“We shall see the crumbs of bread… and they will show us our way home again.” – Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm, 1812

Breadcrumbs are a series of connected pieces of information or evidence. People often refer to money as bread. The Grimm Brothers used breadcrumbs in their fairy-tale Hansel and Gretel for the protagonists to find their way.

Money gems are being dropped everywhere. If you look hard enough. You can only find what you are looking for. So, look no further. Greenbacks Magnet is about to show you where to look. Just follow the money…breadcrumbs that is.

But first, who are the Brothers Grimm?

WHO ARE THE GRIMM BROTHERS?

“Some men are born to good luck: all they do or try to do comes right—all that falls to them is so much gain—all their geese are swans—all their cards are trumps—toss them which way you will, they will always, like poor puss, alight upon their legs, and only move on so much the faster. The world may very likely not always think of them as they think of themselves, but what care they for the world? what can it know about the matter?” ― The Brothers Grimm, The Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales

The Brothers Grimm Jacob and Wilhelm, were German academics, linguists, and authors who together collected and published folklore during the 19th century. They are best known for the publication of their works titled Grimm’s Fairy Tales in 1812. The book contains 209 tales collected by the Brothers Grimm.

Some of their most famous tales include: Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Valiant Little Tailor, Snow White and Red Rose, Briar-Rose, King Thrushbeard, How Six Men Got On in the World, Rumpelstiltskin, Bearskin, The Dancing Princesses (The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes), The Four Skillful Brothers, and Hansel and Gretel.

My absolute favorite is Bearskin. A close second is the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Both tales had flair and a lot of truth in them. The antagonist in Bearskin reminds me Smeagol from The Lord of the Rings film, but that’s another story.

It has been so long since I have seen these tales, but I have never forgotten them and their theme of morality. I still use these stories as reminders to help others and do the right thing. For your entertainment, I have uploaded the videos from the Grimms’ Fairy Tales Classics from the late 1980’s. The show also ran reruns in the 1990’s.

The University of Pittsburgh has an online Grimm Brothers’ Home Page where you can read their classic tales. However, be forewarned that their stories did not always have the Happy Endings you are used to hearing in the more modern versions and retelling of the stories. They are, for lack of a better word, grimmer. Very different from another world-famous fairy tales author Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). One of his most notable works was The Little Mermaid. It was turned into a Disney film in 1989 and is also my favorite Disney movie.

I digress, let’s get back to the real reason for this post, the television show Grimm.

WHAT IS GRIMM?

Opening: “There once was a man who lived a life so strange, it had to be true. Only he could see what no one else can—the darkness inside, the real monster within, and he’s the one who must stop them. This is his calling. This is his duty. This is the life of a Grimm.“

Grimm is an American fantasy police procedural drama television series that aired on NBC from October 28, 2011 to March 31, 2017, for 123 episodes, over six seasons.

The story followed the journey of a Portland police homicide detective by the name of Nick Burkhardt (played by David Giuntoli), who is a Grimm. A Grimm keeps the peace and world order between humanity and the supernatural, which are called Wesen.

What made this show so great was not so much just the title character, but all the characters who played his friends around him. This is one of the first and only shows where I have ever seen the supporting cast be just as important as the main character.

The show was also at times very funny. In addition, whenever the Grimm was discovered by Wesen, they would morph into their true selves and this made every episode fun, surprising, and unique.

The supporting cast consisted of the following actors: Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Silas Weir Mitchell, Sasha Roiz, Reggie Lee, Bree Turner, and Claire Coffee. The shows fight scenes were amazing. And the shows themes of the constant testing of morality was ever-present and consistent throughout the show just like that of the Grimm Fairy Tales. Each episode also started off with a quote from one of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales and let you know what that episode would be about.

Series opening credits

You can see all quotes listed by season here at this website.

“When words fail music speaks. – Hans Christian Andersen

In the opening scene of the Pilot espisode, The Eurhythmics Song Sweet Dreams is playing. This song ultimately led them to solve a case they were working on. When interrogating him they got nothing. It wasn’t what the perp said, it was what he sang or hummed. Gotta love music.

Hank: What’s that song?

Nick: Sweet Dreams.

Hank: Eurythmics. One of their better. [sings] “Sweet dreams are made of these. Who am I to disagree…?”

GRIMM CAREERS

Opening quote: “I am impelled not to squeak like a grateful and frightened mouse, but to roar….” – Of Man and Mouse, Grimm, Season 1, episode 9

As you know career choice is very important, it can mean the difference of having wealth and abundance or starvation and penury. And no wants a Dickensian existence of poverty. So, choose wisely.

Get the education and training you need to succeed. However, I say do so affordably. It behooves you to do so. You could be stuck depending on others for their help and expertise when you’re in a pinch. Such as the likes of Monroe as Nick’s reluctant informant.

Monroe: What did you just get the books tonight?

Nick: You know about the books?

Another episode, like many…

Nick: Monroe, I need your help.

“What am I, your personal Grimmopedia?” – Monroe to Nick

I say do all you can to depend on self. You will always have your own back. Otherwise, you have to depend on others for their help to remain relevant in the workforce.

Monroe: Hello?

Nick: Hey, it’s Nick?

Monroe: How did you get my new cell phone?!

Nick: Are you kidding me? I’m a cop.

Too funny.

And don’t put all your money in the company stock.

It could go bankrupt and you could end up with nothing. Worse yet, people could leave you to clean up their mess or you could be left holding the bag. One word: Enron.

Do not walk, run down to your HR department and make sure they offer investments other than stock options mostly in their firm. Demand to have more options if you don’t. If not, open a Roth IRA and pick funds outside your company. Be aggressive. It’s your money dammit.

I think of myself like Brad Pitt said in the movie Troy, “We are lions.”

I am a lioness. I go for the gold. If one thing does not work, I get to work finding another way or pick another path.

To be successful, you must adapt. Like the Navy Seals were taught in that movie Heartbreak Ridge; Navy SEALs Learn To Adapt, Improvise and Overcome. Special Forces (United States Army) has a motto: De Oppresso Liber. Which is Latin for “to free from oppression” or “to liberate the oppressed.” The United States Navy Seals mottos are: “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday”, “It Pays to be a Winner.” Seeing a theme here.

Your greatest asset is your mind and your ability to work. Earning is what will help you build wealth. You cannot save money, if you have no money.

You know who else agrees with me? Rambo. Check out the scene for yourself here.

Although, a fictional character, Rambo was trained in Guerilla warfare. His objective was to win. However, he still had a moral obligation to help others and he did. In life people make choices, he made his. You will have to decide for yourself what is important to you because when it is, you will find a way.

Below are the careers of the cast of characters on the show and their median salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, or Glassdoor, which are the following:

Nick Burkhart – Detective ($65,860)

Hank (Nick’s partner played by Russell Hornsby) – Detective (65,860)

Wu (played by Reggie Lee) – Sergeant ($69,685)

Juliette (played by Bitsie Tulloch) – Veterinarian ($106,770)

Monroe (Nick’s right-hand man played by Silas Weir Mitchell) – Woodworker ($30,192)

Sean Renard (Nick and Hank’s police captain played by Sasha Roiz) – Captain ($80,593)

Rosalee (Monroe’s wife played by Bree Turner) – Retail shop store owner ($38,000)

Adalind Schade (played by Claire Coffee) – Lawyer ($114,000)

GRIMM INHERITANCE

“One feather is of no use to me, I must have the whole bird.” ― Jacob Grimm, The Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales

According to the book The Millionaire Next Door, 80-86% of millionaires in America are self-made. Most wealth is earned. Meaning less than 20% inherit their wealth. This is down from a high of 50% or more who did so around the early 1900’s.

In the show, his aunt comes to visit to pass down to him his birthright. A trailer full of artifacts, heirlooms, and antiques that are priceless as they are irreplaceable and is full of Grimm and Wesen lore. It comes in handy throughout the series. And don’t forget the key.

This shows that what a family member does in the past can be of significant value to their loved ones in the future. Work hard today to help your future generations tomorrow. Case in point, Nick was always consulting with the books in the trailer as a guide to help him in the show. Without the books, he would have been lost. Had he been left to fend for himself, there could have been dire consequences.

However, in the present day, most people are not receiving large inheritances at all, if any. You are better off figuring out a profession prior to even starting college. You can look for one that pays well such as business, accounting, and engineering or are of interest to you.

WHAT MONEY BREADCRUMBS ARE THERE?

“Hansel took his little sister by the hand, and followed the pebbles which shone like newly-coined silver pieces, and showed them the way.” ― Jacob Grimm, Grimm’s Fairy Tales: Complete Edition & Over 200 Fairy Tales

Take a look around you. Who do you see doing well? Study what they study. Read what they read. Find out what they are doing? But make sure its legit and legal.

What products are selling like hotcakes off the shelves? Invest in that company.

I’m sure you catch my drift.

Look for clues. Success leaves clues.

PRETTY GRIMM TO HAVE NO INHERITANCE

Opening quote: “‘No,’ said the King. I’d rather die than place you in such great danger as you must meet with in your journey.” – The Water of Life, Grimm Brothers from the Grimm episode The Inheritance

One episode showed Adalind meeting with a lawyer about her mother’s estate. Not only did her mother had no assets, but she hadn’t paid her taxes in like six years. In addition, her storage unit was only paid up to the end of the month. After, that her stuff would be auctioned off or thrown away. This is all too common nowadays.

Like I said before, most people do not receive inheritances and if they do, it is not likely to be more than a few thousand dollars. You are better off working to build your own fortune. Then it will not matter what other people do with their money.

A GRIMM PRICE TO PAY

Opening quote: “For me there are neither locks nor bolts, whatsoever I desire is mine.” – The Master Thief, Grimm Brothers

Another episode showed that more artifacts were found that belonged to a Grimm in Europe. When Monroe’s uncle offered to sell it to Nick he asked for something like $250,000. Nick didn’t have that kind of money. Especially, on a cop’s salary. That’s a lot of money.

Monroe said that to his uncle. He said that was his price and left.

Not being able to get your hands on a significant amount of cash fairly quickly is a way to miss out on opportunities. You should always have liquid cash in savings or a stash you can tap for emergencies. I started my emergency fund with $25. My rainy day fund now consists of me saving over $14,000 a year. I learned how important having a money stash from the fictional character Scrooge McDuck.

See my post Money Lessons I Learned from Scrooge McDuck

GRIMM MOVE

Opening quote: “It is not light that we need, but fire.” – Season 5, episode 1, The Grimm Identity

Lots of fight sequences happen at Nick’s house. So many that Monroe told Nick he should move.

I gave Monroe the slow clap. I had been thinking that very thing for like 2 seasons. Too many people knew where he lived.

There are times when jobs dry up. Factories and businesses close. Like they said in the old days: Go West, young man! Or There’s gold in them there hills! That lit a fire under mens a$$es to move with a sense of urgency.

To get a fresh start, you may need to move. Move where the jobs are.

Starting a business? Move where capital is plentiful and free flowing.

The operative word: Move.

GRIMM FOSTERING THE PEOPLE

Opening quote: “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, nobody knows my sorrow.”

One of my favorite characters in the show was none other than Teresa “Trubel” Rubel played by Jacqueline Toboni.

She was a runaway that would be taken in by Nick. She is also a Grimm. The show got a whole lot more interesting and fun when she came along.

“Nobody Knows the Trubel I’ve Seen” is the 19th episode of season 3. It aired on April 25, 2014. This is Trubel’s first appearance on the show.

Throughout her time on the show, money was a constant stressor of hers.

For instance, she did some of the following:

• Stole a pair of boots
• Stayed in cheap motels
• Asked for money for food
• Did not want to take handouts

In another episode, she helped stop an illegal teen shoplifting ring. She herself was basically living in foster homes and on the streets until she met Nick. One of my favorite scenes was when she stole that pair of boots. It was very slick.  

Well, we have come to the end of this post. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. There was nothing like this show.

@mistergiuntoli I finally saw the last episode of Grimm. I just love the camaraderie on the show. Especially, you and Trouble. The chemistry between you too was great. I miss Hank saying: where are we supposed to be? Then its down the rabbit..er uh I mean Wesen hole.

— Miriam Joy (@mjp2520) January 22, 2018

I am a huge fan of the show Grimm. I miss it.

Thanks for all the wonderful work you did on this show. It will be missed. I will miss the grimm fairy tales after dark.

— Miriam Joy (@mjp2520) March 31, 2017

I still watch the show on demand. If this post piqued your interest in the show, check it out.