Investing

I promise I'll get back to talking about sports and athletics soon. The heart of the biking season is nearly upon us, and I'm getting ready by reading Chris Carmichael's book "The Time Crunched Cyclist". I'll share my assessment with you in the near future. But today I still find myself thinking about taxes, and how I'm going to invest my refund.

I know that many of you are investment gurus and stock market savants, a la Warren Buffet (pictured above). But I've never quite been able to develop a passion for such things. This may seem strange to those who know how anal I am about keeping my Quicken files up to date, or how much I enjoyed math classes in high school. Heck, I started my first savings account when I was in third grade, and have always done extensive research before making major purchases such as electric guitars or waffle irons. But when it comes to retirement planning and discussing my long-term financial security, well, my eyes tend to glaze over. If you start telling me about the difference between common stock and preferred stock, my mind will conjure up images of Max Bialystock instead. I'm hopeless.

I knew I needed professional help. So after doing some research that convinced me beyond any doubt that Edward Jones was a highly ethical and professional firm, I contacted one of their agents, a fellow named Gary Dorsheimer.

I felt comfortable with Gary right away. He's friendly and genuine, and very good at what he does. I never felt any pressure in talking with him, and felt from the start that he was more interested in keeping me as a happy long-term client than in maximizing his commissions. This has since proven to be true; his advice has encompassed my entire financial picture...not just the part that's invested with his company. His associate, Jana, is also a pleasure to work with -- so if you're looking for some investing help, give them a call at 303-932-0554.

Of course, after saying all that, you're probably expecting me to put my tax refund money into my Roth IRA account, right? Well, yeah, I probably will...but you can't blame me if I spend a few minutes thinking about what sorts of toys I could buy instead, right?

Some options are obvious -- I mean a guy could always use a few more guitars. And some non-pants-wetting snowshoes would make sense, too. Or perhaps one of those "make your own soda" machines. Or a William Shatner chia-pet.

What do you think? What would you do with a little bit of extra cash? Let's try to avoid the common responses, like stocking the garage refrigerator with a year's supply of Keystone Light, or filling your bathtub with gummi worms and root beer. Be creative! Would you commission a bronze statue of Roy Orbison? Or hire Ahmed Best to record your answering machine message? Buy a rotating disco ball to complement the BeeGees music you play while you're working out on the treadmill? Or are you one of those patriots who would insist that the IRS keep your extra money? Let me know.

In the meantime, let's hope for warmer weather...and get ready for the Grand Reopening of Waterton Canyon. Have a great day!