Ditch the Doom and Gloom, and take a break with Why Are You Laughing? Here is an accumulation of anecdotes from the extensive career of Jim Knaus, nationally renowned financial planning expert. All stories are true, allegedly humorous and utterly memorable.
Here are some reactions from prominent professionals:
“What Was I Thinking?” is a phrase we’ve all used many times – but Jim Knaus’ book, Why Are You Laughing? puts a new spin on it – and shows that Life doesn’t always work that way; it’s not always thinking that makes the difference; it’s what we do – and how we do it – and whom we do it with – that counts. Jim’s book will make you smile at all the silly pranks and things you wish you’d dreamed up yourself – or done!
--- Stephan R. Leimberg, JD, AEP
Just when we need it most, Jim Knaus has tapped his vast arsenal of experience to share pithy observations packed with wit and wisdom. His eye for the absurd and his storytelling prowess make for a spicy, mood-lifting read that reminds us all not to take life's fumbles and foibles too seriously. What else would you expect from a man who's chosen "Light My Fire" as the theme song for his eventual cremation?
But Jim's also an irrepressible teacher -- and a good one -- so underlying the lighthearted laughs are sage lessons every professional should keep in mind, through good times and bad.
--- Melissa Preddy, financial journalist & former personal finance editor for The Detroit News
It's amazing that Jim Knaus has been able to get away with all of this for so long. We're better off though, now that he has recorded all this lunacy for our enjoyment.
--- Terry R. Altman, CLU, ChFC, CFP
James M. Knaus, CLU, ChFC, AEP, MSM, CFP®
Jim has had an extensive career in financial, estate, tax, insurance, and investment planning, focusing on comprehensive, fee-based financial planning. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Notre Dame, while his Masters’ of Science in Management was earned through Walsh College. He has been a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner since 1987. Jim currently serves as a member of the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission for the CFP Board of Standards based in Washington, D.C.
In addition, he is the Faculty Chair for Oakland University’s Personal Financial Planning Program. Jim is widely quoted, having been featured in Money, Time, Forbes, Dow Jones Investment Advisor, The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press and other publications. He has frequently appeared on both WDIV and WJBK television in Detroit plus CNBC, dealing with financial topics. Jim also writes extensively and edits materials prepared by other planning professionals. He can be reached at jimknauswayl@gmail.com
At about the same time, an international terrorist was causing trouble all over the world. Known as Carlos the Jackal, he was widely detested. He also had a perfect name for me to use as a pseudonym when I didn’t want to use my real name. So I would leave phone messages, with my correct phone number, but the pseudonym. Sometimes the administrative assistant who took the message would ask: “How do you spell that Mrthejackal?” Naturally Kathy and I thought it was hilarious. So I became known in some circles as Carlos, or Carlos the Jackal, or simply CTJ.
One day, Carlos (the real one) was apprehended in France, and the story made The Detroit News. It wasn’t front page stuff, but worthy of second front page, including his picture.
I couldn’t resist the temptation, so I reduced my corporate photo to the same size as the photo of Carlos in the paper, and pasted it over his. Then I made multiple copies of the article, with my picture instead of Carlos’. We had grand fun distributing the article all over town to people who knew us well enough.