Why I keep doing what I do: 

“Mark, may I get your opinion? Last night, I had a conversation with my son [who’s in an MBA program]. He’s been offered three CEO positions…. After telling me the money side, I asked him, ‘Which one inspires you? Which has a challenge that excites you? Which brings your vision to the company in a way that inspires growth down to the meanest employee? How will they be better off because you’re there? Which one leads you closer to your vision of the life you really want?’ Mark, was I leading him in the right direction?” – BM

My Response: I have two views on this.

I understand the idea of pursuing one’s passion. If one has a passion. Otherwise, I think this line of thinking is problematic. For one thing, we all have the primary responsibility of supporting ourselves and our families. So that must be a big consideration. If your son has no particular passions, or if his passion is something that is unlikely to earn him a decent living, I would recommend he put his passion where it belongs. On the side. Something he can do for pleasure while he learns how to make the money he needs to support himself and his family.

Passions change. And there is no greater source of self-satisfaction than to know that you can take care of yourself and your family. You’re his mom. So, you get a pass on this one. But make sure he reads Automatic Wealth for Grads… and Anyone Else Just Starting Out. That will give him the other view.

Re what I said about knock-offs in the June 24 issue: 

“Mark, if you haven’t already done so, I hope you write more about cigars in your forthcoming emails. It’s yet another area where you are expert and many of your readers would like to learn about cigars from you.” – BB

Re what I said about tourists in the July 1 issue: 

“I will never be dismissive about generalizations again. Great read!” – SL