Life lessons from business school

Being a person with a finance degree whose career is only partially related to finance, I have forgotten my fair share of content from my college classes. But, there are several things in business school that are so fundamental, and so repeated, that it makes it hard to forget. Like, for instance, how to be a complete geek with Microsoft Office applications. And how to make yourself seem more impressive and qualified than you actually are on your resume.

But, seriously, I do remember learning the basics of investment volatility and risk vs. return. Basically, you take a low risk investment, like a municipal bond, and you can't really expect a lot of upside. But, it does minimize downside risk -- you know that your money is pretty safe. However, if you take a high-risk investment, like a start-up company, the upside is huge. But, the downside is, too.

My point is, I have learned that for my life, I am all about minimizing the downside. I am not a risk-taker. And, this doesn't just apply to investments.


That's right, ladies and gentlemen, 4 black bathing suits (well, 3.5 really). When it comes to this sun- and exercise-deprived bod, I am all about minimizing downside risk. To be fair, I did try and force myself to buy the polka-dotted bandeau top bathing suit in a different color, but they didn't have my size.

Why the bathing suits? In 10 short days, we are headed to Costa Rica with some of our favorite people. So excited. Can't wait to tell you all about it.