Who would expect the Baltimore Sun --itself on the brink of bankruptcy and bereft of editorial staff--to provide the equivalent of a top-drawer commencement speech for this year's grads?
Well, they did. Whether you are graduating from college or high school, you've got to read "Advice to grads: Strap yourself in for the long ride ahead," by Jay Hancock, the Sun's fine economics columnist.
What's so good about this advice? It is full of common sense. It covers not just money but career choice, lifestyle choice, even politics. Best of all, Mr. Hancock acknowledges that he would give the same advice when "times are flush" as he does for today's gloomy market.
Here are some of Mr. Hancock's suggestions:
-
Start saving today. Time is on your side.
-
Find work you like, even if that means trying different careers and types of internships.
-
Avoid debt.
-
Vote.
-
Find someone to love and stay married.
-
Wear seat belts.
The bottom line: life is long, and recessions are relatively brief.
The only thing missing is the advice to pursue a career as a CPA. But you already know that.
Do you see anything else missing from Mr. Hancock's list?
Comments