Precious Stones of Wisdom: Life Lessons from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

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Train yourself to let go of the things you fear to lose. – George Lucas

If you have ever seen any of the Indiana Jones films, then you know they are all full of action and adventure.

However, my absolute favorite in the film franchise is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

There had some jaw dropping moments throughout the entire film.

They take you on the joyride of a lifetime in 120 minutes!

You get to see Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) at one of his most defining moments in his career. As well as, watch him put the well-being of people ahead of money and things.

The series was created from the mind of Star Wars creator George Lucas and directed by Steven Spielberg.  

Now let’s go back to 1984! No legwarmers required! 😂

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RULE #1: LISTEN

The film was released on May 8, 1984. Adventure sequel extraordinaire. The film went on to gross $333.1 million dollars at the box office.

My favorite number is 3. That is one of the 3 reasons I chose to start saving $13,333 a year.

See my post

Halle Berry on Success and Failure: Why She and I Continue To Save So Much

Here is the synopsis of the film.

Intrepid archaeologist Indiana Jones, on the trail of fortune and glory in Old Shanghai, is ricocheted into a dangerous adventure in India. With his faithful companion Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan) and nightclub singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), Indie goes in search of the magical Sankara stone, and uncovers an ancient evil which threatens all who come into contact with it.

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The second of the George Lucas/Steven Spielberg Indiana Jones epics is set a year or so before the events in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1984). After a brief brouhaha involving a precious vial and a wild ride down a raging Himalyan river, Indy (Harrison Ford) gets down to the problem at hand: retrieving a precious gem and several kidnapped young boys on behalf of a remote East Indian village.

His companions this time around include a dimbulbed, easily frightened nightclub chanteuse, and a feisty 12-year-old kid named Short Round. Throughout, the plot takes second place to the thrills, which include a harrowing rollercoaster ride in an abandoned mineshaft and Indy’s rescue of the heroine from a ritual sacrifice.

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In the beginning of the film, Indiana instructs his companion to stay out of the light and follow his steps exactly behind him.

Of course, the man gets greedy and this ends in a Mortal Kombat style fatality.

Here is Indiana Jones the Atari game.

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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Atari  screenshot photo

And here is Mortal Kombat.

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If you truly want to be successful, you must learn to listen to those that are more knowledgeable than you are.

That is why I listen to and read the shareholder letters of Warren Buffet.

He says stay away from debt and ALWAYS have cash reserves.

This simplistic and basic money advice is why his company Berkshire Hathaway has the most expensive stock on the NYSE at over $300,000!

According to The Motely Fool, one takeaway from the annual shareholder letter (which are excellent reading sources for learning about investing and life) is the following: At the end of 2018, Berkshire Hathaway had nearly $112 billion of cash and equivalents on its balance sheet, officially consisting of $30.4 billion in cash and $81.5 billion in short-term Treasuries.

You must have cash if you are to build wealth.

See my post Forget Simon, Do What Buffet Says

RULE #2: FOCUS ON WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT

There is a scene in the film where our hero is poisoned. But, there is a cure.

The anecdote is rolling around on the floor and so are millions of dollars in diamonds in a small jewelry bag.

Willie comes across the anecdote while trying to find the diamonds. Instead of casually dismissing it as many might have, she picks it up and puts it in a safe place. This ultimately saves Indiana’s life.

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There are times in your life when you will have to choose: right or left.

I prefer to choose the path of least resistance but also the one that will help the most people.

Remember: The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

In The Wrath of Khan (1982), Spock says, “Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Captain Kirk answers, “Or the one.” This sets up a pivotal scene near the end of the film.

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Speaking of Star Trek, I read William Shatner’s book Live Long and… which was pretty good.

He says to spend the money on the living. No expensive funerals or caskets. Pay for what you want in cash and if you don’t have the money, then you can’t afford it.

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RULE #3: WHEN IN DOUBT, RUN

Indiana comes across another archaeologist that steals his stone he just risked his life to get!

Instead of trying to fight for it, he lets the man take it. While the man is distracted with his patting himself on the back and his own vanity, Indiana makes a run for it! And keeps his life long enough to fight another day.

The same rules apply when buying stocks or spending money.

If the risk is too high for you, then sell. You will sleep better at night. Forget trying to get you money back. That is like gambling in Vegas.

Or if you just so happen to come across someone in a nice suit and briefcase that promises to double your money, pass.

There is no such thing as guarantees. All risk involves possible losses. That is why you do your homework and take calculated risks.

If it sounds too good to be true, RUN!!!

In the book called Winning the Money Game: Lessons Learned from the Financial Fouls of Pro Athletes by Adonal Foyle. He was an NBA player who describes the things he says while playing in the league in regards to how other athletes dealt with financial management or lack thereof.

He that said you should learn the basics of money and that you should rule your money or money will rule you. He saw many people lose homes, cars, wives, and careers.

In addition, he said you should audit anyone who comes into contact with your money. That includes family. Even your MOM!!! Shocking right???

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See my post More Money More Problems

RULE #4: FOOD IS FUEL, BUT NOT ENTERTAINMENT

One of the absolute best scenes in the film is the dinner scene.

I will not give too much away, but let’s just say the room is full of snakes! LITERALLY!

They say health equals wealth.

Let’s say you are investing for the long-term (as you should be!). Then in order to realize those gains, you must live long enough to see them.

That requires you to eat your three square meals, lots of fruits, nuts, berries, leafy greens and veggies. In addition, drink mostly water and tea.

This will alleviate 90% of ailments that are associated with poor diet.

Food is not for taste; it is for nutrition.   

And please, no smoking.

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Can’t stand exercise? Find a fun or simple activity such as bowling, walking, or dancing. Done.

See my post Health Really Does Equal Wealth

RULE #5: THE KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE

Indy sees that children need his help. He does not turn his back on them. He helps them.

They are more precious than any stone.

People were always more important to him than things or money.

See my post Generosity Can Go A Long Way

You want to help someone in need?

Read to the elderly.

Start a book club.

Volunteer to be a troop leader like Phyllis Nefler in Troop Beverly Hills.

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Donate to college scholarship funds.

The point is to get involved.  

You are powerful. More powerful than you know.

One person can change and lift all tides.

Case in point, the late Senator John McCain voted against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. That vote saved MILLIONS from losing healthcare coverage! One man. One voice. One vote.

I’m just saying.

Money And Greek Myths: Lessons From Clash Of The Titans

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Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. – W. C. Fields

That quote from W.C. Fields could not more accurately describe this film. The Gods of Olympus rule the world of man. And those who disobey or hurt others are punished.

I have learned that my attitude dictates everything around me including my ability to build wealth. A positive attitude can move mountains.

See my post Money and Life Lessons I Learned from CBS Srorybreak’s Yeh-Shen

This mythical tale of Perseus, son of Zeus, and his quest for the ‘fair’ Andromeda,  Clash of the Titans was released on June 12, 1981.

Why is Greek mythology important?

Greek mythology is the body of myths originally told by the ancient Greeks. These stories concern the origin and the nature of the world, the lives and activities of deities, heroes, and mythological creatures, and the origins and significance of the ancient Greeks‘ own cult and ritual practices.

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Clash of the Titans is a 1981 British-American heroic fantasy adventure film directed by Desmond Davis and written by Beverley Cross which retells the Greek mythological story of Perseus. It stars Harry Hamlin, Judi Bowker, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith and Laurence Olivier. The film features the final work of stop motion visual effects artist Ray Harryhausen.

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Review for the film with an excellent synopsis from IMBD # 8 from 2004. 

In the Mount Olympus, Zeus (Laurence Olivier) destroyed the city Argus with the Titan Kraken to punish King Acrisius (Donald Houston) that sentenced his daughter Danae (Vida Taylor) and her son with Zeus Perseus to death in the sea. Zeus orders Poseidon to save them and Perseus grows up in a paradisiacal island with his mother.

Years later, Zeus punishes Calibos (Neil McCarthy), the evil son of the goddess Thetis (Maggie Smith) and fiancé of Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), turning him into a monster doomed to live in the swamps.

The vindictive Thetis curses Andromeda with a spell and every suitor should solve a riddle; otherwise he would be sentenced to the bonfire. Further, she brings Perseus (Harry Hamlin) while sleeping half-naked to the City of Jopa but Zeus gives magical helmet, shield and sword to his son for self-protection.

When Perseus sees Andromeda, he falls in love with her and uses the magic outfits and Pegasus to discover the answer of the riddle with Calibos.

But Thetis dooms Andromeda to be sacrificed to the Kraken otherwise the City of Jopa and the inhabitants will be destroyed by the Titan. Perseus now has to defeat Medusa and the Kraken to save his beloved princess.

The saga of Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus, and the intrigue among the Gods of Olympus, is brilliant presented in this magnificent film. The delightful story is supported by an outstanding international cast, with names such as Laurence Olivier, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith and Ursula Andress, and by fantastic special effects, considering this is a 1981 movie. The golden mechanical owl Buba is hilarious and responsible for some of the best moments in this film. This epic is a wonderful and highly recommended entertainment for the whole family. I do not recall how many times I have had the pleasure of watching this film.

WEALTH IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HUMILITY

Zeus watches over everyone in Mount Olympus. Especially, that of his children and those of the other Gods, many of whom have children with mortals.

It has become known that Thetis’ son Calibos, who has been spoiled and given every advantage in life, is cold and callous. He abuses and hurts others. For this, Zeus punishes him. His son Perseus, who was given none of those advantages or indulgences of Calibos, is punished by Thetis in retaliation and dropped in the middle of their war between each other.

I found it very interesting that Zeus was willing to punish Calibos for being inhumane and uncivilized. He let the punishment fit the crime.

This is a reminder that life is not fair and no deed goes unnoticed, good or bad.

You should live your life like it will hit the front page of every newspaper. Best to eat humble pie than be served a dish that is best served cold.

WITH MONEY COMES POWER AND WEALTH BRINGS PROTECTION

Being in power means you can make things happen. If you read the stories of Napoleon Bonaparte, The War of the Roses, Winston Churchill, or any leader or influencer you will find a theme.

Success leaves clues.

Regardless, of whether or not you are born into wealth, it is your job to manage all that you have. This is done by controlling your thoughts and actions.

Did you know that most generational wealth is gone within three generations?

According to MarketWatch, about seven in 10 wealthy families lose their fortune by the second generation, according to a study of more than 3,200 high-net worth families by the Williams Group wealth consultancy. By the third generation that number has jumped to 90%.

That means the parents and grandparents make the money, and the children and grandchildren spend it.

After doing some more research, I discovered the following:

  • If you earn more than $34,000 per year, you are in the top 1 percent globally.
  • Most wealth is not inherited. You have to work for your meal. There is no FREE LUNCH.
  • According to the book The Millionaire Next Door, most millionaires are worth between $1 million to $5 million.

See my post the Top 1% of income worldwide

In the film, Zeus provides Perseus with incredible weapons that are magical to protect him. This would not have been possible if his father did not have access to those things.

The reason you want to have financial independence is because you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

FIND YOUR PASSION AND CREATE YOUR FINANCIAL DESTINY

Perseus gets sent to Jopa where Calibos ex-fiance is cursed by his mother Thetis. He decides to find out the answer to the riddle so that he may marry the princess Andromeda.

One of my favorite parts of the film right here. Perseus was smart in the way he found the answer. This is what you are supposed to do in life. Find a goal. Make a plan. Execute. Same rules apply to personal finance.

I set a goal of saving first 10% of my income. Then it kept growing from there. I set the following savings goals:

  • Save 15% of my income
  • Save 20% of my income
  • Save 25% of my income
  • Save 30% of my income
  • Save 35% of my income
  • Save 40% of my income
  • Save 45% of my income
  • Save 50% of my income ➡this is my next goal 💰😉

WE ONLY WANT JUSTICE

If you cannot be a good winner, there is no way you can be a good loser. – Halle Berry

See my post on Halle Berry and success

After Perseus defeats Calibos, he spares his life only if he lifts the cure on Andromeda and he agrees.

He then goes to demand his mother seek out vengeance on Perseus. This is wrong. Perseus won in a fair fight with hand-to-hand combat. However, his mother does what he asks. Thereby putting Perseus on another quest to yet again save Andromeda and risking his life in the process although he committed no crime. He must now face Medusa.

Justice or Revenge

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the Gorgon Medusa

NEEDS VS WANTS

Knowing what your needs versus wants are is how you will achieve your goals.

Perseus must face Medusa in order to save Andromeda.

Who is Medusa?

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone.

What is the legend of Medusa? In later myths (mainly in Ovid) Medusa was the only Gorgon to possess snake locks, because they were a punishment from Athena. In a late version of the Medusa myth, related by the Roman poet Ovid (Metamorphoses 4.770), Medusa was originally a ravishingly beautiful maiden, “the jealous aspiration of many suitors.” Accordingly, Ovid relates that the once beautiful mortal was punished by Athena with a hideous appearance and loathsome snakes for hair for having been in Athena’s temple and being pursued by Poseidon.

Simply put, she was punished for being too beautiful.

In the film, Perseus only did what is absolutely necessary. Veering off course, even just a little could spell disaster. Same goes for wealth building.

TRIUMPHANT AND SUCCESS AT LAST

Perseus wins.

Zeus declares:

No more trials against Perseus for he has confronted them and he has won.

The gods predict that Perseus and Andromeda will live happily, rule wisely, and produce children, and Zeus forbids the other gods to pursue vengeance against them. Zeus commands, “I forbid any revenge against Perseus.” He has triumphed and he shall be rewarded.

The constellations of Perseus, Andromeda, Pegasus, and Cassiopeia are created in their honor.

I feel that like Perseus, I have been underestimated.

It took many years to achieve the goals I had set for myself. Some of which I am still working towards. And as one is crossed off the list, others are added. However, as I once told my sister, I had my back against the wall and was down but not out.

It took every ounce of energy and willpower I had, but I started taking control of my financial life and never looked back.

All those times of wondering how I would pay the bills, get to the end of the month before getting through the end of the money, and living check to check was no more.

I had prevailed against every obstacle, trial and tribulation, and test that had come up against me. There would be no more trials of continuing to go into debt against me. For I had triumphed and I had won!

I hope you enjoyed this post. I had to travel all the way back to 1981, but you have to admit that it is a great story and a spectacular adventure.

Well Greenbacks Magnets, that wraps up another post. Until next time.

Sounding the Financial Alarm: An Interview with Financially Alert

Time Is Money, The Eleventh Hour

Let’s all welcome Michael of Financially Alert. Michael is a FIRE (financial independence retire early) blogger. He retired early after accumulating over a cool million from hard work and sacrifice while building a business. Or was it two million? Can’t remember. Doesn’t matter cause he’s here sharing part of his story with us! He graciously accepted my invitation for an interview. Well Michael you have officially been Greenback’d. 🤣

Just some quick background information.

I was introduced to Michael’s blog from a Google search I did for last years FinCon, where media meets money conference.

I was unsure if I should go or what to expect.

His website kept popping up on advice when attending a conference including FinCon. It was so thorough that I decided to do what he said and I reached out to him via email to ask if we could meet at the conference. And to my surprise he said yes!

I wrote a post all about it.

See my post FinCon 18: The Recap From Your Friendly Neighborhood Greenbacks Magnet

Meeting Michael and others at FinCon

I was so nervous, but…

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While in line to get my badge, I met Michael.

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He was pleasant, laid back, and super down to earth. He was even kind enough to send me an email and asked me to lunch! This is what it’s like meeting Michael. We ended up hanging out for a pretty good chunk of the 2nd day of the conference.

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I met so many people that I couldn’t even count! So I introduced Michael to a lot of them. We could barely keep track of so many new faces.

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Michael even introduced me to the founder of FinCon, PT Money.

After the conference ended, I took his advice and reached out to people to be on the blog and send invitations. And here we are today.

Let’s go!

MEET MICHAEL AND LEARN HOW TO BECOME FINANCIALLY ALERT

Time Is Money, Currency, Euro, Clock

Starting A Financially Alert Money Blog

  1. What prompted you to start a blog about money?

I started my blog as a way to share good money habits and knowledge with those of us who weren’t given the exposure to sound financial principles. Becoming financially alert is less about a number, and more about developing a smart and practical mindset around money.  If you have the right money mindset, the mechanics are easy and your money will keep growing. I also want people to realize money is simply a tool.  It can be used for good things, and likewise bad things.  However, in my experience, those who feel in abundance are more likely to share with others who do not.

Why blog?

2. Any favorite finance books? How come?

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Ahh… there are so many.  But, in terms of impact, Rich Dad Poor Dad really breaks things down into simple digestible concepts.  I love his cash flow quadrant which speaks to the different ways people earn money.

GBM Miriam: I am providing a copy of The Rich Dada Poor Dad Quadrant for inquiring minds!

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Let’s break it down.

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Once you understand cash flow, you can really begin to grow your money with intention.


3. What are you reading right now? What’s on your night stand? 

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Most recently I read How to Quit Your Job with Rental Properties: Expanded and Updated – A Step-by-Step Guide to Retire Early with Real Estate Investing and Passive Income

Dustin thoroughly guides you through the real estate investing process.

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GBM Miriam: And I too love to read. I am reading several books about money right now!!!

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GBM Miriam: That reminds me of the real estate website Bigger Pockets. I read their book on How to Invest in Real Estate: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started. And I did a post on it.

See my post How to Get Bigger Pockets

How to Invest in Real Estate: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Getting Started by [Turner, Brandon, Dorkin, Joshua]


4. One thing people may not know about you?

I grew up wanting to working the movies as a special effects guy.  So, when I sold my business, I took some time to myself to attend a special fx class.  It was pretty fun to blow up a car – don’t try that at home kids!

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Just FYI: Greenbacks Magnet does her research. I found this interview that Michael did with Physician on FIRE (POF) in 2018. It’s awesome. An excellent and informative interview.

In that interview, I read that you would like to travel to island with the amazing animals, it’s called Galápagos Islands. I’ve always wanted to go since I saw that video about it at the Virginia Aquarium. It looks so cool. And watching stuff blow up is right up my alley! No wonder we got along so well at FinCon18. This was a really good post. Thanks for sharing so much about yourself. I too noticed that PoF was everywhere. I had to step my game up because of him. 😉

I also found your post from 2016 called Opportunities in the Bag! The Fill-the-Bucket-List which discussed you watching of a professional blowing up of a car! I also saw that you attended a Date with Destiny, Tony’s 5 day seminar.

And yes ladies and gentleman, that Tony is motivational guru and New York Times best-selling author Tony Robbins! Here is the photo Michael posted on his website. Awesome right?

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See Michael’s posts on his Tony Robbins seminars a Date with Destiny and Life and Wealth Mastery

How My Date with Destiny Found Me (Part 1 of 2)

Exploring Tony Robbin’s Life and Wealth Mastery – Part 1

In the second post link, you will get to see Michael swinging from a trapeze in an attempt to face down his fear, which is so Tony Robbins!!!

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Fun Fact: Trapeze is a piece of equipment which is used in acrobatics. It is considered to be one of the most demanding aerial arts.  History. The art of trapeze performance was developed by Jules Léotard, a young French acrobat and aerialist, in Toulouse in the mid-1800s. He invented the flying trapeze, practising over his father’s swimming pool. A trapeze is a short horizontal bar hung by ropes or metal straps from a support. It can also be known as a aerial hoop, or fabric known as an aerial silk. 

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And Michael is still inspired by Tony Robbins all these years later. Check out one of his recent tweets 🙏😉

5. What’s in your wallet? How did you start building wealth? 

  • $83 cash
  • 4 credit cards
  • 1 debit card
  • fishing license
  • insurance card
  • coupon for bare naked granola
  • drivers license
  • AA card

FINALRT Michael: I started building wealth the old fashioned way… saving! As soon as I got my first job, I started paying myself 20% automatically into my savings account.  Over time it grew, and then evolved to other asset classes like stocks/bonds, and real estate.

GBM Miriam: That’s what I’m taking about!!! Take control over your finances. Control your finances, control your life. 👍

The lazy way to build a fortune: automate your savings and investments.

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You can build great things when you work on things over time. Just like Voltron. 🤣I just love when things come together. Don’t you?

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I personally like focusing on starting salary. Negotiating a good starting salary can set you up to be even better down the line. Kind of reminds me of that scene in Clueless 🤔 starring Alicia Silverstone and Avengers Endgame Ant-man Paul Rudd.

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Financial makeover. Who here wouldn’t do things differently if they knew then what they know now?

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It’s like Cher (the real one not the one from the movie Clueless) said, “If I could turn back time.”

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Speaking of Clueless…

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I love makeovers!!!! So I wrote a post about having a financial facelift. 😉

See my post A Financial Nip/Tuck

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Whatever you do, financially or otherwise…Own it!!!

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I made it out of living paycheck-to-paycheck woohoo!!! I appreciate all the support from the personal finance blogger community. 💖Especially in doing interviews like this one. 😉 xoxo 💋 I feel the love. I felt just like Mulan. The finance community definitely made a man I mean blogger out of me. 🤣

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Bonus Questions (pick any of the questions from the top or below that you want to answer) 


6. Any life or money lessons from a favorite movie or TV show you would like to share?


TV loves to glamorize our consumer culture. While it’s fun to watch shows like Million Dollar Listing, the reality is that happiness is controlled by us individually and doesn’t required luxury items. 

How can you use your money to make the biggest positive impact on your family and friends? 

Well said Michael. 👏 And excellent question.

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Embarrassment of riches book portrait of Scrooge McDuck and his nephews.

See my post Money Lessons I Learned From Scrooge McDuck

GBM Miriam: I have learned to not focus on having privilege, but on doing things that help myself, my family and my community. A lesson Cher (Alicia Silverstone) started to learn as the film Clueless progressed.

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While shopping with her friend Dionne (Stacey Dash), she started feeling like there was more to life than shopping, like helping others. 😉

7. If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $2.5 million. What would you do?

After giving a chunk to charity, I’d buy a McDonald’s franchise!  Who wouldn’t want a french fry cash machine??

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16. What was your best MacGyver moment?

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I recently was doing a video and couldn’t ad-lib the content to save my life.  So, I started researching ways to help me create a better video.  I stumbled upon teleprompters and was like, OMG that’s it!The problem though is that teleprompters start at $200 and go up from there.  I didn’t feel like making that kind of investment for a single video, so I put on my MacGyver hat and built my own.  I used an 8×10 frame from Walmart, a cheap 3 ring binder, some cork-board from Dollar Tree, and electric tape from Home Depot… total costs to build it – $12.84.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with MacGyver, here is some background info.

Angus “Mac” MacGyver is the title character and the protagonist in the TV series MacGyver. He is played by Richard Dean Anderson in the 1985 original series. Lucas Till portrays a younger version of MacGyver in the 2016 reboot. In both portrayals MacGyver is shown to possess a genius-level intellect; proficiency in multiple languages; superb engineering skills; excellent knowledge of applied physics; military training in bomb disposal techniques and a preference for non-lethal resolutions to conflicts. The hit television series MacGyver, which lasted from 1985 to 1992 and was highly successful throughout its seven-year run.

The character Angus MacGyver, also known as just MacGyver or Mac, was an optimistic action hero who was notable for using a Swiss Army knife instead of a firearm as his tool of choice.Young war hero Angus `Mac’ MacGyver has an extraordinary knack for unconventional problem solving and an extensive bank of scientific knowledge that he believes can best be put to use saving lives, both of which come in handy when he creates a clandestine organization within the United States government to tackle high-risk missions around the world. Working under the sponsorship of the Department of External Affairs, MacGyver quietly prevents disasters.

The character is portrayed as a non-violent problem solver and typically eschews the use of guns. Even in cases where he must resort to physical violence, or when his improvised devices are used to attack hostile opponents, he is always doing so in self-defense and, if possible, subduing or disabling rather than killing.

MacGyver is passionate about social causes, having on several occasions volunteered to help the less-privileged, showing a particular affinity for – and connection with – children. For example, he is shown to be a “big brother”, conducts hearing research at a school for deaf children, and helps out in a mountain excursion for delinquent youths.He strives to protect the environment and endangered species such as eagles, the black rhino,and wolves It was also established that he became a vegetarian at an unspecified date during the series run.

MacGyver’s persistence and the improvisational nature of his plans make him difficult to thwart, as his nemesis Murdoc pointed out, because not even MacGyver himself knows what he is going to do next. Unlike stereotypical “macho” or stoic action heroes, MacGyver exhibits grief in the face of tragedies, open fear in perilous situations, and shows pain after a fight. A sensitive character, Mac has a tendency to blame himself for personal losses and tragedies. He usually carries duct tape, chewing gum, a Timex watch, strike-anywhere matches, a flashlight, and an ID card. Yes, that’s what he uses to get out of every near death situation.

In short, he’s awesome.

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17. How would you sell hot coco in Florida?


I’d add some ice and throw it in my vitamix for the perfect blended frozen hot coco!

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Oh yea. As cool as ice!! 🤣

Thank you for stopping by Greenbacks Magnet!!!!

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Hope you enjoyed this latest blogger interview. I try to keep it 💯here and help people improve the quality of their financial lives. Thank you for reading.

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GBM Miriam: Thank you Michael for treating us all for an inside look to becoming financially alert. You’ve been a great guest!

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Want more financial wake up calls from Michael. Follow him on Twitter and read his blog at Financially Alert.

The Simple Path to Wealth Book Review

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There is brilliance in simplicity. – Bruce Lee

Recently, I began reading the book The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins.

The book originated with letters to his daughter about financing.

On my path towards financial freedom, I have decided to read the books of other Personal Financial Bloggers.   

The book du jour: The Simple Path to Wealth.

Do you believe in coincidence?

I don’t believe in coincidence. I think that all things work together for good. – Kathie Lee Gifford

“I do not believe in meaningless coincidences. I believe every coincidence is a message, a clue about a particular facet of our lives that requires our attention.” – Deepak Chopra

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Well, it just so happened that the last finance blogger I interviewed for this website was Dave of Accidental FIRE called: Accidentally Wealthy on Purpose.

In that interview, he informed me that his favorite personal finance book was The Simple Path by JL Collins.

I mean what are the odds that I would be reading that EXACT BOOK at that EXACT MOMENT. 😲 Pretty slim that is for sure.

I too thought the book was pretty good and gives some sound financial advice.

I even tweeted out that advice directly from the book. And to my surprise JL Collins gave me a like. I appreciated that! 😉

After, doing that interview and sending the tweet and the getting a like form the author, I decided that I must do a book review on this book. Why? I feel that if you see something three times (3x), then it must be for a reason. They say things happen in three’s. So I went with it!  

Let’s get to it!

Drum roll please.

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THEEEEEEE SIMPLE PATH TO WEALTH!!!!

The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life

WHO IS JL COLLINS?

He has been an investor since 1975. In 2011, he wrote a series of letters to his daughter about money and investing; which morphed into jlcollinsnh.com and led to this book.

Welcome inside the mind of the man who started the infamous Stock Series on his blog.

The foreword of his book was by Mr. Money Mustache.

Serious praise for the book:

“Let’s face it: Most investment books are boring. Dull. Uninspired. This book brings managing your money to life.” – Paula Pant, Afford Anything

“The media claim stock investing is no better than gambling. Collins cuts through the crap. He demonstrates a simple level-headed way to wealth that will lead you to a richer life.” – J.D. Roth, Founder Money Boss and Get Rich Slowly

I have to agree wholeheartedly with J.D. Roth’s assessment. I also got to meet him at FinCon. Nice guy 😉

See my post on FinCon

FinCon 18: The Recap From Your Friendly Neighborhood Greenbacks Magnet Part I and Part II

After reading the book, it was really eye-opening. One of the simplest approaches to investing and building wealth that I have ever read and I read A LOT!

My library card is on fire!!!   😂

Now let me tell you why I feel that way about the book.

DEBT IS A BURDEN

There is no free lunch. tweet

There is no such thing as E-Z financing. Credit cards come with enormous interest rates. If you look on credit card statements today, it will give you two numbers.

One is how long it will take to pay off your balance paying the minimum amount.

The other is how long it will take before your balance is paid in full after three years.

Knowing that you can be paying off that sweater from last year until your kids are ready to graduate from college should scare most straight to the path of cash only!

Debt causes too many constraints and limits personal and financial freedom.

Paying a $10 minimum on a $300 balance is a sure fire way to the poor house.

If you owe more than 5% interest on any debt, then get rid of it ASAP. And forget all these consolidation loans and balance transfers. That’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Just work on steadily paying off the one with the most interest and then continue until all the debt is gone.

Then make being debt free last forever.

WHY YOU NEED F-U MONEY

We all need it.

You know why? Because sh*t happens, that’s why.

What happens if you chip a tooth, get hit by an uninsured motorist, and the basement floods all in the same week?

You have to pay to handle of these situations. If nothing else, an insurance deductible; which can run into the thousands as house flooding can be a deductible as high as $5,000!

I previously wrote on F you money in a blog post called How Do You Play With FIRE?

Here is part of that post here for your convenience.

My blog post from the Mark Cuban on F-U Money blog post

LEVELS OF WEALTH

Only you can decide how much money is enough. However, if we go by Rockefeller, enough is always a little more. Basically, how much money is enough?

For purposes of simplicity, we will use the examples of enough money given by billionaire Mark Cuban.

Mark Cuban on enough money:

“‘Enough’ is what it takes to not worry about the bills.”

“‘A lot’ is enough that you never have to worry about working again.”

“‘F you’ money means you can rent a jet to go wherever you want, whenever you want, and no party is out of reach.”

“‘F everyone’ money means you can have your favorite band in your backyard, not care how much it costs, and lend them your jet to get there.”

We’re not talking about rich; talking about wealthy. Chris Rock once said, “Shaquille O’Neal is rich. The guy who pays his salary is wealthy.”

He also said comfort is the poison. Too much of it can slow down your progress on the road to wealth. All I mean is to stay hungry. I’m just saying there are different levels of wealth.

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So trust me when I say you need F-U Money.

MAGIC BEANS ARE INDEX FUNDS

Coco Chanel — ‘Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.’

Jack Bogle founded the Vanguard Group in 1974.

Mr. Bogle created the first S & P 500 index fund. Due to its immensely low fees because the investors own Vanguard and not some company or board of directors that want to please shareholders, this book advises an investment in the VTSAX at Vanguard.

JL Collins advice: Invest in index funds with Vanguard and keep what is yours.

I concur.

I need all my coins. I want ALL of my MONEY! I aim to keep as much of it as possible. I’m almost as bad as Scrooge McDuck. Almost.

See my post on Money Lessons I Learned From Scrooge McDuck

Remember that episode of Ducktales when Fenton Crackshell was counting all of Scrooge’s money that he dumped into the lake in “Liquid Assets Part 1.”  That’s me! 🤣

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This total stock market fund holds the entire U.S. stock market fund; which includes about 3,700 stocks.  As most of these companies are worldwide and involved in international markets, you only need this one fund. Simple right? 😉

And it is comprised of 80% of all the top funds in the S & P 500, so no need to diversify as you already have it here.

If that did not convince you, the maybe the best stock-picker of all time can: Warren Buffet.

He owns the company Berkshire Hathaway (stock symbols; BRK.A and BRK.B)

See my posts

Forget Simon, Do What Buffet Says

How I Used The Buffet 25 Strategy to Walk The Talk

Money And Chocolate

Don’t Take Money Too Personal

Patience Is The Key To Wealth

3 Rich Habits Of Millionaires

Do You Want A Million Dollars? Ask For It!

In the 2013 Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder letter, Buffet advised the following:

“What I advise here is essentially identical to certain instructions I’ve laid out in my will. One bequest provides that cash will be delivered to a trustee for my wife’s benefit. My advice to the trustee could not be more simple: Put 10% of the cash in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund. (I suggest Vanguard’s.)”

I am a Vanguard and Berkshire Hathaway investor and I approve this message. 😉

Have you recently wrote a book? Are you looking for a review? Do you want to be Greenback’d? Tweet me. I’ll be here @mjp2520