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Automobiles, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Saving

How I turned a $450 car payment into $100,000

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There’s always tomorrow and it does get better. – Ariana Grande

That statement reminds me of something Scrooge McDuck says, “there’s always another rainbow.”

Nothing is permanent. All is temporary. So, stay calm and keep moving on.

I remember it like it was yesterday. The car payment had to get paid. If I paid late, I had to pay a late fee.

So, it was either be late with the phone bill or the car. I chose the car because my cell phone could wait.

I couldn’t stand making this payment after the first year. It took me 6 years to pay that car off!

My lesson was learned. A car payment isn’t worth it.

I cannot tell you how many times I had to make payment arrangement, pay a late fee, or forgo making a payment to one creditor over the other. It royally sucked!

There had to be a better way. It had to get better. And it did.

Once I got down to the last $1,500, I just paid the car off. I immediately asked for the lien and a copy of my payment history.

The last payment had been made. I no longer owed a penny on my car. I was a free woman!

That was about a decade ago.

I wanted so bad to start shopping, traveling, or just do anything with that money. But then I stopped. I remembered all the sleepless nights and the time I spent worrying over how to make my car payment.

That’s when it hit me.

Why not put that money to work? I could max out a IRA or put the additional funds into my 401(k).

So, I looked into doing just that.

WHERE TO INVEST

“If you’re saving, you’re succeeding.” ― Steve Burkholder

I did some research. The money could go into a Traditional or Roth IRA. In addition, I had the option of my company retirement account.

I chose the latter.

Then, I had to decide what brokerage account. I could go with several including Fidelity and Vanguard.

Vanguard had the lowest fees. So, I went with Vanguard.

Next, I had to decide what fund or stock to actually invest my money.

I though a mutual fund looked pretty good and went with the Vanguard 500 index fund (VFINX).

WHAT’S THE GOAL

Money can’t just sit. There has to be a plan or like idle hands, good things do not happen. Money can’t be idle. It has to be put to work. Save it, spend it, or invest it. Either way, you must choose.

“The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial,cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind.” — T.T. Munger

 I had read enough about wealth building to know you need to invest your money.

But, I also needed something to aim for. A target.

That’s when I did some more research.

Then, I saw it. The first $100k is the hardest. I had my goal.

THEY SAY THE FIRST $100K IS THE HARDEST

You will find many stories written about getting to the first $100k. It seems to be this is a very important number.

Many have said once you hit that six-figure mark, you are able to build wealth from compound interest faster.

So, okay.

I just had to find a way to get to five zeroes.

What could I do? How long would it take? How can I get to $100k?!

HOW DO YOU GET TO $100K

Hitting that magic number.

Once I decided $100k was what I wanted, I had to see how I could make it happen and how long it would take.

I used an online calculator to determine my time horizon to hit the six-figure mark by investing my now retired $450 car payment. That just feels so good to say.

Before, we get to the numbers, I just want it to be known that I did think about buying a new car.

However, remembering how painful it was to write that check every month for years sobered me right up!  

“The way to stop financial joyriding is to arrest the chauffeur, not the automobile.” —Woodrow Wilson

Yes, investing was the way to go.

The calculator informed me that if I invested $450 and got a 9% return (wishful thinking as the average is about 7%), then I could hit my target of $100,000!

That money could set me on the path to financial independence.

You start earning way more compound interest at $100k.

Take a look.

Once I hit $100k, without even putting in another penny, at that same interest rate, my money would double in 8 years!

It took 10 years of investing $5,500 a year to get to $100k.

Without investing another dollar, my earlier dollars are doing all the heavy lifting and have gotten to the same $100k it took me 10 years to build in less time than that. It only took 8 years!

All this only involves my car payment.

This does not include any other invested funds.

I excluded my company match and additional funds I am investing.

This was just to show you what could be done with what you’ve already got.

Literally, by just shifting that money to your retirement account has made a huge difference in your 401(k) balance.

From there, if you continue to let it ride, this means no cash outs, you could again amass another $100k in 5 years! You could even double $200,000 to $400,000 in 8 years. That is only three more years!

Are you starting to see a pattern?

For every dollar you let sit and compound, you just grow your money without you having to do any additional work. Your money grows every  year.

Money you earned and invested over a decade is still paying you dividends!

Think about how you can also double your $200k in just another 3 years!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” — Mark Twain

I cannot press upon you any further the importance of investing money and letting it stay invested for the long term. Investing is along game. It can take 10-20 years before you see a significant increase or return on your investment.  

“Try to save something while your salary is small; it’s impossible to save after you begin to earn more.” — Jack Benny

Remember, I was able to do all this by just by investing my old car payment.

I just started small and worked my way up.

Financial Freedom

What it’s like living in a Fast Food Nation

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“A generation ago, three-quarters of the money used to buy food in the United States was spent to prepare meals at home. Today about half of the money used to buy food is spent at restaurants–mainly at fast food restaurants.” – Eric Schlosser

If you focus on the bottom-line of your household budget, you will notice three expenditures that are usually the highest – housing, transportation, food – and it is getting more expensive every year.

One of the biggest things I have learned from reading about personal finance is that your expenses can make or break your budget. If you can keep the costs of food, shelter, and cars low, then you have a shot at financial independence. It’s yours for the taking. All you have to do is spend less.

I learned about zero sum budgets from my readings. The person who really sparked my interest to act and create a zero sum budget was actually finance writer Phil Town.

However, the person who inspired me to save like nobody’s business was finance blogger Grant Sabatier.

Thanks to Grant, I started increasing my savings rate every year.

In reading about finance, many books and blogs teach you that focusing on the top three biggest expenses and keeping those costs low are very important.

In fact, there are bloggers that have become millionaires by not purchasing too much home or not buying a home at all. They put that money into investments instead.

Same rules apply with cars.

That is what I did with my transportation cost. I cut it to the bare minimum. And paid off my car. Once I got that sucker paid off, I put that money to work. I invested every penny in the stock market. I turned a $450 car payment into$100,000!

See my post on my 401k. How I went from $5k to a six-figure 401(k) in 6 years 

One of the last big ticket items in the budget is food.

Growing up my mom always cooked sensible dinners. However,as I became a teenager, I started to become a junk-food junkie. I gained weight and had horrible skin. And spent tons of money on fast food.

Well, as an adult, I grew out of that. I started eating more at home or at least making healthier choices. That meant more salads, raw veggies, fruits, and less meat. Eating leafy greens. And drinking plenty of water.

As long as you’re green, you’re growing. As soon as you’re ripe, you start to rot. – Ray Kroc, founder of franchising of McDonald’s

After a while and as a result, I saved a ton of money, lost weight, and my skin cleared up.

So, let’s talk about food that is fast.

WHAT IS FAST FOOD NATION?

Fast food is popular because it’s convenient, it’s cheap, and it tastes good. But the real cost of eating fast food never appears on the menu. – Eric Schlosser

Fast Food Nation is a book written by Eric Schlosser in 2001. He discusses the fast food industry in an in depth and thorough, well-written book. This book had a profound effect on me. It is probably one of the most scholarly pieces of literature to ever have that type of influence on me.

Let’s talk about food being fast.

WHY EAT SO FAST?

I can understand why a single parent, working two jobs, would find it easier to stop at McDonald’s with the kids rather than cook something from scratch at home. – Eric Schlosser

Today, fast food is part of the American lifestyle. It started after World War II. Frozen food technology emerged at that time around the 1940’s and 1950’s. It was cheaper to buy frozen than fresh. For instance,French fries then became mainstays of restaurants.

However, I did some of my own research. Found that fried foods, especially French fries, are loaded with saturated fat; a type of fat containing a high proportion of fatty acid molecules without double bonds,considered to be less healthy in the diet than unsaturated fat. All that sugar and salt, like shopping and credit card spending cause it’s all about that plastic, is addictive.

See my post on how I curbed my own shopping addiction.

 How Millennial Money inspired me to start saving $13,333.06 a year. 

Want to know more about credit cards and plastic? Read Credit Card Nation and Maxed Out

I also noticed that everywhere I went there was soda, French fries, cheeseburgers, and pizza on the menu. Why is this being marketed so hard at consumers? I am being pumped for my dollars to buy fried foods. Therefore,I figured it must be some sort of control mechanism and I decided to cut out or radically reduce all of these items from my diet. I like to have control overall facets of my life and that includes what I spend my money on and what I eat.

I also learned to slow down when I eat. According to dietician and nutritionist Cara Stewart, it takes the brain 20 minutes to know you are full, as she stated, “your brain and stomach register feelings of fullness after about 20 minutes.” You should also chew your food well to limit problems with digestion.

Want to know more about French fries?

Read up on the man referenced by Eric Schlosser named J. R. Simplot. He built a multi-billion-dollar potato business and provided those potatoes to none other than McDonald’s.  He was said to be worth an estimated $3.6 billion.

FOOD OF YESTERYEAR AND TODAY

“Twenty years ago,teenage boys in the United States drank twice as much milk as soda; now they drink twice as much soda as milk.” – Eric Schlosser

My mother said my grandmother would cook food from scratch. Sweet.

You see, my mother grew up on a farm. Her father grew fresh fruit. They could literally go out to their backyard and get fresh food.

Today, most families shop at the supermarket.

Lots of families also dine out. Especially, after households started having two-parents work. And for quick meals, they eat out.

You want to know more about this two-parent income trap?Then check out my post and Elizabeth Warren’s book The two-income trap.

I did some more research. Found out that the top drink in the 1950’s was milk. Today, it’s soda. Coincidence? I’ll leave you with this to chew on, there is no such thing as coincidence. It’s just about being in the right place at the right time.

The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it. – Ray Kroc

Who is Ray Kroc?

It’s easy to have principles when you’re rich. The important thing is to have principles when you’re poor. – Ray Kroc

Ray Kroc is the founder of the McDonald’s franchise business. He became a millionaire in his 60’s. Ray was estimated to be worth$500 million to $1 billion dollars.

He was a stickler for cleanliness. It was said he would get on his hands and knees to clean floors and corners with a toothbrush. He believed in running a clean business. Ray also believed in thriftiness and fiscal responsibility. And set high standards.

The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves. – Ray Kroc

He never went to college. Ray didn’t think MBA’s or college was the only or most important ingredient in success as he preferred those with grit, determination, and persistence.

While formal schooling is an important advantage, it is not a guarantee of success nor is its absence a fatal handicap.  – Ray Kroc

 He joined the military during World War I. While there, he met a young man named Walt Disney.Later in life, the two would work together.

“The life’s work of Walt Disney and Ray Kroc had come full-circle, uniting in perfect synergy.McDonald’s began to sell its hamburgers and french fries at Disney’s themeparks. The ethos of McDonaldland and of Disneyland, never far apart, have finally become one. Now you can buy a Happy Meal at the Happiest Place on Earth.” – Eric Schlosser

Want to know more about Ray Kroc? Check out the book Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s by Ray Kroc or check out the movie The Founder

DOWN ON THE FARM

“The United States now has more prison inmates than full-time farmers.” – Eric Schlosser

I tell people all the time we are not on the farm anymore. People are not making anything in America anymore. No one is churning their own butter or making their own clothes.

Farms, like the one on Smallville starring Tom Welling, are a thing of the past.

You now have to work another way for your meal.

What has happened to the strapping young men? Where have some of the people gone?

Because these days,the system would rather incarcerate a boy than redeem him. – Supernatural S09S07Bad Boys.

would rather incarcerate a boy than redeem him.

What happened to farmers?

Jimmy Dean may still be down on the farm, but many others have lost the family farm due to hard economic times.

The price of milk,eggs, and bread can only go so high. Many people now go to Amish markets,organic stores, or specialty markets like Whole Foods and Trader Joes.

That organic carton of milk can cost $8 or $6 for eggs. The farm was cheaper. You just had to own and work the land, which includes taking care of the animals.

HOW MUCH ARE WE SPENDING ON FAST FOOD

“In 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion on fast food; in 2000, they spent more than $110 billion. Americans now spend more money on fast food than on higher education, personal computers, computer software, or new cars. They spend more on fast food than on movies, books, magazines,newspapers, videos, and recorded music—combined.” – Eric Schlosser

If you check your bank statements, you will see a large portion of your money is spent on food. The majority of that is usually on meat.

Many financial advisors will tell people they should only spend around $50 per week per person.

For a family of four, that is $200 per week.

The only way to make that number work is by cooking more at home.  

HOW YOU CAN SAVE

It’s possible to go to the market, buy good ingredients, and make yourself a healthy meal for less than it costs to buy a value meal at McDonald’s. – Eric Schlosser

It’s a four letter word that rhymes with nook. Cook.

You need to save every dime you can, since pensions are on the chopping block of just about every company from here to Alaska. The money you save cooking at home can be put into your retirement accounts or funneled into a savings account for capital for your business.

WHY YOU SHOULD SAVE

Studies have found that preparing your own food is usually healthier and less expensive than buying fast food. But most people just don’t have the time. – Eric Schlosser

I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach. –  Eric Schlosser

One particularly poignant moment in the book was when Mr. Schlosser interviews a high school administrator. She said that in 30 years as an educator she noticed how things had changed in schools and that people were poorer now than ever.

It shook me to my core.

At that moment, I made a decision. I. MUST. SAVE.

Sure, you can work on earning more, but you can spend everything you have down to the last dollar without a financial plan and discipline. Yes, work on earning more, but also save.

See out my post on frugality and Benjamin Franklin

I feel that saving is an important part of household or business finance. A business 101, if you will.

Saving can be just as exciting as spending.

Watching that bank balance go up never gets old.

Don’t forget this:
Things you get tired of quick
-$25,000 new car smell

Things you never get tired of
-$25,000 in the bank https://t.co/ydrGQVs078— Miriam Joy (@mjp2520) November 17, 2018

I truly believe you should save to help your family and your community and the world around you. In addition, you should save to fund your dreams. I also like to save to have financial independence.

I will expand upon that last statement and I’ll tell you exactly what I mean.

Greenbacks Magnet is on set up to save more money each year. It could be 1% or 2% more, but more none the less. We have set a savings goal and are on track to save $14,555.06 in 2019. In 2018, we set up and will hit our target savings of $13,333.06. That money can go toward the business, helping others, and doing good work.

I am truly passionate about what I do. And being thrifty help sme continue to do that which I love; write.

If I could put my feelings of how much I enjoy writing into words,it would be like this. In the illustrious words and slogan of McDonald’s, “I’m lovin’ it.”

Financial Independence, Saving

Money tips from Anya of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

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“I’m just so excited. They come in, I help them, they give us money in exchange for goods, you give me money for working for you. I have a place in the world now. I’m part of the system. I’m a workin’ gal.” – Anya (Season Five).

If you ever watched the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, then you must have noticed Anya and her fixation on money.  You probably also noticed she changed her hair style… A LOT.

The show ran for seven seasons and was created by Joss Whedon.

The self-proclaimed Scooby Gang 

It started in the nineties and ended in 2003. It starred Sarah Michelle Gellar as the titular character, Buffy Summers. In my opinion, the first four seasons were on fire. The fourth was the absolute best one, to me. This is the only television show I have ever seen where when I finished watching one particular episode; I clapped. It was just that good.

Actress Emma Caulfield played Anya. In this reunion photo of the cast from 2008, she is the one  in the middle wearing the black hat.

ANYA’S BACKGROUND

Other Aliases: Anyanka, Anya Christina Emmanuella Jenkins, “The Patron Saint of Women Scorned,” Aud ; note that some sources refer to her as “Anya Emerson,” but that has not been confirmed in the show.

Birthdate: July 4th

Age: 1120

Anya: “What a day. Give me a beer.”
Bartender: “I.D.”
Anya: (glares)
Bartender: “I.D.”
Anya: “I’m 1120 years old, just give me a frigging beer!”
Bartender: “I.D.”
Anya: (sighs) “Give me a Coke.”

Year of birth: Unknown?? Around 880 AD

Marital Status: Single, formerly Engaged.

Known Relatives: Olaf (ex-husband), Alexander Harris (ex-fiancée).

Here is a short introduction to the comic stylings of Anya

Before we go any further on Anya and her love of capitalism, you should know she did not start on the show’s first season. She came along in season 3. In an episode titled, “The Wish.”

Below you will find out more about Anya and her love of money.

But first…

The star of the show. Buffy Summers.

This is, as the say in the film John Wick, a tasting of Buffy and what she does.

She’s awesome right.

Now, back to Anya.

One thing I could not get over was whenever Anya’s lips were moving, it was in your face truthfulness. Not the norm. Especially, her fascination with money.

What made her so funny was her greedy, materialistic, money hungry, capitalism-loving ways.

While Anya may have lacked tact, she had a way with words that really hit home. She was ridiculously straight-forward and honest. In some ways it was refreshing, but in others it was downright rude.

However, love it or hate it, she would tell people like it was. Anya was blunt. She kept it💯.

She had lots of witticisms.

Here we go.

WORK FOR THE MONEY, HONEY

Anya: “Thank you for coming. We value your patronage. Please come again for more purchases!”
Giles: “Could we perhaps be a little less effusive, Anya? We don’t want to frighten the people.”
Anya: “I’m just so excited. They come in, I help them, they give us money in exchange for goods, you give me money for working for you. I have a place in the world now. I’m part of the system. I’m a workin’ gal.”
Giles: “Yes. Well, why don’t you start organizing the shipping orders?”
Anya: “Oh, no, that’s boring. I just want to do the money parts.”

She tells it like it is. Anya never shied away from making a bold statement. She always said what she wanted. I have learned to do the same, but tactfully.

ANYA ON CUSTOMER SERVICE 

“Anya, the Shopkeepers‘ Union of America called. They want me to tell you that “Please go away” just got replaced with “Have a nice day.” – Xander

Anya says to customers, “Please go.” And Xander tells her the correct way to talk to patrons.

She then proceeds to yell at the next customer in a harsh, sarcastic tone, “Hey, you! Have a nice day.

Just a thought, it is nice to be courteous and pleasant if you want people’s patronage. Maybe, like this, but a little toned down.

They want me to tell you that "Please go" just got replaced with "Have a nice day".

https://www.tumblr.com/awbuckyno/78124077317

Anya: “Please go.”
Xander: “Anya, the Shopkeepers Union of America called. They want me to tell you that ‘Please go’ just got replaced with ‘Have a nice day.'”
Anya: “But I have their money. Who cares what kind of day they have?”

She is also very protective of the money and the cash register.

“Ring up sales? With the money? She gets to fondle the money? Customer! Hello, customer! How may I serve you?”

SLAY FOR MONEY

At one point, when Buffy was hard up for money, Anya suggested they she start charging for her vampire slaying. A vengeance for cash. A slayer for hire.

While it was good for a laugh on the show, her thinking was flawed, but accurate. If you are good at something and going to do it anyway, why not get paid for it.

ANYA ON CELEBRATING EARNING AND MAKING MONEY

“All I can say is, I hope we make as much tomorrow.”

She took pleasure in the little things.

Dance of Capitalist Superiority. Episode 6. Season 6: All the Way. Original Airdate October 30, 2001.

https://www.tumblr.com/sarahwalker/91328105006

See the video here.

I like to celebrate my wins and accomplishments too. They may not involve money dancing, but I like to recognize a job well-done.

Money is just a tool. It’s how we keep score. Money is the scorecard. That’s all.

I don’t have to celebrate with a $300 purse or bottle of champagne. I am just fine with a $15 bottle of wine. And investing the $285 difference in my Roth IRA. Specifically, in a 500 index fund.

ANYA’S MATERIALISTIC WAYS 

Willow: “It stole Giles’ car.”
Xander: “Why would a demon steal a car?”
Anya: “Why would a demon steal THAT car?”

ANYA ON CHILD LABOR 

Giles: “Then useful you shall be! We can always use a hand.”
Anya: “But you have a hand. A paid hand. A hand that isn’t the hand of the illegal child labor.”
Giles: “Anya…”
Anya: “But of course it’s wonderful that you find doing my job so distracting! I am unthreatened. Proceed.”

Well, at least she recognizes that it’s illegal.

ANYA ON THE VALUE OF HER TIME

She learned really quick that time is money and did not want to use up her precious energy doing anything that was unrelated to the accumulation of more money. Pretty shallow and self-absorbed, I know.

I value my time as well. I don’t try to do anything that doesn’t excite me. Except when it comes to helping others.

https://www.tumblr.com/jcap/113595460342

SHE GIVES NO F#*K$

https://www.tumblr.com/sunnydale-scoobies/99436418771

ON VALUING HERSELF

Giles: “Essentially, their agenda is the same as ours. They want to save the world and kill demons.”
Anya: “Kill the CURRENT demons, right? CURRENT demons.”

This was funny because Anya is an ex-demon on the show.

ON VALUING HER MONEY 

Anya: “Spike! What are you doing? You made me yell really high!”
Spike: “Hey, yeah, I did. I scared you. Gimme money.”
Anya: “I’m not paying you for scaring me.”
Spike: “You’re not paying me. I’m robbing you.”
Anya: “Oh, well, that’s just ludicrous. You can’t hurt me because you’ve got that chip in your brain. Also, I like my money the way it is… when it’s mine.”

ANYA ON VALUING XANDER’S TIME

She loved her some Xander. But not at first.

http://watcherspet.tumblr.com/post/88524073528

I thought they were great together. He really changed once he had her in his life. She recognized his value too.

Anya: “And after everything you’ve been through with Angel. You really should get yourself a boring boyfriend. Like Xander!”

Anya: “You can’t have Xander.”

LETTING XANDER KNOW SHE VALUES HIM

Anya: “Xander, you haven’t been paying any attention to me tonight. Just peddling those processed food bricks. I don’t know why.”
Xander: “Well, let me put it in a way you’ll understand. Sell bars, make money, take Anya nice places, buy pretty things.”
Anya: “That does make sense. All right, I support you. Go sell more.”

ANYA AND THE GAME OF LIFE

When Anya finds out her love of money is hilarious. In the Season 5 episode, “the real me”. Xander and Anya are babysitting Dawn and they are playing the game of Life when Anya figures it all out:

ANYA ON VALUING CHILDREN
We believe the children are our future

“Can I trade in the children for more cash? ”

https://www.tumblr.com/chylerleigh/91487927405

When playing the game of Life, she noticed she was burdened with a husband and children and tons of cash.

Once she learned that money was good, she gleefully delighted in saying she wanted more cash.

Anya: “Crap! Look at this–now I’m burdened with a husband and several tiny pink children, and more cash than I can reasonably manage.”
Xander: “That means you’re winning.”
Anya: “Really?”
Xander: “Yes, cash equals good.”
Anya: “Ooh! I’m so pleased. Can I trade in the children for more cash?”

Check it out here.

While it may have been cold and callous to want to give up the fake kids for cash, she did have a valid point in understanding that a having a family requires money and are a heavy load to bear. So, you better prepare for them.

ANYA ON CAPITALISM 

Anya: “I’ve recently come to realize that there is more to me than just being human. I’m also an American.”
Giles: “Yes, I suppose you are, in a manner of speaking. I mean, you were born here — your mortal self.”
Anya: (to Giles whose from England she says in a harsh tone) “Well that’s right, foreigner!” (to Willow & Xander in a softer tone) “So I’ve been reading a lot about the Good ‘Ol Us of A, embracing the extraordinarily precious ideology that has helped to shape and define it.”
Willow: “Democracy?”
Anya: “Capitalism!”

HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT MONEY

That one time when Buffy asked how was Anya’s money and her  reaction of pure joy. Like, one of the Scoobies finally gets her.

Look, I like money fine, but not as much as Anya.

I prefer people over things.

Anya was downright humdrum when it came to talking about money. Although, she was funny, at times she just lacked sympathy and empathy for the plight of others.

However, in the end, she chose to fight beside the Scoobies. So, people really did matter more than money. That is something we should all remember.

College, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Investing, Real Estate, Wealth

Money advice 10 Personal Finance Bloggers told me

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“Um, Anya, while I completely trust you to take care of the inventory and the money, um, dealing with people requires a certain… finesse.” – Giles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Yes, indeed. Say it with me, finesse. PEOPLE. REQUIRE. FINESSE.

I cannot tell you how many times I have done business with people and their attitude caused me to cancel my transaction. All I ask for is a little kindness. Being nice can go a long way.

If you are passionate about what you do, then you are generally more pleasurable as well.

People will forget the things you say or do, but they never forget the way you make them feel. I learned that from Maya Angelou. And it is so true.

Today, I want to share with you some advice from my peers. Money Bloggers.

I won’t talk your head off. Let’s dig right in.

1. MONEY IS POWER 

https://twitter.com/ApathyEnds/status/1060532542523215872

You better believe it. I read every contract. Cross every T. And dot every I.  The reason I have an Emergency Fund is for my peace of mind. It means no matter how much the government changes the laws, your job sucks, the lack of integrity around you, or people’s scruples, you are protected.

Here are some of my posts on the importance of emergency funds and having money in the bank.

How I went from $5k to a six figure 401(k) in 6 years  

How not to be house rich, cash poor 

3 Money Lessons from Til Debt Do Us Part 

How to get access to a $250,000 emergency fund with $0 of your own money

How to build an emergency fund 

2. LOOKS GOOD ON PAPER, BUT YOU NEED SIMPLICITY 

I say to people all the time to keep it simple. I use the KISS method. Keep it simple stupid.

In my experience, complexity leads to disaster. You need something you can understand and do without always needing the help of a professional.

I used advice from Warren Buffet and kept it simple.

How I used the Buffet 25 strategy to walk the talk

You don’t need money in 8 banks, 20 credit cards, and 3 homes if you can’t find a way to manage it. Simplify it. Hire a financial advisor and property manager. Or just decrease the amount of banks and credit cards you use, homes you own, and stuff you have.

No matter what, simple is best. KEEP IT SIMPLE!

3. YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPLURGE ON EVERYTHING

Absolutely, you don’t. I read a book years ago on health and fitness called Beyond Diet. She stated instead of buying all organic just get a few main items such as milk to keep your budget in check.

I have always spent my money on the things that mattered most. Namely, my health, education, a good pair of shoes, a good coat, and reliable transportation.

See more on saving and buying what really matters.

Money Lessons I Learned from Jay Leno 

Health really does equal wealth 

4. GET RID OF UNNECESSARY BULL$*IT 

Growing up, my father always said get rid of anything you don’t need.

To this day, I trash, donate, or sell anything I don’t need.

I try to live a minimalist life because I don’t want to have to buy a bigger home or storage locker just to house more STUFF!

Have you ever noticed its easier to buy stuff than it is to sell it?

Less stuff, more wealth. People matter more than things.

Less Home, More Wealth 

Money and Relationships…3, 2, 1

5. TEACH THE KIDS ABOUT MONEY AND THEY MAY BE ALRIGHT 

I take every chance I get to educate someone about money. I bought the Automatic Millionaire for my best friend years ago, so she could get better acquainted with Mr. Benjamin, cause it’s all about those Benjamin’s.

If you don’t teach your kids about money, they will grow up not knowing how to earn and manage it.

If your not sure where to start, check out my post on Scrooge McDuck. It’s kid friendly.

Money Lessons I Learned from Scrooge McDuck 

Introducing the $100,000 bottle of water 

6. START A MONEY DIARY 

https://twitter.com/TheFrugalGene/status/955032100817825792

You think you know where your money’s going, but you have no idea.

Well, welcome to the club. Most people have no idea where their money went.

I suggest you start tracking it right now. Yes, stop reading this post and go track your net worth right now!

You can only do better when you know better.

7. A CAR IS NOT AN INVESTMENT 

Don’t even get me started on cars. Like money, it is just a tool.

I paid off my car about a decade ago. Here is a screen shot of my $0 balance. I paid off that car and out that money to work for me. Forget cars! You do not need an expensive car.

It is a huge budget buster.

Just read any one of my gazillion posts on them.

A car and nothing more 

Life is good, without a car payment 

8.  GET AN EDUCATION 

I don’t care if you simply read books by rocket scientists, or you go to Yale like Rory, I just need you to get a good education.

Read my post on investing in yourself.

Forget casinos, bet on yourself

9. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT 

Ah yes, they say ask and you shall receive. However, you still have to ask and do the work. Nothing is for free.

The sorted topic of coin is a tricky one. Money is emotional. But side hustles can get you more money, so I say why not try to EARN money by doing something you are good at and do for free already.  Just a thought.

You want a million dollars? Ask for it

How being an outlier can make you rich 

10. FIRE’D UP, BEING GRATEFUL AND HELPING OTHERS

If you have been reading any number of personal finance bloggers, then you will inevitable come across FIRE (financial independence, retire early).

Fore more on this topic, you can check out a ton of FIRE bloggers such as Root of Good, Early Retirement Extreme, Go Curry Cracker, just to name a few and there are so many more.

You can even read this post by me, Greenbacks Magnet called How do you play with FIRE?

YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION TO PLAY WITH FIRE

How do you FIRE? Basically, you work your butt off when you’re young, live on like 50% or less of your income and save and invest the rest. You have a better chance of achieving this if you can save and invest 50-70% of your income.

From what I have read, most aspire to FIRE with 25 times their income. Could be anywhere from $500,000 to $2.5 million. Then live off the interest.

 However, whether or not you FIRE, you can help others. It can be done with money or time. Either way, with financial independence comes the ability to choose what you do, as you become the master of your time when you no longer have to punch a clock.

When is it time to leave your job and FIRE?

Ask yourself: Would you do this job for free?

You want to be able to do your passion right? Then, you have to make some changes. Leave the grind of the 9-to-5. Get out of the proverbial rat race. It all starts with what you earn and what you spend.

Financial freedom allows you to spend more time doing the things you want. You can spend more time with family, take more vacations, serve in the peace corps, help build homes for habitat for humanity, and the list goes on.

See my post Generosity can go a long way 

Well, there you have it.

Hope you enjoyed this post, as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was nice to remember some of the things I’ve learned along the way on my own journey to wealth.

Good luck!

Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Investing, Retirement, Saving, Wealth

Do you want a million dollars? Ask for it!

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Life is a negotiation – Louisa May Alcott

Growing your net worth from $0 to $1 million takes time. First, you have to ask for what you want. It starts at the negotiation table.

The sorted topic of coin. Everybody needs it, but those that really want it ask for it.

Ask for what you want. Anything at all. That includes money.

It may not be easy, but you have to negotiate.

It is the only way to get the best deal for you.

You know your worth, so don’t accept anything less.

Speak up to be heard.

Always be reaching. Never settle.

SPEAK UP

A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want. – Madonna

Remember that piano scene in Sex and the City where the piano player kept saying, “one more time for the cheap seats in the back.”

Well, that is real advice.

No one can hear you if you whisper. You have to shout. If you do not speak up on your own behalf, no one will.

Believe me, prince charming or princess darling isn’t coming.

It’s like that part in The Lord of the Rings where Gandalf shouts, “fight for your lives.”

I say that to myself all the time. Do it like your life depends on it. Whatever it is, make it count. Finish strong.

Like that voice in Mortal Kombat used to say, “fight hard.”

Either that or die trying.

BE FEROCIOUS AND FEARLESS

Better to live one year as a tiger, then a hundred as sheep. – Madonna

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called a rebel.

For standing up for myself. For voicing my opinion. The list goes on and on.

I think back on that scene in Troy. To fight back.

To fight back when people attack me? Dog has that kind of courage.

If you want something, then you better be willing to go to bat for it.

I have asked or negotiated for better pay, grades, food, clothing, a deal on a house, fees, and interest rates.

I’m a lioness. I’m like Miley Cyrus says, “I can’t be tamed.”

I like to go for the gold, but I’m not ashamed to get silver or bronze.

Now when people say no, I only hear yes to my dreams.

WHATEVER DOESN’T KILL YOU

I stand for freedom of expression, doing what you believe in, and going after your dreams. – Madonna

Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

You know the saying…only makes you stronger. Well, it’s true.

I will never forget those hard times being picked on as a kid.

I heard Jillian Michaels say she was bullied and teased relentlessly until she started taking martial arts. She says then the bullying stopped real quick.

I just focused on my studies. And my dreams. Just ignored everyone and everything. I was laser-focused.

I maintained good grades, a well-kept appearance, good manners, strong work ethic and a no nonsense attitude. The teasing stopped real quick.

It truly has paid off. As I have done the following:

  • Completed my education
  • Paid off debt
  • Learned how to invest and build wealth
  • Traveled more
  • Maintain my health
  • Took martial arts
  • Became a writer by starting a blog

I just did what I believed in.  And I believed in myself. I just trusted my instincts. I picked a path and didn’t look back.

Things may not have always worked out the way I wanted, but I was never standing still. The needle of my life was always moving forward.

BE THE ARCHITECT OF YOUR LIFE

Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are. – Lady Gaga

What do you want?

Be specific.

I’ll give you an example.

I plan to have enough money to retire in 13 years.

Be more specific. No problem.

By May 5, 2031, I plan to have enough money in savings and investments to retire from full-time work forever.

And that is not a wish, but a goal. This is real.

I am planning for that date. Right now.

Will I retire? I don’t know. However, I still plan to have the option to do so.

Scrooge McDuck said no man is poor who can do what he wants every once in a while.

Madonna said, “Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another.”

Warrant Buffet decided at age 10, after going on a trip to the NYSE, this planted the idea in his young head to organize his life around money.

You are the person in charge of your destiny. Never forget it.

PENNIES OR DOLLARS

The mind is the greatest weapon. – Rambo

Oh, it is. If you have ever seen an episode of MacGyver or been in a tight situation and talked yourself out of it, there’s your proof right there.

I have noticed that math and science are great skills for analytical thinking. Great subjects to study in school or to use to prepare for a career.

In the 2004 film Ray, Jamie Foxx plays Ray Charles and is told the way to get a better deal is to ask for one.

Don’t be afraid to ask for more.

My mother taught me that.

She says all people can do is say yes or no.

In the movie, the man says to Ray you think pennies you get pennies, you think dollars you get dollars.

That was just by changing your mindset.

When I think now, I always think in millions.

For instance, it will take approximately 20-30 years to build a million-dollar investment portfolio depending on how much you save and the interest rate. Investing $10k a year at a 8% interest rate will net you $1,000,000 within 28.55 years.

You just have to decide.

Do you want thousands or millions? You think millions, then you get millions.

If you ask for it and are turned down, then use your mind to find a way to create this reality.

Legally, of course.

Celebrities and Money, Credit Cards, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Saving, Self-Made Millionaires, Wealth

Money advice I got from John Legend

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“It’s not wrong to be afraid.” John Legend

John Legend is a Grammy and Oscar Award winning musician. The singer-songwriter won his first Grammy Award with 2004’s Get Lifted. The album went platinum, thanks in large part to his hit single “Ordinary People.”

He was a child piano prodigy. He skipped two grades and graduated from high school at 16.

Legend stated he was offered admission into Harvard University and scholarships to Georgetown University and Morehouse College. Ultimately, he chose to go to the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied English with an emphasis on African American literature.

He sang in the church choir (which he joined at 7 and was leading it by 11), was head of the music department in his church, served as a music director in college and also worked as a wedding singer.

He has done numerous interviews in his career and much of the information in this post comes from them. I discuss multiple ones in this post.

John has an estimated net worth of $40 million dollars.

He did an interview with Katherine Schwarzenegger for her 2014 book I Just Graduated… Now What?: Honest Answers from Those Who Have Been There. You may recognize the last name. Yes, she is the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver (Kennedy).

For more information on her famous father, you can read my post How Arnold Schwarzenegger Totally Recalls making $20 million-dollar paychecks.

How Arnold Schwarzenegger Totally Recalls making $20 million-dollar paychecks

His advice in that book inspired me to work harder to pay off all my credit card debt and start massively saving. See my post How Millennial Money inspired me to start saving $13, 333.06 a year 

Here is some of what he had to say. (Not every word or quote is from her book, but numerous interviews) I highlight his advice in her book with KES (Ms. Schwarzenegger’s initials).  There they are (KES) on the board right behind her.

I really liked this book. So, I tweeted Ms. Schwarzenegger and told her so. She gave me a like. Thanks! I appreciated that. 👍😊

NO OVERNIGHT CELEBRITY

“I had followed the path that the Penn graduate was supposed to take, but I didn’t fall in love.” – John Legend

KES: John directed theater productions in school and performed in talent shows. He wanted to be a big star, but did not know the steps to get there. John said he had a fire in his belly.  No one was coming along to make him a star as he learned along the way. John had to put together a demo and have it produced by the right people. Anything that he was doing that wasn’t music, was going to be temporary.

After graduation, he switched gears (gave into peer pressure) and starting worked for the prestigious Boston Consulting Group, but would also perform in nightclubs in New York City.

Although, music is his first love, he worked a safe corporate job for three years while hustling to get his music off the ground. He received lots of rejections, but continued to side hustle as a musician playing anywhere he could.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL 

“Fear of failure stops too many people from doing things. It’s not wrong to be afraid, but you have to fight through fear to overcome it.” – John Legend quoted as saying this in Katherine’s book (KES)

Many of his friends became bankers and consultants so he did too. However, after following in their footsteps he found that was not meant for him. He was not cut out to be a consultant.

“I couldn’t shake my passion for music.” – John Legend

He made savvy moves to make his dream a reality. During the day he did PowerPoint presentations, but at night he wrote and performed music.

Fun Fact: While in college, Legend was introduced to Lauryn Hill by a friend. He played piano on Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything.” That was his first album appearance.

WHY SIDE HUSTLE?

“I needed money. I lived in New York and had to pay my rent.”

KES: John didn’t have any financial support from his parents and he had student loans to pay back. He found that you could make good money in consulting.

He was rejected by all major labels. All the heads of these labels all turned him down.

KES: John paid his own way through college, racking up tons of student loans in the process. He had to deal with them after graduating college. He rolled the dice, took chances, and worked his butt off to follow his dreams, and never lost faith along the way.

Basically, he moonlighted his way to a music career.

BREAKTHROUGH

Havin’ money’s not everything, not havin’ it is. – Kanye West

John’s big break came out of relationships he had made. A college roommate (which was Kanye’s cousin) introduced John to a music producer in Chicago named Kanye West.

KES: John would go to the studio straight from worked dressed in his business attire. He said he definitely stood out from the way everyone else was dressed in the studio. He ended up getting a manager and a lawyer that were also well-connected. This was in 2002.

If you want to be treated like an adult, you have to dress like one. – Diane Kruger (actress and star of National Treasure) See my post on the film. 

Money and Life Lessons I Learned from Disney’s film National Treasure

Through his collaboration with Yeezy, he was able to parlay that into a record deal. His first album was produced by Kanye. He got a deal with Sony.

That album would go on to earn eight Grammy nominations.

Years of toiling and hard work had paid off. It just goes to show, it’s not only what you know, it’s who you know. If you want to be taken serious, then you have to act like you do.

FIRST BIG PAYDAY

“When I got my first big check, I paid [my college loans] off. No more debt!” – John Legend

As you can see, his biggest earnings are from his music. It goes to show that passion can pay off big!

KES: John quit his job and started working part-time so he could focus more on his music. He struggled for a while, living on credit cards and skating by. Then he started making money touring with Kanye. In 2004, he got a deal with Columbia Records and when that happened he didn’t have to worry about money anymore. As soon as he got my record deal, he paid off all his student loans and credit card debt. He said no one ever told him about college loan debt and how to manage it.

Preaching to the choir here with not knowing how to manage debt. And in his case, that is literally speaking as he was in the church choir singing, which would become his meal ticket.

INVESTMENTS

“I bought a place [in Manhattan]. I just bought some art—some abstract stuff—and some collages are coming too. A friend who works at MoMA is like my art consultant. I just wanted nice stuff that would hold value.” – John Legend

You should always invest and buy things that go up in value. It just makes sense.

PASSION MAKES A GRAMMY WINNER

“But that cool detachment only gets you so far. Passion gets you a lot further. It makes you a better entrepreneur, a better leader, a better philanthropist, a better friend, a better lover.” – John Legend

He chose to pursue his interest. This made him his fortune. I call it the House that was built on a piano. 😉

Just FYI: John Legend is a 10-time Grammy Award winner. He won an Oscar for the song Glory in the film Selma.