The Ten Percent Solution

 

"He did everything else wrong but—" Cathy started.

"Because he had saved ten percent of each paycheck and invested it for long-term growth, today he's in great shape," Roy finished.

He then walked purposefully over to the counter. A sec-ond later, we heard two clicks. Roy then turned and handed my sister a cassette tape of our entire conversation.

"I thought this might come in handy for those who don't take shorthand," he commiserated, looking pointedly at me.

"Good," I laughed. "It will save Cathy having to tran-scribe her notes for us. Well, Roy, what does next month's 'adventure in accumulating' hold in store for us?"

"For now, why don't you three just worry about imple-menting this month's suggestions?" Roy responded.

"It's inspiring to know how wealthy Roy is," Tom cracked within earshot of Roy as we walked back out into the downpour. "But don't you think we're insulting him by offering to pay for our haircuts?"

"You boys," came Roy's rejoinder, "are all wet."