Saturday Success Series: Volume 14
Making life & money work for you.
Welcome back to the Saturday Success Series email!
In this edition we’ll have:
Five to Focus On: A quote, stock, book, show & a beer.
Master Yourself: Single vs Relationship
Master Your Money: Quickest way to double your salary
And of course…
The Weekly Special: 5 Core Family Values
The goal here is maximum value, so let’s get to it.
Oh, by the way, if you’re feeling generous, please share this newsletter with a friend.
Five to Focus on:
In a noisy world, it’s hard to know what’s good out there. Let me help.
Quote to ponder: “I could either watch it happen or be a part of it.” - Elon Musk
Stock to consider: BITQ (Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF).
Invest in the companies leading the new crypto economy. BITQ tracks an index designed with Bitwise’s industry expertise to identify the pioneering companies that generate the majority of their revenue from their crypto business activities.
Disclaimer- this is not financial advice, I am not a financial advisor, and you should always do your own research.
Book to read: Think Again by Adam Grant.
Adam breaks down how empowering it is to change our minds. Loosely held opinions are my new favorite thing. The power of knowing what we don’t know is the theme. And the book is full of real world tips to do just that.
Show to enjoy: Euphoria on HBO Max.
A wild ride. And definitely not for everyone. But if you like sex, drama and drunken teen parties… Wait, that sounds bad. It also sums this show up. You’re really here for narration which breaks down taboo subjects with a unique voice.
Beer to sip: Leprechauns Drink Milkshakes Too from New Trail.
It’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit! St. Paddy would want you to try this very green beer. I expected the mint aspect to throw me off…but it works. It’s the Shamrock shake for grown ups.
Master Yourself
As an adult in my 30s I’ve been both single and in a committed relationship. And I can tell you 2 things.
1, if you’re single-
You have to be enough for you.
You have to hold yourself accountable, love yourself and take care of yourself. No excuses.
You don’t need another person to be whole.
2, if you’re going to be in a relationship-
Make sure you’re in the kind of relationship where the foundation acts as an Elon Musk launchpad. Where you are propelled to new heights but land safely, without smashing into a million pieces.
Love should be something that demands you grow and fly higher than ever, but also catches and comforts you when it’s time to land. Whether that landing is just humbling yourself or a failure or a loss.
Love should be two whole people creating soft launchpads.
Master Your Money
Quickest way to double your income? Get married.
But like to the right person. Someone who is good with money and understands personal finance.
You make 50k but live alone, you’re below average in household income.
But you get married to someone also making 50k and now you’re suddenly in the top 30%.
Having two salaries to take care of one lifestyle is a great way to live comfortably and save for early retirement.
Weekly Special:
Our 5 Core Family Values
My girlfriend and I blended a family during a pandemic.
Well, we blended me into her family. She came with two kids (4 and 8 when we met) that needed to adjust to me and I to them. And her to me as a new parent and me to her as a full time, truly single parent.
In May 2021 we moved in together. In our new home, we have our Family Values posted in the kitchen. Everyone ends up in the kitchen at some point, amiright? So they’ll be seen daily.
I think everyone should look to build a family and not just leave it up to chance. Humans are most successful when we’re organized and goal/value driven so why wouldn’t we do this with our family structures as well?
What kind of family are we looking to build? A resilient, warm and kind one. Here are our Core Family Values.
We are a family that:
Defaults to optimism
We choose to be happy.
I’m an optimistic realist by nature. I like to practice gratitude and see opportunity and abundance. My girlfriend is the same way. It was important to us that our family model this mindset as well.
Helps and respects each other
Pretty straightforward.
For us this means chores- without allowance. You’re simply learning to be part of a family unit. And no hitting, calling each other stupid, etc.
Has a growth mindset
We can learn and/or do anything.
But, of course, this means we must try. Effort matters and effort will be rewarded. We seek to evolve and grow as individuals and as a family.
Disregards ego
Ego is a killer. Don’t let it destroy our family.
We forgive, we’re honest, we’re humble, we’re grateful.
Eats dinner together
Every night.
This is really important because studies have shown that families who eat together are happier and closer. Obviously a prime goal of ours is maintaining solid relationships with the kids as the become teenagers (and beyond).
I highly recommend every family create core values. This allows for individuals to be themselves but still within a structure that you and your partner create. And let the kids have a say as well. Let them tell you what each value means to them, what values they care about, etc.
Thanks for reading and if you found this valuable, please share with someone who could use it. See you next Saturday!