Tag Archives: VFINX

Fictional characters Cartoons and Money, Investing

Stock Splits And Misfits

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Once you start getting interested in finances, it is inevitable that you will eventually start researching individual stocks.

All the financial pundits and mathematical experts will tell you not to invest in individual stocks. I get it. It’s the age old active versus passive investing argument.

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If you buy one stock and it goes under, you have lost all your money in that stock.

However, if you buy a passively managed index fund, then if one company fails, it is replaced by another and your money is still out there working for you.

Although most of my stock portfolio is invested in index funds like the VFINX, I too own single stocks.

It’s the thrill of the chase that gets be going after these companies. I love researching companies. Some of these businesses have more drama behind the scenes and among the management than Gossip Girl!

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See my post Money Advice From Gossip Girl

So sit back and relax while I bring you some stock gossip. You can stop flipping through that latest Cosmo or Barron’s article for just one second, put down that New York Times crossword puzzle, pause that rerun of Billions, book mark your spot in The Wall Street Journal, while Greenbacks Magnet presents to you Stock Splits and Misfits.

Cause you know, everyone just loves juicy gossip. XOXO 💋

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DECIDE TO GO ROGUE

Just between you and me, I am especially fond of these two stock holdings. I will let you in on which two stocks I enjoy individually owning: Apple and Berkshire Hathaway. The year was 2013. I wanted to have a little fun and invest some money. Therefore, I decided to buy shares of Apple and Berkshire.

For those who may not know, Berkshire Hathaway is the most expensive stock in the world priced at 321,600 as of 01:56 EDT PM 07/02/2019. For some added perspective on this stock, in 2011 it was priced for the low, low cost of $115,750; therefore, this one stock has almost tripled in price. That is incredible!

Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A) is the holding company of famed investor, Warren Buffett. Notable companies under the Berkshire umbrella include Geico Auto Insurance, Helzberg Diamonds and The Pampered Chef. Buffett, long a critic of short-term trading, has kept the A shares at a high valuation in order to decrease the volatility that comes from short-term trading.

Unless you have over $300,000 lying around in your personal bank vault, then you will have to stick with buying the B shares of this stock.

In January 2010, Berkshire’s B shares (NYSE:BRK.B) underwent a 50 to 1 stock split, bringing its price down from around $3,476 to about $69.50 per share. That is a huge discount! To get a piece of the Buffet pie, I will gladly pay this price. Unfortunately, I bought when prices were higher; I paid about $75-$100 bucks a share. However, I still came out ahead as now the stock is going for $213 a share. Not bad. That’s a pretty good haul for just pressing the buy button.

See my post Precious Stones Of Wisdom: Life Lessons From Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom

WHAT IS A STOCK SPLIT

A stock split or stock divide increases the number of shares in a company. A stock split is an issue of new shares in a company to existing shareholders in proportion to their current holdings. The price is adjusted such that the before and after market capitalization of the company remains the same and dilution does not occur.

IS A STOCK SPLIT GOOD OR BAD

According to Nerdwallet, when you had to split something as a kid, that generally didn’t feel like a perk. But when you’re an investor, splitting can be a good thing. Stock splits are a way a company’s board of directors can increase the number of shares outstanding while lowering the share price.

WHY WOULD A COMPANY SPLIT ITS STOCK

A stock split is used primarily by companies that have seen their share prices increase substantially and although the number of outstanding shares increases and price per share decreases, the market capitalization (and the value of the company) does not change. Simply put, just like the value of the $100 bill does not change if it is exchanged for two $50s.

However, not all stocks are created equal. That is why I do my homework first before buying ANY STOCK. There are some misfits out there that you do not want to buy. Basically, you get what you pay for. It kind of reminds me of The Misfits from the Jem and the Holograms cartoons.

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If you read my Meet Miriam page, then you know it’s one of my favorite cartoons.

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And because July fourth is around the corner, here is a shout out from The Misfits themselves!!!

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SPLITTING THE APPLE

And last but most certainly not least, I give you Apple! I purchased stock in Apple (APPL) in 2013, when it was going for around $60 a share. Fast forward to 2019, and the stock is over $200 a share! I got in just in time.

It just so happens that the year after I purchased 5 shares for my birthday, in 2014, Apple split the stock. It all went down on 06/09/2014 as Apple did a 7 for 1 split.

My 5 shares turned into 35 shares overnight!

All this happened simply because I did some homework and took action. Calculated risks can pay off. Remember that fortune favors the bold. In the illustrious words of Jem, “outrageous!”

Budgeting, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Investing, Retirement, Saving, Self-Made Millionaires, Wealth

The Skeleton Key Of Personal Finance

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Time, Watch, Key, Old, Antique

To follow, without halt, one aim: There’s the secret of success. – Anna Pavlova

To save, without stopping, one goal: There’s the secret of building wealth. – Miriam Joy, Founder of Greenbacks Magnet

You are about to receive a gift.

From me to you.

I am going to give you the secret to untold riches beyond your wildest dreams and I will give it to you for free.

You will learn how to amass a fortune so great that no man can measure its vastness.

I’ve got a secret. Shhh. But I’ll tell you. Come closer.

I’ll give you the secret to how I became a savings wildcat.

I pick a number, say $10k, divide it by 12, and save that amount monthly.

How you ask? I automate it.

The End.

Smooches 💋

What will this secret cost you? Nothing. Therefore, you will not have to sell your soul to get access to it.

What am I talking about? Saving money.

That is the Skelton key of building wealth. You save a portion of every dollar you earn. Then you invest it.

Investing is the equivalent of being paid royalties as an actor, musician, or author.

HERE. WE. GO.

WHAT IS A SKELTON KEY?

Skeleton Key, Antique, Old World, Wood

A skeleton key is a type of master key in which it is designed in a way so that it can fit and open numerous locks.

The term derives from the fact that the key has been reduced to its essential parts.

Saving money unlocks all the doors to everything you have ever wanted.

Have you ever wanted anything, but could not find a way to get it?

Saving money will solve that problem for you.

See my post How Millennial Money Inspired Me To Start Saving $13,333.06 A Year

My recommendation is this:

Women save $0.50 of every dollar you earn.

Men save $0.40 of every dollar you earn.

Why the difference? Because women earn on average $0.80 for every dollar a man earns.

Therefore, men have to save less and women have to save more in order to reach the same goal of fill in the blank $ dollar amount here.

WHY IS SAVING SO CRUCIAL?

No one can arrive from being talented alone, work transforms talent into genius. – Anna Pavlov

All wealth building starts with saving.

Don’t let anyone tell you any different.

Sure you may have to invest and diversify your money such as investing in stocks, real estate, and bonds, but you have to save money FIRST before you can buy or invest in anything.

If you have ever read a Jane Austen or Charles Dickens novel, then you know the theme always comes around to money.

See my post A Christmas Carol: Lessons In Finance, Business, And Life

Considering that Jane Austen never married and Charles Dickens grew up in a poor house, it is not surprising that the authors chose to hone in on this topic.

The sorted topic of coin. Both authors are British and in that society they have a class system.

You are either born into wealth and inherit it or you must work for many years and earn your fortune.

Many of the landed gentry lived off of their land. Profits that were made from owning land was how they made a living.

That monthly sum could be the difference between prosperity and being locked away in poor houses, which were a form of jail for the poor.

Here in America, we do not have a class system of royalty, nobility, tradesmen, shop keepers and owners, or farmers.

However, we do have a social ranking and social class. Those are the haves and the have nots.

If you want to find yourself in the realm of having, then you best start saving money for your future today.

Many years ago, I was laughed at for my paltry savings amount of 9% per year.

Now I am saving over 40% of my income.

No one laughs at me now.  

HOW SAVING MONEY CAN MAKE YOU HEALTHIER

They say wealth equals health. And that is an understatement if I ever heard one.

Having money allows you to pay for all of your needs.

This includes doctor visits, healthy food, and medicine.

See my post Why America Doesn’t Have Free Universal Healthcare And A Look At Those Who Do

Even something so simple as reading glasses can get pricey. I once saw a pair of Oakley glasses for $300.

You want organic fruit and meat? Well that costs.

Eating well not only affects your waistline, but also your brain functions.

It is said that children that do not get the proper rest, nutrition or eat breakfast before school perform lower on tests and have harder times concentrating.

See my posts Wealth Really Does Equal Health

HOW SAVING MONEY CAN MAKE YOU HAPPIER

Success depends in a very large measure upon individual initiative and exertion, and cannot be achieved except by a dint of hard work. – Anna Pavlov, Prima Ballerina

When you have the means to pay your bills, eat, and work in good health; then you are fortunate indeed to be able to pay your own way.

Being able to afford your monthly nut just makes you happier overall.

You are protected from the pitfalls of many of life’s hiccups.

Money offers protection.

See my posts

Dwayne Johnson: The Rock Solid Way And The Fast And The Furious Way To Make Millions

5 Wealthy Nuggets Of Wisdom From The Count Of Monte Cristo

Halle Berry On Success And Failure: Why She And I Continue To Save So Much

The One-Tweet Financial Plan  

Money Lessons I Learned From Jay Leno

Money Advice I Got From John Legend

Money And Greek Myths: Lessons From Clash of The Titans

You can get just as much pleasure saving as you can from spending.

I seem just as happy being able to have the ability to afford items than am to actually purchase them.

It is a great feeling to payoff debt. Every check you write frees you from obligation to lenders. Then your money can stop serving THEM and start serving YOU.

Make a goal to write down evet single bill you have and person you owe.

I started doing this and tackling every debt I had one by one.

Once I paid of my car, I owed $30,000 and my personal loan, I owed $20,000, then things started really taking off from there.

I was able to take these monthly payments, $450 and $333 respectively, and start investing that money. Now that money works for me in the stock market.

Here is one stock I recommend: VFINX or VFIAX. (You can also invest in the VTSAX or any equivalent)

Portfolio composition of VFIAX

Month-end 10 largest holdings
(22.40% of total net assets) as of 03/31/2019 

1Microsoft Corp.
2Apple Inc.
3Amazon.com Inc.
4Alphabet Inc.
5Facebook Inc.
6Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
7Johnson & Johnson
8Exxon Mobil Corp.
9JPMorgan Chase & Co.
10Visa Inc.

Whatever you do just make sure you not just SPEND money but SAVE money.

Fictional characters Cartoons and Money, Financial Freedom

What I loved about Saturday Morning cartoons

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

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

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

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

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

Memories…

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

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

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

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

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

Like Nirvana said, “entertain us.”

See my post on How Dave Grohl turned Passion into Profits

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

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

But first…

WHO IS BOB KEESHAN?

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

The best teacher is an entertainer. – Bob Keeshan

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

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

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

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

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

TELEVISION HAS ITS LIMITS

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

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

See my post Forget Simon, Do what Buffet says

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

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

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

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

LISTEN

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

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

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

See my posts

Money and Life Lessons from The Pirates of Dark Water

They Shoot Greenbacks, Don’t They

BE GENTLE

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

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

See my post The Greatest Assets are People

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

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

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

PLAY IS SERIOUS STUFF

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

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

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

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

A RUNDOWN OF SOME FAMOUS CARTOONS

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

The ones in bold are some of my favorites.

1960’s

The Flintstones

The Huckleberry Hound Show

The Quick Draw McGraw Show

The Yogi Bear Show

The Jetsons

Johnny Quest

The Magilla Gorilla Show

The Herculoids

Wacky Racers

The Perils of Penelope Pitstop

Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

1970’s

The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show

Josie and the Pussycats

Secret Squirrel

Help!….It’s the Hair Bear Bunch!

Wait Till Your Father Gets Home

Speed Buggy

Super Friends

The Addams Family

The Great Grape Ape Show

Dog Wonder

Tom & Jerry

Jabberjaw

Scooby’s All Star Laff-A-Lympics

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Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels

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1980’s

Super Friends

Richie Rich

The Smurfs

The Snorks

Pac-Man

Rainbow Bright

Strawberry Shortcake

My Little Ponies

Pound Puppies

The Paw-Paw Bears

Shirt Tales

Alvin and the Chipmunks

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Dennis the Menace

The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo

CBS Storybreak

The Raccoons

The Wuzzles

Skeleton Warriors

Galaxy High

Fraggle Rock

Gummi Bears

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The Berenstain Bears

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Dungeons and Dragons

Voltron

Fantastic Max

1990’s

Tom & Jerry Kids

The Pirates of Dark Water

Camp Candy

Biker Mice from Mars

The Real Ghostbusters

Codename Kids NextDoor

The Powerpuff Girls

The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest

Bettlejuice

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

Garfield and Friends

Power Rangers

Wild and Crazy Kids

Dare

Noodles

Grimm’s Fairy Tale Classics

Woody Woodpecker

Mighty Mouse

Healthcliff

Gumby

Tiny Toon Adventures

The Care Bears

Pinky and the Brain

Hey Dude

The Adventures of the Little Koala

Noozles

Did I bring back any memories?

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

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

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

Hope you enjoyed.