I had a conversation with a work colleague yesterday who is a wonderful person/employee and admittedly takes her job too seriously. She told me, during a stressful day, that she felt guilty for taking a walk to clear her head because it was 3pm. What? First things first, I reminded her that she is way more important than a job. Then I just blurted something out that went something like this:

If I woke up each morning of the year and decided to do what was fun/important/healthy for me, I’m positive I could choose 365 different things for each day and this job would never make the list!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: work pays the bills and kills time between vacations. Do your job well but don’t let it dictate your life or attitude.

I take time out of my day to walk the dogs, hit the gym, watch my son’s baseball games, or even meet a friend for lunch. It doesn’t effect my productivity. As a matter of fact, that balance is probably what allows me to stay sane and do my job better and more efficiently. I definitely tend NOT to stress out about work.

So today is Friday….TGIF. Cut out of work early….you have my permission. And decide what’s important to you and make that your priority starting now. You will be a less stressed, healthier, more balanced version of yourself in no time!

I apologize for not posting earlier this week but work/life gets in the way sometimes. I really wish I had a chance to post my normal Finance Monday topic but I’m doing that today because it’s important.

Here is one of today’s headlines:

Updated Wed, Apr 15 20268:16 AM EDT

Stock futures are little changed as S&P 500 approaches its all-time high: Live updates

S&P 500 approaches all time high!? Wait a second…didn’t we just dive down a couple weeks ago when the war in Iran started? Sure did….that was called “the dip”. And if you were paying attention, you likely have some excellent returns already.

Here is my completely non-professional, not a financial expert advice: always have some cash set aside for these dips. I spoke to a few friends about the timing and probably a good time to invest some $$ as I didn’t think some of these prices would stay there for long or ever again. A couple responses were along the lines of: “It’s going to take a few days for the money to transfer” or “I don’t have that much to make it worth it”.

Two thoughts here: First, always keep some cash ready, when possible, to invest in these dips that literally just scream “BUY ME NOW”. Second, any amount is a good amount. Profit is profit and gains are gains no matter what so never think that an amount is too little. Here is a good mindset when investing in the stock market:

The Masters started yesterday and what great entertainment to watch this weekend! Obviously I will make it a point to watch the final round on Sunday, but I’ll be doing my best to catch as much as I can today and tomorrow as well. Are you watching? Who do you think will be wearing the green jacket at the end of Sunday?

In addition to golf, tomorrow is also the NCAA hockey championship game at 5:30pm ET. I’ll probably pour a beer (or two) and watch that as well. Good luck to both Denver and Wisconsin.

I’ll probably watch some Yankee baseball while I’m at it too…..

Anyone else planning on doing anything productive this weekend like me? haha. Have a great weekend and see you Monday!