Feeling Financially Stressed? Here's a Game Plan

Feeling financially stressed is a common part of life—but it doesn’t have to be crippling. In fact, that stress can actually serve as a motivator, if you’re willing to take steps to get your financial house in order.

Let’s be honest—people with significant wealth often see the world differently than those with fewer resources. But regardless of your income level, the things we want—whether it's new gadgets, vacations, or even everyday necessities—are subject to scarcity. That means most of us have to make thoughtful choices and weigh the costs.

If you're feeling financially overwhelmed, take a step back and look at the big picture. Here's a simple four-step approach:

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Step 1: Identify the Root Problem – Spending or Income?
Are you spending more than you make, or not making enough to cover basic needs? Pinpointing the issue is the first step.

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Step 2: Address the Core Issue

• Income Problem? Consider starting a side hustle, taking on a part-time job, or going back to school to boost earning potential.

• Spending Problem? It's time to create a realistic, disciplined budget and stick to it.

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Step 3: Create a Clear Plan
Develop a plan that includes both income and expenses. Know exactly what actions you need to take every day to reach your financial goals—and most importantly, stop wasting money on things that don't matter.

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Step 4: Think Long Term
Start building for the future. That means saving, investing, and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle that doesn't stretch you thin.

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Money stress is real—but with a bit of structure, you can turn that stress into strategy.

Forbes-Best Budgeting Apps

How to Make a Budget-Consumer.gov

The Story of the Clan: The Risk of Unchecked Hate and Corruption (Philosophical Thought Experiment)

Hate is a disease in any society, but when hate becomes intertwined with corruption, it can have a devastating impact—on the economy, on communities, and on the very fabric of society. This is a learning story, for now titled "The Clan," which explores how a network of individuals allegedly misused institutions, courts, and legal frameworks to enrich themselves at the expense of others. It examines the risks to democracy in systems where clan-based loyalty overrides checks and balances, and where the rights of victims are disregarded.

Themis-The Organizer of Communal Affairs
Legends and Gods are stories
of essential universal truths.
Every culture has them
and some span cultures.
Notice the social aspect of justice and ponder its
implications for economics.

To be clear, this story is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment designed to provoke reflection. It is intended to highlight various perspectives on social contracts and the fundamental purposes agreed upon by “We the People.” The vast majority of public servants act with honor and integrity. Where this is not the case, stories like this one can help us explore ways to safeguard and preserve institutional integrity and the long-term health of the system.

In this story, some members of The Clan have been engaged in years of bullying, lying, and character assassination as a means of advancing their own interests. This behavior forms what we refer to here as the hate narrative. It goes beyond issues of race or religion and includes mistreatment based on political beliefs, lifestyle choices, and even personal jealousy. The hate narrative has been used to rally others into coordinated mistreatment—often by individuals with little self-awareness and even less understanding of those they judge.

When victims speak out, they sometimes face immediate retaliation—legally, socially, and economically—in ways that appear coordinated. The social and legal networks that support The Clan have been leveraged to punish dissenters and shield central actors. Laws, in this environment, cease to serve justice and instead become mere tools for manipulation. While this story ultimately moves toward a positive outcome, it begins with a society that initially buys into the hate narrative—until reality and perception finally clash.

You don't want this movie 
coming to a theater near you!
Incentives for corruption
and inadequate checks and balances.

This story invites us to consider how our values are tested in real-life situations. Systems are complex, and navigating the laws within them can be difficult. But in the end, conclusions must be drawn—and they must be informed by wisdom. Our basic values and the principles of our social contract must be at the heart of our decisions. Clan-based systems, which prioritize narrow interests—whether social, financial, ethnic, political, or religious—above national and democratic values, should raise serious concerns.

There are no perfect systems, and certainly no perfect people managing them. But those entrusted with leadership must reflect on the essential purpose of their roles. What’s at stake goes beyond individual or group preferences—it touches on the core of public trust and good governance. Promoting sound judgment, integrity, and service to the public good can only lead to better outcomes for everyone. At the end of the day, that’s what most of us want. And those who don’t—shouldn’t be in positions of authority in the first place.

This is an interesting piece on the Persistence of Corruption

*This is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment for learning purposes. We will write in a positive cnding so take with a grain of salt. Feel free to share your opinion.

Delta County MI Board of Commissioners Meeting (7/1/2025): Trailers, FOIA, and Down the Drain.

This meeting covered several important topics. To fully understand the discussion and form your own conclusions, it's best to watch it yourself. There are varying opinions circulating on these issues (I thought this was interesting on Making a Judgement Call).

Topics discussed included:

• Trailer discussion

• FOIA appeal

• Drain Commission (Who does this when I drop my phone? It is worth at least $50 to have someone fish it out. 😶Cell Phone in Drain)

A Few Firefighter Techniques on How to Lift People

Learning how to carry others can be surprisingly important. If you've ever tried to move a large adult male or even a weighted dummy, you know how difficult it can be. We were recently talking about just how heavy people are and how challenging it is to lift or move them. As you get older, you can’t rely solely on brute strength—technique becomes essential. Simply being aware of proper methods can make a big difference if you ever find yourself in that kind of situation.

*As a side note. I am doing this for another project and do sometimes firefight vol/pt basis. So learning is essential for knowing how to use these techniques. If your ever interested in donating to a dedicated fire department send me a message to the right and I'll connect you. Tax free!

 The fireman carry handout below may help

Who Doesn't Love Muscle Cars? Escanaba Krusin Klassics in Ludington Park (Things To Do In Escanaba)

Who doesn’t love muscle cars and classic rides? Okay, maybe not everyone—but for those of us who do, we know it’s not just a hobby, it’s a slightly greasy, wallet-draining obsession. The other day, I rumbled my “hunker junker” 1985 Buick Riviera—complete with mystery noises and questionable smells—down to Krusic Klassics. It was the perfect chance to admire what others have done, steal a few ideas (the classy kind of theft), and pick up some wisdom from folks who actually know what they’re doing (If you see my car from a distance it is definately starting to look better. The problem is when you get closer and look at the handywork you will understand what I'm talking about. It is still a work in progress. My goal is to do almost all the work myself. My budget $3K for the purchase and fixing up. I'm somewhere around $1700 at present.)

Summer Vacation Favorites Escanaba

Escanaba Events Page

Delta County Chamber Events Page

Airvent. They used to 
do unique things to cars back
in the day when the field was new.
It would be nice to start an era of
rethinking and reinventing cars. 

I would probably run out of gas before I found
this fuel cap hidden in the fin. 

I got the door primed the other day. :)

Respecting the Good in People

The Concept of Respect

Some of the simplest and most meaningful things we can offer others are signs of respect—respect for their personhood, their lives, their experiences, and their choices. Respect is a cornerstone of understanding and a way to honor the unique paths others have taken. We can respect both cultures and professions, while recognizing the important distinction between the two.

For example, I have deep respect for people from different cultures because, at our core, we all share the same fundamental human experiences. Despite cultural differences, we are part of the same human story—and that shared reality connects us.

I also hold great respect for certain professions and the individuals who dedicate themselves to their work. I admire members of the military for their service to their country, and I appreciate the sacrifices made by those in public service—such as police officers, social workers, and others who commit their lives to the well-being of society. That respect, however, does not extend to individuals who abuse their roles or fail to act with integrity. While we can respect the person, we are not obligated to respect harmful choices.

One may also hold respect for religious leaders, regardless of the specific faith. Encouraging others to live by a higher moral code, promoting peace, and working toward a vision of a better world—what some might call “heaven on earth”—are noble aims. At their best, religious traditions draw people together and foster compassion, depending on how individuals interpret and live out those beliefs.

Respect for others begins with respect for oneself. When we honor others, we affirm our own sense of value. We may not always agree with someone’s choices or beliefs, but we can still respect their life and their right to make those choices. Respect is about recognizing the inherent worth of every individual. Even in disagreement, we can judge from a place of understanding rather than ignorance.

Let me also say this: the world is not perfect, and it is inhabited by imperfect people. These people often make short-sighted decisions—but we can learn. When we read the works of both secular and religious thinkers from centuries past, we find that many of the same questions and reflections persist today. Life has always been about human connection and seeking meaning in our everyday existence. Respect gives us the space to embrace our differences and discover purpose in our shared diversity.

Ultimately, respect is about honor—honoring the dignity and humanity of others. Only those who respect themselves can truly extend that same regard to others, because they are secure enough to accept differences without feeling threatened. A lack of self-respect often makes it difficult to treat others with genuine care. You can recognize respectful people by how they treat those around them. Wealth, power, or status are never required to practice the simple but profound principle of respect.

The neuroscience of respect: insights from cross-cultural perspectives

US Economic Forecast July 2025 (Deloitte Projection)

Reviewing various authorities and publications is a valuable way to understand how modern economics functions and the underlying reasons behind economic policies and decisions. At its core, economics is the study of human behavior expressed through quantifiable measures such as dollars, percentages, and other numerical data. The American Economic Association defines economics as the study of scarcity, which aligns closely with this concept. American Economic Association-What is Economics?

Economists study the economy by analyzing a range of metrics and benchmarks grounded in economic theory. These theories evolve as new discoveries are made, much like any scientific discipline. Importantly, economics is based on the best available knowledge at any given time. As technology advances, so does our ability to understand economic behavior and refine theoretical frameworks (The wizards of science).

From the Report Deloitte July 2025 US Economic Projection:

• Reduction in tariff rates

• Extension of tax reductions

• Decline in the federal funds rate

• GDP growth projected at 1.4% for 2025 and 2026; real GDP expected to rise further in 2027 and 2028

• Continued interplay between inflation and employment levels

• Slight increase in consumer spending anticipated in 2026

• Ongoing home price inflation

• Slower business investment expected in 2025, followed by significant growth in 2026 and 2027

• Tariffs projected to increase but become more stable

• Potential increase in new business formation

• More