If I asked you what's the one goal we should aim for in order to ensure a decent life for ourselves, what would you say? While the answers may vary, I would argue that it's moderation more than anything else. Moderation  in our relationships, in our eating habits, in our work and exercise regimen, and so forth. The dictionary defines moderation as the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one's behavior or political opinions. Synonyms of moderation include self-restraint, self-discipline, and temperance. In other words, to be moderate is to achieve that happy medium between too little and too much. So what are some examples? Not being too nice, but not being a jerk either. Not eating everything in the fridge, but not starving oneself either. Not being extremely ambitious, but not resting on one's laurels. Not being a compulsive neat freak, but not being a slob.  Not being a spendthrift, but not being parsimonious.  I know what you're...

It annoys me to no end when a person has money and yet he still chooses to be stingy. You know, the kind of person who never gets you a gift on your birthday, or always opts for the cheapest restaurants in town. One thing is to not spend because you really are strapped for cash, or you're trying to save up for a big life event -- like a wedding or the purchase of a car. Another is to be thrifty just because you'd rather have a root canal done on you than shell out a buck. The worst offenders are those who have a lot of money but never donate a cent to charity. I think people have every right to spend their money as they wish, but there's something to be said for those who use it for good causes. What's the harm in getting a friend a small birthday gift? Or donating $2 to St. Jude? People who refuse to spend even this much get under my skin. I could never date a woman or have as a friend someone who seems to care more about their money than their loved on...