbers, especially those related to data and prices.  Recently, my memory skills have declined.  Sometimes, I forget where I put the something a few minutes ago.   Worst of all, I will forget a thought, concept or idea that I had.

I used to write items down on small pieces of paper.  Unfortunately, sometimes these would be misplaced or I would forget where I put them.  My solution is to write things down in a small notebook.  That way, I will remember the ideas and thoughts.  

Now, I just need to remember where I place my notebook and not lose it.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor memory  advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Being More Greedy for Now

I've been selling off our small share holdings just as they become profitable, even though it is a small percentage.   This is consistent with my objective of simplifying our equity holdings.  However, lately, if I had held some of this small positions a bit longer, I would have had more gains.  For example, I sold SandDisk for 58.51 for a very small gain in September 2025, after it was spun off from Western Digital in March 2025 and carried a loss.   Today, SandDisk is about $2000, benefitting from memory shortage due to AI needs.

Of course, even if I had held it, I would have sold long ago, probably less than $100 since I have had previous stock pop over 100% only to pull back and go below my purchase price.  However, now I have a few more stocks that are approaching breakeven after being down many years including: KOPN, DFTX, OUST, CLOV, PSNL, and NWL.  While my strategy is to sell immediately when profitable, I'm temporarily going to be more greedy and hold for bigger profits.

Being greedy can backfire and lose the small gains that I have, but it seems the market is irrational enough that I can stay greedy at least until October 2026, just before the midterm elections.

For more on Strategies and Plans Ideas, check back every Monday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Wendy's - A Lotto Buy on New WSB Meme Stock

Every so often, Wall Street Bets focus stock becomes a meme stock that members are enthusiastic about buying.  The most famous and biggest meme stock surge is GameStop in 2021.  Others have had much smaller advance, but still attracted buyers.

The latest meme stock is Wendy's (WEN), which is a well know fast food chain.  Wendy's is the most famous running jock on Wall Street Bets, working there officially or unofficially (NSFW) due to losing bets in the stock market.  However, this time the members are out to save Wendy's with a concerted effort to help the stock surge.  Additional factors that may help the surge are:  New management and about 35% short interest.

A number of WSB members are buying large amounts of WEN and gambling on a big win.  Not me.  I just consider this a lotto ticket, likely to lose but entertaining to buy some.   I bought 10 shares of WEN last Thursday.  It's more expensive than most scratch off tickets, but I can deduct the losses when I have a losing lotto stock pick.

For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor stock investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Proposals to Save Social Security

Finally, Congress is working seriously on proposals to save Social Security.  Below are four of the proposals summarized.  

Proposal	Target Group	Key Mechanism	Projected Impact
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Benefit Cap	High-income retirees	Cap annual benefits at $50,000 for individuals, $100,000 for couples	Could reduce Social Security spending by roughly $190 billion over the next decade and extend program stability
You Earn It, You Keep It Act (Gallego/Craig)	All Social Security recipients	Permanently eliminate federal taxes on benefits; expand payroll taxes to apply to all annual earnings over $250,000	Recipients keep full benefits; offsets cost via higher payroll taxes on high earners
Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act (Tuberville/Sheehy/Massie)	All Social Security recipients	End what is described as an 'unjust double tax' on Social Security benefits	Reduces tax burden for seniors while maintaining benefit levels
Cassidy-Kaine $1.5T Investment Fund	All beneficiaries	Invest $1.5 trillion in stocks, bonds, and other assets for 75 years to pay back Treasury and offset long-term shortfall	Independent analyses suggest high risk; may fail to cover shortfall 64–83% of the time

Hopefully, Congress will work seriously to solve the issue soon.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor Social Security advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Entertainment from Stock Investing

Investing in the stock market used to be hard work and lots of worry for me.  I analyzed stocks, read reports and investment newsletters, and looked for value opportunities. I had to decide when to purchase and when to sell, which resulted in some anxiety when the stock when down after purchasing and rose after selling.  It was like having a stressful job.

Recently, I have changed our investment strategy to focus on creating a monthly "retirement paycheck" through dividend and interest payments.  This has reduced the pressure on me for choosing the best stocks for capital gains and deciding when to buy and sell.  Whether I make a right or wrong decision (either the stock choice or when to buy and sell), it has little effect on the monthly "retirement paycheck" we receive.

Now I consider buying and selling stock for capital gains like entertainment.  I set aside a small amount of funds that can be used for this purpose. If I make gains, great.   I end up with losses, that's OK too.  Best of all,  I can buy and hold comfortably and have fun watching the stock going up, hopefully.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking nor stock investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Comfortable Hodling SAAS Stocks

I bought beat down SAAS software starting in February 2026.  These stocks have been on roller coaster ride since then.  Some dropping further and rebounding.  Some just dropping further.  Then most of them rebounded.   Unfortunately, all have fallen again, and some even to new 52 week lows.  It's ugly right now.

In the past, I would be itching to sell as soon as a position became profitable, and sometimes just at breakeven.  My attitude is different nowadays.   First, I am no longer dependent on stock gains to fund our retirement.  Second, I believe this stocks have good businesses, despite the concern that AI will eliminate a lot of current customers.  Third, I believe that these stocks will recover as results from using AI show that the cost isn't worth the actual benefit.

I have significantly reduced the impact of a loss, and therefore, minimized the risk for retirement income, due to creating sustainable income via interest and dividends.  This has allowed me to maintain conviction that the SAAS dip investment is good investment decision.   Thus, I hodl.

As usual, YMMV.  

For more on  Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Social Security and Me

I started taking Social Security payments at 64.   At 68 and 3 months, I have withdrawn my own contributions, just the principal, no interest.   At 73, I will have withdrawn the entire contributions by my employer and me, again only principal and no interest.    When I'm 74, my benefits will be cut 22% if nothing is done by Congress to address the shortfall.

Net, I am glad that I didn't wait until 70 to start taking Social Security.  Also, I hope live past 73 so that will be able to withdraw an amount greater than was taking out for taxes. According to actuarial tables, I'm expected to make it to 82-84, but with the caveat YMMV. 😎

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday  for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

These are Scary Times for the Stock Market

I have been in the stock market since 1980.    TBH, I have always feared a crash like 1929 that started the Great Recession.  That fear has kept me from  being fully invested. 

I have been through several bear markets and short term crashes, each time fearing it would become 1929 again:  1987, 2002, 2008, 2020 and recently 2022.   With each decline/crash, I had great anxiety caused by losing significant invested funds.

Right now, I still think there is reason for caution, as shown by the Buffet Indicator, the Case-Shiller Index the AI bubble stocks.  However, I'm not as anxious as much as before, due to investments in "safer" fixed income options, such as CDs, Treasuries, and Municipal bond funds.  I expect these to help me ride out any significant crash or bear market, until it recovers.   In addition, I have some cash set aside to put in the market if it falls.  I haven't had this cash cushion in previous declines.

Of course, how I weather the next decline is theoretical since the strategy hasn't been tested in a downturn yet.   As Yogi Berra said, "In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice.  In practice, there is."  

We shall see.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Test of My New Investing Strategy

Today, Micron (MU) reports earning after the market closes.  Possibility, there will be a lot of volatility after earning and guidance is reported, either up or down.  I'm going to just hodl and not worry about it with my new investing strategy, which creates a monthly retirement "paycheck" independent of market volatility.

Thus, I am hodling my shares of MU, without gritting my teeth.  Which ever way the stock moves after hours and tomorrow, won't affect my retirement "paycheck" this month.  In addition, I have conviction that memory chips will continue to be limited in supply, which means MU profits will be improving since the price of chips is going up.

Instead of checking on MU every minute of today, I power washed our deck, "touched some grass," and checked on MU during my breaks.

Update: Although MU closed down slightly, it was up about 16% AH due to outstanding earnings.  Woohoo!

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every  Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor stock investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Social Security Projected Insolvency by 2032

Recently, the Social Security trustees reported the program is expected to be insolvent by 2032 , resulting in a 22% reduction in payments for Social Security recipients.   Ouch.  Congress needs to address this issue, which they've avoided even though its been known for many years.

I'm already disappointed that up to 85% of Social Security payments may be taxable (based on 1993 legislation) since we already paid income taxes before it was deducted from my paycheck.  For reference, Social Security payments were not taxable until 1983 legislation made up to 50% taxable. 

Now, I need to plan for a potential 22% cut on my Social Security payments, if Congress doesn't act.  There are number of proposals being proposed by Congressional members.  Ranging from removing the cap on income for the FICA tax to capping benefits for higher income recipients.  I prefer removing or significantly increase the income cap for the FICA tax.   I feel capping the benefits based on income is punitive for recipients who have paid into Social Security, which is effectively what a tax on Social Security benefits already does.

For reference, I don't think there is an easy or simple solution.  Unfortunately, I feel the eventual solution will have a negative impact and reduce my Social Security payments.  Another uncertainty and issue to worry about as retiree.  My backup plan will be to withdraw needed fund from IRA accounts, since I will be required to do RMDs when I turn 73.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, social security nor legislation advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

TIL about Cunningham's Law

Cunningham's Law states "the best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer."   The reason is that people on the internet prefer to correct wrong answers that to answer a question.   LOL

I already have seen Cunningham's Law effect when I have discussion with people that have opposing views.  Rather than listening, they spend 100% of their comments correcting my incorrect POV.

The Super Saver Corollary to Cunningham's Law is that the responses still need to be sorted and evaluated since not every answer is right, and some answers will definitely be wrong.  This is especially true on Social Media like LinkedIn and Reddit where 100% of poster believe they are above average in intelligence.

Still, IMHO, it is important to remember Cunningham's Law and the Super Saver Corollary when interacting with most people.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday  for a new segment.

This is not financial nor seeking answers advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Still Not Buying SpaceX

I'm still on the sidelines watching SPCX.  I'm waiting for it to fall below its initial IPO price of $135, which is below its opening price of $150 on June 12, 2026, the first day of trading.  At $135, all retail owners will be underwater, which may create a selling dynamic driving the price down further.

On the other hand, adding SPCX to the indices is expected to drive prices up, due to buying pressure. On June 29, 2026, SPCX will be added to the MSCI and Russell indices.  In early July 2026, SPCX will be added to the Nasdaq 100 index.  SPCX won't be added to the S&P500 until after a 1 year waiting period and achieving 4 quarters of GAAP profitability.  

The valuation of SPCX doesn't make sense to me.  It seems people are betting on Muskman to deliver extraordinary valuation like Telsa.   For reference, Telsa has a market cap greater than the next 35 car companies, despite being seventh in profitability.  Huh??  I guess that's the Muskman premium.

In 2025, SPCX lost $4.9 billion, yet valuation is about $2 trillion.  IMHO, the Muskman premium isn't worth that much.  I think I will wait until SPCX is under $10 before think about buying.  Today, SPCX closed at $157.73, down $30.40 or 14.74%.  

However, FWIW, I've often been wrong about tech/internet stock early valuation including many of the current top market cap stocks.

Disclosure:  I currently own Tesla stock (TSLA) despite being overvalued by traditional metrics.

For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday  for a new segment.

This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Doing Kids Favorite Activities

My original parenting strategy was to influence my kids to like what I was interested in.  I put them in sports when they were younger.  I had them work with me on DIY projects.  I had them do daily tasks and errands with me. I took them to video game arcades.

The results?   Nothing since they had no interest.   No interest in most sports.   No interest in learning how to fix things, even though they asked me to fix many things.   Definitely, no interest in daily tasks and errands.  High interest in video game arcades, which they would do with me.  The kids did like there own personal gaming machines.

Recently, I decide to try some of my 13 year old son's interests.   He loves F1 racing.  I watched a documentary on F1 racing with him.   It seemed much more interesting than only watching cars going around a track.  There were interviews with the principals and the drivers.  Then I watched a Grand Prix race with him.  It was more interesting knowing who the drivers were. 

While I'm still not interested in attending an F1 race (and neither is he, yet), he now has an Apple TV account and can watch all the Grand Prix races live, and in replay mode.  I've been watching mostly the replays with him.  It's been fun and now I'm interested in F1 racing.  The best part is we're spending time together and having fun.

My new strategy is to be involved with my kids' favorite activities regularly.

For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor parenting advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Being Prepared for the Next Recession or Bear Market

"No one rings a bell at the top of the market." ~ Wall Street Adage

In the past, I was constant worrier about a market crash destroying my retirement savings. 

I'm not calling a top, but I'm prepared for one.   Currently, I'm not buying an new equity positions, nor adding to any existing equity positions.   Over the past few months, I've been increasing our fixed income positions thought bond and bond funds, building a monthly, though variable, paycheck.

I don't know if have regular investment income via dividends and interest is a good solution yet, since the strategy has been tested with a significant down turn yet.   However, it has done well with high volatility and a short term correction.   Whether it works with a bear market?  We shall find out.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2017 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

DIY Projects Almost Always Take Longer than Expected

I procrastinate on DIY projects since they inevitably take more time or materials that I expected on planned to use.   In the past, I needed to find and buy new materials or tools.   Lately though, I now have enough material or tools in house and just more time is required.

Recently, I replaced the handle on our sliding glass patio door.   My spouse was particularly unhappy with corrosion/oxidation of the outside metal handle.   It doesn't bother me, and if it did, I would just paint it, which I offered to do.   Instead, we decided to install a new handle which was a different design.  However, the new handle didn't cover the previous area complete, which required that I paint.   In addition, I needed to drill the attachment holes slight larger.

Luckily, I had the paint the the drill bit to make the adjustment.  It took a twice to three the times and effort, but I didn't need to make a trip to the store. 

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor DIY advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Using the Good Stuff Right Away

When I was younger, I used to "save" my best purchases to use sparingly so that they would last a long time.  I also did that with my kids when bought them new toys.  I realize now that was a bad strategy.  I've now switch to using the best stuff, as soon as I purchase it.   

Here are my reasons:

• Things get worse when not being used.  
• I forget about things being saved and don't use them for years.
• Kids out grow things quickly.
• As I get older, I have lots of things saved, but not used much.

My philosophy now is to use the good stuff as much and as fast possible.  That goes for clothing, tools, food, special items and amenities.   Enjoy all my stuff, before it goes bad or I get too old to enjoy using them.  My first move is to regularly wear all the special t-shirts from the vacation spots we visited, the city wide events I organized, and the gifts from my kids and spouse.

For more on Reaping the Rewards,  check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Inflation and Interest Rates Like the 70s-80s Again?

Inflation and interest rates in the late 70s and early 80s grew rapidly.  I remember gas prices doubling, interest rates rising, and gold and silver hitting new highs.  Inflation reached 13%.  Mortgage rates reached as high as 17% in my area.   When mortgage rates dropped, I felt lucky to get a mortgage at 12% in the early 80s.  I was also able to get a 5 year CD at 14%.  The 20 year treasury bond yielded 15%.

The stock market suffered also.  The Dow hit 1000 in 1972, fell 50% and didn't reach 1000 again until 1982.

Will the 70s - 80s happen again?  Right now, it looks probable but not certain.  To reduce market risk, I'm keeping a large proportion of our investments in short term money market funds.  I'm holding back on buying additional stocks and bonds to wait for the direction of interest rates.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every  Thursday  for a new segment.

This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Annuities - Good or Bad?

Here's an balanced article on annuities from MSN.com   which does a good job of covering the pros and cons of annuities.  Basically, annuities guarantee certainty in payouts, and usually at a higher cost.

For reference, I am biased against having an annuity.   I feel the loss of control and costs aren't worth the guaranteed payments provided.  Therefore, we currently do no have any annuities.  However, an annuity can be good option for some people.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every  Wednesday  Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial, investment, nor annuity advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Our Kids Have Found Their Own Path

Many years ago, I once commented to someone that my kids aren't like me.  I was hoping they would follow the same path that I did since I feel I have been relatively successful.   Other than working hard on education, they chose their own path, which has turned out well.

As background, I was a four year varsity letterman and starting fullback in football.  I was the starting fullback on the state runner-up team my junior year, and on the state championship team my senior year. I was also one of four valedictorians.

Both kids did well in school and continue to do well.  Outside of education, they followed their own path and I'm glad they did.     

My daughter did horseback riding, soccer and flute when she was younger.   Flute stuck and she achieved mastery and excellence in flute.   Me... I'm completely inept and tone deaf when it comes to music.  Good thing my spouse had music skills and could help guide my daughter.  Playing the flute as become a great anchor for my daughter in college.  

My son, who is younger, tried all the sports: soccer, T-ball, flag football, golf and tennis.  He was not a star in any of these, but tennis stuck.  He works hard at tennis and plays with heart, which is all that I ask.  Also, whatever he achieves, I've counseled him that the number one test is that he enjoys playing.  I think tennis will be a great anchor for my son in high school and, maybe, college.

My kids have done well.   I am glad they found their own path and I am proud of them.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor education advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Working Through Lunch was Not a Good Choice

Before I retired, I constantly worked though lunch, often skipping having anything to eat.  I thought I would be more focused and productive by continuing to work.  Now that I'm retired, and eating regularly with several snack, I realize that skipping lunch was a bad choice.

Here's why it was a bad choice:

• I was less healthy.   Being hungry, eating more junk food at meals, and drinking much more coffed.
• I was more stressed.  I should have taken time for lunch, and perhaps a couple breaks in the morning and afternoon.
• In hindsight, I wasn't more productive.  I just spent more time doing the work and stretching it out.
• I extended skipping meals to skipping dinner at times.   Again, not a good choice.
• Even though I was skipping meals, I gained weight. Hmmmm.

Now, I make sure I have breakfast everyday.   I split lunch time up in the 2-3 segments, usually a large salad without dressing, a vegetarian burger, and sometimes a soup.   Dinner is a little more random, but I always eat healthy, another salad and/or a bean dish.   I avoid fried foods, and high fat foods.  Also, 80-90% of our meals are home made.   We rarely eat out nor have frozen meals.

 Looking back, I should have eaten regular meals while working.   I expect I would have had a healthier lifestyle and been more productive.

For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor health advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

End of Cardiac Rehab

Last month, I completed my cardiac rehab sessions.  This is my third time in cardiac rehab.  I pushed it a bit harder this time to confirm that the procedure was successful.  I achieved the same of METS that showed an anomaly on the treadmill stress test without any issue. 

In addition, I spent the last two weeks adding weight training to my exercise routine.  

After the last two times, I didn't continue my exercises after rehab.   I didn't do any weight training the first two times.

Over the past 13 years, I thought managing my diet was the most important factor.    I guess I was wrong.  This time, I plan to continue doing the aerobic exercise and do the additional weight training.   Hopefully, that will decrease my propensity for blockages in the future.

We shall see.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every  Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor health advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Dick Tracy and the Jetsons

"It's difficult to make predictions, especially about the future." ~ Yogi Berra

When I was a kid, I watched Dick Tracy and The Jetsons cartoons.  The tech was amazing to me at the time.  Dick Tracy had a watch phone.   The Jetson had flying cars.

Well, the watch phone became reality, while the flying car (looking at you Muskman) is not a reality yet.  Cool that these things have happened in my lifetime.

Oh, and Lost in Space, which aired in 1967, took place in 1997.   Still waiting for that to happen.

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor future advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

SpaceX or ScamX?

Let's just say, I didn't buy any of the SpaceX IPO shares.  I didn't buy any SpaceX in the open market today.  I have no interest in buying SpaceX in the near future.  The valuation doesn't make sense to me and is way to high.   

However, I'm not going to bet against Muskman, who has been doing masterclass in financial  engineering and corporate finance to maximum valuations for his companies.  I'm going to watch from the sidelines for now.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Inspirational Movies for Me

Here's my list of recently watched movies that I found inspirational:

• Remarkably Bright Creatures - About aging, finding connections, and making peace with the past and narrated by an aquarium octopus.  Great plot twist.
• Hacksaw Ridge - About Medal of Honor winner medic Desmond Doss at Okinawa, who was a conscientious objector that refused to carry arms in the battlefield and save the lives of over 100 men.
• Miracle - About the underdog US Olympic hockey team road to the Gold medal in 1980 at Lake Placid, which included defeating the USSR 4 time Olympic Gold medal team.
• You Gotta Believe - Underdog team makes it to the Little League World Series to honor their coach who has terminal cancer.

These films moved me and brought tears to my eye.  I tend to root for the underdog, which I have experienced being many times.

Disclosure:  I received no compensation for posting about these movies.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor movie entertainment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Saved by TACO Thursday

President Trump cancelled the Iran strikes scheduled for this evening.  The markets reacted by reversing on going up significantly.   

At this point, I am no longer buying the dip in anticipation of a TACO.   I'm just hodling what I have already.   Some are up and some are still down from my buying the dip  in February 2026.  Most of the stocks are SAAS software stocks that are down 50-70% from their highs. 

Although each succeeding TACO has less impact, I expect President Trump to continue TACOing up until the midterm election.  It may be hopium to hodl and we shall see.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Aspire to Be a Hundred Millionaire or Billionaire

"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." ~ Yogi Berra

A million ain't what it used to be either.

When I was growing up, becoming a millionaire was considered an aspirational financial goal.  Very few people had a million dollars  and my parents bought a new house for $28,000.  A million dollars seemed very unattainable.  In 1965, there were 100,000 millionaires in the US.  I thought becoming a millionaire was a stretch goal.

Today, a million dollars seems much more achievable. In 2020, the there are over 18 million millionaires in the US.   That house I grew up in is valued at $421,000 on Zillow.   Many families have dual incomes, leading to over a million dollars salary over their lifetime.

 $100 million would have been a better aspirational financial goal.   In 2020, there were about 80,000 households with over $100 million, which is close to the number of millionaires in 1965.  $100 million would have been a appropriate inflation adjusted goal.

Maybe ambitious kids today should set $1 Billion as a stretch goal to achieve in their future.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

I'm Awful at Stock Picking

I initially thought I could beat the market by buying specific stocks.  I did this for many years, and had some big wins, but I also had big losses.  Recently, I did an evaluation of my stock investments in the last 10 years.   The good news is that I had a gain overall.  The bad news is that I would have had higher gains from  owning an S&P index fund or ETF.   In addition, I would free up the time that I spend evaluating, buying and selling stocks.

Based on this learning, here the actions I'm taking:

• Scale out of owning most individual stocks.   I am avoiding starting new positions.  I will add to some existing positions that are negative, but plan to scale out later when the entire position is positive.   I am holding long term losses in a separate account to remind myself of my previous poor choices.
• Going forward for stocks, invest in total market index funds and etfs, specifically the S&P, total market and growth stock index funds.  This is much easier to manage since stock risk is eliminated.
• For kids' accounts, dollar cost average (DCA) into their investment accounts and hodl.

I expect this to reduce my anxiety when the market declines and help me be agnostic to short term volatility, which seems to be frequent nowadays.

This approach has been helpful so far this year, but there hasn't been a major correction or bear market yet.  That will be the true test on my new investment strategy.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor stock investment  advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Just Hodl

Currently, there is lots of volatility in the stock market.  Earnings beats, earnings miss, disappointing forward guidance, ceasefire ending, ceasefire extended, President Trump TACO, ceasefire broken, stocks go up, then down, then up again.   What's an investor to do?

The approach I used to follow was to react to the volatility.   Sometimes it was sell; other times it was buy the dip.   Usually, this resulted in a whipsaw effect, sharply up, sharply down and a roller coaster. When the stock went up quickly,  I would sell with small gains of 5-15% and watch the stock go up much further.  When it went down, I would hold hoping to get back to even to sell and exit the position.  I would sell the one's that went above breakeven, but, unfortunately, there were ones that took forever, or never, to recover.

My new strategy now is hodl through the volatility, since I'm no longer depending exclusively on stock gains for our retirement income.   Hodling has significantly reduced my anxiety of owning stocks, since capital gains are no longer the main source of retirement income.  Thus, I am more comfortable hodling though the corrections that inevitably happen.   Of course, the real test will be if I hodl through a bear market, which has not happened since I started this investment strategy.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every  Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock investment nor investment strategy advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

The Sky is Falling or Buy the Dip

Last week, especially Friday, June 5, 2026 was dismal for the stock market.  Memory and space stocks took a big hit.  The S&P 500 was down over 2%.  Looks pretty ugly.

I used to agonize over whether to keep my investments or sell them before they go lower, since my metric was how much assets grew to support our retirement.  Last year, I changed our metric to how much monthly income our investments generate, hopefully independent of volatility.  This dip will help me understand how this new strategy is working.

For now, I'm going to hodl what I own and refrain from buying the dip at the current levels.  If the dip goes another 10%, I may reconsider buying into some existing positions.

For more on Strategies and Plans , check back every Mondayfor a new segment.

This is not financial, stock buying nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Need to Do Weight Exercises

When I was younger, I wasn't a fan of weight training.   I was the starting fullback for a State Championship football team, and I didn't do weights.  In college, I didn't do weight training even though I played even though I was the starting fullback in football again. When I played, weight training was not a requirement for athletes.  Thus, I avoided it.  Like many of my teammates, I built strength through practice and drills.

Fast forward to now.  I've been in rehab for a procedure earlier this year.  Most of the exercises have been cardio, treadmills and bikes.  Near completion, I started to do some weight exercises.  I did ok, but I realized I am much weaker than I expected.  

Needless to say, I need to be doing more weight exercises and weight training now that I'm older.  I will start working weights into my schedule in the future.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every  Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor health advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Niagara Falls Vacation - Five Stars

One of our best vacations was Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.   We stayed in a hotel with a huge picture window overlooking the horseshoe falls.   The hotel was also a short inclined railway and short walk to the falls.   We did the main touristy activities:  boat ride to the falls and a walk in the tunnels behind the falls.  Best of all, we saw a full rainbow over the falls.

It was the fourth time to the falls for the parents, the second time for our oldest, and the first for the youngest.  We probably won't be going back soon since our last visit was in 2024.   When we do, we will likely stay at the same hotel again for the wonderful views.

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday  for a new segment.

This is not financial nor vacation advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Looks Like the S&P Gain Streak May be Ended

Unless a miracle occurs, it appears the S&P's nine weeks of consecutive gains will be over.

Possible Miracles:

• Strait of Hormuz unconditionally opens.
• Iran War ceasefire extend for 60 more days.
• Iran War ends.
• President Trump TACO, which didn't occur this week.

Still it will only be one down week, if the decline continues for the rest of day. Yeah, we're at levels not seen since...(checks charts) two weeks ago.

Still, some folks are panicking.  Losses are happening.  Selling is happening.   Others think it is the beginning of the end.  Volatility is scary.

I'm still hodling at this time.   I'll find out in a few weeks if this was the right choice.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every  Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor stock investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Hodling Hopium Stocks for 1000% Gain

There has been a lot of volatility this week for SAAS, Space and Meme stocks.  Today, I'm discussing my plans for my hopium stocks.

I'm hodling my hopium stocks:  Blackberry (BB), Nokia (NOK) and Sellas Life Sciences (SLS).  I'm targeting for a 1000% or 10X gain.  Currently, I'm up 100-200% on shares and up 300-4000% on call options.

No way (or less than .01% probability), these three stocks will reach a 10X gain when I sell.  This is obviously irrational. However, no rational investor would have expected the market to be at all time highs with inflation and the Iran war.  Yet, here we are

For now, I'll be hodling.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor stock investing advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Meme Stock Gambling Like It's 2021

In 2021, there were a number of meme stocks that enabled investors/gamblers to receive big gains on certain stocks:  GME, BB, SKT, SFIX, PACB, PLUG and others.  I made money on a number of them and held too long on others and rode them down.

The new memes in 2026 are memory stocks (MU, SNDK, STX), space related stocks (RKLB, ASTS, LUNR, SPCE) and some old meme stocks (BB, NOK).  PSA: SPCE is not SpaceX.  SPCE is Virgin Atlantic.

Meme stock options can make some folks millionaires.  It will make others bag holders or long term investors.  The key to buying meme stocks is to sell before the inevitable decline, or rug pull.  Of course, it works until it doesn't.😎

For more on  Crossing Generations, check back every  Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock buying, nor stock picking advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Buying Options is Mostly Gambling for Me

Options give the put buyer the right to sell a stock at specific price or call buyer the right to buy a stock at a specific price.   

While buying a put is "insurance" for shares that are owned if there is a decline, buying naked put option or call options is often gambling on the price of the stock, especially if they are short term options, i.e. less that a month from expiration.

I admit I like to buy call and put options, but generally for longer term around 6-11 months from expiration.  I often buy options that expire in January of the next year.  For me, options are mostly gambling on the price change.  2021 was a great year in options for me.   2024 was poor year, with mostly losses.   2025 was a mixed year.  Some options had up to 7000% gains and others expired worthless. 

2026 started out poorly since all my January 2026 options expired worthless.  Since 2025 had some bad option purchases, I decided to be less aggressive in 2026 and purchase much fewer options that were also lower in price.  Right now my January 2027 expiration options on BB and SLS are returning XX% and XX% respectively.  My SNDL and EVGO call and SPY put January expiration options are breakeven at this point.

All these options are just lotto tickets that I can deduct for taxes if they become worthless. I'm going to hodl these to Valhalla or zero.  Hopefully, it's Valhalla.   If it's zero, unlike lotto ticket, I can write off the losses on my tax return.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, option, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Need a TACO

My "buy the dip stocks" rocketed yesterday.  Today, they gave it all the gains back by 10:30AM this morning.

Here's a list of my "buy the dip stocks:" MSFT, NOW, TSLA, CRM, TEAM, HUBS, ADBE, ACN, NFLX, UNH

I've disciplined myself to hodl and I will again this time.   However, I'm hoping/expecting a President Trump TACO since it's Tuesday. 😎

Disclosure:  I still own MSFT, NOW, TSLA, CRM, TEAM, HUBS, ADBE, ACN, NFLX, UNH

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every  Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Diamond Handing Memory Stocks

I bought MU and STX on May 11, 2026. The stock crashed on May 11, 2026 and then rebounded before crashing again on May 19, 2026.  The price dipped way below my purchase price.   However, I decided to hodl.   By May 29. 2026 they recovered an reach new highs.

Lucky me.  I will continue to hodl for a while.  It works every time, 60% of the time.😎

For more on Ideas You Can Use , check back every  Tuesday  for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking nor stock investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Vibe Investing is Working Great

Measures such as price/earnings, dividend payout,  and other technical factors don't seem to matter as much as before for stock market values.   Vibes seem to be the new controlling factor. 

IMHO, there seems to be multiple vibe vectors that affect movements in stock prices:

• Bull vs. Bear
• Positive vs. Negative
• In the Market vs. On the Sidelines
• Optimistic vs. Pessimistic
• Reasonable Risk vs. Unsafe Risk
• Trump Pump vs. Trump Dump

When the vibes move more to the left, the stock price tends to rise.  The more to the left, the faster it rises.  When vibes move to right, the stock price tends to fall.

My assessment of vibes is that they are solidly in the left.   My vibes are slightly more to center, and I have gone full retard on equities since I'm hedging with bonds and bond funds.  However, I'm still hodling what I have.

Who needs to study and evaluate the technical data.  Lately, vibe investing works all the time, about 60% of the time.😎  LOL.

For more on Strategy and Plans, check back every Monday  for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock investment, nor investing advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Moles/Vols are Gone This Year

I've spent 4-5 years trying to rid moles/vols in our yard by repelling them.  We don't like to trap or kill the animal pests.  We prefer to encourage them not to be in our yard.

This all started when my neighbor hire a pest control company to rid the moles/vols in his yard.  The pest control company then made a bid for doing my yard too.  He said, "Once we repel the moles/vols from your neighbors yard, they will do to other yards.  Would you like a treatment for your yard?"

Initially, I tried the commercially available mole/vol powder repellent.   Guaranteed to work said the package.  Qualitatively, it reduced the mole/vol population but they returned after a short period.  Then I switched to castor oil mixed with dish detergent for 2 years.  I sprayed directly on the tunnels, and I didn't notice any decrease in tunneling activity.  In fact, the tunnels appeared to be expanding across the yard based on the mushiness of lawn.

At the same time, I also bought some sound emitters.   I tried them for a few months before my spouse complained about the noise and I removed them.  Still there was no reduction in the lawn mushiness.

Over the winter, I read a post and responses on the Internet claiming success from using coffee grounds to successfully repel moles/vols.  Since my spouse regularly drinks coffee, I tried spreading used coffee grounds over the lawn. In the worst case,  the coffee grounds would only fertilize the lawn.

While there were still noticeable squishy mounds on our lawn in March 2026, it is now May 2026 and the mounds are gone and the lawn is firm.  My assumption is the moles/vols have moved away.  However, I have no idea which of the treatments had an effect nor do I know if they moved away due to lack of food sources.   Either way, they appear to be gone.

If they return, I will probably try the repellents in reverse order, starting with coffee grounds, even though that seems unlikely to be the reason.

For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.

This is not financial  nor pest control advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

24 Hour Stock Trading

Last week, I was checking some of the after-hours prices for my "buy the dip software stocks" and I noticed the time stamp was 12:37AM, which is after the typical close of 8PM for after hours trading.   In addition, the prices were still changing, which led me to think that 24 hour trading was in effect.

I just checked a today and several brokerages now have 24 hour trading 5 or 6 days for specific index and other ETFs, and specific equities.   Amazing.

I won't be trading 24 hours, but it is useful to be able to check how specific stocks are doing overnight, for the case when I plan to sell or buy the next day.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock trading, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Will SPCE do a GME MOASS?

I've seen a lot of posts about SPCE (Virgin Galactic) which may be conflated with SpaceX (SPCX) when IPOed.   Some are buying because they think they are getting SpaceX cheap. Others are buying because they believe SPCE will be lifted by SpaceX IPO.  

Oh well, I recall people bought ZOOM which was some penny stock, when they wanted Zoom Communications (ZM) during Covid.

I will watch but not participate.   It will be interesting to see if SPCE rockets up due to mistaken identity and high short interest (~32%).  Or if Richard Branson will dilute Virgin Galactic by issuing more shares. LOL.

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

SPCX the Final Frontier

SpaceX will IPO in June 2026.  It is expected to raise $75 billion and have a target valuation of about  $1.75 trillion.   Here's my take:

• Other space related stocks: SPCE, ASTS, RKLB, etc. are rising with this IPO
• Muskman may become the first trillionaire if he achieves certain criteria.
• Other Muskman stocks and investments (TSLA, xAI) will probably benefit.

I expect there will be high volatility for a few weeks.  I plan to hold TSLA, but not take positions in SPCX nor the other space related stocks.

Disclosure:  We own shares of TSLA.

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Hodling Was a Genius Move

When I bought my "buy the dip stocks" in February 2026, they kept dipping further through March 2026.  I made the decision to hodl despite a further decline for many of them.

However, since March 31, the S&P has advanced 9 consecutive weeks.   During this time, my "buy the dip stocks" continued to decline or stayed flat.   I continued to hodl.  I thought most of them were way oversold due to the overestimated future impact of AI on their business models. 

This week, a number of my "buy the dip stocks" are making significant gains.   Many are now positive, not all.  I'm going to continue to hodl.   

Of course, it will work until it doesn't.

Disclosure:  I still own MSFT, NOW, TSLA, CRM, TEAM, HUBS, ADBE, ACN, NFLX, UNH

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Learning the Fine Print in my Health Insurance Coverage

I recently had cataract surgery, which Medicare covers.   I also found out that Medicare will cover cost of corrective glasses since I got single focal cataract lenses.  I thought this would be easy to do.   Haha.

I called my Medicare Advantage Insurance company to clarify the coverage and process.   Here's what I found out:

• Medicare only covers the cost of 1 pair to glasses with a standard frame including anti-reflective and UV lenses.  Subsequent glasses are 100% my responsibility
• The provider needs to fill out paperwork to be submitted with my request for reimbursement to verify I am qualified for the benefit.
• I need to pay for the glasses and submit for reimbursement.
• The expense is expected to be done within 3 months of the surgery.

Originally, I was just expecting to go to provider, present my prescription, and have the provider submit to my insurance.   Wrong.  Good thing I checked and learned the above.   

I will be using another provider other than my usual one.   I will bring all my support documentation and have a new provider that complies with the rules and paperwork requirements in the next few days.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor corrective glasses advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

TIL People Routinely Poop in the Shower: Ewww!

Since I read WallStreetBets on Reddit, I receive recommended posts from other subreddits.   One that I read in AIO (Am I Overreacting) subreddit was a girlfriend asking if it was strange her boyfriend pooped in the bathtub while showering and squished it down the drain with his foot.  I don't remember any of the responses, but thought this was bit strange.  (For reference, there is a lot of strange stuff in the Am I the Asshole subreddit and Am I Overreacting subreddit, especially about entitled people.)

Anyway, I mentioned the gross activity to my daughter in college.  She commented that it happens a lot iin their communal showers, enough such that the college had to post a sign to not do it.  She said that's why people wear shower shoes.   

Ewwww!

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial, hygiene nor dorm advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Diamond Handing my Winners

I'm notorious for selling my gains at 15% to lock in profits.   Recently, I decided to hodl my winners:  BB, NOK,  SLS, MU, and STX.   I kept these even when they went down, but eventually recovered. Now I've decided to diamond hand these stocks.  

Ahh, maybe I can get a 10000% gain for the first time ever.  Hopium thinking on my part.  We shall see.

Disclosure: I own shares of BB, NOK, SLS, MU and STX.  I own call options for BB and SLS

For more on  The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

AMZN 30 Minute Deliveries

AMZN is starting 30 minute deliveries in some regions.   Whoa!  30 minutes is less time that it takes me to drive the store, look for the item, purchase it and return home.  

I wonder how much it costs.  If it's free from prime members, I may try it.

Disclosure:  I received no compensation from Amazon for this post.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor purchasing advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Discover Card Bonus Rewards

Discover was the first card to give cash back.  It also didn't charge an annual fee. I think it was a 1/4% cash back for the first $3000 and 1% after that.  I got this card when it first came out.  The new Discover card is 1% cash back on all purchases. I also got this card because my daughter referred me and we both got $100 when I was accepted and spent a minimal amount.

Discover does offer bonus 5% cash back for certain purchases.  The bonus categories are varied, change on a quarterly basis, and have a limit of $75 bonus on $1500 of purchases.   For example, this quarter (April - June), restaurant and home improvement store charges receive a 5% cash back.

Cash back rewards can be used as follows:

• Payoff card balance.
• Deposit to linked bank account.
• Purchase gift cards at a 5-20% discount.

I don't don't link to a bank account.  I originally got gift cards but only when I expected to use it right away.  Lately, I've been paying part of my card balance.

Disclosure:  I was not compensated by Discover for this post.

For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor credit card advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Blackberry (BB) Hopium: Big Loser in 2025, Winning Big in 2026 So Far

In early 2025, I bet big (for me) with call options on BB going up to $7-10 by 2026 in both a taxable account and a Roth account.   All the call options expired in January 2026 at a strike of $7 or $10.   They all expired worthless.  I lost $113.98 on three $7 call options and $170.64 on four $10 call options for a total 284.62  in the taxable account.  I lost $148.30 on five $7 call options and $169.30 on five $10 call options for a total of $317.60 in the Roth account.

Coming into 2026, I was still interested in buying call options for BB, but more conservatively.  I ended up only getting one $7 call option on April 10, 2026 that expires in January 2027 for $7 when BB was $3.90.  Based on my losing experience in 2025, I decided not to be aggressive with BB call options.  I tried to get another $7 call option in my taxable account at $7 but it did not execute. I quit trying after the option started increasing in value when BB stock value rose.

Fast forward to Friday, April 22, 2026, when BB closed at $7.99 and achieved a 52-week high.   The $7 call option is now worth $1.485 per share or $148.50 for the contract.  My profit is now $141.50.  So, maybe I wasn't wrong about BB, just a year too early in buying options.  We shall see.

My plan is to hodl until the $7 call option is worth $3.50, which would be $343 profit and offset the loss of $317.60 in my Roth account on BB options earlier this year.  If BB should significantly rally to $20, my call option would be worth $11 or more per share or $1100 for the contract.   That's what I'm hoping will happen so that I cover the previous losses and make additional profit.   Hopium at its best.

Disclosure:  I've owned BB in a taxable account and Roth account since 2021.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every  Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial, options, stock picking nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

No Space X (SPCX) IPO for me

I'm not buying into the Space X IPO.  

1. I don't like IPOs.  Too volatile.
2. I think Muskman stocks are overrated, even though I am trading Tesla.
3. Muskman is the ultimate government parasite.  Tesla never made money selling cars.  It made made money from selling carbon credits from the government to other car companies.

To note, I'm always wrong.  I didn't invest in the AAPL, AMZN and META IPOs.   Probably best to inverse me.

Disclosure:  I own AAPL, AMZN and META at this time.

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every y Saturday  for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock picking, nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

GameSlop and Ryan Cohen

I remember when Eddie Lampert took over Sears.  Many thought he would be a savior.  Instead, he was destroyer and Sears no longer exists.

Ryan Cohen founded Chewy in 2011, which he then sold to PetSmart in 2017.  At first, people thought Ryan Cohen would be the activist savior for Gameslop when he joined the board in January 2011, in line with a Nelson Peltz.   Turns out, he is no where close to Peltz and is likely closer to, if not overlapping, with Eddie Lambert.   

Cohen's latest activity was offering to buyout Ebay, with half stock and half cash.  Nevermind that GameSlop has a 10 billion dollar capitalization and Ebay has a 52 billion dollar capitalization.  The math doesn't work, even if one is regarded.

Although I made a tiny bit of money on the original GameSlop run in 2021, I regret buying 2 shares for $51.70 in June 2024 when it popped.   No more believing Ryan Cohen will revitalize GameSlop before it's demise.

Disclosure: I own shares of GameStop (GME) in my Roth account.   

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Hunting for Coupons and Sales

I've always been a coupon and sales hound, and I continue to be one in retirement.  Coupons for free items, with no purchase necessary, are one my favorites.   These are usually grocery store coupons for grocery stores within 2 miles of my house.  Then, there are coupons that give you another product with a purchase.  Recently, I got a $16.99 ratchet adapter set for free with a purchase, and I needed it.  Of course, there always the BOGO, buy one get one, free coupons.  My favorite coupon retailer is Costco.  Coupon are automatically applied at checkout for significant savings.

Then there are the holiday sales:  President's day, Spring Black Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, yada, yada, yada.  Luckily, when we need a major kitchen appliance, it was during on of these holiday sales.  Recently, I bought an oscillating tool package for about 50% off the individual components.  One of my routine favorites is buying my anti virus software during black Friday.  The normal price is $80 and I can buy for $20.   Since the activation key never expires, I buy a couple and install them as needed.

Is it worth my time to find the coupons and sales?  Do I really save enough money to justify the effort?  Probably not, but I find the effort fun and entertaining, even though my family feels it's too much effort.  But then again, I may score big when we get a new car, since our cars are 14, 23 and 24 years old.

Disclosure: No compensation was received from Costco for this post.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every  Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor purchasing advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Less Need to Turn Off the Lights

When I was a kid, I was always instructed to turn off the lights when not using, and reminded when I didn't turn out the lights.  The rationale was electricity costs money and leaving lights on when not needed wasted electricity. True, especially with incandescent lights, which give off significant heat also.

With LED lights, the amount of electricity used for the same amount of light is 75-85% less.   While electricity is still wasted when left on, it is much lower than when I was growing up.   Still an issue, but much less than with incandescent light bulbs.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial or frugalness advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Free is a Good Price

I like free stuff.  Especially, if it's something I use frequently or need.

• My tennis club allows family members  or junior members (17 and under) to use indoor tennis courts for free, if they "walk on" a few minutes before and don't make a reservation.  I do walkon with my son 2 times a week, which saves 50-75 dollars a week if I reserve and pay the hourly charge.  We live 5 minutes away from our tennis club.   This more than covers the cost of our membership fee, which includes swimming during the summer.
• My grocery and hardware store occasionally offer coupons for free items to membership customers.  Sometimes awesome products, sometimes minor products but free.   My grocery free items are usually 1-2 dollars and no other purchase is required.  My first free hardware item was $16.99 and it was useful.
• My neighbor and I routinely share tools and help each other with DIY repairs.   I admit, he gives much more than me, but we consider it fair.  My best story about him:  I inherited a snow blower from my in-laws which hadn't been used for 5 years and the gas had not been drained.  As a result, it wouldn't start.  I moseyed over to his garage to borrow some carburetor cleaner.  Instead, he decided to take apart the carburetor, clean it and reassemble it.  It started after he did that.
• My broker financial advisors did a free analysis on when I should start taking Social Security payments.  Two different brokers recommended the same:  take as soon as possible. 
• The tax preparation company I worked in would offer free tax planning advice throughout the year to every client who had paid to do the previous year's taxes.  Despite being free, clients never took my offer and didn't contact the company off season.

OK, some may point out that these aren't really free.  After all, I have already paid a club membership fee, bought some product, or contracted for a service.  I'm just getting extra product or service in addition to what I already purchased.  Fair point, but I still feel like I get it for free because it would be an out of pocket cost if I did it elsewhere.  Feel free to convince me otherwise.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every  Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Bond Values Drop when Interest Rates Rise

Most of my account values are falling due to interest rates rising.  That's because bond/CD values go down when interest rates go up.  Similarly, bond/CD values go up when interest rates fall.

I'm not worried about bond/CD values going down since my plan is to hold to maturity, which means I receive 100% of par value, which is usually the issue price. While waiting for maturity, I am paid a 4-5% total annual payment for holding the bond/cd, no matter what the interest rate is.   The bond/CD payment is what is really important to me, and it will be consistent no matter what the interest rate is.   

That is my strategy for retirement income at this time so that I can be stock market volatility agnostic.  This will be one of the first tests on the strategy.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, fixed income, nor retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

No Believable TACO, Stocks Fall

The stock market has become accustomed to President Trumps TACOs, on Tuesday no less.   This time he tried to TACO pre-Tuesday, but the UAE has denied requesting a delay.   

Lately, the runups from TACOs have lasted for shorter times.  This runup barely lasted Tuesday morning before collapsing.

Buying expecting a TACO works until it doesn't.  Maybe that is now...

We'll see at EOD whether a weak TACO works.

For more on Ideas You Can Use , check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Holding Off Buying More Fixed Income for Now

Arrrgh!  Interest rates are going up.  Recently, I've been buying 20 year Treasuries which are yielding 5%.   I've been scaling in just in case interest rise.

I'm going to stop buying the 20 year Treasury for now and wait for interest rates to be close to 5.5% before resuming.  I will also stop buying municipal bond funds at this time due to interest rates rising.

However, this will be a good test of my current strategy of creating a retirement paycheck and being agnostic to stock market and interest rate volatility.  We'll see how the strategy weathers this event.

Of course, it works until it doesn't and YMMV.

For more on  Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday  for a new segment.

This is not financial, investment, nor fixed income advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

I've Been A Stock Market Scaredy-Cat

In the past, with every market pump, I've been scared to get in.  When the market finally dips, I've been scared to get in.  I expect that the Great Recession/Depression type bear market is going to happen.

As a result, I've never been fully invested in equities.

I still think that there will be an inevitable bear market.  The stock market can't keep going up forever, even with President Trump continuous encouragement and TACOs.  However, I have developed an investment strategy that will help me weather a bear market and keep my kids fully invested for the long term.

For now, I believe that March 31, 2026 is the bottom from which this rally has started. Although, I bought the dip prior to March 31, I'm going to hodl there is a clear top, which sometimes is hard to define.   In the meantime, I'm buying bonds and bond funds to create regular income, which should enable us to survive the stock volatility downward should it occur suddenly.

I still don't see a clear top yet.   So, I'm hodling at this time.

On the other hand, I'm having them make monthly investments into the S&P 500 Index in their Roth accounts, when they qualify for them, and continue to do so for 40 years.   For their 529 plan, they are invested mostly in CDs since they need the money in few years.  However, we're putting new 529 contributions into an S&P 500 Indext.

We shall see if this cures me from being a Scaredy-Cat.  Of course, this works until it doesn't and YMMV.  

For more on Strategies and Plans Ideas, check back every Monday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC