2026: Some advice as we head into the new year

A new year — plenty of time to talk politics in the weeks to come. But today, let’s discuss fiscal responsibility and common sense. I’ve lived almost four score and 10 years and the quote “too soon old and too late smart” has a whole new meaning! So, remember we aren’t Uncle Sam, let’s balance our darn checkbooks. We’re fools if we spend more than we make. Pay off our credit card each month. If we can’t, cut it up. It’s OK to go without. My Dad’s advice was “Take care of your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” Financial expert Dave Ramsey says “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”

Some other things to ponder — Practice gratitude. If we say we’ll do it, do it! Be content with what we have. Appreciate the little things in life. Don’t envy our neighbors, be a good neighbor — nothing worse than a bad neighbor. Be kind to others. It’s simply the right thing to do. Let others talk, we learn more by listening. Honor our Mothers and Fathers. Teach our kids how to work …hard. Don’t badmouth our boss. Always give two weeks’ notice when quitting a job. For years, we had a sign on our desk, “There are 2 types of people who never get ahead, thinkers who don’t work and workers who don’t think.” It’s not a bad thing to say “I’m sorry” and really mean it! I recently saw a sign, “Telling your wife to calm down is like trying to baptize a cat.” I can attest to this.

Happy New Year to all!

MARVIN GEORGE MILLER

Coeur d’Alene