Invest in stocks if you can research and continuously monitor them; otherwise, consider index funds or robo-advisors. Only use money for stock investment that you won't need for at least five years ...

Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture, society, human interest and technology. Her stories hold a mirror to society, reflecting both its malaise and its beauty.

The idea that companies must “delight” their customers has become so entrenched that managers rarely examine it. But ask yourself this: How often does someone patronize a company specifically because ...