Author: ynot

🧨 Above the Law:

How Congress Plays by Rules the Rest of Us Would Be Jailed For

If you steal a loaf of bread, they’ll throw you in jail. But if you bounce 800 checks or trade stocks based on insider knowledge while sitting on a Senate committee—you’ll get a book deal, a pension, and probably a seat on CNN. You see, in America, we believe in the rule of law. But in Washington, D.C., the only real law is: “Don’t get caught doing something too stupid right before an election.” Congress doesn’t just bend the rules—they write them, break them, and then invest in companies that profit from them. And they do it with a … Continue reading🧨 Above the Law:

How Congress Plays by Rules the Rest of Us Would Be Jailed For

DAY. 41 – Be Patient—

Great Things Take Time

  The Overnight Success Myth: What You Don’t See Behind the Scenes “Wow, they came out of nowhere!” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard. A startup explodes into the headlines. A musician tops the charts. A writer lands a bestseller. It looks like magic—one big break, and boom: success. But here’s the truth they don’t tell you upfront: there’s no such thing as an overnight success. What appears to be sudden often has years—sometimes decades—of effort, sacrifice, rejection, and persistence behind it. Let’s pull back the curtain. The Seductive Simplicity of Success Stories We live in a highlight-reel world. … Continue readingDAY. 41 – Be Patient—

Great Things Take Time

When to Buy a House! 🎯

So I was talking with lady friend in her 40s the other day—really sharp. She already owned a home, had no debt, was putting money into her 401k, and was asking all the right questions about retirement. Then we got into the topic of college for the kids, and what life looks like after work. You know, the big questions. She asked, “Are we doing enough?” And I said, “You’re doing great—but if you want to really lock in long-term wealth, just add this one move: Buy a fixer-upper every five years.” She looked at me like I just … Continue readingWhen to Buy a House! 🎯

The People vs. the Promise – The Trial of Social Security:

Mark Twain, Elon Musk, Milton Friedman, Bernie Sander

and the Great American Reckoning

[Note this is my first Draft, I will reread tomorrow and make it better.> Please send me your comments to [email protected] ] [Courtroom Scene: Opening Statement – Counsel for the Plaintiff] Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I thank you for your attention. Today, I come before you not just as counsel, but as a citizen, a storyteller, and a concerned American. And as I speak, I ask you to hear me not just with your ears, but with your good sense and your gut — because this case, while wrapped in suits and statutes, is about something mighty … Continue readingThe People vs. the Promise – The Trial of Social Security:

Mark Twain, Elon Musk, Milton Friedman, Bernie Sander

and the Great American Reckoning

DAY. 40 – You Have More Control Than You Think—

Own Your Life

LIFE ISN’T FAIR — because it ain’t. Life’s got a way of handing you a leaky boat and no paddle, then laughing while you try to row upstream with a teaspoon surrounded by gators. Most folks spend more time making excuses than making progress. They’d rather polish their reasons than their potential. But success don’t come to the best-prepared—it comes to the most persistent. And if you’re waiting on someone else to come fix your life, well, you might be waiting long enough to need a second funeral. Your circumstances may not be your fault, but your response to … Continue readingDAY. 40 – You Have More Control Than You Think—

Own Your Life

🪶 What AI Got Wrong About

the JFK Files 🎩

I never did trust machines that talk back—and now they’ve gone and made one that talks like it knows everything. Used to be, when you wanted the truth, you had to dig it up yourself—read a book, ask around, maybe get in a fistfight over it if things got real lively. Nowadays, folks just sit back, type a question into a blinking box, and expect it to hand ’em the  truth on a silver platter. But here’s the rub: this blinking box doesn’t know the truth. It knows what sounds like the truth. It knows what you want it … Continue reading🪶 What AI Got Wrong About

the JFK Files 🎩

🎣 Phishing Friday: 20 Ways the Internet Tries to Bamboozle You

“It’s easier to fool people than to convince them they’ve been fooled.”  The internet’s a mighty fine invention — like a River of information. But just that old river is full con men, the digital frontier has phishers: folks trying to trick you out of your gold, your passwords, or your peace of mind. To help you steer clear of their nets, here’s a roundup of the most common phishing schemes floating around inboxes: 🕵️‍♂️ 20 Phishing Tricks You Should Know CEO Impersonation (Business Email Compromise) Lookalike Domains (e.g., micr0soft.com) Fake DocuSign/Dropbox Links “You’ve Won!” Prize Scams Fake MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) Prompts … Continue reading🎣 Phishing Friday: 20 Ways the Internet Tries to Bamboozle You

What the JFK Files Just Revealed…

Well peeps, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that the truth is like a cat—mighty independent, hates to be cornered, and will scratch the daylights out of anyone who tries to keep it locked up. The story of the JFK assassination has been gnawing at this country for over sixty years, and just when you think you’ve got a hold of it, it slips right through your fingers like a greased-up politician. They keep handing out pieces of the puzzle, but somehow, the picture never quite comes together. And why is that? Because the hands dealing … Continue readingWhat the JFK Files Just Revealed…

DAY. 39 – Enjoy the Journey—Not Just the Destination

Life isn’t just about reaching goals; it’s about the experiences, lessons, and meaningful moments along the way. If you’re always chasing the next milestone, true fulfillment will remain out of reach. Take time to appreciate where you are, even as you work toward where you want to be.   Enjoy the Journey We chase the next milestone, the next big thing, as if happiness waits just beyond the finish line. But life isn’t a race— it’s the stretch of road beneath your feet, the laughter in between, the lessons you never saw coming. Success fades, trophies collect dust, but … Continue readingDAY. 39 – Enjoy the Journey—Not Just the Destination

The Future of Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI)

Artificial intelligence is a lot like a  gambler—full of tricks, always learning, and bound to take your money if you’re not careful.” The world of AI is evolving faster than anyone can predict, and now, instead of relying on some big-shot tech company’s AI, folks are starting to bring their own. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about freedom, privacy, and making sure your AI serves you, not the other way around. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our daily lives, a new paradigm is emerging—Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI). Much like the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) revolution … Continue readingThe Future of Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI)

✨ The Real Luxuries in Life ✨

“People are always running after riches, but they forget that the best things in life don’t cost a dollar. Well, except maybe a good cup of coffee.” ☕ – YNOT ✨ The Real Luxuries in Life ✨ Not the fancy cars, not the designer clothes, not the big houses—but these: ⏳ Time 💪 Health 🧘‍♂️ A quiet mind ☀️ Slow mornings 🌍 The ability to travel 😌 Rest without guilt 💤 A good night’s sleep 🌿 Calm and “boring” days 🗣️ Meaningful conversations 🍲 Home-cooked meals ❤️ People you love 🤗 People who love you back “Funny thing about … Continue reading✨ The Real Luxuries in Life ✨

The Shadow Reel

Jack Calloway was retired. At least, that’s what he told himself. The name “Jack Calloway” belonged to a past life, a history buried under layers of deception, burned bridges, and the kind of stories no one believed unless they had seen them firsthand. Now, he went by John Callahan—a quieter, more unassuming name. It wasn’t entirely false. John was his real name, after all, just wrapped in a more forgettable package. The people who knew him now—bartenders, hotel managers, and the occasional old contact—knew only John Callahan, a semi-retired film consultant who occasionally dabbled in business. But deep down, … Continue readingThe Shadow Reel

Poppy Wars

  The heat in Kandahar was the kind that made men reconsider their choices in life. Jack Calloway sat in the humvee, watching Senator Richard Halford wipe sweat from his forehead with the kind of silk handkerchief only a politician would carry. “This better be worth it, Calloway,” Halford muttered, adjusting his aviators. “I didn’t fly halfway around the world just to confirm what I already know.” Jack didn’t respond. He was just the assistant. His job was to observe, take notes, and—when needed—keep the senator alive. The convoy rolled to a stop near a vast valley. Miles of … Continue readingPoppy Wars

DAY. 38 – Small Daily Habits Shape Your Entire Life

The Small Things are the things that Make a Big Life You ever notice how people think success is like catching a lightning bolt in a bottle? They sit around, waiting for some grand moment, some earth-shattering event that’ll change their lives. Meanwhile, success is just sneaking around in the little things—like an old cat that knows exactly where the sun hits the porch every morning. Truth is, it ain’t the big things that make a man (or woman). It’s the tiny, unremarkable, everyday habits that do the shaping. Reading the right words, moving your bones a little, thinking … Continue readingDAY. 38 – Small Daily Habits Shape Your Entire Life

You don’t know Jack,

but they Know, and for the

bargain price of $90 billion yearly.

America, my friends, is a land of many wonders. We have more varieties of potato chips than some nations have laws, more reality shows than we have reality, and—most impressively—we have enough intelligence agencies  to make a paranoid feel downright justified. Eighteen of them, to be exact. Yes, in the great wisdom of our republic, we did not settle for just one shadowy cabal peering into the world’s secrets—we built a whole league of them. Nine answer to the Department of Defense, two to Homeland Security, two to Justice, and even the Department of Energy gets its own set … Continue readingYou don’t know Jack,

but they Know, and for the

bargain price of $90 billion yearly.

Beyond Small Talk: How to Have Conversations That Expand the Soul

You ever notice how people can talk for hours without saying a darn thing? It’s a real talent, like juggling but with words that don’t mean much. We spend half our lives discussing the weather like we’re all amateur meteorologists and the other half asking questions we don’t really care to hear the answers to. “How’s work?” “Busy.” “How about you?” “Busy too.” Well, ain’t that a revelation! Now, I ain’t saying we should start every conversation by debating the meaning of life or confessing our deepest fears to the cashier at the grocery store. But somewhere between “Nice … Continue readingBeyond Small Talk: How to Have Conversations That Expand the Soul

Are you ready for 2025 downsizing economics?

Ever notice how folks with fat wallets act like they’re scraping by on crumbs, while those without two nickels to rub together spend like they’re the King of France hosting a royal ball? It’s a downright peculiar twist of human nature—working your fingers to the bone all day just to fling every last cent at stuff you don’t need, trying to catch the eye of folks who wouldn’t blink if you vanished tomorrow, only to sit there at dusk wondering why your pockets are emptier than a ghost town saloon. If you’ve ever hit the end of the month … Continue readingAre you ready for 2025 downsizing economics?

DAY. 37 – Learn to Manage Your Emotions—They Can Make or Break You

Emotions are powerful forces that shape our decisions, relationships, and overall well-being. Anger, fear, and frustration are natural responses to challenges, but when left unchecked, they can cloud our judgment, damage our relationships, and prevent us from achieving our goals. Emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—is a crucial skill that determines how well we navigate life’s ups and downs. A PERSONAL STORY Mastering Anger: A Journey of Self-Control I wanted to start this post with a personal story because this was a real challenge for me early in life—one that I ultimately learned to control, and … Continue readingDAY. 37 – Learn to Manage Your Emotions—They Can Make or Break You

Investment Advice for 2025: Navigating Volatility and Protecting Your Portfolio

Many a small investor has come to ruin by trying to get rich quick, but I’ve yet to see one undone by a little common sense and a sturdy umbrella for stormy markets. The Dow’s tumbling, gold’s flirting at $3,000 an ounce, and oil’s wallowing at a three-year low. Uncertainty’s thicker than Mississippi mud in a flood, but here’s a detailed map to keep your portfolio from sinking. What’s Happening in the Markets? Recession Signals The financial waters are choppy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has taken a steep dive, shedding points like autumn leaves, while the S&P 500 … Continue readingInvestment Advice for 2025: Navigating Volatility and Protecting Your Portfolio

The Mating and Dating Crisis:

A Call for Adaptability in Modern Relationships

Well now, if there’s one thing people are good at, it’s getting in their own way. Used to be, a man and a woman met, decided they liked each other well enough, and set about the business of building a life together. These days, though, folks are standing around waiting for perfect bank accounts, perfect bodies, and perfect moments—none of which ever come. See, we’ve gotten mighty clever about surviving, but downright foolish about living. Instead of jumping in and figuring things out along the way, people treat love like a final exam—and they won’t even sign up for … Continue readingThe Mating and Dating Crisis:

A Call for Adaptability in Modern Relationships

The Shadow Economy

It was the summer of 1990-something, and in Miami, it was said that 30% of small businesses laundered drug money, another 30% were involved in espionage for Cuba, and yet another 30% had ties to the CIA. The remaining 10%? They were just broke. Jack Calloway had worked with all of them at some point. And when his phone rang that summer, he knew before answering—this wasn’t a social call. The number belonged to a businessman he had worked with before, so he answered. On the other end was his old FBI contact, asking if he’d be open to … Continue readingThe Shadow Economy

Time Heals… or Hides?

A Reflection on How War Machines Became Everyday Brands

The other day, I came across a Hugo Boss jacket. A fine piece of clothing, well-made, stylish—but it got me thinking. Back in World War II, Hugo Boss wasn’t just making suits; they were designing the uniforms of the SS. That crisp, sinister black ensemble that became a symbol of terror? That was their handiwork. And as I pondered this, I glanced at my Walther PPK, a sidearm with its own infamous history—it was, after all, the same type of pistol Hitler used to end his life in that Berlin bunker. That got me wondering: What happened to all … Continue readingTime Heals… or Hides?

A Reflection on How War Machines Became Everyday Brands

Beyond the Brain:

The Self, Consciousness, and the Cosmic Connection

Back in the day, if you asked a man where his self was, he’d slap his forehead and say, “Right here, partner.” If you asked him again, he might point to his heart and tell you “Or maybe right here, where I feel things.” But if you kept on asking, pretty soon he’d tell you to go mind your own business. Now, in these modern times, science has come along, poked at the brain, prodded the heart, and even taken a microscope to the gut, only to find out—well, that fellow might not have been entirely wrong. Turns out, … Continue readingBeyond the Brain:

The Self, Consciousness, and the Cosmic Connection

DAY. 36 – Your Mindset Determines

Your Reality

“Reality is a dream—make sure you’re the one writing it.” Life isn’t about what you see—it’s about how you see it. The lens you choose determines the reality you experience. If you see obstacles, you’ll find them. If you see opportunities, they’ll appear. The way you think shapes your world. If you believe you’re capable, you’ll find solutions. If you believe you’re a victim, you’ll find excuses. Train your mind to see opportunities, focus on growth, and reject limiting beliefs. In AI science, the Turing Test suggests that if something looks and behaves like it’s real, we accept it … Continue readingDAY. 36 – Your Mindset Determines

Your Reality

The Six-Minute Window:

Why the Risk of Nuclear War is Closer Than We Think

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” – Albert Einstein   A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight In today’s world, news cycles move at lightning speed. Even discussions about World War III come and go with concerning casualness. Despite the very real threat of nuclear war, most people remain emotionally disconnected from it. We can vividly picture a child falling into a well, but we struggle to grasp the abstract danger of global annihilation—even if the probability were 30% or higher. Nuclear war, … Continue readingThe Six-Minute Window:

Why the Risk of Nuclear War is Closer Than We Think

War Happens, and War is Trauma – The Looming Shadow of WW3

If there’s one thing history teaches us, it’s that humans have two great talents: making fire and making war. The first, we use to warm our homes; the second, to burn them down. Every generation thinks it has figured out how to end war, and every generation proves itself wrong. You see, war happens. It always has, and if human nature doesn’t change, it always will. It starts with fine speeches, noble causes, and a flag waving in the wind. It ends with broken bodies, ruined cities, and a whole lot of folks wondering what the fine speeches were … Continue readingWar Happens, and War is Trauma – The Looming Shadow of WW3

The Real Reason The Boeing Starliner Failed – VIDEO

A  Sad Story….  Video is below… we worth watching. Outline below for you. Boeing’s Aerospace Legacy and Decline Boeing was once a premier aerospace company trusted by NASA for decades. The company’s culture shifted after acquiring McDonnell Douglas in 1997, prioritizing cost-cutting and shareholder profits over engineering excellence and safety. Development of the Starliner NASA funded Starliner’s development in 2010 under the Commercial Crew Program. Boeing received significantly more funding ($4.2 billion) than SpaceX ($2.6 billion) but struggled with delays and technical failures. Starliner’s Design and Technical Issues Starliner features 52 thrusters for maneuverability, but their complexity introduces multiple … Continue readingThe Real Reason The Boeing Starliner Failed – VIDEO

Diplomacy – the Fine Art of Pretending and when the pretending is over – WAR

There is a Thin Line Between Diplomacy, Cold War, and Hot War In diplomacy, you like cats, but your neighbor doesn’t. To keep the peace, you pretend not to feed the stray cats, and you even tell them how cute their mongrel is. You’re being nice, hoping they’ll be nice to you in return. That’s diplomacy. War, is when they run over your cat, and you poison their dog. At this point, the sky is limit at what could happen, unless someone calls the police. If there’s one thing history teaches us, it’s that people will do just about … Continue readingDiplomacy – the Fine Art of Pretending and when the pretending is over – WAR

DAY. 34 – Master the Art of Communication—

It’s a Superpower

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that most problems come down to bad communication. Nations go to war, marriages fall apart, and businesses crumble—all because someone said the wrong thing, or worse, said nothing at all. You’d think, after thousands of years of talking to one another, we’d have it all figured out. But no, we still fumble our words, trip over our own tongues, and wonder why people don’t understand us. The truth is, communication is like a good joke—timing, delivery, and clarity make all the difference. Say the right thing the wrong way, and … Continue readingDAY. 34 – Master the Art of Communication—

It’s a Superpower

Shadow Doctrine and Moral Flexibility

Jack Calloway sat in a dimly lit classroom at The Farm, the CIA’s legendary training ground. The air smelled faintly of coffee and gun oil, the usual perfume of the place. Instructors took turns briefing the recruits on covert operations, their voices even and deliberate, the kind of tone used by men who had seen too much and felt too little. Today’s lesson: Title 50 and Moral Flexibility. At the front of the room, an instructor—a former case officer with eyes like steel—tapped the whiteboard. “There’s an old saying that when diplomacy fails, and war is too messy, the … Continue readingShadow Doctrine and Moral Flexibility

DAY. 33 – Learn to Listen

More Than You Speak

“If we were meant to talk more than listen, we would have two mouths and one ear. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” – YNOT The truth is, the world already has enough talkers, and the ones who know how to listen stand out like a lighthouse in a storm. So do yourself a favor—listen more, talk less, and watch how much further that gets you. Most people listen just enough to reload their next argument, not to understand. And that’s a crying shame, because listening – really listening … Continue readingDAY. 33 – Learn to Listen

More Than You Speak

Perception and Uncertainty:

How We See the Unknown

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” – William G.T. Shedd Now, folks, let me tell you something about life—it ain’t meant to be spent sittin’ on the porch, rocking back and forth, waiting for the wind to blow you somewhere interesting. No sir, life’s a river, fast and unpredictable, and the poor fool who tries to keep his boat tied to the dock forever is liable to rot before he ever gets wet. The trouble with people is they’re so downright scared of uncertainty, they’d rather stick to a miserable certainty than … Continue readingPerception and Uncertainty:

How We See the Unknown

Income vs. Net Worth:

The Real Game of Wealth and Taxes

Most folks spend their lives chasing income, believing that the more they make, the richer they’ll be. But the ultra-wealthy play a different game altogether. They don’t chase income; they build net worth. And the best part? They do it while sidestepping the tax bill that weighs down the rest of us. Take Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Donald Trump—billionaires who can legally pay little to no income taxes. How? They don’t have taxable income in the way most people do. Instead of earning wages, they let their assets grow unrealized—avoiding taxes while still living like kings. Income vs. … Continue readingIncome vs. Net Worth:

The Real Game of Wealth and Taxes

I dream of Jeanie, the lotto,

and early retirement

The American Dream and Other Fantasies Back in the days when people had time to sit on porches and spin tall tales, there was always that one fella who claimed he’d figured out the secret to getting rich. Usually, his plan involved either a magic lamp, an inheritance from a mysterious uncle in the Old World, or—more commonly—winning the lottery. As history has shown, most of these plans had about as much substance as a politician’s promise. Yet, here we are, still dreaming of easy riches, of a life spent in leisure rather than in the daily grind. We … Continue readingI dream of Jeanie, the lotto,

and early retirement

Your Own Business –

The American Dream – and TAXES

As I lean back in me chair, and tell you that the only things certain in life are death, taxes, and the never-ending itch of a man wanting to be his own boss, most people know what I am going to tell you but will never do anything about it. The land of opportunity has always been fertile ground for the ambitious, the risk-takers, and the downright stubborn. No one ever got rich working for someone else—well, except maybe in Silicon Valley, but we’ll get to that later. It’s the great American Dream, after all. Many dream of owning … Continue readingYour Own Business –

The American Dream – and TAXES

Day. 32 – Don’t Compare Yourself to Others—

Run Your Own Race

  “Comparison is the thief of joy,” And if that’s true, then today’s world is one big heist. Everywhere you turn, someone’s got a shinier success story, a bigger house, or a fancier vacation spot. You weren’t put on this earth to measure your worth against someone else’s highlight reel. You were put here to run your own race—preferably without tripping over someone else’s finish line. I don’t want a Ferrari, a Bugatti, a 20,000 sq ft house, a fleet of yachts, or a million YouTube views. I just want to drive a normal car to the grocery store … Continue readingDay. 32 – Don’t Compare Yourself to Others—

Run Your Own Race

Day. 31 – Your Network is Your Net Worth—Build Meaningful Relationships

Success isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about who you know. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Build strong connections, nurture relationships, and always provide value to others. The right network can open doors you never even knew existed. No matter your business or venture, you need a team. You can’t do everything yourself, even if you have all the knowledge. You also need feedback, especially from those who disagree with you—that’s how you cover all your bases and make well-informed decisions. Whether you’re the President of the United States, a real estate investor, … Continue readingDay. 31 – Your Network is Your Net Worth—Build Meaningful Relationships

DAY TRADING – Making thousands with the click of a mouse or NOT

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round, and let me tell you a tale from my million-dollar education—an education not earned in the hallowed halls of academia, but forged in the wild, unforgiving jungle of the stock market. It is a story of speed, stress, and speculation, where fortunes can be made and lost in the blink of an eye. And if I may be so bold, it is also a cautionary tale. The difference in technology between the 1980s and the 2000s is nothing short of breathtaking. In the 1980s, when I placed an order with a brokerage firm via … Continue readingDAY TRADING – Making thousands with the click of a mouse or NOT

But what about BONDS –

Wanna take some IOU’s

There is something peculiar about human nature, and that is our undying enthusiasm for getting something for nothing—except, of course, when we do get nothing for something. The latter predicament often rears its head in the world of bonds, where an investor, brimming with confidence, shakes hands with an issuer, exchanging hard-earned dollars today for the promise of more tomorrow. Now, a promise is only as good as the person making it, and history has taught us that some promises are written in ink, while others are drawn in disappearing ink. Bonds: The Polished IOUs of the Financial World … Continue readingBut what about BONDS –

Wanna take some IOU’s

DAY. 30 – Don’t Wait for

“the Perfect Time”—

It Will Never Come

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”—It Will Never Come There will always be excuses, obstacles, and reasons to delay. If you wait for the perfect moment, you may never take that first step. The truth is, perfection is an illusion, and waiting for it only leads to stagnation. “Do not wait to strike … Continue readingDAY. 30 – Don’t Wait for

“the Perfect Time”—

It Will Never Come

The Higher the Risk –

The Higher the Reward

Back in the day, a fellow could stash his money under a mattress and sleep easy. No market crashes, no bankers speculating with his hard-earned savings, no fancy terms like “diversification” or “hedging.” Just a good night’s rest on top of a lumpy fortune. But times have changed, and so has the art of making – and losing – money. Nowadays, you can double your money overnight, or lose it all before breakfast, depending on whether you believe the right salesman. But if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, it’s this: If someone promises you easy money, you’d best … Continue readingThe Higher the Risk –

The Higher the Reward

The Time Value of Money

Back in my day—before people started worrying about their cholesterol and before a dollar had the lifespan of a mayfly—you could get yourself a soda for a dime, a brand-new car for a couple thousand, and a house for ten grand if you didn’t mind a little elbow grease.  That was the prices when I was a kid. These days, the same things will set you back thirty  times as much, and yet, curiously, nothing has changed. The numbers got bigger, but the dance stayed the same. It’s like the tide—coming in and going out—always settling back where it … Continue readingThe Time Value of Money

Real Estate in 2025: A Market Correction or a Golden Opportunity?

The real estate market in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most significant shifts in years. After a period of high home prices and rising interest rates, we’re now seeing the potential for a 20-30% drop in home values in many areas. For homebuyers, investors, and sellers, this isn’t just a downturn—it’s an opportunity. If you know how to play the market right, 2025 could be the year you buy low, invest smart, and secure long-term wealth. Why Home Prices May Drop 20-30% in 2025 A combination of economic factors, interest rates, and supply-demand shifts is … Continue readingReal Estate in 2025: A Market Correction or a Golden Opportunity?

How to Buy a Home and Avoid Costly Mistakes

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not just about finding the right house—it’s about making smart financial moves to ensure you don’t overpay, get trapped by rising costs, or fall victim to hidden expenses. I’ve bought and sold over 20 homes in my life, and I’ve learned that most people focus too much on the wrong things—like the list price—when the real money is made (or lost) in the negotiation, financing, taxes, and insurance. If you’re looking to buy a home the right way, here’s everything you need to know. Step … Continue readingHow to Buy a Home and Avoid Costly Mistakes

Day. 29 – Keep Your Word—

Integrity is Everything

“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” “If you build a business on lies, eventually the truth will come to collect.” “A dishonest man may make a fortune, but he’ll never keep it—because sooner or later, his lies will bankrupt him faster than any debt ever could.” Your reputation is built on trust, and trust is built on keeping your word. If you say you’ll do something, do it. If you make a commitment, … Continue readingDay. 29 – Keep Your Word—

Integrity is Everything

Home Ownership vs Real Estate as an Investment

Now, I ain’t saying real estate’s a bad idea, not at all, but don’t fall into the trap that all real estate is good either, some are a lot better than others.  They hear “investment” and think they’ve struck gold, but more often than not, they’ve just bought themselves a money pit with pretty curtains. A house ain’t a treasure chest—it can be a leaky bucket, and if you are not careful, you’ll spend your life plugging holes with dollar bills. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s money to be made in real estate, but it isn’t where most … Continue readingHome Ownership vs Real Estate as an Investment

STOP WASTING TIME –

MAKE A MONEY MACHINE INSTEAD

Picture yourself knee-deep in a drawer full of mismatched screws—some stripped, some rusty, none fit for the job. That’s your business, your inbox, your day: turning chaos into productivity. With equal parts wit and wisdom, this post offers a remedy—not a sermon—on how to stop spinning your wheels and build a real, dependable “Money Machine.” Think of it as less longing for overnight magic and more about rolling up your sleeves, tidying up your systems, and letting smart routines do the heavy lifting. So here’s the plain truth: time’s the only thing you’ll never get more of. Quit sowing … Continue readingSTOP WASTING TIME –

MAKE A MONEY MACHINE INSTEAD

DAY. 28 – Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health—

You Only Get One Body and Mind

“We spend our lives chasing riches, then spend those riches trying to live longer—only to realize we did neither.” Dalai Lama   Your body and mind are the foundation of everything you do. If you neglect them, they will eventually fail you. Taking care of yourself isn’t just about looking good—it’s about longevity, energy, and quality of life. The Cost of Neglect Many people don’t realize the true value of their health until it starts to fade. No one, when they get older, ever wishes they had eaten worse, ignored their teeth, or neglected their hearing and vision. Instead, … Continue readingDAY. 28 – Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health—

You Only Get One Body and Mind