Category Archives: Celebrities and Money

The six ways to get rich

“What’s keeping you from being rich? In most cases, it’s simply a lack of belief. In order to become rich, you must believe you can do it, and you must take the actions necessary to achieve your goal.” —Suze Orman

Sure, there are lots of ways to get rich, but they all fall into one of these six categories as there are only six ways to actually get rich.

The six ways to get rich are:

  • Capitalize on a unique skill or talent.
  • Marry rich.
  • Inherit money.
  • Own a business.
  • Take calculated risks and get lucky.
  • Spend less than you earn and invest wisely.

Let’s explore each category.

CAPITALIZE ON TALENT

Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” ― Maya Angelou.

Become an expert in one area or niche and exploit it. Dominate that field. And never stop growing.

If you read my post on Beyoncé, you will notice that she started young, developed her craft, and expanded her expertise. She not only sings, but dances, endorses products, started businesses, and writes songs. She owns what she does. Everything from trademarks – Blue Ivy and Ivy Park – to owning a music streaming service. Put it simply, she dominates in her field.

If you want to be the next J.K. Rowling or Stephen King, then you just have to start writing. J.K. Rowling famously said she was rejected at least 12 times before anyone would publish Harry Potter. Persistence and determination are vitally important if you want to succeed. And just FYI, it took her 7 years to write Harry Potter.

MARRY RICH

“Don’t you know that a man being rich is like a girl being pretty? You wouldn’t marry a girl just because she’s pretty, but my goodness, doesn’t it help?”

―Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Dating is all about introductions and proximity. It doesn’t matter if you swipe right on Tinder or meet at your family’s country club, you just have to get some face time. You can’t date who you can’t see or touch.

In my experience, men date and marry women who are in their vicinity or social circle. Therefore, if you are looking for a rich man, then you have to be where they are i.e., charity events, sports games, auction houses, doctoral seminars, or the like.

In addition, if you know where wealthy men tend to reside, then hey you can pack up and find a job there and frequent their haunts. Location, location, location baby.

People also tend to look for partners that are successful in their own right. You don’t necessarily have to be rich, but having some sort of talent or career outside of just being a wealthy mate’s plus one bodes well for you and your prospects of landing and keeping a partner. So, invest in yourself – get educated, cultured, learn opera, play piano, paint or learn another language – either way you have a skill.

Above all else, respect yourself. Have your own life, career, friends, family, and money. No one wants a loner that can barely make rent, they want someone who is open to people, new experiences, and can pick up the check.

Don’t agree. Well, how’s this for food for thought; Chrissy Teigen once responded to a mean tweet by telling someone she does not just spend someone else’s money, but in two words replied: “my money.” She also went on to note her Forbes ranking and that she is a best-selling cookbook author. She basically told people to chew on that – no pun intended. A very nice retort on her part and her equivalent of put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Ah, gotta love that Chrissy.

You have to admit it sure sounds better when you can list your own accomplishments.  Respect for self is attractive and shows confidence. And confidence is key.

INHERIT MONEY

I would rather make my name than inherit it. – William Makepeace Thackeray

Studies into the wealth of households have shown that most wealth today is now earned than inherited. In my experience, people truly appreciate and cherish that which they work and sweat for.

For example, when I was given gifts of money or other items I am usually losing or unable to tell you whom gave me the gift. The car in my driveway that I worked so hard for is still there 15 years later.

There are those that inherit their fortunes, but the saying goes that a fool and his money are soon parted. I suggest you get a career, get educated, and learn a craft to earn your own living. If you do inherit, then you can manage your money instead of squandering it.

OWN A BUSINESS

Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. – Carol Burnett

Starting a business is what two-thirds of millionaires do. This lets you know that if you are successful and become rich, then most likely you will or do own a business at some point in your life.

I suggest determining what you are good at and then turning that into a business. Passion is great, but just because you are passionate about golf and want to be a pro golfer does not mean that is what you are good at or meant to do.

Also study up and get a mentor or work with people in the field you want to be in. Read books, attend seminars and save money. All businesses need capitol. If you can find a business to start with a low barrier to entry such as a food truck or blogging, then the better.

BIG RISKS FOR BIG REWARDS

“If you want big rewards, you gotta take big risks.” Jessica Biel as Tenley Parrish in Summer Catch (2001)

If you read my post, wealth comes from doing not luck, then you understand that from preparedness comes opportunity and hard work creates luck and success.

It is okay to take risks, but I prefer calculated ones. The ones where you do your research, study your results, learn from you’re mistakes or the ones of others and keep moving forward. Make that pro con list, watch videos, attend conferences or better yet, speak to those that have done or are doing what you long to do. If you’re going to risk it all, then best to know all the facts first.

SPEND LESS, SAVE AND INVEST OVER TIME

The formula for getting rich is this: spend < money earned

Simply put, spend less than you earn.

If you can do that, you have got a shot at getting rich.

For example, you can be a millionaire over time if you do the following:

  • Save $6,000 a month for 10 years getting a 6% return
  • Save $2,200 a month for 20 years getting a 6% return
  • Save $800 a month for 25 years getting an 8% return
  • Save $600 a month for 30 years getting an 8% return
  • Save $500 a month for 40 years getting a 6% return

The combinations can vary based on the amount of savings invested and the return on investment of compound interest. However, the bottom line is saving can earn you a fortune.

For those concerned with inflation, here is an inflation-adjusted. 25-year wealth accumulation chart.

Source: www.businessinsider.com

THE BOTTOM LINE

Ultimately, no matter what path you take if you partake in spending less than you earn and investing, over time you will become rich eventually.

How Dave Grohl turned passion into profits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I never took lessons to learn how to play the drums, and I never took lessons to learn how to play guitar, l just sort of figured it out. I think that if you’re passionate about something and you’re driven and focused, that you can pretty much do anything that you want to do in life.” – Dave Grohl

I am a firm believer in being passionate about what you do. If you’re going to do it for a living, then you may as well enjoy it. That’s how I feel about finances. I can’t stop talking about it. So, I write about it.

It’s funny because growing up I always felt I wanted to be a writer. From the time I was in the 5th grade I knew writing stories made me happy. It just so happened I was able to combine my two passions and got this blog up and running.

I also try to learn from those who have turned their passion into a successful career. One person that really stood out for me in the music world was none other than one of the legendary grunge music founders: Dave Grohl.

DAVE GROHL THE BEGINNINGS

Dave Eric Grohl was born on January 14, 1969 in Warren, OH. He discovered his passion for guitar at the age of 10, started lessons at 12, and then started teaching himself at age 13. After he saw his first concert in 1982, he knew from then on that his music that he would play would be punk rock.

He went to several high schools in Virginia before finally dropping out to start playing in a rock band full-time. It was also at a concert in 1990, where Grohl met Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. Little did he know these guys would be the start of his future in rock. They asked him to audition for their band. His passion, drive, and all out hardcore drumming impressed them and from there he became the new, fifth and final, drummer for the legendary band Nirvana. As one-third of the iconic Nirvana, he played with them from (1990-1994). And they played grunge music.

Grunge started around the 1980’s in Seattle. As a form of alternative rock, these bands changed the game in music. One band that stood out from the crowd was Nirvana.

NIRVANA FROM GRUNGE MUSIC TO MUSIC ROYALTY

After playing with Nirvana for a few years, they got the attention of major record labels.  Nirvana was signed to Geffen Records and recorded the iconic album “Nevermind” right after. This album, in 1991, had the hit single “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which was a huge commercial success worldwide, became the anthem for grunge music and became one the top selling singles of all time, with 8 million copies sold. It also spawned the hit single “Come as you are” in 1992. Nirvana went from grunge music to music royalty, and became international superstars.

Nirvana became so big that their music had to be cut from the 1992 Cameron Crowe film soundtrack for “Singles” after they became famous. The song and band became so popular that the movie could not afford the rights to the song as it became too expensive by the time the studio released the movie. The album “Nevermind” was recorded over the course of a year and would go on to sell over 24 million albums worldwide. The band would go on to record 102 songs and become one of the biggest recording groups of all time.

After the death of Nirvana lead singer, Kurt Cobain, the grunge music scene was left reeling as many grunge bands in Seattle broke up and from there things were never the same. That is just how much Cobain and Nirvana had influenced alternative rock. Their talent as a band forever lives on in their music.

FOO FIGHTERS

Grohl went on to form the critically acclaimed bad the Foo Fighters in Seattle, Washington in 1994. Founded by the Nirvana drummer as a one-man project after the dissolution of Nirvana. Although, he was asked to join other bands, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, he turned them down to pursue his own vision and dreams.

According to an article in Rolling Stone magazine, devastated by the death of Cobain, he went to Ireland and was just in a daze driving around until he saw someone walking down the street wearing a Cobain T-shirt. From there he decided to go back to work. He then recorded a 15-track demo. This would become the Foo Fighters first album.

The band’s debut album “Foo Fighters” was in 1995 and they are still going strong today. In the band’s twenty plus year long career they have won four Grammys, recorded nine albums and sold over 12 million albums in the United States alone.

ADVICE FROM A ROCKSTAR

When Nirvana became popular, you could very easily slip and get lost during that storm. I fortunately had really heavy anchors – old friends, family. – Dave Grohl

No excess needed. Grohl has said he does not believe in rock-star excess. When Nirvana made it big and got popular he was renting a house with a friend. He had a lamp, futon, and a dresser. When the band sold over ten million records later, he still was in the same spot with the same lamp, futon, and dresser. He said he didn’t have much growing up, but does not remember ever needing anything. Grohl says, how much do you need?

When asked about what he does with his money, this is what Dave Grohl replied:

“It goes straight into my bank account, where it turns all moldy and smelly… I don’t waste my time thinking about how I could make more when I already got enough. I’m not a banker, I’m a musician.”

Nirvana (Cobain, Novoselic, and Grohl) would eventually be forever remembered by receiving one of the highest honors in music as they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 10, 2014. The band has sold over 75 million albums worldwide. They are considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

More than one path to success. Coming from money and pursuing higher education are not the only ways to succeed. In an interview, Grohl stated “I never graduated school and I never had enough money for college.” He worked blue collar jobs and played music on the side. Now he’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Grohl says, “I want everyone to imagine that same opportunity is possible.”

Be true to yourself. Grohl’s advice to others after all his success is simple and honest which is just to be yourself as it has worked for him for the last 20 years. Grohl feels he is an earnest and nerdy guy, but it works.  His mother has described him as driven and determined with money never really being part of their conversation as he just wanted to work.

When he writes music, he wants a story behind it. He wants something that is relevant. And having sold over 100 million albums in two different bands it shows that it works. His mother says she believes people listen to his music because he is sincere. Basically, he could be the Phil Collins of alternative rock. As Phil Collins, is one of the only artists (there are only three) to ever sell 100 million albums as a solo artist and with a band.

He once even broke his leg during a concert, went to the hospital, and was back on stage within two hours playing guitar. That’s just how much passion he has for what he does.

I love to play music. So why endanger that with something like drugs? – Dave Grohl

Grohl says, “It’s important to me – that the stories that inspired me can inspire other people. I don’t feel like I’m on a mission. But I have the opportunity and the resources.” I take this advice to heart and I just try to be myself, do what interests and excites me, and just live my life. If it doesn’t excite me, then I probably won’t do it. Life is too short for mediocrity.

And just in case you were wondering, Nirvana went on to receive seven Grammy award nominations; winning one. The Foo Fighters have been nominated for 16 Grammys.

Grohl, the man behind the drums in Nirvana, and the lead guitarist in Foo Fighters, has received 15 Grammys out of 39 nominations. He continues to tour with the Foo Fighters and has amassed a fortune of $280 million dollars. Not bad for a high school dropout. It just goes to show; never give up on your dreams.

Wealth comes from doing not luck

 

“Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity” – Seneca

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” –Thomas Jefferson

I do not believe in coincidences.

I believe that whatever happens was meant to. A series of actions and events put two people or things together for a reason. You attract people and things to you.

“The truth attracts money to you and lies repel it.” – Suze Orman

Therefore, if you want to attract wealth, good health and abundance then tell the truth.

THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU DEBT-FREE

Tell people your financial truth. Tell your friends and family that you can’t go on that trip with them, or out to dinner at an expensive restaurant, or that you do not have the funds to buy Christmas gifts.

Yeah, I said it. Cancel Christmas if you have to.

There’s no rule that says you have to go into debt to buy gifts for Christmas.

How about the family finds a more economical way to give gifts? Like a lottery or drawing or Secret Santa. This could be drawing names out of a hat and buying just for that one person.

Who cares if you ruffle some feathers? It is far better to be debt-free. That is the gift that keeps on giving.

Not having to pay interest to service debt is the best gift of all you can give to yourself.

“Rather go to bed without dinner than to rise in debt.” – Benjamin Franklin

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

If I hear one more person talk about going on vacation to Jamaica, I’m going to start an exotic vacation jar. It works similar to a swear jar. However, the end result will be I put my own money into the jar, say $5, and then deposit it in my savings to invest it into a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or stocks at the beginning of each year.

I know some people may not agree with me, but I really do feel that you get as much pleasure and excitement out of saving as you do spending.

I have watched and heard many friends, family, and acquaintances talk about plans for vacation, but I rarely hear them talk about plans for saving for the future.

Everything revolves around spending.

Well, I’m here to let you know it’s okay to say no to things.

It is okay to say no that you cannot afford to go shopping, out to dinner with friends or to birthday parties.

Heck, even weddings if the ticket and tux will put you in the red.

If you feel obligated to go to a wedding, I completely understand, but plan for it.

For instance, you could save $100 bucks a month in a weddings account. This is for all things wedding related. Flights, hotel rooms, wedding attire, and gifts. Set aside a certain amount. Let’s say $1,000 and that is your budget. Then you never have to worry when you get that call, “I’m engaged.”

If you feel that it makes you uncomfortable to tell people you can’t afford it, try this one line on for size: “I choose not to spend my money on insert item here.”

Fill in the blank with anything. It sounds good no matter how you say it.

Cause after all, it is your money.

Lastly, tell your doctor the truth. You can’t have wealth without health.

Do not ever feel embarrassed to tell a health professional what is going on with you.

They are there to help not to judge.

LUCK MAY NOT EQUAL MORE BUCKS

“If you just keep your head down, work, and put it on the bottom line, sooner or later that takes care of everything else.” – Wayne Huizenga

I feel that people make their own luck. The harder you work, the more you give of your time, energy and efforts to work, help and care for others is all the luck you need. Hard work is like a magnet because it attracts things. Like money. It’s a Greenbacks Magnet. Get it. Wink, wink.

Even, Star Wars Master Jedi Obi-Wan agrees with me.

“There is no such thing as luck. Only opportunity and being prepared.” – Terry Crews as Julius on Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009)

So if luck is tied to work, then what do you think happens when people are lazy. So in essence, you are not ever really unlucky, but you can be lazy.

I know life is a journey that is full of twists and turns. It is not a straight path – as the crow flies – from obscurity to abundance.

I also know that life is full of tough times, obstacles, and at times unfair. We may not all have the same opportunities, but we all have to play the hand we were dealt because our turn at bat will come. Every action may not be a royal flush or a home run. Sometimes you just have to roll with the dice. However, you can do your best with what you’ve got. Either way, life happens. So batter up.

I agree with this quote: “You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world…but you do have some say in who hurts you.” – John Green (author of The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns)

You may not earn what you want when you want, but you can start building lasting impressions and relationships that can put you on the path to wealth.

It’s been said the harder you work  the luckier you get.  Tejano singer Selena once said, “When you get hard work you get success.” That was 25 years ago. But you don’t have to believe me. Here is it straight from the singer herself. She may be gone, but her music and words of wisdom are not forgotten.

Let’s say you get to the cherry on top of the sundae and earn gobs of money and it piles up. Well, don’t let money make you complacent. No resting on your laurels. Hard work is about more than prosperity. Jennifer Lopez says she learned the following from her parents:

They showed me that you put your head down and work—you work for a living and then, when you’re making a living, you still don’t stop… We don’t stop working because we have money in the bank—we do what we do and we keep on doing it.

Remember this: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Money and Life Lessons I learned from Mr. T

“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

Mr. T would go on and star or guest start in a number of notable television shows of the 1980’s such as Silver Spoons, Diff’rent Strokes, and Alvin and the Chipmunks.

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?

How Jordan Peele made Millions and History 

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 MojoGet 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.  

More money more everything including problems

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.

Always treat people like gold.

They are the most important asset in the world.