A Little Age, A Little Wisdom, and a Healthy Dose of Skepticism

 

By Mare Pagel  |  Been There, Done That  |  October 30, 2026

 

You've probably heard of 80-proof whiskey.

 

Well, I've reached 80 proof myself — without the whiskey!

 

Eighty years of living, learning, working, making mistakes, recognizing opportunities, and occasionally wondering how some people manage to sell the same old nonsense in brand-new packaging.

 

And that's where 80 Proof comes in.

 

This is my new Friday column about investing, investigating, and asking questions before believing the next spectacular headline.

 

I enjoy researching stocks, new technologies, and the companies quietly building tomorrow's world. But I've also learned that a good story doesn't automatically make a good investment.

 

A billionaire's name in a headline doesn't guarantee a fortune. A tiny company with a revolutionary idea doesn't necessarily have a profitable business. And an advertisement shouting Act Now! is usually a good reason to slow down.

 

Here at 80 Proof, we'll look beyond the sales pitch. We'll explore interesting companies, investigate investment claims, and share what we discover along the way.

 

No crystal balls. No guaranteed winners. And absolutely no requirement to buy somebody's expensive newsletter.

 

Just curiosity, common sense, a little humor, and eight decades of perspective.

 

I've earned my 80 Proof. Now let's put it to work!

 

— Mare🌹

 

80 Proof is an educational and conversational column, not personalized financial advice.