From the dearth of facts, it is hard to know what you are talking about. But if it is primarily a matter of principle, then I would have to assume that it isn't primarily about the substance. That is, the issue isn't a material financial,regulatory, or compliance issue and doesn't involve something that is illegal.

In that case, are you sure you are well informed enough to know what is in the best interests of the company? The time to take the big, principled stands are for the big stuff -- something that would justify resigning immediately if it isn't changed.

Otherwise, you are just talking about a disagreement regarding a decision, and that's why organizations tend to be hierarchical -- you make your case and accept the decision of whomever is in charge. If it is disagreeable enough, then you leave.

Although there isn't that much old money around, but you need to figure out what 'old money' would do in a similar situation. They tend to favor investing in themselves (education, for example), not flaunting their wealth, and investing conservatively. They also avoid the trust fund baby syndrome, which leads to 'shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations.' There is a playbook for this, and it isn't that hard to figure it out. You can either adopt the old money habits or you will have gone through your youth and your money.

You have enough money to do anything but not enough to do nothing.

As far as investment advice, remember that Cary doesn't know much about money, so ignore his fantasy about a publishing business. 80% of the investment advice you have been given is poor and 20% makes sense.

However, you didn't ask for investment advice.

Thomas Carlyle said that, " for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity."

Prosperity could do you in, but I think you know that. The single concrete suggestion I can think of is to check out your local charity scene. It is the easiest and best way to meet other people in a similar situation. The only anomaly is that their husbands will be professionals, but it isn't a fatal problem.

First, depending on your school, business might actually be HARD. Take a look at the entry level finance book and read a few pages. If you want to follow Cary's advice and finish college, then find the easiest major and take the easiest courses.

I think the structure of a job would be better then a small business where parents bought the truck, no rent to pay, no overhead, no payroll etc. It's just another version of the same thing.

Get a job at a big box store and work your way up a notch or two. Managing people, regardless of the status of the job, is an invaluable experience.

The kid WANTS demands made on him. That can be accomplished in virtually any job.

Meanwhile, I suppose that some of being an advice columnist is thinking about what you wish you had done. It isn't too late, Cary. You can do it without quitting your day job.

Cary:

You really don't need to know about depreciation and balance sheets. This is all you need to know:

"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pound ought and six, result misery."

That and a couple of other points:

1. Rich people don't have debt. Ergo, your credit card isn't going to make you wealthy.

2. Housing is consumption, not an investment. How much did your house earn this year?

3. Anything that involves leverage is not appropriate for normal people.

These are sweeping generalizations, but the counter examples are usually dependent on implicit or explicit timing or leverage. Most personal finance books involve either avoiding debt (useful, but you know that) or some way to make 2+2=5 (not going to work if you need to read a personal finance book).

OK....i'll admit that these are about as useful as:

overweight? eat less.

sex? use protection.

tobacco? don't.

Alcohol/drugs? moderation.

It sounds like, with your book and all, you are running a small business. Knowing a little bookkeeping is useful. And it can be a good way to get the feel of dealing with money in a business like fashion, which you could then apply to your personal finances.

I found certain points in the Rich/Poor dad meme interesting, but other parts weak.

If you want a personal finance book, I would recommend checking out Andrew Tobias's book (from the library). He is a liberal, and his investment guy, Les can be accessed from the Tobias web site. Les pretty much explains his investment approach for free, and it's better then anything you are likely to afford.

As for the LW..... the guy could be good with money but really weird about sex. Don't marry the guy. He might still be a good friend.

Factoid: Traditionally it is the Editors that write the headlines.

Maybe one of them would like to step up and take credit for it. I'm not holding my breath.