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How to Think, Work and Do

Bigger ideas for making decisions, testing assumptions, discussing money and turning thought into action.

Separate the decision from the numbers
The numbers are evidence for a decision. They are not the decision itself.First name the choice in plain language. Then ask what the calculator can help with: affordability, a monthly gap, debt tim...
Look for choices with more than one benefit
Some changes help in several directions at once. A shorter commute might reduce transport costs, return time and make a lower-stress job workable. Paying off a small debt might improve cash flow an...
Compare real trade-offs, not a perfect option and a terrible one
A comparison is not fair if the option you want gets optimistic income, forgotten costs and every emotional benefit, while the other option gets its worst possible version.Give both options the sam...
What do I know, what am I assuming, and what can I test?
Before adding detail, divide the decision into three columns.Know: Current take-home pay, today's debt balance, the quoted rent.Assume: Likely freelance income, future travel costs, an estimated re...
When the numbers say no, ask: not yet, not this way, or not now?
A shortfall is information about this version of the idea. It is not a verdict on the whole hope.Ask what kind of no it isNot yet: Would time, savings or debt reduction change the answer?Not this w...
Turn a possibility into one small action
A possibility becomes more real when it creates one action that can happen in ordinary life.Do not begin with the whole project. Begin with the step that reduces uncertainty or creates a little mov...
Talk about money without turning it into blame
Use the scenario as a shared object, not as evidence against a person.A calmer conversationBegin with the question you are trying to answer.Separate known figures from estimates.Say “the scenario s...
When to stop calculating and seek qualified help
Stop treating the calculator as enough when the decision depends on rules, rights or risks it cannot know.Qualified help may be important forTax, business structure or complex investments.Insolvenc...
Review the decision after you have lived with it
A decision does not have to be perfect to teach you something. Once you have lived with it for a while, compare experience with the assumptions you made.Ask four useful questionsWhat happened rough...