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Uncertainty Isn’t New—Panic Still Isn’t a Strategy

Every few years, something happens that convinces people the economy is on the brink of collapse. Right now, it’s a mix of political restructuring, tariffs, and policy shake-ups. A few years ago, it was COVID-19. Before that, it was the Great Financial Crisis. Before that, the dot-

The American Dream: Homeownership or Financial Burden?

John and Jane Doe did everything right. They’re married with two kids, disciplined savers, and have accumulated $1 million in investment assets—including $500,000 in Treasuries earmarked for a home down payment. They live comfortably within their means, taking home $12,000 per month after taxes while keeping

Is $1 Million Still Enough? The Shrinking Buying Power of Wealth

Is $1 Million Still Enough? The Shrinking Buying Power of Wealth For decades, $1 million was considered a significant milestone—enough to secure financial independence, a comfortable home, and a solid future. But in 2025, does $1 million still mean what it used to? Adjusting for inflation, the purchasing power

The “How Convenient”Syndrome- Why Success Changes the Conversation

I‘ve been listening to Sahil Bloom‘s The 5 Types of Wealth on Audible, and while I appreciate much of what he‘s saying, I found myself feeling a bit conflicted. Not because the ideas aren’t valuable but because they reminded me of a larger pattern I’ve

Wealth, Happiness, and the Power of Thinking in Systems

Wealth and happiness are often framed as separate pursuits one being about financial security, the other about fulfillment. But in reality, they are deeply connected. Both require clarity, discipline, and long-term thinking to compound over time. Reading books on philosophy, economics, and decision-making reinforced this idea. Marcus Aurelius’

Thomas Paine’s "Uncommon Man" Speech: My Mantra for Flourishing in Life, Wealth, and Fatherhood

For the last several years, Thomas Paine’s "Uncommon Man" speech has been my mantra. I recite it often—sometimes in the quiet of the night, sometimes when I need to snap out of a stressed or reactive state and step into an inspired one. It’s my

Blog Series: The Almanack of Don Hilario

The Almanack of Don Hilario (that’s me!) is my playbook guide to wealth, freedom, and mastery built on first-principles thinking, antifragility, and strategic execution. Structured in a blog series are the following: Post 1. The Why (Introductory Post) Why I started my Almanack as a personal wealth and

Why Financial Advice Fails the Everyday Person

The financial advisory industry wasn‘t built for everyday people. It was built for those who already have wealth. If you don‘t meet asset minimums, you’re often left with two choices: 1. Go it alone. Manage your own investments, navigate tax laws, plan for retirement all without guidance.

The Boomerang Generation: A Call for Responsibility and Resilience

In recent years, the phenomenon of the “boomerang generation” has become increasingly prevalent, with adult children moving back in with their parents—or even grandparents—due to financial struggles or lifestyle choices. While some attribute this trend to rising costs of living and economic pressures, a closer look reveals a

A Personal Ledger of Thoughts & Ideas

This is my space to think out loud. I write to capture my thoughts, declutter my mind, and where I can also look back to see how my thinking evolves over time. Here, I explore: Philosophy. How to live with purpose and clarity. Economics & Wealth. Thinking in decades, not

This blog is a personal project and is not affiliated with my financial advisory practice. The views expressed are my own and do not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice.