The Daily Meaning

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Archive
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Spending, Debt, Budgeting Travis Shelton Spending, Debt, Budgeting Travis Shelton

Catch That Breather

Warning: I'm about to share some financial advice that will deeply offend some financial people. If you're still reading this, you've been warned. I take no responsibility for any level of annoyance or disgust you're about to experience.

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Spending, Debt Travis Shelton Spending, Debt Travis Shelton

The Tension Brings Clarity

When we refuse to use debt to purchase vehicles, it creates a very palpable tension. It's hard to save a big chunk of money for vehicles. It's a long, thankless, and often unrewarding task. That's precisely the point, though. That process brings with it a tension that must be reckoned with.

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Spending, Behavioral Science Travis Shelton Spending, Behavioral Science Travis Shelton

Pot, Meet Kettle

After learning about my recent 2006 Nissan 350Z purchase, my friend shared his less-than-savory opinion about it. Specifically, he called it a "boujee move" and added, "It's a bad look for you, Travis." Translation: I'm a hypocrite for buying such a fancy luxury, and it feels a bit over the top.

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Debt, Career, Meaning Travis Shelton Debt, Career, Meaning Travis Shelton

Have To vs. Get To

I'm still thinking about the conversation I shared with the young woman I mentioned in yesterday's post. One of the things that struck me about her story is how much meaning and impact she's making in her work. She's a legit hero. Her eyes lit up when she talked about her work, yet at the same time, she admitted the utter frustration she feels when her income immediately goes toward debt payments.

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Spending Travis Shelton Spending Travis Shelton

The 17-Year Wait

It's 2007. I am out to breakfast with my new-ish girlfriend (now wife), Sarah. I'm decently arrogant, think I have life figured out, and most certainly want to impress this girl. I start sharing how I'm planning to buy a new car. It's a 2006 Nissan 350Z. It's a convertible stick-shift, of course. It also has a $40,000 price tag.

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Meaning Travis Shelton Meaning Travis Shelton

It Sure Is Lucky to Be Lucky

As I was recently sitting down with a couple, one of the spouses said something that struck me as interesting. "We've just been really lucky." Frankly, I couldn't have disagreed more. Fortunate? Yes. Blessed? Absolutely. But lucky? I don't think so.

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Career Travis Shelton Career Travis Shelton

The Best Is Yet to Come

You or someone you know is probably going through some scary times. So many people in my life are dealing with significant job shifts. Layoffs, reassignments, pay cuts, hour cuts, benefit cuts, and shutdowns. The economy is starting to feel weird, and ripple effects are cascading through people's careers and lives.

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Generosity, Meaning, Impact Travis Shelton Generosity, Meaning, Impact Travis Shelton

You Aren’t Buying Subs

When I began participating in this event, it struck me as odd that they sold these subs for $5 each. Though I call it "odd," it was very much a normal approach. Sell a product, make a profit, raise money. I suggested eliminating prices altogether and letting people pay whatever they desire.

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Growth Travis Shelton Growth Travis Shelton

It’s a Game of Runs

Can you believe the Cyclones men's basketball team is ranked #6 in the country? Me neither. It's been a fun season I'll remember for many years. As I watched the game last night, I was reminded again how basketball is a game of runs. A series of bad things happen to you, but if you stay true to the game plan and keep fighting, a series of good things can immediately follow. Then, a series of bad things may happen again....and the cycle continues.

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Meaning, Relationships Travis Shelton Meaning, Relationships Travis Shelton

Savor Those Rent House Sandwiches

One of my friends recently experienced a life-altering situation. It's one of those occurrences where life can be completely normal, then take a sudden turn at the snap of your fingers. It's one of those moments that show us how delicate and fragile life can be. It's one of those events that makes you take a step back and take inventory of your life.

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Growth Travis Shelton Growth Travis Shelton

Old Dogs, New Tricks

The hardest part of my professional coaching is working with 40-somethings. No, not because they aren't smart (some of them are the smartest people I know). No, not because they are stubborn (well, some are). The unique problem 40-somethings (and older) have that younger people don't is deeply seeded habits that go back for decades. 

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Generosity Travis Shelton Generosity Travis Shelton

Your Memories Are My Memories

A while back, my friend TJ told me he wanted to go to an ISU basketball game together. I agreed, but with one caveat: we must get some ridiculously amazing seats. I thus began my hunt for tickets. I eventually stumbled upon the deal of the century. Courtside tickets, immediately behind the opponent's bench, for a digestible price. Even better, we had two games to choose from. I asked TJ what game he prefered, and he immediately said the Oklahoma game. Perfect! My plan was coming together.....or so it seemed.

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Generosity Travis Shelton Generosity Travis Shelton

Creativity in Service

One of my favorite parts of life is finding creative ways to serve people. There are countless people to serve and unlimited ways to serve them. Opportunities are everywhere, but we have to look for them.

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