The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get
One of my investment goals is to give back.
I’m far from being able to do it comfortably but one thing about money is that I don’t want it to be enslaved by it.
That may sound naive, fluffy duffy and full of it, but too many people change as they begin to acquire more wealth. That’s not the road I want to take. I want to look back one day and witness how my God given skills have helped others through this website and my investments.
Warren Buffett plans to give away his wealth when he passes, but I prefer to give it when I have it. It slows down the compounding of wealth, but I would rather compound joy.
Sure I love investing. But I love it because I love the process involved, the analysis and the people I get to meet. Making money in the process is a wonderful by product.
But why am I talking about this?
Old School Value’s Movement
Once or twice a year, I try to update you on my mission through Old School Value. For new readers, the quick run down is that I fully support a charity called Compassion International which receives top marks from Charity Navigator. It’s just like World Vision, but on a smaller and more efficient scale.
The mission I wish to fulfill is to one day sponsor 1,000 children. Crazy huh? But it never hurts to dream big wild things.
Last time I updated you, I was blessed to be able to sponsor seven children. Long way to go, but getting there.
Over the past 7 months, our oldest child, William (the one in red pants), turned 18 and has now left the organization. I fully believe that the supportive environment, education and care provided to him throughout the years has shaped him into a fine young man.
The last letter I received from him, he said he wanted to get a university degree and become an engineer. Awesome. Not many kids in poor rural areas even think about such things because they are so behind in the education system compared to city kids.
With William’s departure, we started sponsoring two new children, so we are at eight now. Writing letters is taking longer, but it’s great to share stories and see their progress. Most of the children can’t write so their teacher writes for them, but it still makes a world of difference knowing that some guy in USA is reading their letter and admiring their drawings.
Giving Back and Looking Forward
In a world where everything is about self indulgence and self pleasure, I’m proud to announce that Old School Value has given away thousands of dollars to Compassion International, local charities and other projects my wife and I support in 2012.
I’m looking forward to the rest of this year and what new developments will occur. Lots of grand plans and ideas floating in my head. Many will fail and some will succeed. But when I look back to 4-5 years ago when I first started Old School Value, I had no money, no clue, not much direction, plans or ideas. However, throughout the years, I have learned to dream big, give it everything and to give it back.
Read this quote by Gary Player the other day.
“The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
You and I are very lucky. Let’s hope we get luckier and can spread that luck around.
