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: Using the 2nd law of thermodynamics
Master Your Money: Reduce your #1 expense
And of course…
The Weekly Special: Top 4 Ways to Optimize Your Mornings
The goal here is maximum value, so let’s get to it.
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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 have lots of ideas. How do I pick the right one? Execute on as many as possible. The right idea will pick you.” - James Altucher
Stock to consider: VOO (Vanguard 500 Index Fund)
If you’re on Money Twitter you’ve no doubt heard everyone touting this stock as the only one you need. Many will say just buy this every couple of weeks and call it a day. I’m not one of them, but figured I’d share the general consensus :)
Disclaimer- this is not financial advice, I am not a financial advisor, and you should always do your own research.
Book to read: Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas
This is the book we all need to read, but we didn’t know it. We all know there are problems with equality, in general, and income equality, in particular. This book breaks down how the elite pretend to help, while they retain their stranglehold on the world’s finances.
Show to enjoy: Paper Girls on Amazon Video
It’s set around Halloween. In the 80s. There’s a fun cast. There’s time travel. There’s comparison to Stranger Things, though that feels too easy. Paper Girls stands all on its own.
Beer to sip: Ever Haze from Tripping Animals
I don’t typically think of Florida for craft beer. But this brewery pumps out a ton of top tier brews. And their flagship IPA is the gold standard. Dare I say Florida does it better than New England…?
Master Yourself
Look I’m no scientist, but I read a little bit.
And this piqued my interest.
The quality of energy is the subject of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. It claims that as energy is transported or converted, a greater proportion of it is squandered. The Second Law also holds that each isolated system has a natural tendency to degrade into a more chaotic state.
It’s that second part that we’re interested in.
Basically it’s stating that when people are closed off to new ideas and info, they stagnate.
Isolation kills.
Here’s a simple fact- you’re either growing or shrinking as a person.
Staying with only like minds is dangerous.
Echo chambers are nice (because the human brain likes simplicity and repetition) but lazy.
You need rigorous debate and challenge. You need to be open to changing your mind when new information presents itself.
Nothing cringier than someone who thinks it’s wise to be stubborn.
You don’t get much time here, you cannot afford to cheat yourself.
Master Your Money
Your number one expense is most likely housing.
Here are the best tips to reduce the cost.
Live with your parents or your family for as long as you can.
I lived with my parents until I was 27, then again from 32–34. This alone has helped me save anywhere from 40–60% of my yearly salary. It was the catalyst to me growing my wealth.
Refinance your mortgage to find better rates
You can save hundreds of dollars a year on interest and pay your debt off faster. Now may not be the best time to this since interest rates were at historic lows and now they’re high as hell. But keep the tip in your back pocket for the future.
Get a roommate
When I did move out of my parents house the first time around, I had 2 roommates split a 3 bedroom home with me. I only had to pay a third of rent and a third of utilities. It was great! I was still able to save 20–30% of my yearly salary this way. And yes, I found roommates on Craigslist, and it worked out perfectly. They’re still my friends.
Negotiate rent
Yes, this really can be done in certain situations. If you have money saved, try offering to pay the year in full for a discount. If you’re handy, you can also offer to work for a break in rent.
Live in a smaller, cheaper home
Think about it…the bank says you qualify for a home that costs 350k, but you can find a nice home for 250k. Now you’re paying less for the house and less interest but also- less in taxes, utilities and upkeep.
Weekly Special
Top 4 Ways to Optimize Your Mornings
Optimization Step 1: A consistent wake time
The human body loves routine.
If you pick a time to wake up and stick to it, you will be rewarded.
You would have better sleep overall if you wake up at the same time every day and establish a daily circadian rhythm. It would be easier to get out of bed in the morning with less snooze time.
It will therefore be easier to fall asleep, and those who suffer from insomnia will have less difficulty sleeping.
How I do it:
I started by setting my alarm back 1 minute every day until I reached my desired wake up time (6:30am).
My phone is plugged in across the room so I have to actually get up to turn it off.
I don’t get back into bed (when I’m being good). I do this every single day, even my days off where I could sleep in.
Optimization Step 2: Hydration
Your body, and brain, LOVE water.
Your body will get a head start on keeping your bodily fluids well balanced during the day if you drink more water in the morning.
Organ function is dependent on a proper balance of bodily fluids. Adequate regular hydration aids the lymphatic system in maintaining proper body fluid balance.
How I do it:
After I get up, I go right into the kitchen and pour a 16oz water. I chug it.
Then I’m ready for a 16oz hot detox tea. And then I alternate water with tea and coffee for the rest of the morning. Eventually I move to just water (after 2pm).
Some people keep a water bottle on their nightstand and drink when they open their eyes. That’s pretty smart.
Optimization Step 3: (Sun)Light
You’re supposed to wake up with sunlight.
Getting up to the sun is a smart way to ensure that you have stamina for the rest of the day.
Due to the sleep/wake cycle, waking up to sunlight in the morning will also assist you in falling and staying asleep at night. The morning light signals to your brain that it is now daytime and it’s time to get moving.
How I do it:
After that whole ‘no snooze button, just get up’ drill I run to open all my blinds and then I’m stepping outside within 15 minutes of being awake.
Even in cloudy weather, the morning light exposure will help. The light between 6–8am is best for our circadian rhythm, so I try to get a few minutes before 7.
Optimization Step 4: Movement
Do you really think our ancestors sat around not moving all morning? Hardly. They were on the move as soon as the sun was up.
Humans are meant to move around (a lot) during the day time hours.
Morning movement provides us with more clarity and even helps us make better choices all day long.
How I do it:
I do a prehab/yoga routine first thing after chugging my water, while my tea cools.
Then I walk for at least 10 minutes outside. I like to get at least 10k steps a day, and I like having at least 2k by 8am.
Thanks for reading and if you found this valuable, please share with someone who could use it. See you next Saturday!
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