Tag Archives: Grimm

Money breadcrumbs from the show Grimm

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“We shall see the crumbs of bread… and they will show us our way home again.” – Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm, 1812

Breadcrumbs are a series of connected pieces of information or evidence. People often refer to money as bread. The Grimm Brothers used breadcrumbs in their fairy-tale Hansel and Gretel for the protagonists to find their way.

Money gems are being dropped everywhere. If you look hard enough. You can only find what you are looking for. So, look no further. Greenbacks Magnet is about to show you where to look. Just follow the money…breadcrumbs that is.

But first, who are the Brothers Grimm?

WHO ARE THE GRIMM BROTHERS?

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Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

“Some men are born to good luck: all they do or try to do comes right—all that falls to them is so much gain—all their geese are swans—all their cards are trumps—toss them which way you will, they will always, like poor puss, alight upon their legs, and only move on so much the faster. The world may very likely not always think of them as they think of themselves, but what care they for the world? what can it know about the matter?” ― The Brothers Grimm, The Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales

The Brothers Grimm Jacob and Wilhelm, were German academics, linguists, and authors who together collected and published folklore during the 19th century. They are best known for the publication of their works titled Grimm’s Fairy Tales in 1812. The book contains 209 tales collected by the Brothers Grimm.

Some of their most famous tales include: Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Valiant Little Tailor, Snow White and Red Rose, Briar-Rose, King Thrushbeard, How Six Men Got On in the World, Rumpelstiltskin, Bearskin, The Dancing Princesses (The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes), The Four Skillful Brothers, and Hansel and Gretel.

My absolute favorite is Bearskin. A close second is the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Both tales had flair and a lot of truth in them. The antagonist in Bearskin reminds me Smeagol from The Lord of the Rings film, but that’s another story.

It has been so long since I have seen these tales, but I have never forgotten them and their theme of morality. I still use these stories as reminders to help others and do the right thing. For your entertainment, I have uploaded the videos from the Grimms’ Fairy Tales Classics from the late 1980’s. The show also ran reruns in the 1990’s.

Bearskin
The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes

The University of Pittsburgh has an online Grimm Brothers’ Home Page where you can read their classic tales. However, be forewarned that their stories did not always have the Happy Endings you are used to hearing in the more modern versions and retelling of the stories. They are, for lack of a better word, grimmer. Very different from another world-famous fairy tales author Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). One of his most notable works was The Little Mermaid. It was turned into a Disney film in 1989 and is also my favorite Disney movie.

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The original movie poster
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A picture worth a thousand words
One of the best scenes in the movie
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I digress, let’s get back to the real reason for this post, the television show Grimm.

WHAT IS GRIMM?

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Opening: “There once was a man who lived a life so strange, it had to be true. Only he could see what no one else can—the darkness inside, the real monster within, and he’s the one who must stop them. This is his calling. This is his duty. This is the life of a Grimm.

Grimm opening credits with his introduction

Grimm is an American fantasy police procedural drama television series that aired on NBC from October 28, 2011 to March 31, 2017, for 123 episodes, over six seasons.

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The story followed the journey of a Portland police homicide detective by the name of Nick Burkhardt (played by David Giuntoli), who is a Grimm. A Grimm keeps the peace and world order between humanity and the supernatural, which are called Wesen.

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Nick Burkhardt played by David Giuntoli

What made this show so great was not so much just the title character, but all the characters who played his friends around him. This is one of the first and only shows where I have ever seen the supporting cast be just as important as the main character.

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One of the best guest stars on the show was Martin Meisner played by Damien Puckler.
Meisner in action.
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Jaime Ray Newman as Angelina was the other best guest star on the show.
Angelina presented herself as a passionate and violent Femme Fatale, dressing in leather and provocative clothes, riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and she was always ready to fight.

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Just a taste of what her character is like on the show. Very fiery and combative. A fighter.
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Jaime Ray Newman episode.
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Grimmsters, assemble! Catch up on last night’s all-new Grimm NOW on the NBC App!
Hilarious.
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The Grimm cast

The show was also at times very funny. In addition, whenever the Grimm was discovered by Wesen, they would morph into their true selves and this made every episode fun, surprising, and unique.

The supporting cast consisted of the following actors: Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Silas Weir Mitchell, Sasha Roiz, Reggie Lee, Bree Turner, and Claire Coffee. The shows fight scenes were amazing. And the shows themes of the constant testing of morality was ever-present and consistent throughout the show just like that of the Grimm Fairy Tales. Each episode also started off with a quote from one of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales and let you know what that episode would be about.

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The very first opening show quote.  October 28, 2011.

Series opening credits

Love the intro music. It really gets your heart pumping. And the show is just as it appears.

You can see all quotes listed by season here at this website.

“When words fail music speaks. – Hans Christian Andersen

In the opening scene of the Pilot espisode, The Eurhythmics Song Sweet Dreams is playing. This song ultimately led them to solve a case they were working on. When interrogating him they got nothing. It wasn’t what the perp said, it was what he sang or hummed. Gotta love music.

Hank: What’s that song?

Nick: Sweet Dreams.

Hank: Eurythmics. One of their better. [sings] “Sweet dreams are made of these. Who am I to disagree…?”

GRIMM CAREERS

Opening quote: “I am impelled not to squeak like a grateful and frightened mouse, but to roar….” – Of Man and Mouse, Grimm, Season 1, episode 9

As you know career choice is very important, it can mean the difference of having wealth and abundance or starvation and penury. And no wants a Dickensian existence of poverty. So, choose wisely.

Get the education and training you need to succeed. However, I say do so affordably. It behooves you to do so. You could be stuck depending on others for their help and expertise when you’re in a pinch. Such as the likes of Monroe as Nick’s reluctant informant.

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The Grimm diary

Monroe: What did you just get the books tonight?

Nick: You know about the books?

Another episode, like many…

Nick: Monroe, I need your help.

“What am I, your personal Grimmopedia?” – Monroe to Nick

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I say do all you can to depend on self. You will always have your own back. Otherwise, you have to depend on others for their help to remain relevant in the workforce.

Monroe: Hello?

Nick: Hey, it’s Nick?

Monroe: How did you get my new cell phone?!

Nick: Are you kidding me? I’m a cop.

Too funny.

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And don’t put all your money in the company stock.

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It could go bankrupt and you could end up with nothing. Worse yet, people could leave you to clean up their mess or you could be left holding the bag. One word: Enron.

Do not walk, run down to your HR department and make sure they offer investments other than stock options mostly in their firm. Demand to have more options if you don’t. If not, open a Roth IRA and pick funds outside your company. Be aggressive. It’s your money dammit.

I think of myself like Brad Pitt said in the movie Troy, “We are lions.”

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I am a lioness. I go for the gold. If one thing does not work, I get to work finding another way or pick another path.

To be successful, you must adapt. Like the Navy Seals were taught in that movie Heartbreak Ridge; Navy SEALs Learn To Adapt, Improvise and Overcome. Special Forces (United States Army) has a motto: De Oppresso Liber. Which is Latin for “to free from oppression” or “to liberate the oppressed.” The United States Navy Seals mottos are: “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday”, “It Pays to be a Winner.” Seeing a theme here.

Your greatest asset is your mind and your ability to work. Earning is what will help you build wealth. You cannot save money, if you have no money.

You know who else agrees with me? Rambo. Check out the scene for yourself here.


Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo “I always believed that the mind is the best weapon”

Although, a fictional character, Rambo was trained in Guerilla warfare. His objective was to win. However, he still had a moral obligation to help others and he did. In life people make choices, he made his. You will have to decide for yourself what is important to you because when it is, you will find a way.

Below are the careers of the cast of characters on the show and their median salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, or Glassdoor, which are the following:

Nick Burkhart – Detective ($65,860)

Hank (Nick’s partner played by Russell Hornsby) – Detective (65,860)

Wu (played by Reggie Lee) – Sergeant ($69,685)

Juliette (played by Bitsie Tulloch) – Veterinarian ($106,770)

Monroe (Nick’s right-hand man played by Silas Weir Mitchell) – Woodworker ($30,192)

Sean Renard (Nick and Hank’s police captain played by Sasha Roiz) – Captain ($80,593)

Rosalee (Monroe’s wife played by Bree Turner) – Retail shop store owner ($38,000)

Adalind Schade (played by Claire Coffee) – Lawyer ($114,000)

GRIMM INHERITANCE

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The infamous trailer.

“One feather is of no use to me, I must have the whole bird.” ― Jacob Grimm, The Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales

According to the book The Millionaire Next Door, 80-86% of millionaires in America are self-made. Most wealth is earned. Meaning less than 20% inherit their wealth. This is down from a high of 50% or more who did so around the early 1900’s.

In the show, his aunt comes to visit to pass down to him his birthright. A trailer full of artifacts, heirlooms, and antiques that are priceless as they are irreplaceable and is full of Grimm and Wesen lore. It comes in handy throughout the series. And don’t forget the key.

This shows that what a family member does in the past can be of significant value to their loved ones in the future. Work hard today to help your future generations tomorrow. Case in point, Nick was always consulting with the books in the trailer as a guide to help him in the show. Without the books, he would have been lost. Had he been left to fend for himself, there could have been dire consequences.

However, in the present day, most people are not receiving large inheritances at all, if any. You are better off figuring out a profession prior to even starting college. You can look for one that pays well such as business, accounting, and engineering or are of interest to you.

WHAT MONEY BREADCRUMBS ARE THERE?

“Hansel took his little sister by the hand, and followed the pebbles which shone like newly-coined silver pieces, and showed them the way.” ― Jacob Grimm, Grimm’s Fairy Tales: Complete Edition & Over 200 Fairy Tales

Take a look around you. Who do you see doing well? Study what they study. Read what they read. Find out what they are doing? But make sure its legit and legal.

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What products are selling like hotcakes off the shelves? Invest in that company.

I’m sure you catch my drift.

Look for clues. Success leaves clues.

PRETTY GRIMM TO HAVE NO INHERITANCE

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Opening quote: “‘No,’ said the King. I’d rather die than place you in such great danger as you must meet with in your journey.” – The Water of Life, Grimm Brothers from the Grimm episode The Inheritance

One episode showed Adalind meeting with a lawyer about her mother’s estate. Not only did her mother had no assets, but she hadn’t paid her taxes in like six years. In addition, her storage unit was only paid up to the end of the month. After, that her stuff would be auctioned off or thrown away. This is all too common nowadays.

Like I said before, most people do not receive inheritances and if they do, it is not likely to be more than a few thousand dollars. You are better off working to build your own fortune. Then it will not matter what other people do with their money.

A GRIMM PRICE TO PAY

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Opening quote: “For me there are neither locks nor bolts, whatsoever I desire is mine.” – The Master Thief, Grimm Brothers

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Another episode showed that more artifacts were found that belonged to a Grimm in Europe. When Monroe’s uncle offered to sell it to Nick he asked for something like $250,000. Nick didn’t have that kind of money. Especially, on a cop’s salary. That’s a lot of money.

Monroe said that to his uncle. He said that was his price and left.

Not being able to get your hands on a significant amount of cash fairly quickly is a way to miss out on opportunities. You should always have liquid cash in savings or a stash you can tap for emergencies. I started my emergency fund with $25. My rainy day fund now consists of me saving over $14,000 a year. I learned how important having a money stash from the fictional character Scrooge McDuck.

See my post Money Lessons I Learned from Scrooge McDuck

GRIMM MOVE

Opening quote: “It is not light that we need, but fire.” – Season 5, episode 1, The Grimm Identity

Lots of fight sequences happen at Nick’s house. So many that Monroe told Nick he should move.

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I gave Monroe the slow clap. I had been thinking that very thing for like 2 seasons. Too many people knew where he lived.

There are times when jobs dry up. Factories and businesses close. Like they said in the old days: Go West, young man! Or There’s gold in them there hills! That lit a fire under mens a$$es to move with a sense of urgency.

To get a fresh start, you may need to move. Move where the jobs are.

Starting a business? Move where capital is plentiful and free flowing.

The operative word: Move.

GRIMM FOSTERING THE PEOPLE

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Opening quote: “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, nobody knows my sorrow.”

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One of my favorite characters in the show was none other than Teresa “Trubel” Rubel played by Jacqueline Toboni.

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She was a runaway that would be taken in by Nick. She is also a Grimm. The show got a whole lot more interesting and fun when she came along.

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“Nobody Knows the Trubel I’ve Seen” is the 19th episode of season 3. It aired on April 25, 2014. This is Trubel’s first appearance on the show.

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Throughout her time on the show, money was a constant stressor of hers.

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For instance, she did some of the following:

  • Stole a pair of boots
  • Stayed in cheap motels
  • Asked for money for food
  • Did not want to take handouts

In another episode, she helped stop an illegal teen shoplifting ring. She herself was basically living in foster homes and on the streets until she met Nick. One of my favorite scenes was when she stole that pair of boots. It was very slick.  

Well, we have come to the end of this post. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. There was nothing like this show.

I am a huge fan of the show Grimm. I miss it.

I still watch the show on demand. If this post piqued your interest in the show, check it out.

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3 Money Lessons from Til Debt Do Us Part

“Money isn’t rocket science.” – Gail Vaz-Oxlade

Til Debt Do Us Part is a Canadian television series that follows couples that are going through financial crisis and financial expert, Gail Vaz-Oxlade, comes in to help the couple find solutions.

The series ran for over 100 episodes from 2005-2011. It also had a spin-off called Princess.   She teaches couples to go from red to black and gain control over their money.

The show would air right after the Suze Orman show during its run on CNBC. Read my post Dom Perignon Taste on a Budweiser Budget to see how it all went down on Suze’s show.

#1 REASON COUPLES BREAK UP

Money is the number #1 reason couples break up. She visits couples weekly and gives them challenges to help with their finances. Then at the end of each episode, after about 4 weeks, she awards the couple with up to $5,000 dollars to help them get out of debt.

CUT THE CHEQUE

By far the best part of the show, in my opinion, is when at the end of one month, Gail Vaz-Oxlade gives the couple a cheque for an amount up to $5,000, depending on their attitudes and how well they did during the challenges. Keep in mind, couples could get less and some have. One of the lowest amounts I have seen her give was $3,000, which is a 40% reduction of the prize money.

The show was so popular that a 52-Week Life Planner was released based on the television series and offers day-by-day, step-by-step strategies and tips for successfully managing household finances.

This reminds me of a Tom Holland interview he did for Spiderman talking about how Anthony Mackie always says, “cut the check.”

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Let’s get back to Gail.

If you have never heard of the show Til Debt or can’t remember it, no worries, I will take you back down memory lane tonight.

WHO IS GAIL VAZ-OXLADE?

“We feel good when our homes are bright and shiny, put a little elbow grease into your money and it’ll glisten too.” – Gail Vaz-Oxlade

Gail Vaz-Oxlade is a financial writer and was a columnist for numerous publications as a freelancer including Yahoo! Canada Finance.  She has helped people from high finance to low-income solve their money problems. Eventually, she became a television personality due to all of her work in finance and that is how the show Til Debt came into existence with her as the host.

She has written numerous books on the topic of finance. I have actually read one of her books called Debt-Free Forever.

Gail has a no-nonsense attitude when it comes to money. And that is what makes her so good at what she does.

FOR THE LOVE OF JARS

“You can have everything you want. All you need is a plan. And how do we spell plan? B-U-D-G-E-T!” – Gail Vaz-Oxlade

Watching the show was very interesting. One recurring theme was the jars. Gail advocated for couples to live on cash.

Every single episode, you got cash jars. You would put in a certain dollar amount. When you spend, you write it down in the budget binder cause cash slips through our fingers easier than that snail did with Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

Some couples were taking out cash at the ATM from their bank accounts or doing cash advances, which Gail said she could not track so we don’t know where the money went. When it’s gone, it’s gone. Without writing it down or keeping receipts, there is no other way to track cash. So, jars it is.

MONEY LESSONS FOR GAIL

Gai loves cash and hates banks. She thinks they are bleeding people dry slowly with their interest and fees. Gail says banks are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The only way this will change is to teach financial literacy in school. I say start in elementary when they are old enough to start asking for a $1 lollipop, it’s time to start the finance lessons.

Check out my posts on banking.

Banking at Credit Unions versus Banks – The Great Debate

New Banking Rules: Clear a check payment in a day

Q&A with Lisa Servon:, Author of the Unbanking of America

This is the secret recipe to building wealth: You need to make more money and you need to spend less money.

Here are 3 lessons that Gail taught me: (1) both partners need to manage the money, (2) no retail therapy, and (3) debt repayment takes time.

LESSON ONE: GAIL ON COUPLES MANAGING MONEY

  1. Do not have only one partner manage the finances.

“It’s not unusual for one person to assume the nitty-gritty of daily finances…. The problem is that when one person is excluded, or totally abdicates responsibility, it means the other can mess things up with no monitoring or grow resentful at always having to do the detail…. Taking turns managing the chequebook, and having regular conversations so that both of you are clear about what’s going on, means you’re both in the know and working to the same ends. It also means that one person doesn’t have to deal with all the crap, while the other merrily laughs off the stress and frustration with, ‘You’re managing the money, so this is your problem to deal with.’ (Yes, there are dopes who say this.)”

Always know what is happening with your money. I don’t care who signs the check and put it in the envelope. Just make sure you lick the stamp. Be involved. Ask questions. Don’t be in the dark.

It’s kind of like that scene in Charmed in the episode Be Careful What You Witch For. Remember that scene in the beginning, after the opening credits. I want you to be skeptical like Phoebe. Always know who you owe and how much. Nothing is for free.

The conversation went like this:

PhoebeI don’t get it you’ve been stuck in that bottle for two hundred years then someone finally sends you to us and you’ve no idea who licked the stamp? I find that very hard to believe.

Genie:What? I don’t get it you win the lotto and you’re asking for explanations?

Piper:Actually we’d like to know who to send the thank you note to.

Same conversation you should have with your partner, but about which creditor.  And winning the lotto, yeah right? Read my posts Forget casinos, bet on yourself and Mega Millions win or bust.

LESSON TWO: GAIL ON RETAIL THERAPY

  1. Forget retail therapy

“Plastic is anesthetic — it dulls the pain, and then what happens is you just keep waiting for the next fake high.”

And don’t I know it. I had a huge shopping problem for years. It was done as a way to dull the pain of the things going on around me – low-income, working full-time, going to college – I was a mess!

I had some pretty terrible managers when I was younger too. All the stress was getting to me. I had to find a way to cope, but shopping was not it. As I got more mature, I found ways to de-stress that were cheaper or free.

I have said it before that credit is seductive and addictive. It should not be used to replace your emergency fund (liquid cash). However, if you do, be strategic and use credit wisely and sparingly.

How to get access to a $250,000 Emergency fund with $0 of your own cash

How Benjamin Franklin used 13 virtues to get rich 

LESSON THREE: GAIL ON DEBT REPAYMENT

“A goal without a deadline is just a dream.” – Gail Vaz-Oxlade

  1. Slow and steady is the way to repay debt.

“One step at a time. You are on your way. Expect challenges. Keep your goal where you can see it.”

You better believe it. If it took you 8 years to accumulate the debt, thinking you can pay it off in 3 months is delusional. See my post Getting out of debt one step at a time.

The good news is that once you recognize you have a problem with debt, then you can work on solutions. I have noticed that generally 2-3 years of cutting back and attacking debt is usually enough time to pay off most if not all of your consumer debt except the mortgage and student loans. After 5-7 years, the only debt left is usually the mortgage. That is a small price to pay for freedom.

TIL DEBT O US PART

I did a search online and found this synopsis of the show’s premise at IMDB.com. It’s spot on.

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Money can’t buy you love. But keeping love alive without money can be pretty tough. In fact, ninety percent of marriage breakups are due to money problems. And to get advice on how to manage money usually costs money! Til Debt Do Us Part, is a series that offers tough-love solutions to those willing to face their financial troubles head on. In each episode we meet a couple in crisis. Some are on the verge of bankruptcy, hounded by creditors or facing eviction. Others are just getting by, but in the midst of a personal meltdown or relationship breakdown because of money issues. With the sensitivity of a therapist and the toughness of a CFO, our host, renowned financial author and columnist, Gail Vaz-Oxlade reveals what she’s found in a couple’s finances – and then she’ll dig a little deeper. She asks some tough questions and then they’ll be forced to face reality. Where will it end if they continue on this rocky road? To get things back on track, Gail takes control of their finances …

This show was very eye-opening in how people managed their finances. Many did not have a clue what was coming in and going out. Gail would come in with her screen shots of the couples bank accounts and spending and give it to them straight.

Many times the wives would burst out in tears after seeing how much debt the family was actually in. Lots of couples were in over their heads. Some so deep in debt they had to consider selling their house, or worse, bankruptcy!

Some couples did not want to make any changes. Even though they were debt up to their eyeballs. These people needed to get their priorities straight. Much like Hermione, in Harry Potter.

Here is the show’s Intro and theme song along with a promo. This is just a taste, a light sampling, of what you are in store for with this show.

There are 2 episodes that stand out for me. They were called The Worst Family Ever and Love Affair with Luxury.

MONEY WORRIES CAN CAUSE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

In the S03E13 entitled, “The worst family ever?” One couple were living in the wife’s family basement for about a couple of years. They spent with reckless abandon. Oh, the couple popped bottles night and day. Especially, after moving out and buying their own home for about $225,000. That’s not bad. What is bad is that they saved zero dollars while sponging off her parents.

That’s right. While mooching off the rents’ they saved $0. Not one dime. Even Scrooge McDuck saved his number one dime. See my post Money Lessons I Learned from Scrooge McDuck. Also, check out Why the Rents’ shouldn’t pay your rent.

Then, to make matters worse, they threw non-stop parties at their house for friends and family. This was obviously all to make themselves look good to friends and family. In Yoda speak, so concerned with appearances they are.

“Happy people don’t worry about what other people think about them.” – Gail Vaz-Oxlade

OUT OF CONTROL SHOPPING FOR BABY BUT THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

In addition, they expanded their family and had a son, but financially were unprepared for this. At one point, the wife was spending $1200 a month outfitting junior! I couldn’t believe it. What is she buying Versace onesies? Get real. A baby doesn’t care. They just want to be warm, feed, and dry.

This couple were overspending by the tune of $4,100 a month! Holy spending gone bonkers, Batman!

Fun Fact: For those of you unfamiliar with that Batman line, here is where it comes from. The Batman television series from the 1960’s. Batman was American live action television series, based on the DC comic book. It starred Adam West as the titular character and hero Batman and Burt Ward as his sidekick Robin.

It was also turned into a cartoon series. Here is Robin at his finest with his sayings. Hilarious!

I decided to post it so you won’t ever have to get the tongue lashing that Penny got from Sheldon on an episode of The Big Bang Theory about Batman at 2:48 into the video.

The Precious Fragmentation – Season 3, Episode 17
Aired March 8, 2010. One of my favorite episodes.

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It was about The Lord of the Rings. Even Raj used a Holy Robin saying in there!

In this next video, Sheldon gives a fun fact to Raj. Now, you know where I get it from.

Now, back to the story.

The way the couple on the show  were able to overspend like that, drumroll please…the credit cards!

When Gail comes along they are so bad she tells them they have to sell the house. They flat out said they could not sell the house. Even though they are on the path to $1.3 million in debt and possible bankruptcy! Gail, at one point in the show, tells them they are the worst couple she has had on the show and that she had a few sleepless nights worrying about how to help them out of this situation. Coming from Gail, that’s scary.

The way it went down, it reminded me of that scene in The Chipmunk Adventure, when Jeanette and Eleanor was telling the Arabian prince that Brittany spends money like a drunken sailor and Brittany got mad. Hilarious. I just so happened to find the footage of that particular scene and the movie on YouTube. Hope you have fun watching! No need to thank me.  Like Dean Winchester says, “You’re Welcome.”

SHOULD YOU FINANCE A $100,000 CAR?

“Change brings challenges, learning, and a sense of New. Change is full of promise.”- Gail Vaz-Oxlade

In the S04E03 entitled, “Love Affair with Luxury,” which aired March 6, 2008, is the gold standard of delusions of grandeur when it comes to money management. The wife, Simone, is a champion shopper and a spendthrift who manages to make 53 shopping trips in a single month! That’s nuts. Even though she’s on maternity leave, a luxury car is next on her shopping list.

The only reason the couple is able to afford such luxuries is because they have each other’s incomes. The minute one person’s income is gone or reduced, i.e. disability or divorce, the whole house of cards comes tumbling down faster than the stock market has in the last 30 days.

Check out this post by BudgetsareSexy to see just how far down the stock market has gone in his The Red Wedding of Net Worth Reports.

LOVE AFFAIR WITH LUXURY SUMMARIZED

I found the plot summary for the episode Love Affair with Luxury online at IMDB.com.

Frank and Simone’s combined $110,000 annual income is currently curbed by Simone being on maternity leave. Simone is addicted to what she believes she needs to keep up appearances in every respect, which includes working out at the gym, and spending money on “stuff” for herself, such as clothes, getting beauty treatments of various kinds, and having a beautifully appointed house. A $125,000 new car is next on the list. Simone, however, states that she would never do anything that would place her family at risk. But Frank doesn’t realize he is just as guilty, spending money on his electronics, which includes six large television sets in their house of four people, including one infant. This spending has resulted in $55,000 in consumer debt so far. They constantly fight about money, something having to give if their marriage can overcome this issue. As such, Gail issues them challenges largely focusing on dealing with their root problem, namely their addiction to luxury, this focus which not only entails them doing the challenges, but understanding why she has issued these challenges.

At one point in the show she says, “we can finance $100,000 can’t we.” For a car no less! If you have ever read this blog, you know I can’t stand cars for the simple reason that they can keep you in debt forever. You could spend a couple hundred grand on cars in a lifetime. You know how much interest you could earn on $200,000! Here are just a few on my posts on my beef with car loans below.

If you want to be wealthy, drive a Ford 

Why not to own a $50,000 car on a $25,000 salary 

Life is good without a car payment 

A car and nothing more

Outrageous Loan Terms for Porsche that even the Rich can’t justify 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Money is a tool we use in the present to create the reality we want in the future. Learning about finance is a good start. Practicing good money habits and teaching your kids to understand the concepts of money – budgeting, saving, and spending – you help create their reality.

So, I want to always stay in control of your…I will now end this post in the last words of the Til Debt Do Us Part theme song, money, money, money, money, money, money, moneyyyy!

Money and Life Lessons I Learned from CBS Storybreak’s Yeh-Shen

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Chinese Proverb

“What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” Confucius

Anyone out there that has been reading my blog, you can probably tell by now that I am a big fan of cartoons. I even named my blog after a scene in one. See my Meet Miriam page for more on how I came up with the name Greenbacks Magnet.

Anyhow, if you grew up in the 80s or 90s, then you may remember a Saturday morning anthology television show that aired on the CBS network called: CBS Storybreak.

Click here or on the logo to see the CBS Storybreak Intro.

It originally aired from 1985 to 1987 and was hosted by none other than Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Bob Keeshan.

Each episode was 30 minutes long and retold a beloved children’s story in animated adaptations.

It was later rebroadcast from 1993 to 1994 and was again returned to air in reruns in 1997 to 1998. This time it was hosted by actor Malcolm Jamal-Warner.

YEH-SHEN

My favorite episode of the series was entitled, “Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story From China.”

Yeh-Shen is a Chinese fairy tale that is similar to the European Cinderella story.

The one adapted on the anthology series, Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story From China, retold by Ai-Ling Louie and illustrated by Ed Young, is a well-known children’s picture book adaptation of the fairy tale, which was originally published in 1982.

If you are unfamiliar with the story or the animated series, a kind soul uploaded it to YouTube, and I have linked it here for you to see.

Fast Fact: One of the voices in this 1985 animated anthology of Yeh-Shen, was played by actress Emily Kuroda. She played Mrs. Kim on Gilmore Girls.

Mrs. Kim ran a tight ship, but was hilarious.

And Gilmore Girls happens to be one of my favorite shows. I want this website to be the Gilmore Girls of blogs, as there will be enough pop culture references in here to make your head spin, but that, like Lorelai and Rory, is how my mind works.

Now let’s get to the story.

VIRTUE CAN BE SEEN IN RAGS AS WELL AS SILK

“I believe that virtue shows quite as well in rags and patches as she does in purple and fine linen.” – Charles Dickens

Yeh-Shen always kept a neat and clean appearance. She kept her place in the home tidy. She also told the truth. And always acted with dignity and grace.  People noticed, including nobility. And not just any noble, A King. Ursula said it best, starting at 1:02 minutes.

I learned to keep a clean appearance at all times and take very good care of myself. I regularly get exercise, read, brush my teeth, and eat my three square meals a day. And people notice, including my partner. My appearance is one of the things that attracted my boyfriend to me.

FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT

Yeh-Shen’s only friend is a fish named Gold Eyes. He is a spirit that is there to look out for her, that was sent by her mother, as a way for her to look after her beyond the grave.

Gold Eyes always helped Yeh-Shen. He would assist her with her laundry, give her food and advice, or provide anything else she needed help with.

She would share her meager breakfast with him, even though she had so little for herself. She was a good and kind person and a dear friend. In return, Gold Eyes held her in high regard and was always there for her in return. He tells her she deserves better and one day will have it.

From this, I learned how important friendship is. True friends are there in good times and bad.

It’s like Oprah Winfrey said, “Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

Agreed.

POVERTY IS HARD

However, there is no shame in being poor.

Upon the death of her parents, Ye-Shen is poor. She becomes a lowly servant to her stepmother and her daughter. No matter the amount of work placed upon her, she does her duties, and does them well.

It didn’t matter how hard Yeh-Shen worked or how obedient she was. She was treated badly simply because she was poor.

A man in town even looked her over because he said he was looking for a beautiful wife and not a pretty servant.

From this, I learned two things: (1) A job worth doing is worth doing well, and (2) do all you can to change your station in life. You may be born into poverty, but only you can determine if you remain that way forever.

Might I suggest reading biographies and books about money. And get your education. A good one.

MANNERS MATTER

Every time someone spoke to Ye-Shen, she spoke elegantly and courteously. No disrespect. People remembered and appreciated that about her.

Those manners got her far. She was able to escape trouble, punishment, and land the attention of a handsome noble from minding her manners.

MIND YOUR BUSINESS     

Her stepsister did not want Yeh-Shen to go to the festival because that is where people go to find a husband or wife. She said, “she couldn’t handle that type of competition.”

In addition, when she finds out about Yeh-Shen’s fish, she tells her mother, who then gets rid of him. In the end, it turned out to be fortuitous for Yeh-Shen.

Do not focus so much on others. Mind your own business. Run your own race. You could be getting yourself together and becoming your own success, if you focus less on what others are doing.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

In the show, her stepsister repeats this phrase after her mother tells her she wants to hear positive thinking and not any negative thinking, “I will find a husband, I will be a bride.”

To this day, I practice my affirmations. I actually learned this from Yeh-Shen. I reject negative thinking and focus on being positive. Optimism gets results. Negativity does not.

MISERY LOVES COMPANY

When the stepmother learns of Yeh-Shen’s talking fish she decides to get rid of him. Leaving Yeh-Shen all alone.

Those who are unhappy, don’t want to be alone in their unhappiness. It is your job to get away from them. They will only drag you down.

FATE

Gold Eyes turns into magical bones. He tells Yeh-Shen not to despair, as this was his fate. He is still there with her, even though only in spirit.

Like Doris Day said, “Que será, será, Whatever will be, will be, The future’s not ours to see.”

You cannot control what is meant to be, but you can control your actions and how you respond to others. Stay in control. Have a cool head. Control your emotions, control your life.

KINDNESS

Gold Eyes tells Yeh-Shen that he must repay her kindness. Her stepmother would feed her very little. Therefore, Gold Eyes would provide huge meals for her as a way to compensate for this slight.

Even after all they put her through, she asked Gold Eyes if she should share with her stepmother and sister. He replies by telling her, “Did they share me with you? No. This gift is from me to you.”

He says to her that she can ask for something more, but she says, “this is all I need.”

Being nice has its rewards. I always repay a kindness. However, there is a thing as being too nice. You have to set limits and boundaries with people. In addition, you must also stand up for yourself. You can be nice, but don’t be anybody’s fool. Also, only take what you need. No need to be greedy.

DO NOT BE EASILY PROVOKED

Throughout the entire episode, she is repeatedly reprimanded, punished, neglected, scolded, and insulted. She never responds to this.

Sometimes you have to be man or woman enough to walk away. You must pick your battles. Live to fight another day.  Move on.

YOU MUST GIVE TO GET

When Gold Eyes tells her she deserves more and that they should not treat her so bad she says she knows.  But she was an orphan and they gave her a home.

He offers to do her chores for her, but she says she does not mind doing manual labor, for now. She hopes to find a husband (her true love) at the festival. He concedes and tells her if that is her destiny so be it.

She is offered the world on a silver platter and turns it down.  She wants to make her own future on her terms. It is best to keep your head down and work. You must give to get. That is just how the universe and karma works.

BROKEN PROMISES AND DREAMS

She helps her stepsister get ready for the festival. After, she is done, she says she must get herself ready and asks if it is still alright for her to go, as her stepmother promised.

Her stepmother breaks her promise. She tells Yeh-Shen she can go to the next one, or the ones after, but this this one for this year. Yeh-Shen was looking forward to that festival all year. Hope was thoroughly dashed. Yes, this can happen in life.

A TIME TO BE DISOBEDIENT

When her family leaves to go to the festival, Gold Eyes tells her she should go. She says she has nothing to wear. He then magically turns his bones into golden slippers, which transforms her plain clothes into a gorgeous dress. She disobeys her stepmother and leaves to go to the festival.

In life, there is a time to act. You must decide if you are going to break the rules.  And if you are, you better make sure it’s for a good reason.

DEMURE AND CHARMING

At the festival, her family sees the man referred to as The Handsomest One. She then gives a toothy smile and he scowls at her. It was hilarious.

Her mother then says your supposed to charm not scare him. She then goes on to say, “Let’s try the not handsome, but rich crowd.” Come on, really?

Then enter Yeh-Shen all dolled up. Yeh-Shen, who is usually demure, looks confident and sophisticated. A far cry from the reserved creature you are used to seeing in this episode.

Her mother remarks that, “There is the prize winner. She will get the handsomest, richest husband.” She says to her unmarried daughter, “Why can’t you look like that?” Who smartly remarks, “because I was born from you.” Her mother then pinches her.

Oh yea, for a drama it also has quite a bit of comedy. It’s a dramedy for sure.

HATERS GONNA HATE

When Yeh-Shen walks her stepsister says that she had hot nothing to do all day, but take dancing lessons and be pampered. Come on. Hating like that will give you wrinkles unmarried daughter.

It doesn’t matter how nice you are or what you do for people. Some people just are some haters! Ignore them. They hate us, cause they ain’t us. I say don’t hate, congratulate. Figure what they doing so you can see what makes them so successful and find the secret recipe, so you can copy it.

PRICELESS

At the festival, she runs away and loses one of the gold slippers. A man finds it and sells it to the merchant. The merchant then gives it as a gift to the King.

The gold slipper is referred to as priceless. And it is. Rare indeed. When something is priceless, you don’t just give it away to anyone. The merchant gave it to someone he felt was worthy.

A GIFT  FIT FOR A KING

The King feels that the slipper must belong to someone of great beauty and wealth. He decides to find the owner. Who just so happens to be Yeh-Shen; who is also looking for a golden slipper.

If something is lost, then you may decide to return it to its owner. However, do not think that it will come with a reward or be some fairy tale, happy ending. All that glitters may not be gold. In this case, the owner was a poor, orphaned, peasant girl. But there is more to her than people can see.

SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND

Yeh-Shen asks around town to find the other slipper She finds a man who sold it to the merchant.  He then tells her he gave it as gift to the King. She says she must acquire it from the King. The merchant tells her to go to palace to go try it on. She says, “Thank you sir, I shall.”

If you want something, go and get it. Sitting on your laurels has never helped anyone.

THE POOR HAVE NO VOICE

Yeh-Shen waits in line all day to try on the slipper, but is denied. She then tries to take it. The palace guards accuse her of trying to steal it. They called her a girl in rags. She tells them the slipper belongs to her friend, a dead fish, as the slipper design is like the scales of a fish. They lock her in the dungeon.

First, if she had been a woman of nobility, she would not have been treated this way. To be poor is not a crime. However, if you want to be heard, you must ask the right way.

Second, you cannot even look as if you are attempting to steal something. There is a saying that, if you’ll lie, you’ll steal and if you’ll steal, you’ll kill. Do not even give people a reason to think that.

MERCY

The King says to have her released in the morning.  A guard tells her in a curt tone to get out and stay away. She merely bows.

Like in the Karate Kid (1984), there is a time to show mercy. A tense situation arises between an adult and a teen. And they needed an adult at the wheel. Mr. Miyagi was that adult.

And for those who do not know Mr. Miyagi, this is for you. Please do not be like that kid on that episode of Supernatural.

For those of you who do not know or may not remember, here is the scene of Mr. Miyagi teaching Daniel son another life lesson.

A TRAP SO TINDER

Better than any tinder app could do, the results of this match are written in the stars. Slide left, I mean right. Don’t want to make that mistake.

The King sets a trap to leave the slipper unattended so Yeh-Shen will take it and he will then follow her to see what she does and why it’s so important to her. That’s smart.

And pretty slick, if you ask me. Reminds me of that scene in Hackers (1995)

PATIENCE

They wait. She takes the slipper. They follow.

Anything worth having is worth the wait.

IT DOESN’T BELONG TO YOU

After getting the slipper back, her step family find her out. Her stepmother is happy to have a matching pair of gold slippers. She says their fortune is made and their ticket out of the cave. She will sell to the King.

You do not own and cannot sell what is not rightfully yours.

NO THIEF HERE

The King stops the squabbling between Yeh-Shen and her stepmother. She tells him she is no thief. She needs to have the slippers together so that her friend can go return to the pond of his forefathers.

Sounds crazy, I know. However, when in doubt, tell the truth.

WHO ARE YOU?

The problem with playing games is that you get hurt too. – Common (actor, rapper, entrepreneur)

She tells the King who she is. No more games or pretending.

He asked. She answered. Tell people who you are.

GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

The King asks her, “What are these slippers to you?” She says they belong to her friend. Explains her story to the king.

That’s right. Tell people your story. Share what you are trying to do. You will be surprised how much people are willing to help you when you are doing the right thing. Also, when you know the truth, then you can deal with it.

DO THE RIGHT THING

The King tells her if that is what she must do with the slippers, then do so. He then says “but first, place them on your feet.”

She obliges and transforms back into the woman seen at the festival that day in the beautiful dress.

The look on her stepmother and stepsister faces are priceless!!!

The King could have decided not to believe her, but he listened. Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and not for any prize or reward. Doing the right thing is its own reward.

SECRETS REVEALED AND DESTINY

Gold Eyes magically appears as a spirit and thanks Yeh-Shen. All secrets are now revealed. He tells her now he can go. As her dreams are about to come true.

If you are meant to have it, no one can stop you from your destiny.

The truth is out, now you can deal with it.

MARRIAGE MATERIAL

Her stepmother tells her that the clothing that Gold Eyes gave Yeh-Shen belongs to her because she is her guardian.

The King says no as she is a free person. She must then step aside.

The King says, “Your friend, the mystical fish has brought you into my life for a reason.” He then steps up to the plate, wasting no more time and asks for her hand in marriage. She says yes.

The show ends by letting the audience know to visit your local library or book store. Book recommendations are provided by the Library of Congress. If you like this tale, then read Cinderella by The Brothers Grimm.

I, myself, am a huge fan of the fairy tales. I like Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm Brothers. Particularly, the Grimm Fairy Tale Classics cartoon, but that’s another story.

How do you play with FIRE?

“It is so liberating to really know what I want, what truly makes me happy, what I will not tolerate. I have learned that it is no one else’s job to take care of me but me.” – Beyoncé

Many of you may have heard of the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early). However, what some of you may not know is that there are different ways to FIRE.

Let’s explore some of those ways shall we.

WHAT IS FIRE?

According to Camp Fire Finance, the elevator pitch for FIRE is this, “When your investments generate enough money to cover your annual expenses you’re financially independent (FI). At that point work is optional and you can retire early (RE) if you want to.”

Basically, you have more than enough money coming in to stop working. Usually, this requires anywhere from $1 million to $5 million dollars depending on what you want or need to spend to maintain your lifestyle or that of the one you dream of having.

For example, if you decide you want to withdraw at least $80,000 a year, you would need to have a $2-million-dollar portfolio.

HOW DO YOU BUILD A $2 MILLION DOLLAR PORTFOLIO?

“Don’t focus on getting to $1 million; focus on getting to $2 million.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

I heard that little gem when Mr. Schwarzenegger was doing a radio interview.

So, one word: invest.

Property, stocks, art, and stamps can all help you build your net worth.

“Market crashes are the best times to buy,” he said. “When Walmart has a sale, everybody would run in to buy. But when the stock market has a sale, or the real estate market has a sale, everybody runs away. That’s why there’s a difference between rich and poor today because they don’t know a good thing when they see one.” – Robert Kiyosaki quoted from a MarketWatch interview

Do not focus on your income; focus on your net worth.

Earning a high income means nothing, if you spend it all. If you make $85,000, but spend $86,000 you’re in the red. You can blow through just about any paycheck.

PURSUIT OF LIFE, LIBERTY, HAPPINESS AND FINANCIAL FREEDOM

The pursuit of financial freedom takes work and time. I thought this post from Apathy Ends, hit the nail on the financial head on why people are not rich, yet. See my post on Patience is the key to wealth.

I will never forget that episode of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) when Ms. J was teaching the girls how to walk down the runway. He was fierce and determined.  What he got from the girls was gentle and undetermined or undefined and lazy.

He commented to them, while slapping his hands together, with one palm face up against the other hand palm down for emphasis: “I want you to walk like you’re selling it and the rent is due tomorrow.”

I could think of no better way to tell someone that is how you approach your money and your life’s work. Either be all in or don’t do it at all. Passion is what separates the have’s from the have not’s. And in that case, it was a $100,000 prize and modeling contract.

Get a financial education. Learn all you can about money. Make a plan or a budget for your money, but make it sexy. I know for some people talking about interest rates puts them to sleep, but how about we think of the subject differently and come at it from another angle.

I went to a meetup in DC and heard J. Money of BudgetsareSexy say this, “Do you want to learn how to balance a check book? Boring. Or do you want to learn how to save a million dollars?” WHAT?!!!

Did you also know reducing your 401(k) investment fee by 1% can provide you with 10 years of income? Shocking? Yes, I know. I can teach you how to save $1 million and keep $100,000!

Now, those things sound sexy and exciting. Yes,  please tell me more.

Once you have a question. Start looking for answers.

THE RULE OF 25

“I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That’s how I’ve gotten to where I am.” – Beyoncé

If your annual expenses are $55,000 a year, then you need $1.375 million to retire (55,000 x 25) and then this should last you for the next 25 years.

The formula used to calculate your 25 years of expenses is this (expenses x 25 years).

Estimate your FIRE number.

You want more money to retire on? Like Beyoncé says, set a higher goal.

For $100,000 in income, you would need a $2.5-million-dollar portfolio to generate that kind of cash.

See chart.

Source: Camp Fire Finance 

THE RULE OF 300

Say your monthly expenses are $3,500, then you need $1.05 million to retire (3,500 x 300) and that should last you for the next 25 years.

As you can see, it is similar to the Rule of 25. It only differs slightly in we use monthly expenses versus annual expenses in this calculation.

Source: Four Percent Rule

THE FOUR PERCENT RULE

The 4% rule refers to your withdrawal rate: the annual percentage amount you can safely withdraw from your investment portfolio when you retire.

Therefore, if you want to withdraw $200,000, then you need a $5-million-dollar portfolio.

Source: Camp Fire Finance

THE THREE PERCENT RULE

“Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.” – Casey Kasem

The 3% rule refers to your withdrawal rate: the annual percentage amount you can safely withdraw from your investment portfolio when you retire.

This allows you to touch your interest earned at a slower pace. Since, you are withdrawing 3% instead of 4%. Meaning your draw down the principal more slowly, if ever. The more you have squirreled away and the less you take, you may not even touch the principal at all.

I know that is really shooting for the stars, but that really is the goal. You never want to touch principal. That way, you live only off the interest forever!

I got this chart from doing another online search and the best I came across was from the blog Financially Alert.

Source: Financially Alert 

LEVELS OF WEALTH

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

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

Mark Cuban on enough money:

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

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

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

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

We’re not talking about rich; talking about wealthy. Chris Rock once said, “Shaquille O’Neal is rich. The guy who pays his salary is wealthy.” He also said comfort is the poison. Too much of it can slow down your progress on the road to wealth. All I mean is to stay hungry. I’m just saying there are different levels of wealth.

FIRE IT UP

“Focus on all four of your net worth factors: increasing your income, increasing your savings, increasing your investment returns, and decreasing your cost of living by simplifying your lifestyle.” – T. Harv Eker

Simple math can help you retire rich.

Unfortunately, many people think of math as a foreign language and say it’s too hard to learn.

In my experience, to build wealth you need to know addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. And that’s about it.

Why FIRE AT ALL?

More control and satisfaction over how you spend your time and money. Finding something you love to do and are passionate about is life changing and fulfilling. What you want is…FREEDOM. Waste less money and work with what you’ve got. Do more with what you have.

What do you want out of life? Write it down. Go seek answers. They say seek and you shall find.

According to Mr. Money Mustache, you should focus more on you than your bank account. Get wiser and healthier so you can increase your probability to get wealthier. My favorite quote of his is this: “Salads and barbells every day.” Become your best self with hard work, dedication, and consistency. Be the Boss.

READY, AIM…FIRE!!!

According to an article by Physician on Fire (POF), called What is fatFIRE?, a Facebook group defined FIRE as the following:

FIRE = Financial Independence. Retire Early.

leanFIRE = FIRE on a shoestring budget.

fatFIRE = FIRE on a generous budget.

Most aspiring to fatFIRE have a target of $2.5 Million or more or the equivalent annual budget of $100,000 or more based on a 4% withdrawal rate.

I found a breakdown of the terms financially speaking on Miniafi on the difference between lean and fat FIRE under the title So Many Terms!

I break it down like this:

LEAN FIRE = $1 million dollar or less portfolio

FIRE = $1.25 to 2-million-dollar portfolio

FAT FIRE = $2.5 million dollar or more portfolio

FIRE is about having enough passive income flows to never work again or to decrease the amount of time you spend doing work you don’t want to do and increasing it on the work you do want to do.