April 25, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

Thank you for the extra five minutes of reading at the beginning of class today! I love The Name of the Rose, as I've said in countless blog posts before this one, and those extra five minutes helped me get through two more pages of unwieldy (but extremely entertaining) prose. How is I, Robot going? Science fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I love Isaac Asimov! Perhaps my favorite sci-fi book is Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (though I'm not quite sure one could classify it as sci-fi exactly).

I think I should participate more in class. Today's discussion was so interesting, and unfortunately I had fewer questions than I hoped I would. I think Chapter 8 is the most useful chapter in Mr. Hallam's book because it makes me aware of what kind of risks lie in the investing world. I'd known about Ponzi schemes and about Bernie Madoff, but learning how to detect one of these schemes is extremely important. More important, I'd argue, than knowing how and where to make more money.

April 20, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

I am really enjoying The Name of the Rose. I always feel a bit sad when the 15 minutes of reading are over. I find myself sinking into my seat and pretending that I'm in the monastery. The main character is not the same as the narrator in this book, which I find quite interesting. The narrator is a monk named Adso of Melk, while the main character is his teacher, Brother William.

Every night for homework I read a little bit of Millionaire Teacher. I've really been enjoying it so far. The reading due for today was Chapter 7. We had talked a lot about the ideas in the chapter in class already, so I didn't feel like I was learning anything new, to be honest. However, I like reading Mr. Hallam's stories because it personalizes things for me. Reading about the effects of a real person's financial habits can help me predict what might happen to me if I did the same thing.

Hey guys, Roopal here. Welcome to my Vlog!

April 18, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

I really enjoyed today's class (April 13). There were a few things in Chapter 5 of Mr Hallam's book that I didn't quite understand. Today's class really helped me clear that up. I especially liked the idea of proportionally investing in bonds. It's easy to remember, and in the long run it will definitely help my financial security.

You might have noticed that I was on my computer during the reading session. That's because I've been reading a book on my computer called The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden. I can bring in a physical book next time, if you prefer. Speaking of books, I really liked your idea of asking the library to purchase books I'd like to read. It saves me so much money and other people can read the same books as well.

April 13, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

April 13th is technically a Friday, considering we don't have school on the 14th. Mock season is slowly catching up. I'm beginning to realize just how much there is for me to study. I'm glad I'm taking finance. While I learn valuable, applicable skills, it's also not a class that I have to tear my hair out over. I especially appreciate that.

Monday I have a Calculus Mock (MCQ). Tuesday I have a Chinese Mock (FRQ). Then again on Wednesday and Thursday it alternates. In all, I'm taking 5 APs - 4 have mocks. The fifth is AP Computer Science Principles, and I'm taking it as an Independent Study. I learn through Harvard's CS50x course online. I think online courses are a great resource because many of them are free -- all you have to have is discipline.

April 11, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

I'd like to try something new. Instead of a recap of my day, I've decided to open this blog post with a discussion question. This has been on my mind for quite some time. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on it! Without further ado, here is the question (it's quite a long one): I think money is money. Whether you've had it in your family for centuries, or you have amassed it entirely on your own, it remains just what it has always been: money. 

With this in mind, how come people in earlier days put so much focus on old versus new money? Is it a source of pride? What about inheriting money seemed better than earning it? This is quite an interesting question. I'm afraid I won't know until I construct myself a time machine and learn more about the world.

April 7, 2017 Reflection (Personal Finance)

Today, I'm back in the US. I wonder what PF is doing today. At some points I'm worried about how much school I have been missing, but at others I'm grateful for the opportunities I have. Because the university that is interviewing me for a scholarship has paid for my ticket to the US, I will not be in the same position as I was in February. February was a very busy month and because of flight costs and the like I ended up spending a lot more than my budget.

I'm excited for college, but I'm also quite nervous. It will definitely be an experience, living away from home for four years. I got to experience a similar situation the summer before 9th grade. That summer, I was at a expository writing camp held at Stanford University. I spent two weeks in the dorms, only coming home for the weekends. College will most definitely be more stressful because I have to balance work and life. I'm looking forward to it, though. It's a chance for me to become more independent and stand up on my own two feet.