Climate Change
Although I haven't read many (if any) scientific journals or peer-reviewed studies on the topic, I’ve watched plenty of documentaries. And I'm more willing to believe David Attenborough, scientists, and Brian Cox than, say, random people on Reddit, Donald Trump, and my Uncle Dave.
That said, these shortcuts may be wrong, and I should delve deeper into the topic.
However, whether there's climate change or global warming or global cooling - whatever - this issue is secondary. The fact is this: we are destroying the planet. What with deforestation, the bleaching of corals, global extinction, microplastics in the ocean, and countless other signs, the time is now.
We really need to get our act together.
Crypto
The Royal Family
2025 opinions
I can see the value in Bitcoin. It's basically a digital gold. There's a limited supply and enough people believe it has value, so its price goes up.
I won't pretend to know all the deets, nor do I know anything about other cryptos like Ethereum. What I would say is this: The idea that it somehow could act as a global currency for the masses seems ludicrous.
Here's why.
Let's say you're doing your local shop. It comes to £40. You have the option to pay in cash or Bitcoin. You could pay in Bitcoin, but 5 years from now - hell, 5 weeks from now - the price of your Bitcoin could have increased by 10%. Why would you use your Bitcoin? Surely you'd use your pounds?
This is the issue Bitcoin faces as a global currency. Until its price levels off, there's an incentive to buy and hold, which is exactly what you don't want from a global currency.
Of course, I could be completely wrong, and I’m cautiously “investing” in it.
But I don’t think it’ll take over the world.
The Queen was really popular. She drew big crowds. And I like William and Kate.
But the rest of the Royal Family?
I have no idea what they do.
Having a monarchy is antiquated and of little value in 2025, other than to sell novelty mugs and plates. Until I've seen the numbers or better understand what they do, I think we're better off without them.
Make Buckingham Palace a museum.
No one needs that many rooms.
Global recession
Okay, let's say a global recession strikes next week.
What would I do?
Hard assets like houses and gold feel like the way to go. But would I buy these things? Probably not. Having one house is stressful enough.
And although I could buy gold, its price will be highly inflated.
What about the stock market? Well, when everyone's selling, that's the time to buy, so investing more into a global Vanguard fund makes sense. Once the siren sounds, I’ll pour some of my liquid savings into it.
Next steps then?
1) Open a fund. Put a little bit of money into it.
2) Wait for the collapse.
3) In the meantime, speak with my mortgage advisor to bring down my monthly payments.
Solo travel
Travelling with people is great. But solo travel?
It’s overrated.
This is painful to write for someone who worshipped the “Digital Nomad” lifestyle.
The truth is, travelling solo is lonely. (No sh*t). And there are only so many temples and beautiful buildings you can see before you feel like you've seen them all.
It's the people you meet that make your travel stories worth telling.
Here's something else to remember: when you travel, you still carry your heart. There's no escape. So no matter how much you want to escape or run away from your feelings, they'll always be there, taging along.
They're like a verruca that clings to your sole.
You'll feel the discomfort.