Tag Archives: Dave Grohl

Celebrities and Money, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Retirement, Saving, Self-Made Millionaires, Wealth

Fiscal Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number

Gallery Leave a comment
Architecture, Building, Concrete

I want people to remember me as a full on entertainer and a good person. – Aaliyah

In case you have not already heard the news, the late superstar Aaliyah has her very own Madame Tussauds Wax Figure in her likeness from the Try Again Era.

Aaliyah wax figure Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds for VIBE
Image result for try again aaliyah gif
Related image
Image result for try again aaliyah gif
Related image

Although, Aaliyah is gone she is not forgotten.

Therefore, this next post is titled in her honor. This post is named after her first ever record, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number which is the debut studio album by American singer Aaliyah. It was released under Jive and Blackground Records on May 24, 1994, in the United States.

Image result for age aint nothin but a number

I learned a lot from watching Aaliyah work so hard in her youth.

Like her, I want to be remembered as well, although as a full on financial blogger and a good person.

So let’s get right to it and start talking money.

When in doubt: save.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you cannot do or accomplish.

People have said to me the following:

You’ve been in school forever. Are you ever going to graduate?

Are you in school finishing your associate degree, because I know the bachelor’s takes a long time so you are probably only halfway done right?

You should write a book or something? Are you ever going to do that?

It is impossible to save any money. Is it possible to save thousands?

Winning the lottery is a great way to get rich. Do you play?

You should go for the Master’s degree. Why a second bachelor’s?

Why get a 2nd Master’s degree? Why not go for the doctorate?

You really have no car payment?

You’ve gained a little weight.

You’ve lost weight.

You have been saving forever, you are not ever going to buy a home.

I laughed at all these questions and comments.

Image result for aaliyah gifs

This is my life. I set the pace. No one else. I control my destiny and the outcome of my life. I control the narrative.

And just to set the record straight, I did finish my bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. So take that haters. In addition, I also bought a home, started a daily exercise routine, a health and wellness regimen, started a blog in 2016, wrote an eBook in 2019, paid off my car in 2009, don’t play the lottery, and learned to save thousands by not shopping or taking fancy vacations.

And after I paid off my car, this is how I felt. Just like Katelyn Ohashi at the ESPYs. And like in her acceptance speech that night, I too had made a reference about Cardi B.

Paying off debt and saving. This all took many years. Like over a decade to accomplish. I know folks are out there retiring at like 27. But guess what? Life is full of ups and downs, but I never let my goals be far from my mind and kept them in sight because whether you retire at 22 or 62, fiscal age ain’t nothing but a number.

Safe to say, I set out to conquer every mountain or hill that was put in front of me. Yea baby!! I feel like dancing!!!

Related image

Life is complex. No one has all the answers. No one has a crystal ball to see the future. But reading up on the past has let me make some great predictions on what I think will happen.

For instance, after reading books on history, finance and biographies such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Daymond John, Bruce Lee, Dale Carnegie, Pat Benatar, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Warren Buffet, Ben Stein, Tony Robbins, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Dave Grohl, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and countless others, it is safe to assume the following:

  • Financial markets are cyclical. About every 10-20- years the market corrects itself and there is a recession. Plan accordingly.
  • When stocks go down, buy more.
  • Save until it hurts. Something like 50% or more of your income.
  • Things will get more expensive in the future.
  • You can expect inflation to average at least 2-3% a year.
  • Investing in real estate tends to yield good results over many years.
  • If you do nothing else in real estate, at least purchase your primary residence.
  • Buying franchises is expensive.
  • Find your talent and exploit it for profit. If you are a good mechanic, then charge a good and fair price for your work.
  • Never undervalue yourself.

I truly believe optimism is the key to happiness. I am always in a good mood. Laughter is always a part of my day and life.

My mind is always full of ideas, my eyes are clear and my heart is full.

Related image

I can’t hear you!!! Say it with me now!! Louder!!! Say it like you are in a stadium full of screaming football fans and Antonio Brown is out there running drills and scoring like he did on an episode of HardKnocks! So say it loud for me! One more time for the cheap seats in the back!!!

Related image

When people start complaining, I always feel that they should also provide solutions to their problems. I believe in being solution-based.

One of the greatest joys of my life is speaking my mind. I have done this since I was a little girl. I hold nothing in or back. I am always respectful, but I set clear boundaries on how I let people treat me. I respect others so I expect the same treatment in return. Instead of holding back, I dive in. Speaking your heart is a great way to free yourself from the constraints of life. You have to tell people what you want if you ever expect to get anything. SO SPEAK UP!!

Image result for aaliyah gif
Image result for aaliyah gifs

In this life, you have to keep going. There is no time to rest on your laurels. No pity parties here. If you want financial independence, then you must fight for it. You have to work your butt off for it. Even if it takes, 10, 20, 30, or 40 years. My goal is to have at least $2 million in assets before I retire. Over 10 years later, I am still working on that goal. NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS AND YOUR GOALS!!! If you fall down, get up! You get up, dust yourself off and like Aaliyah said, “try again.”

Image result for aaliyah gifs

Best of luck to you all in your fiscal adventures.

Celebrities and Money, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Saving, Self-Made Millionaires, Wealth

Choose Experiences Over Things: My Experience At The JLO It’s My Party Tour Concert

Gallery Leave a comment

You get what you give. What you put into things is what you get out of them. – Jennifer Lopez

I took this picture while I was waiting to get in to the concert.

I have learned to choose experiences over things. You put those pair of expensive jeans on a credit card and 10 years later those $80 jeans could really cost you $300 with 25 percent interest attached. That wasn’t on the price tag! Those jeans will be long gone by then, but that time you went camping with your family and friends will be great memories that last a lifetime.

In the last several years, I have decided to spend money more on experiences. After seeing that episode of Gilmore Girls Concert Interruptus, I knew one day I would go to a concert so I could be as happy as Loreali and Sookie was to go see their favorite band. Those great feelings you get from actually doing something and paying for it with cash are priceless.

That is exactly what I did on July 17, 2019. I went to see Jennifer Lopez in concert. And I loved every minute of it!

Took this short video on my phone while at the concert.

She stopped by DC and performed at Capital One Arena after doing her make-up concert in Madison Square Garden in NY after the blackout on Saturday July 13. What a professional.

And let me tell you. I looked into what it takes to do concerts and JLo’s setlist and tour dates. Performing is grueling work.

See my posts

Jennifer Lopez: From Jenny From The Block To JLO And $100 Million

How Dave Grohl Turned Passion Into Profits

Jennifer Lopez – It’s My Party – The Forum – Inglewood, California – June 7 2019 – setlist

Want to help celebrate JLO’s birthday with her! See remaining tour dates below.
Jennifer Lopez – It’s My Party Tour dates:
June 10 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
June 12 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
June 13 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center
June 15 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
June 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Arena
June 19 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
June 21 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
June 22 – Edinburg, TX – Bert Ogden Arena
June 24 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
June 25 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
June 28 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
June 29 – Chicago, IL – United Center
July 3 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
July 5 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesar’s Arena
July 7 – Toronto, ON, CA – Scotiabank Arena
July 10 – Montreal, QC, CA – Centre Ball
July 12 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
July 16 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
July 17 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
July 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Arena
July 20 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
July 22 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
July 23 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
July 25 – Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena

Instead of spending a fortune and being close enough to the stage to reach out and touch the artist and see the white of their eyes, I selected a seat that just fine to see how different my experience would be. My seat cost $49.95 and I have a blast!

You do not have to go in debt or sell your belongings on Craigslist or drive for Uber or Lyft just to spend $500 on concert tickets. The jumbo screens show you all the action just fine in my book.

This was also her first tour since ending her Las Vegas Residency which made like $100 million in ticket sales!

Related image

For a night out on the town it cost me about $100 bucks!

So if you want to paint the tow red, I suggest you stay in the black and pay cash and not go in the red and use credit. Cause you know your girl Greenbacks Magnet is all about saving a dollar!

See my post Why Halle Berry And I Continue To Save So Much

If you read my tweets then you know I can’t stand debt. I would stop doing just about everything in order to save up huge chunks of money to pay off debt. I once saved up $15,000 to pay off $14,745 worth of debt! Paying debt off in chunks feels awesome.

I learned to pay off my credit card and other debt in lump sums from reading about how Grammy award-winning artist John Legend doing it after he got his first big paycheck. Smart!

See my post Money Advice I Got From John Legend

How how I hate DEBT. Let me tweet the ways!!

Just hearing about another pro athlete going broke is enough for me to change my free willing money spending ways.

Breaking News: Adrian Peterson is in debt after making $100 million in earnings in the NFL. This is my version of Scared Straight. Scared Debt Straight that is. Is he not reading my blog?!!!

I encourage you all out there to stop what you are doing and find a way to start saving 5 percent of your income.

Start with just $500 in the bank and work your way up to one month of expenses. That Is how I went from $25 in the bank to $5,000. Save for the things you want. Paying with cash is freedom.

https://twitter.com/FrugalToFI/status/1149887056224477184

It’s like JLo says, “you get what you give.” You have to work for what you want. She says she gets nothing for free. And that she has to pay for everything.

The harder you work, the more you get. I’m taking my money earning and saving cues from Jlo. I like to study the self-made. And Jenny from the Bronx is as self-made as they come. So happy birthday JLo. Make a wish. I’ll tell you mine. It’s simple really. I want to always spend less than I earn. Your turn.

Fictional characters Cartoons and Money, Financial Freedom

What I loved about Saturday Morning cartoons

Gallery 2 Comments
Image result for saturday morning cartoons

Generosity has built America. When we fail to invest in children, we have to pay the cost. – Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo

If you grew up in the 1960s through the 1990s, then you know all about Saturday morning cartoons.

They aired between 8 am and noon. It was one of my favorite things to do besides playing video games on Saturday mornings. The best part about those cartoons were the lessons they taught. At least, that is my opinion. I later found out that programs that are geared towards children are required to be educational. I appreciated that. 😉

Those cartoons helped shape the person I am today. The name of my blog even comes from an animated episode of X-Men, and the character Magneto.

If you read my Meet Miriam page, then you already know some of my favorites. Here is a quick recap of some of those toons.

Memories…

Muppet Babies – Baby versions of Jim Henson’s Muppets imagine themselves in fantastic situations. The show aired from September 15, 1984 to November 2, 1991. The show had episodes that discussed morals, teamwork, love, friendship, and ethics.

Jem and the Holograms – Adventures of a music company owner who uses a holographic computer to live a secret life as a rock star originally aired from 1985-88. Jerrica Benton owns Starlight music and is the leader of the rock band Jem and the Holograms. Jem is her alter ego. Her earrings produce holographic images of anything Jem requests. In addition, she ran Starlight house, a home for foster girls. The show ran from October 6, 1985 to May 2, 1988.

G.I. Joe – Animated series from the mid-1980s tells the saga of a fearless, globe-trotting special missions force — called G.I. Joe — which works to combat Cobra, an organization with an evil commander bent on world domination. On land, on sea, and in the air — whenever trouble breaks out around the world, G.I. Joe is there, ready to battle for ideals that America values. The show aired from September 12, 1983 to November 20, 1986.

ThunderCats – “ThunderCats” follows the adventures of a group of catlike humanoid aliens from the planet Thundera. When the dying planet meets its end, the group, known as the ThunderCats, is forced to flee its homeland. The end up on Third Earth and are constantly attacked by the Mutants of Plun-Darr and Mum-Ra. This show was very mature. It was well-written, story-driven, incredible tales of humility, strength, endurance, morality, and ethics. The show aired from January 23, 1985 to September 30, 1988.

I cannot stress enough how vital it was for me to watch these cartoons growing up. Sure, I went to school, read books, and went outside to play, but cartoons just stimulated my interest like nothing else. I love to be entertained. That is one great way to teach me.

Like Nirvana said, “entertain us.”

See my post on How Dave Grohl turned Passion into Profits

One of the biggest influences during this era was Captain Kangaroo, which was a character played by Bob Keeshan. He was no Mr. Rogers, but he had a way with words. He was able to captivate an audience of 3 year-olds and believe me that is no small thing to do.

Without further ado, I bring you what I love about Saturday morning cartoons.

But first…

WHO IS BOB KEESHAN?

Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent. – Bob Keeshan

The best teacher is an entertainer. – Bob Keeshan

Robert James Keeshan was born on June 27, 1927. was an American television producer and actor. He created and played the title role in the children’s television program Captain Kangaroo, which ran from 1955 to 1984, the longest-running nationally broadcast children’s television program of its day. He hosted The Captain Kangaroo show from 1955-1984 and one of my personal favorites in its original run CBS Storybreak in 1985.

See my post Money and Life Lessons I learned from CBS Storybreak’s Yeh-Shen

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Back in the old days, when I was a child, we sat around the family table at dinner time and exchanged our daily experiences. It wasn’t very organized, but everyone was recognized and all the news that had to be told was told by each family member. We listened to each other and the interest was not put on; it was real. – Bob Keeshan

One of my fondest memories from my childhood was watching cartoons. They taught me that I should know the difference between right and wrong, stand up for my beliefs, have principles and values. All things that have helped me successfully navigate adulthood and will help you in any setting you are in.

TELEVISION HAS ITS LIMITS

One of the big secrets of finding time is not to watch television. -Bob Keeshan

I read that Warren Buffet, one of the richest and greatest investors of all time, spends 80% of his day reading. In addition, that Bill Gates reads about 80 books a years and CEO’s read about 60 a year.

See my post Forget Simon, Do what Buffet says

Although, as a kid, I loved reading the Sunday comics; my favorite comic strip was The Peanuts, I also made time to read. Television is a condensed version of books. You have to read to get all the knowledge and shows for kids usually encouraged us to express our individuality and explore our creativity through reading more.

See my post Life Lessons from Race for your life Charlie Brown

From deciding to read about finances, I learned to do the following:

  • Start saving 40% or more of my income
  • Invest in index funds such as VTSAX, VFINX, or VITSX
  • Read 2 finance books a month

LISTEN

A child needs to be listened to and talked to at 3 and 4 and 5 years of age. Parents should not wait for the sophisticated conversation of a teenager. – Bob Keeshan

I cannot tell you how many times I had to tap dance sometimes in my house to be heard. When you have siblings you better find a way to stand out. However, there were times when I would start talking to adults and telling them how I felt. To my surprise, they listened. I learned not to be shy and to use my words not my fists. Keep all hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Got it!

I enjoy meeting not only contemporary children, but yesterday’s children as well. It’s nice to talk about the experiences we shared, they tell me, ‘You were a good friend.’ That’s the warmest part. Bob Keeshan

See my posts

Money and Life Lessons from The Pirates of Dark Water

They Shoot Greenbacks, Don’t They

BE GENTLE

It requires more strength to be gentle, so it’s the everyday encounters of life that I think we’ve prepared children for and prepared them to be good to other people and to consider other people. – Bob Keeshan

I would watch reruns of Mighty Mouse, Bewitched, and I Dream of Jeannie Growing Up. They all expressed some of the same ideals. You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar. So, be kind. NOBODY wants to work with a jerk. Treat people right. It comes back to you. 😉

See my post The Greatest Assets are People

I think just as importantly we prepare people for the definition of being gentle. – Bob Keeshan

When I think of that statement, I always think of Mr. T. He always treated people with decency and respect. He was well-spoken, direct, soft but firm. I have learned to do the same.

See my post Money and Life Lessons I Learned from Mr. T

PLAY IS SERIOUS STUFF

Play is the work of children. It’s very serious stuff. – Bob Keeshan

If I didn’t go outside to play, I would lose my mind. It just was what I needed to do. So, my parents let me stay outside all day. After, I did my homework.

Now that I look back, I think they may have done it to get a break from me. Regardless, I learned the value of true friendship and about life on the playground.

One of my friend’s mom’s was very sick. She was so sad about that. Understandably. So, we made sure to always check on her and her mom and ALWAYS asked her to come outside and play with us. This was when she would light up. One time she hurt herself really bad on the playground.  It was on concrete. I will never forget it, she cried all the way home and we went with her. We just wanted to make sure she was okay. Because that is what friends do.

A RUNDOWN OF SOME FAMOUS CARTOONS

Here is a short rundown of Saturday Morning cartoons. Nostalgia. Haha

The ones in bold are some of my favorites.

1960’s

The Flintstones

The Huckleberry Hound Show

The Quick Draw McGraw Show

The Yogi Bear Show

The Jetsons

Johnny Quest

The Magilla Gorilla Show

The Herculoids

Wacky Racers

The Perils of Penelope Pitstop

Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

1970’s

The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show

Josie and the Pussycats

Secret Squirrel

Help!….It’s the Hair Bear Bunch!

Wait Till Your Father Gets Home

Speed Buggy

Super Friends

The Addams Family

The Great Grape Ape Show

Dog Wonder

Tom & Jerry

Jabberjaw

Scooby’s All Star Laff-A-Lympics

Image result for scooby doo laff a lympics

Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels

Related image

1980’s

Super Friends

Richie Rich

The Smurfs

The Snorks

Pac-Man

Rainbow Bright

Strawberry Shortcake

My Little Ponies

Pound Puppies

The Paw-Paw Bears

Shirt Tales

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Image result for alvin and the chipmunks cartoon

Dennis the Menace

The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo

CBS Storybreak

The Raccoons

The Wuzzles

Skeleton Warriors

Galaxy High

Fraggle Rock

Gummi Bears

Image result for disney gummi bears

The Berenstain Bears

Image result for berenstain bears

Dungeons and Dragons

Voltron

Fantastic Max

1990’s

Tom & Jerry Kids

The Pirates of Dark Water

Camp Candy

Biker Mice from Mars

The Real Ghostbusters

Codename Kids NextDoor

The Powerpuff Girls

The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest

Bettlejuice

Here’s a shout out to Nickelodeon, the Cartoon Network and other afternoon or weekday morning cartoons

Garfield and Friends

Power Rangers

Wild and Crazy Kids

Dare

Noodles

Grimm’s Fairy Tale Classics

Woody Woodpecker

Mighty Mouse

Healthcliff

Gumby

Tiny Toon Adventures

The Care Bears

Pinky and the Brain

Hey Dude

The Adventures of the Little Koala

Noozles

Did I bring back any memories?

Is that list long enough for you? Did I miss any?

Let me know. And I will add it to the list.

Have you ever written a blog post about a cartoon? Let me know and I will add it to a running list right here in this post.

Hope you enjoyed.

Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Investing, Wealth

Mega Millions win or bust

Gallery Leave a comment

Here’s something to think about: How come you never see a headline like ‘Psychic Wins Lottery’? – Jay Leno

Are you feeling lucky? Well, do ya?

If so, well then playing the lotto might just be for you.

But like Katniss, the odds may not be ever in your favor.

It has about two weeks since the largest jackpot in Mega Millions history was won by a single ticket to the tune of $1.537 billion dollars!

All over the country it was Powerball and Mega Millions fever.

Everywhere I went people were talking about the lotto. Some people even tweeted about what they would do if they won.

I get it. You win the jackpot and your financial freedom. You’re on cloud nine.

However, you have to plan your escape from the rate race whether or not you win the lottery.

If you want to get rich, either by picking winning numbers or otherwise, you better learn quick how to manage a fortune.

Here’s why.

CHANCES OF WINNING

Are pretty slim.

According to Fortune magazine, the odds of winning the lottery are about one in 300 million. Considering that there are over 326 million Americans, that makes your odds quite small.

If you want to close this gap, you will have to increase your scope of numbers to play and play more often.

It’s not enough to do the kids birthdays or your anniversary. Going to have to get creative. You need the locker combination to your high school locker, your kids Xbox password, your great-aunt’s wedding date, and your first love’s old address. You know, something like that.

But all jokes aside, you will have to increase your range of numbers to increase your odds of winning.

In addition, you will have to play more often.

It has been well-documented that people who win the lottery once are likely to win it again.

The problem with this is that you also increase the amount of money you lose while playing the game.

LOTTERY WINNERS GO BROKE

Get rich or die tryin’. – 50 cent  

Did you know a high percentage of lottery winners end up broke? According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, 70 percent of lottery winners go broke.

I have a theory.

If you are unable to manage balancing your check book with $1k, then it is nearly impossible to do it with $1B.

I feel like it is.

But, if you saw  Justin Timberlake in The Social Network, you know he says, “you know what is cool? A billion dollars.”

They say the first million is the hardest. Well, try wrapping your head around a billion!

Even billionaire T. Boone Pickens thinks that it is too!

That’s a whole lot more zeroes you are working with. If you don’t know what PEMDAS stands for (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally), you are in trouble.

You must first learn the rules of money, if you are to win the game. See my posts for more on how to build up your wealth knowledge bank.

Forget casinos, bet on yourself

The six ways to get rich

Money Lessons I learned from Scrooge McDuck

How Millennial Money inspire me to start saving $13,333.06 a year

STAY GROUNDED

“Using money you haven’t earned to buy things you don’t need to impress people you don’t like” – Robert Quillen

I have seen too many lottery winners go bankrupt. You win all that money just to go back to being broke! No, thanks.

Forget your friends and family telling you to spend. Do not inflate your lifestyle and then upgrade it even more after moving to that gated community in Beverly Hills. You do not need to outspend your neighbors.

3 Rich Habits of Millionaires

You can still drive a Honda. The kids can still get jobs. If you think that it is taking away an opportunity for someone else to work for a needed paycheck, then let junior volunteer.

That was the advice Fran gave Mr. Sheffield in The Nanny.   He wanted to teach his daughter about responsibility and the value of money. So, in S02E21 Maggie became a candy striper at a hospital.  Great advice.

Fun Fact: In the S02E08 of Gilmore Girls,  Rory gets in trouble at school. It just so happens that one of her schoolmates in that episode was none other than Mr. Sheffield’s youngest, Grace, played by actress Madeline Zima. You can see her in the blue sweater walking behind Rory in this clip.

My advice to anyone who comes into large sums of money whether by inheritance, large windfall, bonus, or lottery is to stay humble.

Read my posts for lessons on eating humble pie:

How Dave Grohl turned passion into profits

Money Lessons I learned from Aesop’s The Ants and the Grasshopper

Money and Life Lessons I learned from Mr. T

Life Lessons I learned from The Warriors

The Greatest Assets are people

HOW TO MANAGE ALL THAT MONEY

You have to ask yourself after winning the lottery: How are you planning to manage all that cash?

You need a team to help you manage all that money. A circle of trust, like in Meet the Fockers.

I have a few suggestions.

  • Set up a trust to stay anonymous
  • Get a financial advisor
  • Hire an intermediary to answer requests for money on your behalf
  • Set a daily, monthly, annual spending limit
  • Hire an attorney
  • Take the lump sum
  • Create your own annuity with a spending budget
  • Hire a CPA
  • Learn how to manage money
  • Understand your tax liability

BUY STOCKS INSTEAD OF LOTTERY TICKETS

I would much prefer people spend their money wisely than to bet it on chance.

You could invest your money instead of throwing it down on the roulette table. If you are want to be a part owner of Caesar’s Palace, instead of merely placing bets at one, you can buy REIT’s or mutual funds.

Even better, you can buy index funds that includes hundreds of stocks that track a benchmark such as the S&P 500.

Every dollar you invest can possibly be turned into two or three dollars.

Source: familyfinancefavs.com

Not sure what all this is? No problem. Go down to your local library and ask for books on personal finance. You can also look up any words you are unfamiliar with online.

In addition, you can read blogs, listen to podcasts, join investing clubs, get a job in banking, take a few online finance courses, or ask friends and family for book recommendations.

Many books offer book recommendations in the appendix.

All you have to do is be willing to do some homework.

Trust me, it’s worth it.

When your one-day sitting on a beach in Hawaii, sipping cocktails and able to get up at noon just because.

Your future self will thank you.

 

Celebrities and Money, Self-Made Millionaires

How Dave Grohl turned passion into profits

Gallery Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“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.