Could you imagine what it would feel like to go to bed with $100 bucks in your bank account only to wake up and find $120,000 in your checking account? Well, guess what? One Pennsylvania couple actually did! A bank error deposited $120,000 into their account overnight. You can pretty much guess what happens next.
They went on a spending spree buying a camper, a Chevy and a racecar. In addition, they gave about $15,000 to friends and family. They blew through $100,000 in about 2 weeks. Whew!
This Monopoly style bank error in your favor was over almost as soon as it began. They were of course caught and now are facing federal felony charges.
These people got a few dollars in their hands and went crazy with Gold Fever. The likes of which that have not been seen since the California gold rush in the 1800’s.
However, in their case it was more like behavior of a gambler’s addition or lottery ticket winner.
Instead of holding on to money people are prone to spend. Why is that exactly? Are trinkets really how people value self-worth? It would be different if the money was theirs, but it wasn’t. In what world does money magically appear?
This couple had over $100,000 just show up out of the blue in their BB&T account. Who do they think they are?! Joshua Jackson’s character in The Skulls! Where he wakes up, goes to the ATM and sees that his account is now filled with money. Around $20,198.98 to be exact.
And also in that case, the money was not his. He had to join a corrupt secret society, get into an Ivy League college, go through hazing and get impeccable grades and an incredible SAT score to do it. He had to go through a heck of a lot to get access to that kind of cash. Don’t remember the film? No problem. I pulled the trailer for your viewing pleasure.
However, in this couple’s case they did NOTHING! Since, when in life do you get something for nothing? I’ll tell you when; never that’s when.
Are these people binge watching The Rich Kids of Beverly Hills or The Housewives shows or something? Where the housewives love to take PJ’s (short for private jet) all over the world just to spend more money. And by the way… a PJ costs upward of $25,000 a flight or trip. Maybe that’s why so many housewives are in debt, getting divorced, and on shows where they refer to private jets as a PJ.
Regardless, why is spending instead of saving money so important? It becomes a race to see who can have the most toys. Forget it. When you focus on saving and investing your money it transforms your life. You have more control. See why it pays to save.
If you read any story about the self-made millionaires of today, you will rarely see anyone who had a mysterious windfall come out of the sky. And even if a relative left them some money, they invested it in some way such as by going to college, learning a trade, buying stocks, or starting a business.
You have to focus less on spending money and more on holding on to what you already have. It may not be sexy, but hey like I Will Teach You To Be Rich author Ramit Sethi says, “would you rather be rich or sexy?”
In a perfect world, you would of course choose both. In reality, I am sure many of you will choose to be rich. Just understand that it doesn’t matter if it takes you three years or 20 years to get rich. The point is you complete the journey. Legally.
Fashion is the vocabulary of the wealthy. – Evan R. Lawson, Royal Pains
Keanu Reeves is arguably one of the most stylish and successful actors of a generation. His latest film John Wick 3: Parabellum earned over $300 million dollars at the box office spawning another sequel from Lionsgate for a John Wick 4 coming on May 21, 2021. So if you haven’t heard the news already then you’re hearing it here first! BREAKING NEWS: John Wick 4 is coming!
His hugely successful career has made him a bankable action star with an estimated net worth of over $350 million.
Let’s find out out millionaires are minted and tailor made.
There are three John Wick movies, so I will give you three money lessons.
The Continental in New York
Lesson One: If you’re going to do something, then you may as well look good while doing it I love this Buzzfeed interview with Keanu Reeves or KR as they refer to him. It is a film about suits. A ballet of bullets. Those suits are pristine mortuary chic.
Custom made finely tuned works of art in clothe. It adds to the prestige and dark mystic of the film.
The costuming and fashion is top notch. Definitely reminds me of suits I have seen on other men that come straight from suit designer to the stars Savile Row in London England.
Savile Row, founded by Henry Poole in 1846, bespoke suits are so popular that shops in that district have received the Royal Warrant (seal of approval from HRH the Queen of England or Prince Charles) to outfit the royals and all those who wear a crown. Getting a thumbs up from The Crown of England is no small feat as you have to be the top 0.01 percent of your craft.
Savile Row is the world’s most famous suiting street as reported by Maxim where suits on Savile Row can start at $5,000.
And speaking of Maxim, the magazines late founder Felix Dennis had some great advice on money. Considering he was worth an estimated $400 million, I would say listen to what he has to say.
The top financial advice he offers is to always pay your taxes. In addition, he states the following:
“To become rich you must be an owner. And you must try to own it all. You must strive with every fibre of your being, while recognising the idiocy of your behaviour, to own and retain control of as near to 100 per cent of any company as you can. – Felix Dennis, How to get rich “
If it flies, floats or fornicates, always rent it. It’s cheaper in the long run.” ― Felix Dennis
Now back to the suits.
The suits designed for this movie are no exception. They almost take on a life of their own. This movie would make Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris or NPH for short) of How I Met Your Mother proud. He was known on HIMYM for constantly wearing suits and saying suit up.
John Wick #1 or JW1JW2
One of my favorite things in this film are the manners. Everyone is respectful and well-mannered even when fighting or speaking with enemies. Parlay? haha This reminds me of that scene in the 1979 film The Warriors.
Anyway, I love a man in a suit. Any suit really. Or uniform. Uniforms means a man is employed. And a retired man means he has income. Wink, wink.
A man that can balance a check book, hang a suit (look good in it that is), and has great manners is my kind of guy! I’m just saying. Like any good host, in the film you regularly see people treat each other with human decency, courtesy, and respect.
Lesson Two: Save money and build up your savings muscle There’s my girl Halle Berry. You know in my previous post I wrote about why she and I continue to save so much.
If you want to be a fiscal gentleman or lady, you must learn to invest your money.
You have to learn to move the needle on your savings and investment accounts the same way you do when you fill up on a tank of gas.
For more info on your girl Greenbacks Magnet money tips and tricks check out my interviews on the websites Financially Alert and Think Save Retire.
That is why I started with saving $1 a day and slowly went upwards to $13,333 a year. Now that is what I call upward savings mobility. It took years to do this. You think Keanu can do all those stunts without proper training?
I once read in a magazine interview that he said to pull off The Matrix stunts he had to do two hours of stretching. It took months of work and preparation including weapons and martial arts training.
A retrospective look back at Keanu.
1999: I need guns. Lots of guns.
2017: I need something Robust… Precise.
2019: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Man has he evolved. haha
Therefore, you need to understand that it could take years to build your fortune. You must have patience or it will eat you up inside to try to get rich quick.
Lesson Three: Make sure you have a safety cushion and that people owe you a favor because time is always of the essence
One the most intense parts of JW3 is his constant looking at his watch in the beginning of the film. As time is ticking by and he is in short supply of it.
The intensity and emotions you feel in those scenes are the same way I want you to feel when it comes to paying off debt. It must go.
Another part of this film I like was when you saw he had a stash of things he needed hidden in a book at the library. This is classic if you don’t want people to find something, then hide it in the books rhetoric.
And last but certainly not least, always make sure someone owes you a favor. I am known to help people out and at times ask for a favor in return.
Life is about building relationships, or so Ryan Reynold’s character Van Wilder says; therefore, it is in your best interest to help your fellow man. There may come a time when you need to ask for help.
People are 90 percent more likely to help those that have previously helped them in the past. So if you get a chance help others because remember that time in finite and you must show people today how you feel as tomorrow may be too late.
I have never been much of a babysitter. Looking back, I think it all started with seeing the sensational film called Adventures in Babysitting.
The film was released in theaters on July 3, 1987. I remember consonantly watching this movie on cable in the 90’s while growing up. Adventures in Babysitting (also known as A Night on the Town in certain countries) is a 1987 American comedy film written by David Simkins, directed by Chris Columbus (in his directorial debut), and starring Elisabeth Shue, Maia Brewton, Keith Coogan, Anthony Rapp, Penelope Ann Miller, Bradley Whitford, and brief cameos by blues singer/guitarist Albert Collins and singer-songwriter Southside Johnny Lyon.
Tonight we will talk about 5 lessons from the film that has stuck with me.
Why do I love this movie so much?
The sheer adrenaline rush of one long night of misadventures, a Thor reference, and nonstop chaos are what good 80’s movies are all about!
So put down that tub of Haagen Dazs ice cream and slice of pizza because I am about to take you on the babysitting ride and night of your life!!
FINANCE LESSON ONE: DATE NIGHT ON A BUDGET
Ah yes, the proverbial date night is a time-honored tradition that starts in puberty and goes all the way through the ages and well into marriage.
The movie starts when seventeen-year-old Chris Parker (Elisabeth Shue from The Karate Kid) get a call from her boyfriend (Bradley Whitford) that he has to cancel their date on their anniversary. What type of guy cancels on a girl on their anniversary? You will have to watch the movie to find out. Sorry no spoilers for that part here.
Opening credits
Speaking of date night, please do not get suckered into thinking you must impress the person you are with by picking up your date in a $50,000 BMW convertible, taking her to an expensive restaurant and buying equally expensive flowers.
For the right guy, I would settle for movie and a pizza. Just a small tip: Frugal couples tend to be the happiest couples. 😉
Fun Fact: I got to meet the cast of The Karate Kid at AwesomeCon in DC this past April 2019. They were exactly as you would expect: Fabulous. Totally cool, easy to talk to, upbeat, and just decent human beings. I even got a photo taken with William Zabka and got Ralph Macchio to sign my photo of My Cousin Vinny! Are you sure about that 5 minutes?! 🤣
As sure as I am that this post has 5 lessons!!
Keep reading and find out! 😉
Instead of hanging out with her best friend Brenda (Penelope Ann Miller) her mother convinces her to babysit the Andersons’ daughter, 8-year-old Sara (Maia Brewton), while they attend a party in downtown Chicago.
To which Chris replies, “I’m too old to babysit.” Honey, you ain’t seen nothing yet! 🤣
This was the worst babysitting gig on the planet. But Chris pulled through like a champ. Let’s see if you can keep up with the plot details.
Chris is set to babysit Sara. Her older brother, Fifteen-year-old Brad Anderson (Keith Coogan), has a massive crush on Chris. His friend Daryl (Anthony Rapp) comes by carrying his dad’s Playboy with a woman in it that looks just like Chris. Her best friend Brenda, who ran away to the bus station downtown because she just can’t take it anymore at home, calls her frantically from inside a phone booth (which doubles as a homeless man’s home) to come pick her up from downtown. They are in a race against time to get downtown before Brad and Sara’s parents get back.
And did I mention that on the way they get a flat tire, get a ride from a one-hooked truck driver whose wife is cheating on him so he pulls a gun on the guy while they’re in the car. And a car thief steals the Cadillac they are hiding in while they are still in it! All this is happening while she needs to get her mom’s station wagon towed and fixed. Oops, I meant to say her mom’s car! 🤣
She says that line throughout the entire film with suck shock and dismay that I laugh every time!
Hi-jinks ensue when you are the babysitter in this tale. So if anyone every recommends babysitting to me as a side hustle, no thanks. I’ll pass.
FINANCE LESSON TWO: A FRIEND IN NEED
Once Chris gets that phone call from Brenda, that’s when all hell breaks loose!!!
Her mom’s car gets a flat, they are taken to a chop shop in a stolen car, escape from car thieves and then they enter a blues club where the band on stage won’t let them leave until they sing the blues.
Daryl starts talking t a streetwalker but that gets cut short as they are being chased by the car thieves because they know where they are located so they hop on the Chicago L train and get put into the middle of a gang fight. One of the best scenes of the movie happens right here. Don’t F#*k with the babysitter! 🤣
The list goes on and on. All the while Brenda is still stuck downtown having her own adventures.
Let’s start with the fact that Chris would not have had these issues had Brenda not chose to run away. This caused her mom’s car to get a flat on the freeway, her windshield to get shot out, and that would cost her $50 bucks!
They end up running into a fraternity party where Chris befriends a guy there played by actor George Newbern (voice of Ren in Pirates of Dark Water). Hearing of her plight he offers to donate $45 to her cause.
This is truly where the term a friend in need is a friend in deed applies. He decided to help her out with no hesitation and asked for nothing in return.
This is the part in the film where I’m like “Ferris Bueller you’re my hero!” 🤣
One of my favorite parts was when she said I will just use the money I have in my account to pay for everything, but when she looks at her checkbook she sees she doesn’t have enough.
So let this be a life lesson for you all out there; never leave home without cash and a credit card.
I learned this lesson from Arnold Schwarzenegger as he says he never leaves home without a credit card and at least $1,000 in cash just in case.
FINANCE LESSON THREE: A DAY LATE AND A $5 DOLLARS SHORT
Dan, the fraternity guy, drops the gang off at the garage.
She explains to the owner, a Thor look alike, much to the delight of Sara, she is $5 short. He refuses to give them the car until Sara offers up her Thor helmet as a peace offering and selfless gift. He then gives them their car.
There are times when despite our best efforts we come up short.
However, like in the song Izzo (H.O.V.A.), JayZ said, “Plus if they was short with cheese I would work with them.”
Sometime you just got to help a brother out! Or in this case, a babysitter.
FINANCE LESSON FOUR: DO WHAT YOU GOT TO DO
After getting the car back, Chris spots her boyfriend in a restaurant with another girl. The gang goes in and confronts him.
While the shenanigans with Mike ensues, Sara slips away and while looking at toys in a display window gets spotted by the car thieves.
Come on, Chris! You should have some sort of plan in case you and the kids get separated.
She then runs to her parents building and scales the side while trying to get away from the thieves. Chris goes after her by climbing down the side of the building herself. Talk about going the extra mile!
From personal experience, I know how hard it is out here. You have to make a dollar out of fifteen cents!
But I am here to tell you, “Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today To get through this thing called life” and if the elevator tries to bring you down GOcrazy!!! haha Thank you Prince for those inspiring words.
Because I thought Chris was insane for scaling a building, but hey, you do what you’ve got to do out here. Like Prince said in the song Let’s Go Crazy, “In this life, you’re on your own.”
In my own experience, I had to work at a gas station to pay the bills.
It didn’t matter if I had to scrub toilets, sell hot dogs, or sell home security systems door-to-door (yes I did that too), I did what I had to do to survive.
Wasn’t nothing going on but the rent and it’s due on the first!
You are too good for nothing when it comes to your family and finances.
You have to put food on the table.
Go get two jobs if you have too!!!
But you take care of your obligations.
My father always told me responsibilities first, fun later.
I also cold-called jobs to see about getting gigs.
That is how I ended up getting one selling cell phones. In addition, I met people that would end up becoming life long friends.
Doing what you have to do, rolling up your sleeves, and putting in the work always gets rewards.
FINANCE LESSON FIVE: A RACE AGAINST TIME
They get Sara and the kids retrieve Brenda from the bus station and rush home, narrowly avoiding the Andersons on Interstate 290.
And Chris has everything taken care of right before Sara and Brad’s parents walk through the door.
As Chris says goodnight to the kids, Brad tells her he understands about her not returning his crush and that if they see each other at school the next day, it’s okay if she ignores him. But Chris smiles and tells him she doesn’t ignore her friends. Damn straight!!
As Chris is leaving, Dan arrives with one of Sara’s missing skates. He says he needs a babysitter and is disappointed when Chris says she is retired; he confesses the babysitter was for him. Chris decides that retirement can wait and gladly agrees to babysit Dan. Sara was delighted to see here missing skate and tells Chris to reward him with a kiss. With Sara’s encouragement, Chris and Dan kiss outside as Brad closes the blinds giving them some privacy.
Inadvertently, Chris got that kiss she wanted in the beginning of the film as the song was saying in the opening credits, but from another man instead of that jerk she dated.
The last lesson of the night; focus on your retirement.
Much like Chris came out of babysitting retirement, you too must not call it quits until you have made sure everything you need and want is in place.
You are in a race against time my friends to get out of the rat race sooner rather than later and that can only happen if you plan ahead.
I used an online calculator and found that if you start at $0 and invest $8,500 for 30 years at an 8% return, you will have $1,039,939.88. That’s right, you will be a millionaire!
If you can save $20,000 a year, this includes an employer match as does the previous retirement example, you hit the seven-figure milestone in 20 years! You would be free to be you.
Now this is an adventure worth taking.
The retire early adventure.
Inputs Current Principal: $ 0.00 Annual Addition: $ 8,500.00 Years to grow: 30 Interest Rate: 8% Compound interest 1 time(s) annually Make additions at start end of each compounding period
At least that’s what they kept saying in the film Risky Business.
Risky Business is a 1983 American coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by Paul Brickman (in his directorial debut) and starring Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay. The film covers themes including materialism, loss of innocence, coming of age, and capitalism. Known as Cruise’s breakout film, Risky Business was a critical and commercial success, grossing more than $63 million against a $6.2 million budget. The soundtrack was done by Tangerine Dream. The movie poster reads: There’s a time for playing it safe and a time for… Risky Business.
Meet the model son who’s been good too long.
However, the title of the post is Catwalking To Get Paid: Modeling Is Risky Business. So why is modeling risky business?
Well you are about to find out.
The film Risky Business was released on August 5, 1983. Joel had all the normal teenage fantasies…cars, girls, money. Then his parents left for a week, and all his fantasies came true.
He was just a Chicago teenager looking for fun at home while his parents were away, but the situation quickly gets out of hand.
Speaking of dreams coming true and things getting out of hand; People magazine reported in the news this week that former Victoria’s Secret model Erin Heatherton (former girlfriend of Leonardo DiCaprio) has filed for bankruptcy owing $560,242.13 in debts and having $6,464.57 in assets.
Like our protagonist in the film, she has goals of securing her future.
Joel (Tom Cruise) chose Princeton, but Erin chose modeling.
He is the model son.
She is the model.
How can it be possible to get in debt so bad that you have to take drastic measures such as filing for bankruptcy or starting, in Joel’s case, a brothel?
Keep reading and find out.
EVERY STORY HAS A BEGINNING AND LIFE IS BUT A DREAM
A suburban Chicago teenager’s parents leave on vacation, and he cuts loose. An unauthorised trip in his father’s Porsche means a sudden need for lots of money, which he raises in a creative way. While the cat’s away, the mice will play. After his overprotective parents leave town, Joel has some fun.
He plays loud music, dances around the house, and invites over a young woman named Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) from a house of ill repute. It will cost him. For her services, she charges him $300.
On a joyride, he later crashes his father’s Porsche and that’s when things really get crazy.
The model son turns into a enterprising young man indeed. Although this movie is pure fiction and for entertainment, the business of modeling, which is very lucrative and glamorous, also has its pitfalls.
Model Erin Heatherton was discovered by a model scout in South Beach Miam,i FL. She moved t New Yorl City to chase her dreams and launched her career in 2006 walking for Diane von Fürstenberg.
At the same age as Joel, 17, she began to focus on her future and started modeling for top designers such as Prada and Chanel.
She began walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2008.
In 2010, Heatherton was officially contracted as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Then things begin to change after a few years.
ALL BUSINESS IS RISKY Going back to Joel, he knows he needs money fast to fix his father’s Porsche so he decides to be enterprising and recruits Lana to help him turn his parents house into a brothel for one night.
In Erin’s world, she is collecting paychecks and accumulating debt fast. She purchased a $1.7 million dollar home in 2012, then the very next year ended her contract with Victoria’s Secret in 2013.
In her bankruptcy filing she states she only makes $1,089.91 a month and $221 of that comes from family and friends.
So, now I have to ask that infamous question that keeps coming up in the movie, “What the F*ck?” How in the world did she go from catwalking for top designers to barely able to avoid the mortgage on her million-dollar price tag bachelorette pad?
After doing some digging, it seems that models are not all as rich as Gisele.
According to a website called Job Monkey, Models can make lots of money and depending on the type of modeling you do you can actually make a huge amount per day you work. … Photgraphic Model – You can earn anywhere from $100 per hour or $1,500 per day for catalogues and for advertising agencies $250 per hour or $10,000 per day is average.
Independent brands well-respected in the fashion community: Runway Show: $1,500 in trade Runway Show: $800 in trade Runway Show: Trade (unspecified amount) Runway Show: $2,500 in trade Runway Show: $300 plus trade (unspecified amount) Runway Show: $1,000 Runway Show: $100 plus trade (unspecified amount)
Not exactly enough to buy that yacht yet.
Modeling is a young woman’s sport. Most models are considered over the hill by age 30. That would mean you need to make a boatload of money from ages 15-27.
Those are your peak earning years.
Very risky business indeed.
THERE IS ALWAYS A PRICE TO BE PAID
Joel succeeds in getting the funds necessary to fix the Porsche, but then he has to pay a pimp to get his furniture back that was stolen from his house while he was away. He tells Joel that he seems like a smart kid and to not mess with a man’s money during a bad economy. That night at his house cost the man money because the girl’s were working for Joel instead of him. Instead of making a profit Joel was in the hole.
In Erin’s case, so far this year, Heatherton says she’s made $2,820. She currently has $919 in her checking accounts and her living expenses are a little over $1,000 a month.
How can she possibly save making so little?
From ages 22 to 28, I doubled my income. No where near what a Victoria Secret model is earning, but still managed to start putting away $150 a month until I was able to ratchet it up a notch to $1,100 per month. I am basically saving the same amount PER MONTH what she needs to live on!
According to Complete Payroll, Average model salaryVictoria’s Secret Models are among the highest paid models in the world. These women make anywhere between $100,000-$1,000,000 a year, on average. However, the paychecks increase due to seniority and fame. Some of the most experienced models, like Gisele Bundchen and Adriana Lima, earn significantly more.
I have reviewed dozens of bankruptcy filings of celebrities over the years. Ms. Heatherton hit every mark that generally throws people’s finances into a tailspin.
Owe IRS. Check. Tons of credit card debt. Check. The list goes on and on.
The usual suspects are living beyond your means.
It just so happens I discuss this topic of bankruptcy more in detail in a post I did on the film about models in TheDevil Wears Prada. What a coincidence?
IT WILL COST YOU Joel hands over his cash he made on that incredible night to get his parent’s furniture back. It cost him EVERY CENT HE MADE!
As for Erin, she currently owes $11,514 on one credit card, $9,485 on another and $194,602.49 on a third — adding up to $215,601.49, the outlet reported. Heatherton owes City National an additional $201,000 for a separate line of credit. She also owes $41,000 in back taxes to the state of New York.
She owes over$416,000 in credit card debt! That is more than most people owe in student loans. And she is has no degrees and is not a doctor, lawyer, MBA-holder, or CPA!
She also sold her Manhattan apartment for $2.68 million last year in 2018.
Makes you wonder where all her money went?
At the end of the film, Joel and Lana meet up after everything that went down. They are still friends. She tells him that she wants to keep on seeing him; he jokes that it will cost her.
Millions of Americans are worried about their finances.
However, you must push through your fears and find a way to draw up the courage to face your fears.
This one movie always comes to mind when I think of a person that decided to be brave and stand up to their fears. You may have heard of it; it’s called Fright Night.
I remember this movie vividly because it is the only film I have ever seen where every frame seemed to be carefully crafted for maximum effect. And it worked. The music, dialogue, and acting were top notch in my opinion.
Even this scene with a cameo by 1981 Playboy Playmate Heidi Sorenson. It’s affect was profound. She was..magnetic. And you know I like magnetism. 😉You knew something was coming. You could feel it. It was potent. The emotions were so raw and real. Feelings so intense they felt palpable. That is how every scene in this film made you feel. I have yet to find a movie to match this level of high anticipation and sense of urgency in a protagonist at least not like this. I thought it was an incredibly acted film.
Even the music was creepy and like credit cards…seductive.
And the film had one of the hands down creepiest movie posters I have ever seen.
The tagline reads: There are some very good reasons to be afraid of the dark. If you love being scared, it’ll be the night of your life.
Well I told you last month, I was going back to the 80’s.
This time I’m going to the year 1985.
Welcome to Fright Night.
Fun Fact: I got to meet the one and only Chris Sarandon at Awesome Con in DC. He signed this photo for me. I love this 8×10 glossy of him as Jerry Dandridge.
The photo reads: To Miriam, Welcome to Fright Night…For Real. Jerry Dandridge. He is still so cool and suave!! And love the hair! 😉
FACE YOUR FEARS
The film starred a high school kid named Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale), his creepy neighbor Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon), and his vampire killing hero Mr. Vincent (Roddy McDowall).
Basically, Charley learns his neighbor is a vampire. I know, crazy right? However, in this movie that assumption is real. Charley finds himself face-to-face with a demon of the night. Instead of running for cover, Charley fights. And that is what you must do when it comes to your money. YOU MUST FIGHT FOR YOUR MONEY.
In one scene of the movie, Charley goes to see Jerry with his pal and the police. When Mr. Vincent learns vampires are real he runs and hides. Jerry is a bully. However, Charley stands up to him anyway.
That is what you too must do. Have courage. Be willing and able to look whatever it is in the eye and say do your worst for I will do mine.
Do not let anyone peer pressure you into doing ANYTHING; especially, with your money. You fight and then you fight some more. NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER SURRENDER. Your money is too important to part with out of fear. Research anything and anyone who asks for your money. What is their background? Where do they work? Who do they work for? Do not go gentle into that good night. You must rage against the dying of the light. Thank you Dylan Thomas for that inspirational poem.
I hang up on telemarketers, I block numbers that I do not know or from anyone who is contacting me rudely, and I avoid signing up for most contests.
I will never forget when some slick talking salesman tried to recruit me to hear a 6-hour timeshare pitch. He was nice when I met him and told me it was only a 90 minute presentation on visiting the resort, but my Spidey senses were tingling so I googled his company and found out IT WAS A LIE!!!
So look out for the con men!!!
I decided not to go and blocked his phone calls. I do not want to buy a timeshare. Let me repeat that again for the cheap seats in the back: I DO NOT WANT TO BUT A TIMESHARE. Not only are they expensive, but they tend to go up in price over time.
Why not just buy a home or rental property? Then you own the thing once you finish the payments and can rent it all and pocket all the profits.
HELP YOUR FRIENDS
In the movie, Charley has a girlfriend named Amy (Amanda Bearse) who gets taken by Jerry.
One of the best scenes in the film was when Jerry says to Mr. Peter Vincent, “you have to have faith.”
These are listed in the comments section from this scene that were posted online that represent my sentiments exactly.
That was the same expression I had too when I opened my last month’s power bill.
“Haaauauaaghghg…” priceless.
“You have to have faith,for that to work on me.” -_- Note to ALL VILLAINS,don’t tell your enemies how to destroy you!
Chris Sarandon’s moan and look of horror were terrifying. He did more by acting than most 100 million dollar budgets can pull off.
You bet you do. You have to have faith in yourself and anything you do. If you truly believe it is good and true, then fight until your blue in the face. Give anything you do in this life everything you’ve got because it takes no less than that.
I was recently asked if I could “loan” someone $800. My answer: No.
First, of all, “borrow” is a loose term. People tend to forget what they owe you, but not when you owe them. If you truly cannot afford to loan someone money or let them have it, then just don’t do it. I had previously gave the same individual money “to have” a few years ago. Maybe they asked me again because I gave it to them the first time. I do not like to create patterns that are not sustaining.
I have learned if you say yes so much, that eventually when you do say no people tend to get upset. I say just stop it before it starts.
However, when someone truly needs you and you feel it in your heart to help, then help them. It’s always your call. It is always your decision to help and don’t let ANYONE take that anyway from you.
STEP INTO THE LIGHT
When Charley gets a chance to stop Jerry he takes it. Once a decision is made, then you forge ahead. However, always TRUST YOUR GUT.
I remember being scared to open bills. I would sit in my car for an hour just to calm myself down. You see I was in the habit of paying my bills first and then myself last. Now I do the opposite. I pay myself first.
That is why I now pay all my bills as soon as they arrive because I have already set aside my money for saving and investments. The $13,000 I decided set aside a year is separate from the money I invest.
For my birthday, I like to but shares of stocks or index funds. I own at least 5 individual shares of Amazon and up to 100 or more of some others. At $1,897.13 a share, I own about $9,485.65 of just one stock! And I own thousands of shares of stocks! This is a long way from where I started with $300 to invest.
I always like to look back and evaluate my present situation to see how far I’ve come. It allows you to take notice and recognize what you have done and see that you are not standing still.
I went from taking out $150 and $300 payday loans to saving more than that amount of money per week. It took me years to do all of that.
My advice is to open up those bills, contact your creditors, negotiate lower interest rates, and seek out 0% deals.
That is why I decided to start saving a minimum of $5,000 cash a year. That way no matter what, in 10 years I have $50,000 cash in my bank account! You must ALWAYS have cash reserves for an emergency!
You are your last line of defense.
No one is coming to save you.
You cannot phone in a life line.
Who wants to be a millionaire?
Therefore, you have to figure out what can you do right here, right now.
Step up to the plate. Rage against the night. And step into the light of financial independence.
The idea is not to live forever, it is to create something that will. – Andy Warhol
I’m back with another blast from the past. This time I’m taking you back to 1985 with The Heavenly Kid.
The movie poster image says: In Life & Love, We’re All Just Winging It.
However, in the real world “WINGING IT” isn’t going to cut it.
Anything you want, you are going to have to work for and pursue it. You must devise a plan, write it down, determine a strategy, chart a course, set sail, and execute that plan until you reach the finish line.
One of my favorite films from the 80’s was this gem. The movie had a kick ass soundtrack too!
What I really loved about The Heavenly Kid (THK) is that in the end what mattered most was people and not things.
Take a walk with memory down memory lane. You will not be sorry you came along.
Pinky promise.?
I pinky promise you.
The synopsis is as follows: A hip guardian angel named Bobby Fantana, who died in a car race in the 60s, reluctantly agrees to watch over lonely 80s high schooler Lenny Barnes who needs guidance on how to become cool.
This is how it all went down.
A young greaser-type rebel, challenges Joe Barnes (Mark Metcalf) to a game of chicken for making a pass at his girlfriend Emily (Jane Kaczmarek). Bobby wins the race easily when Joe dives out of his car, but Bobby is unable to get out of the car in time due to his bracelet getting caught on the gearshift. He dies as his car plummets over the cliff into a fiery wreck.
I know this is some sad sh*t, but it does get better.
Although, Bobby is no longer with us there is still some good he can do.
He wakes up aboard a speeding train, which stops at a station housing a huge escalator going up into a bright white light, which one of the attendants refers to as “Uptown”. Bobby is denied entry, and Rafferty (Richard Mulligan) appears and explains that he isn’t considered ready yet and needs to carry out an assignment in order to earn his ticket Uptown.
That train is hilarious. Basically, it is like some form of purgatory, but without any maliciousness. After what seemed like an eternity and many years in limbo, Bobby is finally given his assignment: he is to return to Earth and act as a guardian angel and friend for Lenny Barnes (Jason Gedrick), a promising high school student who is constantly picked on in school, particularly by school bullies Fred Gallo (Stephen Gregory) and Bill McIntyre (Beau Dremann).
The one and only Jason Gedrick.
Iron Eagle 1986 young hero
However, Bobby is instructed that he is only allowed to reveal himself to Lenny and nobody else.
Ooh, plot thickens.
Basically, Bobby is not allowed to enter heaven but has to stay in one of the lower levels or downtown until he has worked enough as an guardian angel in order to deserve paradise. Like all good things, you have to earn it first.
Get out the popcorn, it’s going to be a good read.
WINGED ADVICE #1: CONFIDENCE IS KEY
When Bobby meets Lenny he is for lack of a better word; a nerd.
Just for flare. I am providing one of my favorite meet and greet handshakes of all time. By my favorite WWE wrestler Mach Man Randy Savage with Hulk Hogan. Now he had style and oozed confidence!
And not the Steve Urkel type, but a kid that just has no confidence. Bobby is about to help him change that.
The first time he sees Lenny he is being picked on by a bunch of jerks from his high school. He notices that the “kid has no confidence cause he’s got no style.” Truer words had not been spoken.
I will not ever forget being teased in school. It only made me stronger. I remember thinking this is bull$#%t! I’m only here to get an education. I’m not here for you or your approval!
All people cared about were looks and popularity. I was like there has to be more to life than they way you LOOK!
I decided to ignore them and hit the books and the gym. I found an upperclassman that was willing to do my hair anytime I wanted, then I worked on having impeccably flawless hygiene and appearance.
I felt this. Just like Regine Hunter (Kim Fields) in Living Single.
I was like Beyonce in that b*tch! I WOKE UP LIKE THIS!
All the bullying and teasing stopped REAL QUICK.
That is why I focus so much on my health, education, and building wealth. And it paid off in spades. I own a home, have multiple retirement accounts, I have over $100,000 in just 1 index fund and I own a bunch of those! Thanks Jack Bogle for creating the first index fund in 1975 with Vanguard.
I’m not the only one that has been teased in school. Lots of folks have. I recently saw an interview with William Zabka (Johnny from The Karate Kid) while he was promoting Cobra Kai with Ralph Macchio.
When asked about bullying he said he hates it. There are 3 core people involved in bullying: the bully, the one being bullied, and the witness. Go tell an adult or someone you trust what is going on. Speak up. No one knows unless you tell them. Don’t be afraid to stand up, say something or defend yourself. Remember that bullying is only a season; it is not your whole life. This too shall pass. It is not permanent; it is only temporary. At the time, it seems like your whole world because in that moment it is, but you will grow up an this will end. Yes, he said all of that. He played the bully in a movie. That is fiction. In real life (IRL), he is anti-bullying.
In addition, I remember hearing Jillian Michael tell her story. She was chubby and overweight. The kids were relentless in their teasing. Once she started training in martial arts she said the teasing dried up like prunes and stopped real quick. Therefore, if you want to do anything in this life, the first thing you have to do after making sure you are safe, dry, and feed is to build up some confidence. It can change your life faster than just about anything.
How do you get it? Create a safe place and space for yourself to be who you are, but also to have a clean and neat appearance.
Coco Chanel once said the fastest way to change your appearance is to never underestimate the value of fresh-shaped eyebrows, clean glowing skin and a good haircut.
Basically, focus on hair, teeth, and skin.
You do this by drinking water, exercising, and eating well.
The End.
As far as clothing goes, just do the basics. You are in high school for goodness sakes! All you need are jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, and sneakers.
For the ladies, some fitted tops, jeans, skirts, dresses and heels. A nice blazer and black leather jacket are staples along with nude heels and black pumps. A little black dress is always great to have.
And most important, nothing too TRENDY! Styles change quick. They change so fast that styles have already changed while I was typing this sentence on this post!
Stick to regular staples and basic solid colors and you will never go wrong. Remember that red is the color of confidence.
Also, that you are your biggest cheerleader. You have to believe in yourself or otherwise no one else will. Find a way to build up your confidence and you will go a lot further along in your life.
That’s just my $0.02 cents. Smooches 💋
WINGED ADVICE #2: CRUSHES DON’T LAST FOREVER AND NEITHER DOES BEING BROKE
Lenny has a crush on a girl named Sharon who is the most beautiful and popular girl of the class. He was totally obsessed.
But she does not even notice him until Bobby helps Lenny change his image and boosts his confidence. By doing this Bobby dresses Lenny up making him a playboy and tough guy so that he gets what he wants although Bobby knows that this is not the best.
Lenny spent so much time obsessing over Sharon that the girl that really liked him wasn’t even in his eyesight, but was right in front of him in his friend Melissa (Nancy Valen).
Look we have all been there. Young love. Sometimes it goes unrequited. You will love again. I promise you. Like a friend told Romeo, during the infamous feud between the Montague’s and the Capulets), he must move on from Juliet, there are other beauties.
Shakespeare had that right. Nothing lasts forever. You must be willing to move on once you have done all you can. Did you do your best? Alright then, move on. Time heals all wounds and this includes a broken heart.
Now let’s talk money.
Don’t sped money like a drunken sailor.
Once you start earning some income, put some money aside. Even if it is only $5 dollars a week! This will get you in the habit of saving.
They say the niches are in riches. If that is so, then saving is the niche to building lasting wealth.
I started with nothing and slowly built what I have. First, I was saving $1 a day. Then it was $50 a month. I slowly started bumping it up every chance I got. Got a raise. Save it. Got a windfall. Save it. Can’t just let that money sit. Money can’t be idle.
Money must be invested and it has to keep circulating. Spend on what you need. If there is excess, then you can buy luxuries, but not before you have earned the money first. Learn it. Live it. Love it.
I finally started doing $150 a month and then doubled that. I started reading more on saving and figured “What the heck?” just cut out the crap, stop spending and save.
That is when I leap frogged from saving $3,600 a year to $5,000, $8,000, $10,000 and then $13,333. I sold, stop buying, or earned more and saved. From sacrifice comes great things. Get it. Got it. Good.
WINGED ADVICE #3: SHOPPING FOR A PURPOSE
One of my favorite scenes in the film was the shopping scene. Bobby takes Lenny shopping for new clothes. This boosts his confidence.
In addition, he builds Lenny a car. Now that he has a new set of wheels and fancy clothes, he is ready to take on the world.
I am all for new clothes and buying things you need. Lenny needed to burn those clothes he had or donate them (waste not want not). They made him sad and lonely. He went from geek to chic. And his attitude along with it. However, they only got what he needed. No $5,000 Rolex, or $700 sneakers. Enough for the kid to get by and feel good.
That is what I do. That is how I was able to save thousands in annual clothing expenses and bank that money.
He was also economical in how he got a car. They went to a junkyard and put it together from all the spare parts lying around. No $500 car note there, which is the average that Americans are paying. Stop trying to impress people with your fancy gadgets.
Take a note from 50 Cent’s playbook. When in doubt: sell. Here is a cautionary tale.
Therefore, he is paying $840,000 a year for his manse. He hasn’t even eaten yet! No gas was put in the Hummer (fill in any fancy car name here) and no food was put in the fridge. And don’t forget health insurance. That’s all got to be paid. In 9 years, 50 Cent will have paid over $7.5 million just to do nothing but sit on the sofa in his house! This 19 bedroom manse had no purpose other than to impress people. No one NEEDS 19 bedrooms unless they are running a bed and breakfast. Matter of fact, having a 10,000 or more square ft home is like having a small hotel. I’ll pass.
WINGED ADVICE #4: FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY OR FAMILY
Bobby later finds out that Lenny’s mother is his former girlfriend who has married another guy. Although not being allowed he makes himself visible to her…
and after some additional situations take place Lenny is challenged to a chicken race at the local quarry by Fred, Sharon’s former boyfriend. Having been told by Rafferty that Lenny will die just as Bobby did earlier, Bobby offers to trade his own chance to move Uptown (essentially, his own immortal soul) to save Lenny’s life. He vows to give up his soul. A selfless act indeed.
This unknowingly earns Bobby a trip to Heaven or “uptown” as the movie refers to it. Rafferty explains to Bobby that he had learned to love and value someone more than himself, and that is how one earned a ticket Uptown.
There are going to be times in this life when you will have to chose what matters most to you. What do you value? I remember hearing the Osmonds father (yes, those Osmonds of Donnie and Marie fame) tell his children: faith, family, then career.
I pick my investments based on what I value most: freedom. The freedom to choose what I do with my life and my time.
Money is infinite, but time is not. Once it’s gone, it is gone forever.
That is why I only do what excites me. You only get one life. One shot. One chance. I suggest we all do what Eminem says, ” You better lose yourself in the music, the moment You own it, you better never let it go You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.” I agree wholeheartedly.
If you like this post, then check out the film The Heavenly Kid. Because life and you money are too important to “just wing it.”
