INTRODUCTION

Hello,
I am Dave Bartlett .. I am .. a recovering dummy. From thinking I could out earn my overspending to thinking I could make wealth using OPM (other peoples money), I've learned the lessons of DUMB. But I've also done many good things. This combination makes all of us - human. The discussions on Money For Dummy's will center around money. But let me make this clear, I do not believe it is money that makes us happy (or sad).

I need to interject here that this website is very much about my opinions (right or wrong, in your view). You are welcome to listen to my opinions & to form your own. “I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.” Edward Gibbon quotes (English Historian, 1737-1794). I hope to earn your respect, but I'll understand if you must leave.

Let me introduce Sheri, my wife. We have been happily married for 31 years (as of this writing), we have raised two wonderful children, built a comfortable home here in Washington on a private piece of land. We call it private because we can't even see the home of our closest neighbors. There are some homes in view, but they are far enough away that we don't have to pull shades for a private moment. We have a small choose & cut christmas tree farm on the property (Dasher Christmas Trees ). Our daughter Devon and her husband Dave only live about 15 minutes away. Devon recently gave birth to Joshua, a gift of life. Our son Dan lives a little further away, but is still within a short drive. We are still waiting for a nice girl to find Dan, but that is only a matter of time. In town you can also find my brothers, their wives, & my mom. Sheri's family in in the area also. The home I grew up in is about 3 miles away. This may be sounding very sentimental (and is), but what I hope you can hear in my words is how happy I am. You may notice that I have not mentioned the size of my house, what I drive (happens to be a 2003 Ford Ranger), whether or not I have a boat (or other toys), nor how much I have saved in the bank. My wife, my family & community are the foundation of my happiness, my life.

In Money For Dummy's, we will set some foundations for happiness and success. For those who are already happy and successful, we hope you'll find Money For Dummy's a reaffirming project, and an inspiration to the rest of you. Some have dug holes hoping to set foundations, only to find you spent too much in the digging and you can't get out of the hole. We were in a similar pit not so long ago. It was only in the redefining of happiness & success, that we were able to get the footings arranged for a solid foundation.

Once the foundation is set, we can start building upon our happiness & success. We'll build slow and sure, always keeping risk in mind. Money For Dummy's will set guidelines for that construction. With a plan in mind the construction will start. With reassessment, the plan must change (for the better). The building will not only consider tomorrow, but must look ahead 20 years or more.

A man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble at his door.

- Confucius, Chinese philosopher and religious leader (551-479 BC).