Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1. Acorns Investing
I am not a financial whizz of any kind. I have a general idea of what the stock market is and how it works. But I have been using Acorns for a few years now and find it really helpful for someone who wants to set aside money in investments but isn’t educated enough or rich enough to get deeply into the market. It takes whatever amount you want to invest, either a little bit at a time or big chunks, and puts it into an investment portfolio on your behalf. You can give direction what kind of portfolio (small business, growth stocks, conservative, aggressive, etc.) and you can customize it to your preferences as well. One great feature that Acorns offers is the investment of “round-ups,” automatic investments from approved debit or credit cards to the nearest dollar. It is a way to save and invest a little at a time without even really planning or noticing. There is a whole suite of other financial features/offerings if you want to dig in deeper, but for a beginner investor who just wants to put your money to work Acorns is great.
2. Just For Us – a Comedy Special by Alex Edelman
I bemoaned recently how much I miss when comedians had to be funny to get a special recorded instead of just having a large social media following. I love comedy, the art and science of it. I love to laugh and to be surprised by a brilliant joke. And it feels rare to run across a unique brand of humor that leaves me feeling glad rather than gross. Edelman’s special is just that kind of creative, quirky, wonderfully written humor. I will give away no spoilers from the special since it is very much built around a story woven into observational riffs. But he works that combination brilliantly, weaving a narrative and taking taking detours into jokes. The whole premise of the special is a reality-is-stranger-and-funnier-than-fiction thing. If you are looking for a smart, slightly awkward, delightful comedy special this is it.
3. Dwell Audio Bible
When it comes to non-fiction (which the Bible decidedly is) I am much more of a reader than a listener. I prefer paper, pen, and sitting somewhere to focus. However, that is not true for many people for whom listening is both more natural and pleasant. There are also many folks whose lives are insanely busy due to work, travel, or children so listening to scripture is a much easier way to get the Bible into their lives and hearts than finding time to read. Dwell is a fantastic audio Bible app with a pile of features (listening plans, pause and reflect, background music, sleep timer, etc.) to help you find the most effective way to get into scripture. It is wonderful during your commute, working out, doing chores or yard work, or any other margin of life. They also have numerous Bible versions and narrators. I use it especially when I am trying to memorize or study particular passages. It has a monthly or annual cost, but if you go through the link you can get a 25% discount. It is well worth it.
