"We can afford a downturn now. We just can't afford one later."
I hear this from clients in their 40s all the time.
And I always pause. Because what they usually mean is: "We're hoping recovery arrives on our preferred timeline."
That's hope wearing a financial projection.

Business owners live in 2 financial worlds at once.

Counting profits while bracing for the tax bill.

Still in the red while calculating whether payroll will clear.

The common thread? Carrying responsibility without control.

Making resolutions or goals? How are they increasing your control?

I’m trying to share my Substack more and get over my shyness. Here’s today’s post: open.substack.com/pub/livecoun.... Who else is exhausted?

My current favorite icebreaker: “What do you do to make the time between October 31 and the day after Thanksgiving special without jumping straight to December holidays?”

November is one of my favorite months but only if I keep it distinct from December. Ideas are welcome.

I joined FB when it was only for colleges. I no longer log on. Over 20 years later, today is one of my proudest “social media moments.” Substack link in bio.

Help! I need podcast recs for a lots of driving this weekend 🚗
Currently rotating through:
• Pitchfork Economics
• Organized Money
• Capitalisn’t
• Not Your Average Financial Podcast
What am I missing? Drop your favorites.
(Otherwise I’m asking AI and we all know how that goes 🫣)

My 7yo watching a jaywalker: “Some people still need to learn how life works.”
Me, who literally just made him do extra chores as a “life lesson”: 👁️👄👁️
The irony is lost on him. What should I teach him next? Wrong answers only.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

My first Sora video to go with my Substack post for today. Sound on. If you like the video, check out the article: open.substack.com/pub/livecoun...