Tag Archives: Napoleon Bonaparte

Film Reviews, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Saving, Wealth

Money And Greek Myths: Lessons From Clash Of The Titans

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Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. – W. C. Fields

That quote from W.C. Fields could not more accurately describe this film. The Gods of Olympus rule the world of man. And those who disobey or hurt others are punished.

I have learned that my attitude dictates everything around me including my ability to build wealth. A positive attitude can move mountains.

See my post Money and Life Lessons I Learned from CBS Srorybreak’s Yeh-Shen

This mythical tale of Perseus, son of Zeus, and his quest for the ‘fair’ Andromeda,  Clash of the Titans was released on June 12, 1981.

Why is Greek mythology important?

Greek mythology is the body of myths originally told by the ancient Greeks. These stories concern the origin and the nature of the world, the lives and activities of deities, heroes, and mythological creatures, and the origins and significance of the ancient Greeks‘ own cult and ritual practices.

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Clash of the Titans is a 1981 British-American heroic fantasy adventure film directed by Desmond Davis and written by Beverley Cross which retells the Greek mythological story of Perseus. It stars Harry Hamlin, Judi Bowker, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith and Laurence Olivier. The film features the final work of stop motion visual effects artist Ray Harryhausen.

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Review for the film with an excellent synopsis from IMBD # 8 from 2004. 

In the Mount Olympus, Zeus (Laurence Olivier) destroyed the city Argus with the Titan Kraken to punish King Acrisius (Donald Houston) that sentenced his daughter Danae (Vida Taylor) and her son with Zeus Perseus to death in the sea. Zeus orders Poseidon to save them and Perseus grows up in a paradisiacal island with his mother.

Years later, Zeus punishes Calibos (Neil McCarthy), the evil son of the goddess Thetis (Maggie Smith) and fiancé of Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), turning him into a monster doomed to live in the swamps.

The vindictive Thetis curses Andromeda with a spell and every suitor should solve a riddle; otherwise he would be sentenced to the bonfire. Further, she brings Perseus (Harry Hamlin) while sleeping half-naked to the City of Jopa but Zeus gives magical helmet, shield and sword to his son for self-protection.

When Perseus sees Andromeda, he falls in love with her and uses the magic outfits and Pegasus to discover the answer of the riddle with Calibos.

But Thetis dooms Andromeda to be sacrificed to the Kraken otherwise the City of Jopa and the inhabitants will be destroyed by the Titan. Perseus now has to defeat Medusa and the Kraken to save his beloved princess.

The saga of Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus, and the intrigue among the Gods of Olympus, is brilliant presented in this magnificent film. The delightful story is supported by an outstanding international cast, with names such as Laurence Olivier, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith and Ursula Andress, and by fantastic special effects, considering this is a 1981 movie. The golden mechanical owl Buba is hilarious and responsible for some of the best moments in this film. This epic is a wonderful and highly recommended entertainment for the whole family. I do not recall how many times I have had the pleasure of watching this film.

WEALTH IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HUMILITY

Zeus watches over everyone in Mount Olympus. Especially, that of his children and those of the other Gods, many of whom have children with mortals.

It has become known that Thetis’ son Calibos, who has been spoiled and given every advantage in life, is cold and callous. He abuses and hurts others. For this, Zeus punishes him. His son Perseus, who was given none of those advantages or indulgences of Calibos, is punished by Thetis in retaliation and dropped in the middle of their war between each other.

I found it very interesting that Zeus was willing to punish Calibos for being inhumane and uncivilized. He let the punishment fit the crime.

This is a reminder that life is not fair and no deed goes unnoticed, good or bad.

You should live your life like it will hit the front page of every newspaper. Best to eat humble pie than be served a dish that is best served cold.

WITH MONEY COMES POWER AND WEALTH BRINGS PROTECTION

Being in power means you can make things happen. If you read the stories of Napoleon Bonaparte, The War of the Roses, Winston Churchill, or any leader or influencer you will find a theme.

Success leaves clues.

Regardless, of whether or not you are born into wealth, it is your job to manage all that you have. This is done by controlling your thoughts and actions.

Did you know that most generational wealth is gone within three generations?

According to MarketWatch, about seven in 10 wealthy families lose their fortune by the second generation, according to a study of more than 3,200 high-net worth families by the Williams Group wealth consultancy. By the third generation that number has jumped to 90%.

That means the parents and grandparents make the money, and the children and grandchildren spend it.

After doing some more research, I discovered the following:

  • If you earn more than $34,000 per year, you are in the top 1 percent globally.
  • Most wealth is not inherited. You have to work for your meal. There is no FREE LUNCH.
  • According to the book The Millionaire Next Door, most millionaires are worth between $1 million to $5 million.

See my post the Top 1% of income worldwide

In the film, Zeus provides Perseus with incredible weapons that are magical to protect him. This would not have been possible if his father did not have access to those things.

The reason you want to have financial independence is because you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

FIND YOUR PASSION AND CREATE YOUR FINANCIAL DESTINY

Perseus gets sent to Jopa where Calibos ex-fiance is cursed by his mother Thetis. He decides to find out the answer to the riddle so that he may marry the princess Andromeda.

One of my favorite parts of the film right here. Perseus was smart in the way he found the answer. This is what you are supposed to do in life. Find a goal. Make a plan. Execute. Same rules apply to personal finance.

I set a goal of saving first 10% of my income. Then it kept growing from there. I set the following savings goals:

  • Save 15% of my income
  • Save 20% of my income
  • Save 25% of my income
  • Save 30% of my income
  • Save 35% of my income
  • Save 40% of my income
  • Save 45% of my income
  • Save 50% of my income ➡this is my next goal 💰😉

WE ONLY WANT JUSTICE

If you cannot be a good winner, there is no way you can be a good loser. – Halle Berry

See my post on Halle Berry and success

After Perseus defeats Calibos, he spares his life only if he lifts the cure on Andromeda and he agrees.

He then goes to demand his mother seek out vengeance on Perseus. This is wrong. Perseus won in a fair fight with hand-to-hand combat. However, his mother does what he asks. Thereby putting Perseus on another quest to yet again save Andromeda and risking his life in the process although he committed no crime. He must now face Medusa.

Justice or Revenge

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the Gorgon Medusa

NEEDS VS WANTS

Knowing what your needs versus wants are is how you will achieve your goals.

Perseus must face Medusa in order to save Andromeda.

Who is Medusa?

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone.

What is the legend of Medusa? In later myths (mainly in Ovid) Medusa was the only Gorgon to possess snake locks, because they were a punishment from Athena. In a late version of the Medusa myth, related by the Roman poet Ovid (Metamorphoses 4.770), Medusa was originally a ravishingly beautiful maiden, “the jealous aspiration of many suitors.” Accordingly, Ovid relates that the once beautiful mortal was punished by Athena with a hideous appearance and loathsome snakes for hair for having been in Athena’s temple and being pursued by Poseidon.

Simply put, she was punished for being too beautiful.

In the film, Perseus only did what is absolutely necessary. Veering off course, even just a little could spell disaster. Same goes for wealth building.

TRIUMPHANT AND SUCCESS AT LAST

Perseus wins.

Zeus declares:

No more trials against Perseus for he has confronted them and he has won.

The gods predict that Perseus and Andromeda will live happily, rule wisely, and produce children, and Zeus forbids the other gods to pursue vengeance against them. Zeus commands, “I forbid any revenge against Perseus.” He has triumphed and he shall be rewarded.

The constellations of Perseus, Andromeda, Pegasus, and Cassiopeia are created in their honor.

I feel that like Perseus, I have been underestimated.

It took many years to achieve the goals I had set for myself. Some of which I am still working towards. And as one is crossed off the list, others are added. However, as I once told my sister, I had my back against the wall and was down but not out.

It took every ounce of energy and willpower I had, but I started taking control of my financial life and never looked back.

All those times of wondering how I would pay the bills, get to the end of the month before getting through the end of the money, and living check to check was no more.

I had prevailed against every obstacle, trial and tribulation, and test that had come up against me. There would be no more trials of continuing to go into debt against me. For I had triumphed and I had won!

I hope you enjoyed this post. I had to travel all the way back to 1981, but you have to admit that it is a great story and a spectacular adventure.

Well Greenbacks Magnets, that wraps up another post. Until next time.

Book Reviews, Film Reviews, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence

5 Wealthy Nuggets of Wisdom from The Count of Monte Cristo

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All human wisdom is summed up in two words; wait and hope. – Alexandre Dumas, author of The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers

As I am sure by now you can tell, that I like to not only be entertained, but to entertain my readers as well. Well, this blog post du jour will be no different. One of my favorite stories is one that was written many years ago.

This tale has it all. Money. Lust. Power. Greed. Revenge.

I am sure many out there have heard of the book called The Count of Monte Cristo. It was written by Alexandre Dumas in 1844. Although, the book’s origin is over 200 years old, its plot is just as poignant today as it was then.

The story takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean. The Italian island of Monte Cristo is where the protagonist in this story derives his name. The historical events in the novel happen between 1815-1839, during the time Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled. A true adventure tale that involves the themes of betrayal, hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness.

The plot involves a young sailor that is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit.  Falsely convicted with no trial and imprisoned, he escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets out a plan to exact revenge on those who conspired against him.

His name is Edmund Dantes. And this is his story.

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This post will focus on the 2002 film version of this story.

So, sit back, relax, pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy this post.

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Money Nuggets of Wisdom I got from The Count of Monte Cristo.  

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ALL WEALTH BUILDING STARTS WITH INCOME    

Money Nugget One: You must earn money to save money. Frugality allows you to save more money.

In order to even start building wealth, you have to have income. Money needs to come in before you can start saving any. But make no mistake, all wealth building starts with saving. Once you have money to save then you have to allocate funds to savings.

Please do not discredit the act of saving and frugality. It is far easier to slash expenses and save then it is to make more money.

Work with what you have. It will be far harder to save once you start making more money. So, start saving while you have small sums so you will already be in the habit to do so when you have large sums.

And make time to spend on fun. Do not cut back on fun. Spend more on fun. It will give you the energy and inspire you to earn and save more money. So that you can have even more fun.

I started by reviewing my bank statements and seeing what I was spending.

I made the decision to get rid of as many fixed expenses as possible. In addition, as I paid off debt I would incrementally up my savings.

I started with $1 a day. That was $365 a year. Then went to $50 per month and so on until I finally reached $13,333.06 a year. I cut out tons of subscriptions and services I didn’t need or wasn’t using. Once I saw how much I could save and in such a short time period, as I went from saving $3k a year to $13k a year within 12 months, I started realizing the power of saving.

You can read all about it in my ebook How to crush debt and save $10,000 every single year and other posts I have written from October 2018 through February 2019.

Check these posts out

In the film, Edmond (played by Jim Caviezel) is a Second Mate of a French merchant vessel. It starts in 1815. As their ship’s captain is ill, Edmond commands the ship to stop on the island of Elba. Napoleon Bonaparte offers the help of his physician’s services if Edmond will deliver a letter. And is sworn to secrecy.

Keep in mind, Napoleon is in exile and any correspondence delivered from him would be considered to be treason to the French monarchy as he is an enemy to the crown.  The letter was to be delivered to a powerful politician’s father.  You can pretty much guess where the story is headed.

Upon his return home to Marseille, he is rewarded for his bravery and promoted to captain over another gentleman that was First Mate by the name of Danglars and at the ire of his friend, Fernand
Mondego (played by Guy Pearce). This provided Edmond with enough income to marry his fiancée, Mercedes (played by Dagmara Dominczyk).

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Mercedes

However, before that happens, Edmond must deliver the letter he promised. He gives it inadvertently to the son of the man the letter was meant for. The politician J.F. Villefort (played by James Frain) said the letter was treasonous. It is revealed that Edmond could not read. All was good until he said the name of who was to receive the letter. Upon hearing his father’s name and knowing it would ruin his political career, Villefort burned the letter and ordered Edmond to be arrested.

RICH IS RELATIVE

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Money Nugget Two: Rich is relative

Edmond escapes arrest and goes to his friend Fernand’s house. His father is a count and he goes there for help and protection. However, his friend turns him in to the gendarmes (the French police). As he is arrested, he gives Edmond a chess piece as that is game they used to play as a parting gift.

Then Edmond asks, “why?” He replies that he should not envy the son of a fisherman or someone not of noble birth. That’s cold.

At this point in the film, you are reeling. A good man has been falsely accused and arrested. Put away in prison for life because he was a pawn in a much bigger scheme. One he was unaware of.

Let’s stop and think for a second.

Let’s meet the money players. Because everything always comes back to money. If you truly want to know something., then follow the money.  

Villefort is a well-known, connected, and in a respectable position of a salaried politician.

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Danglars is an educated shipman.

Fernand is the son of a count, wealthy, of noble birth and education.

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Edmond Dantes is none of those things. He had to work for every dime. He is poor and illiterate. When a sacrifice had to be made and a lamb had to be slaughtered, the sacrificial lamb was a poor man. Just something to think about right there.

Although, these people have money and connections, all of them disliked a man of no means, who lacked money, prestige, position, power, and education.

Money will not make you happy as you can clearly see from above.

Money itself has no power. It is what you do with it that gives it meaning or power. It does have the power change lives ad make life easier, but that’s about it. Therefore, rich is relative. It is what you perceive it to be.

Perception is reality.

Rich is different for everyone.

 NEGLECT CAN BE AN ALLY

Money Nugget Three: You can build a fortune without anyone knowing. Stealth wealth anyone?

One of the best parts of the film happens while Edmond is in prison. After six years, he meets a fellow prisoner by the name of Faria (played by Richard Harris), who was once a general in Napoleon’s army. He himself has been imprisoned for 11 years because he would not divulge the whereabouts of a secret treasure; the treasure of Spada.

Faria asks Edmond to help him dig tunnels to escape the prison. They barter. Edmond will only help if the man will teach him how to read. Faria agrees. In addition, he also teaches him how to fight.

Over the next 7 years, Edmond becomes a scholar and a swordsman.

This was made possible because the guards completely ignored and shunned them. Their neglect became their ally.   

This is similar to a story I read in Millionaire Women Next Door. While a young woman’s parents were ignoring her, she built up a healthy work ethic and saving plan that helped turn her into a millionaire as an adult. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot be anything you want to be. If it is important to you, then you will find a way.

If I hear one more person tell me they do not have time to read personal finance books, I’m going to start a bull**it jar and put $20 bucks into it every time I hear that. By the end of 3 years, I will probably have enough to buy a car with cash.

If you have time to surf the Web, spend hours on Twitter, or read Facebook posts, then you can read about finance.

Now, I need your undivided attention for this next part. Reminder that glass of wine I mentioned earlier? Well, I need you to put it down for one minute.

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Once you get all this knowledge, then put it to use. Start investing. Even better, after you grow your fortune, tell no one. Then they can’t hit you up for gifts and interest free loans.

Think I’m joking? Look up bankrupt, broke, or rich NBA players and see interviews where they talk about how friends, hangers-ons, and family members ask them for money.  

I regularly tell people I am just out here trying to make it, you know, trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents. Whatever will distract them from asking me about my money.

Sure, I have money in the bank. However, I am not a bank.

See my post

Become your own bank

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

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Money Nugget Four: There is power in getting an education.

After one conversation, Edmond was very upset. Faria helped him figure out who, how, what, and why he was sent to prison for life. That is when Edmond decides he wants justice. He must live and get out of prison.

Faria is hurt badly in prison, but before he dies, he tells Edmond where the secret treasure is hidden and provides him with a map. Knowing this was his chance to escape, Edmond hatches a plan to get out of prison. After he escapes, he runs into a band of pirates and befriends them.

He then sets off to see old acquaintances and in search of the lost treasure.

After getting the information he required on all his old enemies and his nemesis, Fernand, he finds the treasure.

Once a poor man, he is now the richest man in Marseille. He gives himself a new identity; a count. And a new name: Count of Monte Cristo.

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I remember hearing this growing up, beauty fades but dumb is forever. You cannot get by on looks alone. Get an education. It could be the difference of a life of penury or extreme wealth. You decide.

MONEY OFFERS PROTECTION

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Money Nugget Five: Money attracts money. Money also provides protection.

Edmond Dantes is no more. The Count of Monte Cristo is what he is referred to from this moment on. Everywhere he goes, people hang on to his every word. No one dares to disrespect or cross him to his face, but they will behind his back.

There are some excellent parts in the film as to what he does with his money and how he acquires his home. He is also careful with his identity. He guards it close. He is aloof and cold but not recalcitrant. He is very respectful to all levels of gentry no matter how noble or what manner of nobility a man is. An inferior or low ranking birth means nothing to him. Only power.

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You’ll see what I mean in this scene from the film.

In the illustrious words of Charlotte’s Web, “Salutations.” Or in the case of Monte Cristo, “Greetings.” 😉 Now this is how you make an entrance! This is my favorite scene in the film.

Monte Cristo is nobody’s fool. He has been to both sides of the island. Having been voted off the island of poverty so many years ago, he knows which side to be on.

“In this life we are either kings or pawns, emperors or fools.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

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Money is not only a tool, but one of protection. You can afford to pay your fare and your fair share of any financial obligations. Financial mediocrity is a fool’s game. You should respect money and take care to grow your money so that you can pay your share of any bill that comes in your mailbox.

Money offers protection from eviction.

Money offers protection from sleepless nights and worrying how to pay bills.

Money offers protection from bankruptcy.

Money offers protection from poor health.

I think you get my point.

I want you to be protected. I want you to have the means to take care of yourself and your family. That is why I write. I want to help people improve the quality of their financial lives. I want you to be self-made.  I want you to be a financial rock star. To fulfill your dreams. And if you happen to look for suggestions on good reading materials, you can come here.

May I suggest this literacy classic be one of those books, The Count of Monte Cristo, on your road to wealth that you pick up along the way. Or check out the movie and see how the story ends.

If you enjoyed this post, then you will not regret it.

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Fictional characters Cartoons and Money, Financial Freedom

Money and Life Lessons from The Pirates of Dark Water

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Always the quest. – Ren, Prince of Octopon  

If you grew up watching cartoons like I did, then you may remember this one from the 90’s called The Pirates of Dark Water.

The Pirates of Dark Water is an American fantasy animated television series produced by the dynamic animation team of Hanna-Barbera (The Flintstones, Scooby Doo) and created by David Kirschner, which first aired in 1991.             

It was part of the Saturday morning cartoons line-up.

See my post on CBS Storybreak’s Yeh-Shen

Fun Fact: CBS Storybreak was also produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions.

A young man, seventeen-year-old Ren, learns that he is a Prince with an urgent quest to save his world by finding thirteen magical treasures of rule.

Ren is a very likeable hero much like Luke Skywalker. And for every yin there is a yang.

The pirate lord Bloth is a savage alien pirate and Ren’s mortal enemy. He is Ren’s Darth Vader.

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The show had action, adventure, sword fights, and of course humor. This show was unlike many other of that time as it was way more serious, well-written, surprisingly mature, very developed with memorable characters, imaginative worlds, plot driven, and involved a high degree of morals. I still think of this show and those lessons to this day.

You get to go along with Ren and his shipmates, Tula and Ioz, on a quest to save the world. However, no cartoon by Hanna-Barbera would be complete if they didn’t give you some life lessons along the way.

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The premise and the opening credits spoken over the theme music.

The alien world of Mer is being devoured by an evil substance known as Dark Water. Only Ren, a young prince, can stop it by finding the lost Thirteen Treasures of Rule. At his side, his allies on this quest are an unlikely, but loyal crew of misfits. At his back, is Bloth. The evil pirate lord, Bloth, will stop at nothing to get the treasures for himself.

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I found the show synopsis at IMDB.com

Storyline

When Ren, a young son of a lighthouse keeper, rescues a stranger foundering in the rocks near his home, he learns the man was an aide to his true father, a great king. Ren is given a magic compass crystal that guides him to a dragon who shows him that the only way to claim his heritage is to find the Thirteen Treasures of Rule. Unfortunately, a pirate ship captained by the evil Bloth is also aware of this treasure and is relentlessly pursuing Ren for it. On his side, Ren soon acquires companions like Ioz the Pirate, Tula the Eco-Mage and Nibbler the Monkey Bird who help him in his quest. That quest becomes all the more urgent when Ren learns that the Dark Water, a carnivorous form of water that consumes anything it snares, threatens to envelope and destroy his world and only the treasures he seeks can stop it. Written by Kenneth Chisholm

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The show’s opening credit ending theme song tagline: It’s high adventures with The Pirates of Dark Water. 

The Pirates of Dark Water (1991)

Let’s go!

FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD

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The rich are bold. So seek adventure.

Think Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey or Walt Disney.

The characters in this series are also very outrageous, bold, and at times, reckless, but they get the job done.

This show is packed with great dialogue, fun characters, and on the edge of your seat action. The storyline was driven by its protagonist, Ren (voiced by George Newbern), the leader of this group of pirates. His unabashed furor over the treatment of people, eloquent way with words, and logical reasoning made him a good leader.

Accompanying him on his quest were Tula (voiced by Jodi Benson aka The Little Mermaid Ariel) and Ioz (voiced by Hector Elizondo of Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride). Ioz is a fortune hunter and mercenary swayed by Ren’s noble quest and throws himself in the fracas to help them. They also had a talking monkey-bird, if you can picture that, by the name of Niddler (who is also the comic relief).

For origins of the Little Mermaid see my post on Grimm

Wherever they go, trouble sure follows. Not surprisingly, as every successful person always has something or someone nipping at their heels, vying to claim the same victory to hang up on their mantelpiece.   

Ren and company also receives help, guidance, and encouragement along the way. From this I learned that people are usually willing to help you, when you’re doing the right thing.

See my post Money and Life advice from Nike founder Phil Knight

SUCCESS TAKES TIME

There is nothing impossible to him who will try. – Alexander the Great

There is no shortcut on the road to success.

All things that are good and important take time.

You have to put the work in. Once you do that, then the money seems to follow.

In the show, Ren and his crew had to find the lost treasures of Rule and this takes time. After 21 episodes of the show, they still had only found seven treasures. And they had to guard them with their lives. This odyssey would no doubt take years.

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Tula:

This is going to be a long trip…

You got that right!

Everyone was chasing those treasures. Kind of reminds me of the Legend of Zelda (which they also turned into a cartoon, as was the norm in the 80’s and 90’s).

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If you remember that obscure animated series, then you know his famous line after he felt he should be rewarded by Zelda for keeping the Tri-force of Wisdom safe, “Well, excuuuuuse me princess.” Hilarious.

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There is no story I have ever read that did not take the victor time to complete their journey to the finish line. Even Odysseus, didn’t make it home for ten years after leaving Troy and twenty after joining the Trojan war expedition, but that’s another story. If you like Greek mythology, then check out Homer’s the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Alexander the Great went on a military campaign for over a decade to conquer one of the largest empires in ancient times starting from 336 BC. William the Conqueror let nothing stand in his way to victory as the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until his death. His conquest took six years. Don’t even get me started on The Crusades or Napoleon.

If you want something, then you have to be willing to put the time in.

When I decided I wanted to be financially independent, I studied hundreds of blog, reads dozens of books and started reading about conquerors of ancient civilizations and the self-made.

Over the course of seven years, I did the following:

  • Went form saving $1 a day to $13,000 a year.
  • Increased my savings rate by 2% or more per year.
  • Calculated my FIRE number (Financial Independence/Retire Early) $750,000 and figured out a way to get there in less than 10 years.
  • Started setting impossibly high SMART (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) goals, tasks, and deadlines and meeting them.
  • Figured out the date to retire my credit card debt (which is some of the worst you can have).
  • Determined that all credit card debt is the worst kind of debt to have and found a way to get rid of all revolving debt.
  • Reading a minimum of 2 books a month.
  • Established a six-figure retirement.
  • Started saving $15,000 a year in 2019.

That took years! However, as you can see from above, patience, hard work and determination get results. This blog takes you along on my quest and all the things I do in the pursuit of financial independence. And ultimately, earn back my freedom as time is one thing you can never get back once it’s gone.

FRIENDSHIP IS IMPORTANT

Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. – Alexander the Great

One of my favorite things about this show was the kinship of not only the show’s stars, but the people in that world. They were always willing to lend a hand to help one another. Especially, in those dark times, people just banded together. As it should be. They also forgave.

Lend me some sugar, I am your neighbor! – Outcast, Hey Ya!

Treat your friends as if they are worth their weight in gold. The ones that truly have your back will be there in good times or bad.

Lots of people want 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. – Oprah Winfrey

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Got it?

Good.

RESPECT

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently. – Warren Buffet

Everywhere Ren went he received respect whenever he name dropped his father’s name, King Primus. It was awesome to see people help him because of the reputation built by his father. Wow.

That taught me reputation is everything.

Keep a good name. Keep your promises. Overcommit and over deliver.  

You want respect? You have to earn it.

I like to write. And it’s exciting to write new content. I try to keep this blog informative, but fun. It’s like Sesame Street for adults! Ha ha!

So, if anyone ever namechecks Greenbacks Magnet, I know it’s because they like what you read.

MONEY ISN’T EVERYTHING

Havin’ money’s not everything, not havin’ it is. – Kanye West, Good Life

The show is constantly filled with pirates talking, stealing, earning, or wanting gold and treasure. It’s all in good fun. However, there are times when Ren and his friends are in grave mortal danger. His companions mean the world to him. The circle of trust is very strong and real with them. They never leave one another behind. Not ever.

Ren never chooses money, things, or any possession over people. A fine quality to have indeed.

You can get more things, you can earn more money, but there is only one You! Never forget that.

BEING EVIL ALWAYS MEANS LOSING SOMETHING

50 told me, go ‘head, switch the style up. And if they hate then let ’em hate and watch the money pile up. – Kanye West, Good Life

On the show, the pirate lord Bloth was always trying to lie, cheat, steal, and con his way in and out of everything. His ego could suck up all the air in a room. However, Ren and company always thwarted him in the end, to his chagrin.

Here is some dialogue from the show.

Onda, The Dagron Master:

What about my gold? You promised!

Ioz:

A pirate’s promise. I lied.

ETHOS, PATHOS, AND COMPASSION

The protagonist, Ren, is kind to everyone. He is also loyal to a fault. Therefore, he values honesty and loyalty. And this becomes his reputation. His good natured ways and good name takes him far in the world.

The sheer amount of emotion he evokes and passion for what he does is inspiring. He acts without malice, but steadfastly and with courage. Ren also takes the advice of those he trusts most and not just anyone.

Here is some more dialogue from the show.

Ren:

I can’t ask you to continue with me on this dangerous quest. Name the port of your choice and I’ll take you there.

Ioz:

Which way does the compass point?

Ren:

[Ren picks up the compass and spins it around] The second treasure of Rule… East!

Tula:

Then east it is! For adventure!

Ioz:

For treasure!

Ren:

For Octopon!

Niddler:

For crying out loud! When are we gonna eat?

They would throw in some humor once in a while as you can see.

I have also learned to take good advice when it’s given.

Image result for tula pirates of dark water

It’s not about the messenger, it’s the message.  

One of my favorite episodes on the show as entitled, “The Beast and the Bell,” episode 8, which aired on November 2, 1991.

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Ren is tricked into freeing an imprisoned evil creature by the name of Keroptus.

The Pirates of Dark Water (1991)

He makes a promise to re-imprison the monster to the people who guard him. I will never forget what he said to an optimistic Ren about this dangerous foe as you should never underestimate an enemy.

King of the Guards:

 Keroptus is nobody’s fool boy. He will not be easily deceived by parlor tricks.

To this day, I feel that way about every person I meet. You do not know what or who anyone knows. You should always proceed with caution.

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Well, that concludes this latest post.

I enjoyed revisiting this show from my childhood.

It always gives me a great feeling when I watch this show. The swashbuckling, seeking of treasure and adventure. Personally, that’s how it feels to pursue wealth. I go for the gold. And I play to win.

I know a credit card company has a saying; don’t leave home without it.  However, this show taught me how valuable having morals are and I learned to never leave home without them.

Book Reviews, Celebrities and Money, Self-Made Millionaires, Wealth

Gene Simmons On Power

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“Walk amongst the natives by day, but in your heart be Superman.” ― Gene Simmons

In 2017, Gene Simmons wrote a book called, On Power: My Journey Through the Corridors of Power and How You Can Get More Power.

This book was nothing like I expected.

It was MORE.

Like the title says, it’s about getting more power. Become more powerful than you ever thought you could be. It all starts with your actions.

Let’s get right into it.

WHO IS GENE SIMMONS?

Image: Forbes.com

The short version is that he is a co-founder and front-man of the band KISS, that he helped start in the 1970’s. They are America’s #1 gold record-award-winning group of all time.

Image: New York Post

Gene grew up dirt poor. He practiced guitar for hours after watching The Beatles on an appearance of the Ed Sullivan show, he knew then that he wanted to be a rock star.

According to Harper Collins, the book was inspired by Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, Simmons offers his unique take on the dynamics of power in every realm of life, from the bedroom to the boardroom, to the world of rock, celebrity, and social media, to politics. With one-of-a-kind anecdotes from his life and career, as well as stories from historical and contemporary masters of power, including Winston Churchill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Warren Buffett, Michael Jordan, Oprah, and Elon Musk, Simmons crafts a persuasive and provocative theory on how the pursuit of power drives civilization and defines our lives.

Gene Simmons has an estimated net worth of over $50 million dollars. So, I decided to give the book a quick read. Glad I did.

POWER IS WHAT EVERYONE WANTS

People want power.

  • Power over their lives
  • Power over their time
  • Power over their professional lives and career
  • Power over their money

So, how do you get this so-called power.

It’s a power grab for sure.

Gene takes a no-holds-barred approach to his life and on power. It’s dog eat dog out there. You have to be one of the big dogs.

Gene believed that everyone deserves power and that it is yours for the taking.

In his book, he gives you the key to unlock the doors to the temple of power.

GENE ON EDUCATION

“It’s up to you to educate yourself.”

“It’s up to you to learn speaking skills and people skills.”

“It’s up to you to try (and usually fail, but to try again) all sorts of ventures.”

“Believe me, the library is the temple of God. Education is the most sacred religion of all.” 

He graduated from Richmond College in New York City getting a bachelor’s degree in education. At one point, he was a school teacher in the Upper West Side.

Gene also speaks multiple languages such as German and Hebrew.

I noticed this was also a theme of Scrooge McDuck. Get a good education, become a linguist, and get to work.

I read everything I can get my little hands on. I go to the library every month. I regularly check out 4-5 books at a time. Sometimes more. I do believe in being well-read.

GENE ON SUCCESS

The rest is a combination of hard work, being at the right place …at the right time…with the right thing…oh yes…and more (never ending) hard work.” 

You want success? Well, you have to work for it.

Gene puts his money where his mouth is.

He worked for a butcher hauling up huge slabs of meat and cleaning the blood off the butcher block. Gene has worked as a typist and sold fruit on the side of the road when he was 8 years old.

Make no mistake. Gene is a hard worker and a hustler. He was working multiple jobs to get ahead. Similar to Jay Leno.

As for myself, at one point, I was working as a waitress, cashier, or in sales. In addition, to going to college and studying at times up to 5-7 hours a day! Going to bed at 1 am and getting up at 6 am. Rinse and repeat! I did that for years.

GENE ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND CAPITALISM

“Before I ever knew what the word Entrepreneur was, I realized in America and in the Western part of the world in general, you are given the opportunity to be whatever you want to be. And that is all anyone should ever expect from the Capitalist system. The rest is up to you.”

Yep. America is the land of YOYO (You’re on your own).

You learn real quick that no one is coming to save you. You have to create your own safety net. You can’t depend on the government. The only person to depend and rely on is self. Get it? Got it? Good.

GENE ON MONEY

“So much of our popular mythology focuses on the negative aspects of power that we forget that gaining power is, perhaps, the only way to enable ourselves to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others.”

Gene says you must first get your financial house in order before you can espouse love.

This is similar to what I once heard Tyra Banks mother say, “you have to get yourself together first, before you can help anybody else.”

You should always be looking for ways to earn and expand those earnings. KISS started out with nothing. They slowly built a following. IT. TOOK. YEARS. They were riding around in an old van going from gig to gig and living off hot dogs.

But KISS got smart. They started licensing their name. Everything from lunchboxes to t-shirts. Their moniker is big. Multi-million dollar deals got them to the top of the heap. Monetize everything is Gene’s motto. And he has. And it’s been lucrative to say the least.

So, there you have it. Gene Simmons on power. If you want it bad enough, you just have to work and rock-n-roll all night, like KISS, to get it.