I grew up in the Washington DC metropolitan area and have been working in the financial services and lending industry for over a decade. I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degree in distance education from the University of Maryland University College.
You read that number right. That’s access to a quarter of a million in emergency funding. Here’s how.
An emergency fund is just money that is sitting around until something happens. It’s a just in case fund.
However, you can have funds outside of your own by using other people’s money (OPM). Then your own funds are not under lock and key.
Instead your money can be used to pay off debt (i.e., mortgage, credit cards, student loans, auto loans). Or better yet, your money can be invested to earn compound interest over time.
If you invest $368 a month at an 8% rate of return, over a 35-year career this could net you $1 million for retirement.
You can use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and credit cards as your emergency fund.
I am not saying not to have cash ever or that this will entirely replace cash. A HELOC and credit cards are just added options on top of your cash.
Credit cards are self-explanatory. They are revolving accounts where you pay back what you owe, but as long as you have available credit then you can still keep spending. HELOC’s are another story.
How a HELOC works is similar, but with higher limits. Say you have a $400,000 home with a balance of $150,000 on your first mortgage and your lender is allowing you to access up to 95% of your home’s equity: $400,000 x 95% = $380,000. $380,000 – $150,000 = $230,000, your maximum line of credit limit.
What makes a HELOC different is that it allows you to borrow against your home equity, where your credit limit is based on how much equity you have in your home.
The HELOC is also not considered by the FICO score, this is in stark contrast from a credit card. The credit bureaus do consider how much you owe versus what’s available on your credit cards in factoring your credit score.
Basically, the biggest differences between a credit card and a HELOC is the underwriting standards, collateral, refinancing options, interest rates and tax deductions.
With a HELOC, you must document your income and employment. However, with a credit card, you need only provide the information.
In addition, a credit card is different because it is unsecured. Whereas, with a home, your HELOC is secured by your home equity and if you do not repay it, then your home can be foreclosed.
You can also refinance higher rate debt with the HELOC better than you could a credit card because the interest rates are lower on the HELOC because it is secured with your property. Meaning you are highly motivated to repay this debt back.
Lastly, the interest you pay on a credit card is gone with the wind. HELOC’s allow you to deduct the amount of interest you pay on your taxes. Therefore, if you pay 4.49% in interest that is tax-deductible versus 15.99% or more on a credit card that isn’t deductible, you see why a HELOC is so attractive.
Why not have access to these funds? Then, if your car breaks down, you chip a tooth, and your furnace goes out all in the same week, your covered. Oh, it can happen.
You can also have various funds that can make up your emergency money that you can pool together. For instance, a combination of $5,000 cash, $65,000 HELOC, and $30,000 credit card limits still equal $100,000 in access to funds in case of an emergency.
Funds Access
Credit Limit
Borrowed Funds
Access
Interest Rate
HELOC
$230,000.00
$ –
Instant
4.49%
Credit Card
$20,000.00
$ –
Instant
6.99%
Total
$250,000.00
$ –
Bottom-line: You can have access to hundreds of thousands of dollars without using a drop if your own money. You just have to have the means, discipline, good credit score, and high enough credit limits to have this as a plan to access credit for use in emergencies.
One weekend I was flipping through channels and I came across an old movie called The Warriors. I decide to watch it. I thought it was brilliant. It inspired me so much I decided to write this article.
The Warriors was a 1979 film directed by famed moviemaker Walter Hill and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It was based on the 1965 novel written by Sol Yurick. In the book, which is based the Greek work Anabasis where a band of Greeks are caught behind Persian enemy lines and must battle their way home, a street gang called “The Warriors” are framed for murder and then the entire city turns on them; while far from home and so they must fight their way back. Even though they are wanted: dead or alive. They actually said that in the movie.
See for yourself at 1:20 minutes into the video.
The synopsis of the film is that a turf battle happens in New York City between rival gangs. One gang leader tries to bring them all together against the cops. The Warriors are falsely accused of killing the gang leader and must fight their way back from the Bronx to Coney Island.
This is the movie preview commentary. They got one way out. They got one chance. They got one night.
The movie tagline reads like this:
These are the Armies of The Night. They are 60,000 strong. They outnumber the cops three to one.
They could run New York City. Tonight they’re all out to get the Warriors.
I was instantly hooked. So I watched the movie. Here is where I share with you my takeaway’s from the film and what I learned.
MORALITY
The director Walter Hill has been quoted as saying “every film I’ve done has been a Western” and that “the Western is ultimately a stripped down moral universe.”
I have to agree with those statements.
The theme of the film is ultimately about morals.
The movie opens with a massive meeting of gangs in New York City listening to the top brass of another gang talk about how they outnumber the police and the city being theirs. Then out of nowhere a single shot is fired and kills him. The leader has been assassinated. Panic ensues. A lone gang known as the Warriors is singled out and fingered as the murderers; this is where the story begins.
LEADERSHIP
The protagonists are a long way from home. The long trek back is made even longer with menacing gangs out to get them at every turn. Meaning one thing: They have to fight all night long.
Their “War Chief” goes by the name of Swan and it’s his job to get them back home.
Swan immediately has them regroup and verifies everybody’s whereabouts. Then he makes a plan to get them back home. He coordinates and directs the group’s actions and takes the lead. Even when he is challenged within his own group, he keeps his cool and simply says to the challenger, “make your move.”
He tried to keep the peace at first, but when challenged he didn’t back up or back down.
STREET SMARTS
The Warriors know that they are in rival gang territory, so they play it safe. They don’t draw any attention to themselves and wait for their opportunity to get on the subway train to get back home.
My favorite shot of the film is when they are waiting for that train. The feeling of desperation and need was palpable and it sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Instead of just going out on the platform the leader waits. When asked why they are waiting one group member named Fox (appropriately named as he is sly and crafty) responds, “a train for one thing unless you want to get japped on an open platform.”
They hide from other gang members until their train comes and then make a run for it. After a short ride, the train is stopped for a fire. Fox tells the group what are the odds of that happening and he says they should be more concerned about who started that fire. Very smart indeed young man.
At one point of the film, Swan also tells the group if they get separated, to meet at a central location.
I learned it is always best to have a plan A, B, C, and so on. Pay attention to your surroundings and not to underestimate an enemy. It is not enough to be book smart, you have to know how to handle yourself with people and your environment too.
DIPLOMACY
The group has to walk to the next train station. They run into a gang called the Orphans. Swan and Fox go over there to negotiate safe passage through their neighborhood.
Instead of being angry or conceited they are cool, calm, and collected. They know they are not in charge here. When the leader of the Orphans talks of disrespect and speaking with them prior to entering their turf for safe passage; Swan says, “we’re not invading and I’m parlaying right now.”
They come to a peaceful resolution and agree to let them pass with one caveat: to take off their member jackets. When they are instructed to take off their group colors Swan flatly refuses. Fox says the jacket merely symbolizes who they are (their mark) and what they represent, it is not a sign of superiority or war. They have to choose to be civilians or soldiers.
They decide to refuse this stipulation and then Swan tells the group they are moving on ahead without consent with no fear or shame and heads held high.
This scene ended with an incredible surprise involving a Molotov cocktail (AKA a poor man’s grenade)that you have to see to believe.
I learned that peace is the route always worth taking, but not at the price of sacrificing your dignity.
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
The Warriors are a fitting name for the group. At every turn, they find themselves having to run, hide, or fight.
Acts of valor is constant throughout the film.
These guys had tons of stamina.
The members have to deal with gangs on roller skates, with baseball bats, women combatants, and the police.
Fight or flight is the name of the game. In this movie, with every gang out gunning for you that means one thing.
Run.
And run they do, from night until dawn.
All the while a sinister commentary by a female deejay is ongoing in the film.
It was the ultimate cat and mouse game of “us against them,” and not knowing what may happen next.
Darwin wasn’t kidding with his statement of those who are fittest survive. I got to see that put to the test in this film. No matter who they were put up against, they fought hard and bravely.
When it was time to act they didn’t hesitate. I have learned to do the same.
NEVER BE ASHAMED OF WHO YOU ARE
After fighting all night long, the group gets on another train headed for home. While on the train a group on nicely dressed, seemingly well-to-do young people get on. At first, they are oblivious to the Warriors, but then they take a look at them and fall quiet.
The woman that is with the Warriors knows she looks battered down and then starts trying to make herself look more presentable. Swan merely puts her hand down to stop her from doing this.
This scene gives you perspective. It doesn’t matter if you’re poor. You still should have dignity and self-respect.
I learned that you should not be ashamed of who you are, where you come from, what you look like or what you have.
If all you can afford is second -hand, then so be it.
“Learn to sit on an apple box until you can afford a chair.” – Joel Osteen
LIES HURT
The morale of this story comes into play from the very beginning. A lie leads the Warriors down a path of being victimized and guilty without proof. Even though, they are innocent.
I learned that lies can hurt people and destroy lives. Secrets are a burden.
TO TELL THE TRUTH
Knowing the truth is good no matter how painful it is because once you know the truth, and then you can deal with it.
“Truth is the only safe ground to stand on.” – Elizabeth Cady Stanton
STAND YOUR GROUND
The Warriors fought only when they had no other choice, but when they did they didn’t mess around.
They did not fight for glory, fame, or vengeance, but as a reckoning.
I learned in this life you may not be presumed innocent as you are more likely to be considered guilty. You do not give into this if you are truly innocent. You stand firm on your convictions. Period.
VINDICATION
In the end, the perpetrators get what is coming to them.
In life, you may not always get what you. There is no guarantee that bad things won’t happen, but it is how you deal with them that counts.
I have learned a good name and reputation can take you a lot farther in life than infamy.
PARTING WORDS
The film is a story of having insurmountable odds placed upon you and still coming out ahead. This film, like in life, has many layers of complexity. You just have to see it for yourself to believe it. So, go ahead and press play to check out the trailer if your warrior enough.
“People ask what gives me the authority to give advice? I say, First of all, I don’t give advice. Dr Phil gives advice. Mr T helps people. I motivate them, I inspire them, I give them hope, and I plant the seed so they can feel good about themselves” — Mr. T
If you grew up in the 80’s or 90’s, then you know the name Mr. T. He was former United States Army veteran and Military Policeman who turned into a bouncer and bodyguard for the rich and famous. He later became a famous television personality while starring the 80’s sitcom “The A-Team.”
He also was a public motivator and made a motivational video to help kids such as dealing with peer pressure, money management, appreciating who they are, respecting others – especially their parents -and how to deal with anger.
I am still inspired by the words and actions of Mr. T to this day because he always made me feel good about myself and that just being me more was more than good enough.
I will share with you some of the things he taught me that I have carried with me into adulthood.
First, an introduction of the man named Mr. T.
THE MAN BEHIND THE T
“First name: Mister; middle name: period; last name T.” – Mr. T on an episode of the NBC series Silver Spoons (1982-1986)
What is in a name?
“People ask me what the “T” stands for in my name. If you’re a man, the “T” stands for tough. If you’re a woman or child, it stands for tender!” – Mr. T
Mr. T grew up in Chicago. He said growing up as a young man he saw that his father and other African Americans did not get a lot of respect in their communities.
Therefore, he decided to coin himself Mr. T. He said that was because the first thing you say is Mister and that word is an automatic sign of respect.
The letter T is simply the first letter of his last name.
“When I was old enough to change my name, I changed it to Mr. T so that the first word out of someone’s mouth was ‘Mister,’ a sign of respect.” — Mr. T
At the age of 18, he decided as a man he deserved to be respected as one and; therefore, self-ordained himself Mr. T from that day forward.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
“I’m so tough and so bad; I can be humble and lift another guy up.” – Mr. T
“I tell people that I was born and raised in the ghetto, but the ghetto was not born and raised in me.” – Mr. T
“As a kid, I got three meals a day. Oatmeal, miss-a-meal and no meal.” – Mr. T
Long before he became known for his distinctive African Mandinka warrior hairstyle (Mohawk), his gold jewelry, his no none sense persona and his tough-guy image, Mr. T was just a young man trying to find his way.
Lawrence Tureaud “aka Mr. T” was born in Chicago, Illinois the youngest of twelve in one of the city’s housing projects with the highest poverty rate in America.
He was surrounded by gangs, violence, and the absolute worst that poverty has to offer, but he chose a different path for himself.
In poverty, neglect can be your ally because if no one is paying attention to you, then they cannot try to stop you from being great.
I have learned that it is not what you have, but what you do with what you’ve got that matters.
EDUCATION AND WORK, HARD WORK
“Get to reading, stay in school. You don’t have to carry a gun.” – Mr. T
In high school, Mr. T played football, wrestled, and studied martial arts.
He was a wrestling champion that was so good he won a football scholarship to Prairie View A&M University, where he majored in mathematics.
However, he did not finish college. He made his next move by enlisting in the United States Army and served in the military police.
Then he went to work…hard.
Mr. T outworked everyone in his troop. He would go on to get a letter of recommendation from his drill sergeant and was elected “Top Trainee of the Cycle” out of a cycle of six thousand troops.
I read a statistic that 70% of prison inmates are high school dropouts.
Therefore, if you want to be the best and earn the respect of your peers and others that means putting in the work and improving your skills. Stay in school, off the streets and off the drugs.
There are 24 hours in a day. If you spend eight sleeping, four going to school, four reading and exercising, and eight working, then there is no time left for sitting on your laurels and being idle.
FROM BOUNCER TO ACTOR
“The reason why I wear gold – I wear gold for three reasons. One, when Jesus was born, three wise men came from the east: one brought frankincense, one brought myrrh, the other one brought gold. The second reason I wear gold is I can afford it. The third reason I wear it, it’s symbolic of my African heritage.” – Mr. T
After his military discharge, he became a bouncer.
“To be a bodyguard is to be a kamikaze pilot. Dedicated.” — Mr. T
It was during this time that he created his Mr. T persona and started wearing gold jewelry.
He parlayed his job of bouncer into a decade long career as a bodyguard.
His reputation became so well-known and highly regarded that he became a bodyguard to the stars and protected celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.
“I used to bodyguard for Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks, Sugar Ray Leonard. I used to bodyguard a lot of diamond merchants; I would travel with a suitcase full of diamonds and take them from point A to point B. My reputation grew because I was a professional. I did my job, and I was courteous – a no-nonsense guy.” – Mr. T
With the name came the pay.
He was able to charge anywhere from a $3,000 to $10,000 a day rate.
One day he decided to try out for NBC-TV under the contest of “America’s Toughest Bouncer” and he won.
It was during this time that Sylvester Stallone saw him on the show and this led to him eventually being cast in Rocky III as Clubber Lang and this is where his catchphrase “I pity the fool!” comes from.
This then led him to be cast in the television series The A Team, where he played Sergeant Bosco “B. A.” Baracus, an ex-Army commando.
And from there his career took off and things just exploded.
PROFESSIONAL ACTING ROLES AND OTHER WORK
“Everything started as a dream. You gotta have insight, know what you want. You gotta have a plan. Like I tell anybody, if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. I’ve been planning ever since I was a youngster. You’ve got to start from somewhere. There’s nothing wrong or demeaning in flipping burgers. It’s more proud than selling drugs.” – Mr. T
The season one episode four of Silver Spoons called Me and Mr. T aired on October 16, 1982. Edward hires Mr. T. to teach Ricky how to defend himself. Hilarity ensues.
He even got an animated cartoon series called Mister T. The Mister T cartoon starred Mr. T as himself, the owner of a gym. The gymnasts that trained there were helped by him not only with their training, but to solve mysteries and fight crime.
In my life I have scrubbed toilets, served food, been an operator, waitress, and worn holes in my clothes and shoes.
I have never been too good for anything. And neither should you.
I am no better than anyone else, but I am always just as good.
HAVE A MEANING AND A PURPOSE
“Left ear, I wear four earrings. The four is symbolic of the four seasons, spring, winter, summer and fall, the four directions, north, east, south and west, the four gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.” – Mr. T
Figure out what you want to do and why.
You cannot just randomly do things without a plan or purpose. Don’t just drift.
Life does not work that way.
Once you know what you like turn that into a career.
Whatever you are good at try to gravitate toward that.
Whatever you spend most of you efforts on, then that is what you should be doing.
You may be passionate about cooking, drawing, or sports, but that is not enough.
You have to still be able to produce.
Therefore, you must learn to harness what you are good at and turn that into how you earn a living.
MOTIVATOR
“As a Christian, you forgive, and you feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and you visit the sick and comfort the lonely. If I’m a true follower of my lord and saviour Jesus Christ, I got to do the things you’re supposed to be doing.” – Mr. T
“I try to use my experience and the fact that I grew up in the ghetto – I tell people you don’t have to rob or steal to get out of the ghetto.” – Mr. T
“If you can’t read, the only thing you can do is enjoy the pictures, not the whole story. Reading is the key to knowledge. Knowledge is the key to understanding. So read on, young man! Read on, young lady!” Mr. T
Mr. T would teach children and adults the value of an education, doing the right thing, weight training and watching your weight.
Building muscle gives confidence and takes hard work and discipline.
Discipline is a key ingredient to success.
BE A HELPER OF THE LESS FORTUNATE
“Stay humble and be concerned for the less fortunate.” – Mr. T
“Love is a verb… and Verbs show action” – Mr. T
“You’ll never have any trouble with Mr. T, I’m just a big, calm teddy bear kind of guy. Mr. T ain’t ashamed to cry. When I go out and I meet people who are suffering and they come and talk to me, Mr. T cries, Mr. T who could break a man’s jaw with his fist.” – Mr. T
I feel that helping others is the right thing to do.
I have seen the difference it can make in people’s lives.
Do good.
Goodness spreads, but not as fast as bad news or gossip so do good often.
Remember to be poor is not a crime.
Virtue can be seen in rags as well as fine silk.
SECOND CHANCES
“You pity the fool because you don’t want to beat up a fool! You know, pity is between sorry and mercy. See, if you pity him, you know, you won’t have to beat him up. So that’s why I say fools, you gotta give another chance because they don’t know no better. That’s why I pity them!” – Mr. T
I know it’s hard, but there are times to give people a second look or chance.
First impressions are important, but not the only thing.
I gravitate toward people who are hungry and hard working with good attitudes.
No one bats a thousand every time.
However, people need to show you with their actions that they are able and willing to work.
Just tell the truth. People are usually willing to help you when you’re doing the right thing.
RESPECT
“I’m a mama’s boy because everything I do is with respect to my mother. I won’t do a movie or a video that would bring disrespect to my mother.” — Mr. T
“Any man who doesn’t love his mama can’t be no friend of mine.” — Mr. T
“If every man loves his mother, he’s going to treat the ladies right, with love and respect.” – Mr. T
My mother told me growing up that you attract what’s in your heart.
Respect people and that’s what you get back.
Keep your heart pure and full of love and hope.
Hope can start revolutions and change lives.
Inside I feel joyful.
I try to spread goodwill and cheer everywhere I go.
I’m generally laughing and smiling because no one likes to be around a drag unless it’s immediately followed by the word queen.
DRIVE AND DETERMINATION
“I knew I wasn’t going to be a rocket scientist – let’s not be fools – but I wasn’t going to be a bum.” Mr. T
“If you get knocked down – setbacks in life, like applying for a job if they don’t hire you – keep trying, keep getting up, keep doing it” Mr. T
You may not know everything, but you know something.
Be resourceful.
Leverage what you know and what you have to make a way for yourself in this world.
You have to play the hand you were dealt. And play it so well that people cannot take their eyes off of you.
The more drive, determination, and perseverance you have, the more likely good things are to come.
Remember that if 100 doors close in your face, you only need one to be open to walk through.
One opportunity can change your life.
So do not slow down, speed up your efforts with hard work and sacrifice.
DEALING WITH ANGER
“When I was growing up, my family was so poor we couldn’t afford to pay attention.” — Mr. T
“If people are cool, then they are not stressed. I pity the fool that don’t be cool.” – Mr. T
“The most violent show on TV is the six o’clock news.” – Mr. T
I have learned if you can control your emotions, you can control your life.
You must learn good coping skills if you want to make it in this life.
Everything is not going to be easy or handed to you.
My father told me growing up that you have to learn to accept no just as well as you accept yes.
There is no place for violence in your home or community.
You can use your mind creatively to solve problems.
You do not fight to hurt others. You fight to stop them from hurting you.
You should only fight when there is no other choice and all other avenues have been explored and options exhausted.
You fight to defend yourself, your family, and your community. That’s about it.
PEER PRESSURE
“I wanted to win to feed the hungry people of my community. I didn’t want to win to buy a diamond.. I didn’t have no diamonds then. I didn’t want to win to buy a car, I didn’t want to win to bring a couple of chicks downtown to a hotel. I wanted to win to feed the poor people of the community.”– Mr. T
I know about peer pressure and all that, but I say, “Hey, they called me a sissy because I wouldn’t join a gang. Who was calling me a sissy? Does it make me a sissy because somebody called me a sissy?” […] I’m going to fight if you touch me or hurt me or do harm to my family. But if you call me a bad name, or whatnot, I’m too smart for that. That’s the message the kids need to hear coming from me. I tell them, “If I fought every time somebody called me a name, I would never get out of jail. But I’m disciplined. I’m smarter than that.” So I tell them, like my mother said, “Consider the source.” When you see who called you the name, then you understand why they’re doing it. Then you don’t have to stoop that low. – Mr. T
You do not need to impress anyone.
No one should call the shots in your life except you.
You should not respond negatively to fear, guilt, shame, or tears.
You figure out a way to deal with your problems. Period.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
APPRECIATE WHO YOU ARE
“I’m not a star. I don’t feel I’m so great. So how can I make you feel great just because you’ve got my signature on a piece of paper?” – Mr. T
“My celebrity status allows me an opportunity, allows me a pulpit to preach and reach out to the people. Not even always preaching but just leading, motivating them by being a leader.” – Mr. T
I have always made sure to be clean in body, home, and clothing.
You may not be able to afford fine wine, clothes, and jewelry, but if you have a will to work you are already worth your weight in gold.
Do not let anybody talk down to you or tell you that you are not good enough because you are.
You have to believe in yourself.
I believe in you.
And if you are reading this, then I know you do too.
BE POSITIVE
“Whatever role I play is a positive role; it’s a strong role. Never negative.” – Mr. T
Positivity attracts things.
It attracts people, money, and things.
Therefore, if those are the things you want, then be positive.
SMILE
“We were poor, but we smiled.” – Mr. T
You may not have much, but you have something so be grateful.
Those who can keep a smile on their face and joy in their heart are never sad or bitter.
They love their enemies and pray for those who spite them.
They say it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.
Do not waste energy frowning.
You need every muscle to be able to work and earn a living and help others.
So keep smiling.
BE HUNGRY
“This guy Clubber Lang, I’ve been him all my life. He’s mean and hungry just like me.” – Mr. T
If you want something bad enough, you will find a way. Legally, morally, and ethically to get it.
I’m hungry. And I’m thirsty.
Knowledge feeds me, but it doesn’t quench my thirst. Therefore, I strive to find ways to help people.
They say reading feeds the soul. So, I read every day and help others increase their knowledge so they can be fed too because no one likes to eat alone.
CONFIDENCE
“I have the Midas touch, in the way that when I hook up with a project, I feel, not speaking cocky or conceited, but there’s a confidence I have. I learned that from Muhammad Ali; I used to bodyguard him. He taught me about confidence. So when it comes to any job I work, I’m gonna do it good; I’m going to bring it over the top.” – Mr. T
“I didn’t come to Hollywood. Hollywood came to me. A lot of people wish they could say the things I say. Everyone out here is so phony, it’s sickening.” – Mr. T
I have learned to hold your head up high, sit and stand up straight and look people in the eye.
Keep your standards high.
Give a firm handshake and stand your ground.
Even dogs can sense fear.
I have learned the two best ways of boosting confidence are getting a good education and hard work.
MINDFULNESS
“I take a lot of pride in the work I do, because people pay to see me. They’ve got to get babysitters, park their car, get popcorn and candy. I’ve got to be conscious of that.” – Mr. T
I learned that a job worth doing is worth doing well.
It can’t be all about me.
I have to be mindful of others and respect their time, energy, and efforts as if it were my own.
GOOD HYGIENE
“I’m pretty clean, hygienic and all that, but sometimes when I come home, I throw my coat over there, take one shoe off here, one shoe off there, but I’m not dirty.” – Mr. T
I have learned a cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind.
Everything should have its place.
Cleanliness is the closest you can get to perfection.
Take care of yourself from head to toe.
You are just a shower and a shave away from an opportunity. Never forget that.
MANNERS MATTER
“T stands for being nice. T stands for manners. T stands for being polite.” – Mr. T
People like nice people.
Do not be a mean-spirited person.
Nice people tend to attract good things.
Money is also on that list.
Fortunes have been made just for being nice.
So do good.
“When you give, it comes back to you.” – Mr. T
“I tell everybody, I get so much because I give so much. I give freely, I give all my time, give all my money, give all of my soul. I try to motivate people. I try to inspire them.” – Mr. T
Case in point, Mr. T was at one time commanding an estimated $80,000 a week for his role on the A-Team and $15,000 for appearances. He even got to meet the president. All this from being nice.
There’s some food for thought. Just something to chew on.
BE BOLD
“I don’t worry. I don’t doubt. I’m daring. I’m a rebel.” – Mr. T
“Anger – use it, but don’t lose it!” — Mr. T
“I’m a free spirit” – Mr. T
My parents used to call me a rebel.
I was okay with that because fortunes usually favor the bold.
I think of myself as a free spirit.
I’m a free range pony. I can’t be held down. I’m too busy lifting people up.
What I am upset and bothered about is that there are so many people that do not know about finances.
However, I use my anger to creatively think of solutions.
I guess some could say I am a Rebel without a cause, but guess what? I have a cause.
My cause is to give a voice to those without one, to help the sick, poor, and elderly and promote positivity and change for the betterment of mankind, but that’s just me.
DON’T QUIT
“You’re going through college, and you’re going to be faced with a lot of things. You’re going to face adversity, the main thing is don’t quit. For many people it’s easy to quit, but don’t. That’s what separates the winners from the losers, what separates the all-stars from the also-rans.” — Mr. T
“I want to represent… to the kids to draw strength from me. So they can see that everybody goes through something, but you can rise up and do your best. Just try.” – Mr. T
“Really, you don’t lose until you stop trying.” – Mr. T
“I pity the fool who just gives up.” – Mr. T
In life, things are going to happen.
You get up, dust yourself off and keep going.
No one is going to coddle you in the real world.
You can’t win unless you play the game through to the end.
Be a winner not a quitter.
Don’t complain. Do something.
DO NOT GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT
“We all gonna die eventually from something or other, but don’t be a wimp. Put up a good fight.”Mr. T
Whatever it is your going through know that you are not alone.
There are many others that may have problems that are bigger than yours.
If you’re going to go down, you might as well go down fighting.
If I have to fight, I’m going down kicking and screaming.
I can’t just give up. It ain’t in me.
And don’t let anything get you down. Get up.
SET A GOAL
“All I ever wanted to do with my life was own a little house. I did that way back with ‘Rocky,’ so now everything I do is just icing on the cake.” – Mr. T
You just have to have a goal and write it down.
Memorize it and visualize it. Work hard for it.
Sometimes dreams do come true. If you are willing to just try.
KNOW YOUR VALUES AND NOT JUST THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING
“Calvin Klein and Gloria Vanderbilt don’t wear clothes with your name on it, so why should you wear their name?” — Mr. T
“I don’t mean to be cocky, but if I’m never on TV again, if I never make another dollar, I am proud. I did what I wanted to do.” – Mr. T
“You might not have the things you want, but if you check carefully, you got all you need.” – Mr. T
Who cares if you can’t afford a fancy car, home, or clothes?
Just get out there and work.
Put in the time. Put your head down and work.
The only people that get anything are the ones that show up.
I don’t care much for labels. I only care about quality.
I wanted to know how long I could walk in a pair of shoes until holes started to show up.
I’m not putting those fancy designers’ kids through private school or paying for their summer home.
If you want my hard earned money, then you better have a quality product.
I value and respect money and time too much to just throw it away.
INVESTING
“Where’s the meat? This sandwich is full of weeds! I ain’t eatin’ nothing I don’t understand!” – Mr. T
Same rules apply with money.
You should not put your money, time, energy, effort, or invest in anything you do not understand.
Do your research.
Your body is also your temple. Stay away from drugs. You do not know what is in them.
My father told me growing up that drugs only lead to two things: death and destruction.
Put your hard earned money to work for you and you will one day not have to work so hard for it.
I have a dollar and a dream to make myself some cream. How am I going to do it? By investing.
I prefer low cost index funds. If you are unsure which ones, then go for the ones with the lowest fees.
MONEY
“I made a little money. And like the Bible says, I was enjoying the fruits of my labor. This is my comeback. This is me doing what I love to do.” – Mr. T
“I believe in the Golden Rule – The Man with the Gold… Rules.” – Mr. T
“We didn’t starve. We spent wisely. Like I tell people in the ghetto, “If you can buy guns and bullets, why can’t you buy food? You can buy heroin and crack cocaine, so why can’t you buy bread and butter and milk? Why can’t you pay your rent?” There’s a lot of people in the ghetto who go out and get a fancy car and all that. The car costs more than their house. Meanwhile, your kids need shoes. That’s not cool.” – Mr. T
I know money is important.
What I also want you to know is that it does not come before people.
What you have is not more important than who you are and if there are people around you that cannot see that, then get away from them.
People will try to talk you out of things, but if it is your dream then don’t let them.
If you have a dream, then don’t let anyone take it away.
Put your money where your values are.
Your credit card and bank statements will show where they are.
If you don’t like them, then change them.
You cut your expenses to the bone if that is what it takes to put food on the table and a roof over your head.
Forget a nice set of wheels if it means you cannot take care of your families and responsibilities.
I have heard of dealerships offering a seven year car payment! Forget that. That is longer than college!
Check out my posts on cars (the biggest money suckers on the planet)
Who or what motivates and inspires you? Please comment and share here.
I want you to focus on earning.
Once you earn, then you can save and invest.
Stay away from debt and credit cards.
Credit card debt is for the impatient.
Wealth and abundance come to those that are patient. See my post
What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goal of financial freedom and independence?
Jordan Peele has made history. He has become a first ever winner at the Academy Awards.
“People who end up as ‘first’ don’t actually set out to be first. They set out to do something they love.” – Condoleezza Rice
We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark. – Whoopi Goldberg
The Oscars may be over, but will never be forgotten for Jordan Peele. He earned a place in the history books as the 39-year-old actor, comedian, writer, and director is the first African-American to win the best writing (original screenplay) Oscar at the 90th Academy Awards.
Peele is not only a trailblazer, buy also a wealthy one; with a personal fortune estimated at $12 million according to Celebrity Net Worth Today.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Jordan Peele was born in New York City. After finishing high school, he attended the prestigious Sarah Lawrence college for two years, but dropped out to start doing comedy.
Early in his career he met the cast of Mad TV in 2003 and joined the show for its ninth season staying for five seasons and ending his run through season 13.
One relationship that he made which went on to last many years personally and professionally would be with comedian Keegan-Michael Key.
It was said while the two were auditing for a show that they had an undeniable chemistry working together and so they got paired up often. This is where Peele would later go on to be associated with most as a star of a major comedic television show.
Jordan Peele is known to most as half of the dynamic duo behind the former Comedy Central smash skit show “Key & Peele.” The show ran for five seasons from 2012-2015.
FROM ACTOR TO DIRECTOR
Jordan Peele has made the transition from actor to director with apparent ease. His debut film was one of the highest grossing of 2017.
Jordan Peele’s Get Out made over $150 million at the domestic box office. It went on to become the highest-grossing movie ever for a feature debut for a writer/director of an original screenplay.
Breaking yet another record, Jordan Peele becomes the first black writer-director to make a $100M debut feature.
According to Box Office Mojo, Get Out was made with a budget of only $4.5 million, and has grossed a massive $252,434,250 worldwide.
In early 2018, Peele announced an intention to retire from acting as he feels directing is more fun.
All that hard work has paid off. Peele has an estimated annual salary of $1.5M-$2M for work on television and film for the first time director. Although, he left college early to work, we see that it was well worth the gamble he bet on himself.
Therefore, remembering that this quote could very well net you a fortune, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” – Aristotle
ACADEMY AWARD WINNER
On March 4, 2018, Jordan Peele made Oscar history by winning his first ever Academy Award for best original screenplay.
The years of hard work learning his craft, auditing, writing comedy, performing, acting, and directing has cultivated in the ultimate accolade and highest honor in his field: an Oscar.
His partner in laughs, Key, had the ultimate fan reaction you could imagine.
Upon accepting his award he thanked his mother for her love and support.
He also thanked Whoopi Goldberg for inspiring him during his acceptance speech. (She is the second black actress to receive two acting nominations and did so in both categories; Supporting and Lead) Just FYI.
When @WhoopiGoldberg won her Oscar for “Ghost” she practically reached through my TV screen and told young me to follow my dreams. I did, and it worked. Thanks Whoopi. pic.twitter.com/yFCoWdd7Ee
My father always says that America squanders its greatest asset: the people.
People are the greatest asset. Treat people with respect and it comes back to you.
“Karen, nothing is worth sacrificing your dignity and self-respect.” – Suzanne Somers in Step by Step (1991-1998)
The complete Step by Step series is currently streaming on Hulu for fans of the show, just fyi.
I learned this valuable lesson about respect many years ago when I was growing up. I was watching several different television shows, but a few stood out. They were ALF, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Amazing Stories, Family Matters, Mr. Belvedere, Punky Brewster and The A- team.
ALF
Alf was a television show about an alien that aired on NBC from 1986-1990 and was also turned into an animated series twice; The Animated Series (1987-1988) and Alf Tales (1988-1989). From this show I learned to not judge people by what they look like, but by what’s on the inside, respect for others, and that it is not good to be petty.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
Alvin and the Chipmunks was an animated cartoon series that aired on NBC from 1983-1990. In the show, the boys learn life lessons that they pass on to the viewers. I remember that doing the right thing is its own reward and bullies never prosper in the long run. The very 1st episode entitled “The C-Team” aired on September 17, 1983.
In this first episode, the boys encounter bullies and they seek out Mr. T to ask for advice and help. Even though Mr. T was extremely busy, as in real life he was doing The A-Team live action and an animated cartoon series called Mister T(1983-1986), on the show he stopped what he was doing to help the Chipmunks. It taught me that an adult should take to the time to help and inspire children to do the right thing and there is value in teamwork.
AMAZING STORIES
Amazing Stories was an anthology series created by Steven Spielberg, that featured fantasy stories that aired on NBC for two seasons from 1985-1987. My absolute favorite episode is the one entitled “Gather Ye Acorns” and it starred Mark Hamill aka “Luke Skywalker” from “Star Wars” fame.
In this story, as a young boy, he decides to keep all his possessions as one day he was told they will make him a fortune. Little did he know it would take about 50 years or so to happen.
However, instead of giving into despair completely and hurting others, he took ownership of his decisions and even when he was down to his last dollar he still gifted a woman one of his most prized possessions given to him by his grandmother. He told her he would give her a beautiful vase for a beautiful lady. She offered to buy it from him after inquiring if he would sell it to her. This woman would end up writing him a check for $10,000. As the vase was a very rare one, and made during the 1930’s. His charm, attitude, and humility caused his darkest hour to turn into his greatest triumph.
If you are noticing a theme here with NBC cranking out and airing some great shows, you are not alone. NBC must be making a mint from all those residuals.
But I digress. Let’s get back to the subject at hand.
FAMILY MATTERS
Family Matters was a sitcom that ran for nine seasons from 1989-1998 on ABC and the last season on CBS. The show had many themes that kids and young adults deal with such as peer pressure, bullying, and drugs. The show is known for its nerdy breakout character Steve Urkel who would always show the audience that doing the right thing was always the right thing to do. He always stood up for the little guy, never gave into peer pressure or bullying of any kind, and always defended himself from anyone who would try to do him harm.
I learned this and that being smart could be an asset because Urkel was a science nerd and this helped him navigate the troubles in life, but he had a heart of gold and eventually won the heart of the woman he loved; Laura Winslow.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x399dug
MR. BELVEDERE
Mr. Belvedere was a sitcom that aired on ABC from 1985-1990 and ran for six seasons. The title character of the show was always helping the family he was employed for with various moral or ethical dilemmas. And at the end of every episode, he wrote in a journal the happenings of the day and the lessons he learned. This is part of what inspired me to write. I still keep a journal and to do list to this day. That’s how I am able to keep up with writing content for this blog. When I am inspired: I write it down.
PUNKY BREWSTER
Punky Brewster was a sitcom about a young girl being raised by a foster parent named Henry than ran on NBC for 4 seasons from 1984-1986. The show as also turned into an animated series (as was the thing to do back in the 80’s and 90’s) called It’s Punky Brewster (1985-1986). I saw the difference a foster parent could make in a kid’s life. They had so much love for each other. It inspires me to this day to be gracious, kind, and generous to others because you can make a difference.
THE A-TEAM
The A-Team was a television series that ran for five seasons on NBC from (1983-1987). The A-Team were members of a fictional United Sates Special Forces unit. What I liked about the show was the teamwork and camaraderie between the characters and their integrity. Although the show was fiction, I still remember what the real United States Army Special Forces motto is: De Oppresso Liber, which is Latin for to liberate the oppressed. Basically, you help those in need who cannot help themselves.
So, if you decide to pursue wealth, it is best to make sure you know why you are doing it and what you want to accomplish.
You cannot just save money as it has to circulate so that the world keeps moving. Circulating does not mean spending, but that money should be managed properly, accounted for, and readily available for others to use. Investing is the way to do this.
For example, investing $100,000 into stocks that yield an 8% rate of return could net you $1,000,000 in 30 years without adding another cent. That’s right, a cool million bucks just for breathing and letting your money stay put!
Remember this, whatever you choose to do, whether it is about fame, money, acting, dancing, singing, or donating, nothing is worth sacrificing your dignity and self-respect.
I say choose wisely. And I pity the fool who chooses money over people. Sorry, had to say it.
Got any inspiring stories? Share them and comment here. You never know who you may inspire.
More money does not mean you are free of problems. Money can make life easier, but it has a price.
You want fame? … Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying. With sweat. – Debbie Allen in Fame
“Stardom equals financial success and financial success equals security. I’ve spent too much of my life feeling insecure. I still have nightmares about being poor, of everything I own just vanishing away. Stardom means that can’t happen.” – Steve McQueen
“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.” ― Jim Carrey
“What people don’t realize is that fame—whatever your worst experience in high school, when you were being bullied by those 10 kids in high school—fame is that, but on a global scale, where you’re being bullied by millions of people constantly.” – Megan Fox
People assume I’m out there having this great life, but money doesn’t erase the pain. When you’re young you barrel through life, making choices without thinking of the repercussions. A few years down the line, you wake up in a certain place and wonder how the hell you got there. – Jennifer Lopez
MONEY PROBLEMS
What’s the problem with money? The problem with earning more is that oftentimes followed precipitously by spending more.
Overspending can cause many problems such as stress, depressions and weight gain. It also leads to debt, poverty, and negative net worth’s.
Although, having vast sums of money can cause some headaches and of the same problems as stated above, money has many good uses as well.
For example, once you have it you are able to espouse love in numerous ways, such as paying for good health care, an excellent education, adequate housing and healthy food.
Money offers protection.
Especially, for the harshness of life. However, the reality is that money has no power until you use it. Power by itself is not good or evil. Money is not good or bad. It is what you do with it that gives it meaning.
It is all up to you.
They say be careful what you wish for. Especially, money. It can be a gift or a curse depending on the way you look at it.
I read a book called Winning the Money Game: Lessons Learned from the Financial Fouls of Pro Athletes by Adonal Foyle. He was a professional basketball player who describes the things he says while playing in the NBA 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.
I cannot count the number of stories I have read about some celebrity losing millions to unscrupulous financial and business managers.
It’s a great way to keep accountants and others on their toes and let them know you are watching.
CASH RESERVES
Cash reserves are a must. Any individual with an income should put a money cushion aside for lean times because trust me they will come.
The problem is that when money comes fast, which is true for athletes and lottery winners, it usually goes out that way as well. Before many have had time to adjust and learn the ropes of handling money.
If you own a home and want to build a fortune as a real estate mogul or landlord, then usually that comes with sweat equity (a fancy term for hard work and fixing up your property yourself).
You also need to set aside money for maintenance or vacancies. As every business needs capital.
Should you choose to pursue wealth, fame, fortune, and your dreams you better have a backup plan should all not go as you hoped. (Foyle was forced to retire due to an injury at the ripe old age of 35)
He started preparing financially many years’ prior and was on solid financial footing when the day came for him to stop earning paychecks from his career as a basketball player.
I advise everyone to do the same.
Foyle has started coaching and advising other young athletes about money as he saw a need and decided to help others and he continues to help people regardless of what has happened in his life.
No matter what you go through in this life do not lose your humility or your humanity.
Your friends and family are the ones that will help you in good times and bad.
