Proof that more money doesn’t equal more daily happiness

I got some kind of big news last week… We had one of our rental properties appraised, and it’s risen in value by a whopping $46,000 since this time last year! Holy moly!!! I’m $46k richer!! Now, let me explain all the ways this will affect my daily life and happiness… Do you know how Read more about Proof that more money doesn’t equal more daily happiness[…]

I wrote 1/30th of a book!

I usually don’t use this email list for self-promotion… but today I’m making an exception! I’m just really excited because I contributed to a fun new money book that is being released later this month… Wooohoo 🥳 It’s called: Money Mastermind About 30 money experts came together to write a book (I contributed 1 chapter Read more about I wrote 1/30th of a book![…]

Ask Me Anything – Round 2

Woohoo! It’s Tuesday! Time to celebrate!! Why celebrate on Tuesday?…. Well, why not? Got some Q&A from yesterday to share… And thank you to the peeps who participated! Next month I’m gonna ask YOU all the questions and will publish YOUR answers 🙂 ***** How is Cooper? (Jason R) Thanks for asking! He has regained Read more about Ask Me Anything – Round 2[…]

GameStock Saga – check your motive

I’m not a stock market expert. But I’ve studied enough to know this… If you invest with the intent of revenge, greed, fear of missing out, getting rich quick, or hurting others, you will almost certainly fail in the long run. Rather, if you invest in value, think long term, master patience, study things thoroughly, Read more about GameStock Saga – check your motive[…]

Month updates, parents teaching kids, and 100 days left this year!

When I was about 7 or 8 years old, my Mum offered to give me $100 if I could give up eating chocolate for 1 whole year. $100 was more money than I could even fathom at that age! But do you know how hard it is for a kid to not eat chocolate? Birthday party treats, Read more about Month updates, parents teaching kids, and 100 days left this year![…]

Refinance Magic – Putting Equity to Work

Refinance Magic – Putting Equity to Work [Guest post by “K. Money!”] What if I told you that I could increase the production value of your rental property by 10-20% and I will PAY YOU $4,600 to do it, does that sound like something you’d be interested in!? Now you are probably thinking…… “This sounds Read more about Refinance Magic – Putting Equity to Work[…]

Better dreams to dream

  “Many people dream of money, because they have no other dreams to dream”.   I’ll admit, I used to dream about money quite a bit. I had big hopes, and saw dollar signs when I closed my eyes. But things changed when I… started spending more time outside. Traveling, camping, surfing, riding my bike. Read more about Better dreams to dream[…]

expired coffee

Fun times in Quarantine!

  A few fun updates from Joel’s house…   – Yesterday, while wearing my face mask, I thought it’d be a good idea to clean the front of it with an alcohol wipe. Turned out to be a horrible idea. I nearly fainted. Lessons learned – don’t put chemicals right near the breathing hole. – Read more about Fun times in Quarantine![…]

Don’t celebrate too early!

A few weeks ago my wife came to me with some exciting news… She was getting a pay raise at work! She heard all about it on a conference call… “Due to teachers having to work from home, the school is giving everyone a $70 per day pay increase!” Woohoo! We opened a nice bottle of wine Read more about Don’t celebrate too early![…]

Rent Collection & Updates During Quarantine

When I published my last fourplex post, I had no idea how many of my tenants would or could pay rent for the month of April. Now that I have all the figures, I wanted to share a quick update. First, you might be wondering why it took so long to get rent income information. Read more about Rent Collection & Updates During Quarantine[…]

be happy chalk

101 Random Things I’m Grateful For!

  Over the past few months I’ve been pulling out my phone and jotting down the little things that I’m grateful for in life. Random events throughout the day, surprising moments in nature, or when I’m reminded of how blessed I am! Below is my list of things I’m grateful for. There’s a 101 listed Read more about 101 Random Things I’m Grateful For![…]

rock paint ideas

10 x Nice things to cheer up your neighbors (and yourself)!

A few people emailed me this week saying they were struggling to stay motivated, positive and happy. You are not alone. We all have our moments. One of the quickest ways to get happiness is to *give* happiness. So here’s a few ideas you can do for your friends and neighbors to cheer them (and yourself) Read more about 10 x Nice things to cheer up your neighbors (and yourself)![…]

Fourplex investment property

4 x Fourplexes – Emergency Funds and Recession Planning

Every real estate investor has their own risk tolerance, and as such, plans for emergencies differently. I like to think I’ve got a pretty good emergency plan, but honestly, it’s never been truly put to the test. When I started buying investment real estate ~6 years ago, I tried to adapt a conservative mindset and Read more about 4 x Fourplexes – Emergency Funds and Recession Planning[…]

Prius with dog

Stay at home = lower car insurance?

Yesterday I got thinking… Now that my wife and I are stuck at home, I wonder if my car insurance company will lower my rate? (Based on the logic that we can’t drive our cars right now, and if quarantine continues into the year, we will be putting way less miles on our cars than Read more about Stay at home = lower car insurance?[…]

Let’s play a game… Can you predict the stock market?

This is a simulation game to test whether you can predict the timing of the stock market… Try it: Market Timing Game All you do is click the [Start/Pause] button, and the graph will start moving. Then, use the [SELL] and [BUY] buttons to move your money in and out of the stock market. Goal is obviously Read more about Let’s play a game… Can you predict the stock market?[…]

Dog park, things to do at 5am

101 Things to do at 5am!

Here’s a list of 101 things you can do when you wake up at 5am. I’ve tried to categorize them, so you can choose based on whatever mood you’re feeling that morning. Try some out, and let me know what you like or don’t like! Personally, I’ve tried almost all of these things over the Read more about 101 Things to do at 5am![…]

Time to celebrate

It’s the 1st of the Month – Time to Celebrate!

About 5 years ago, my wife and I started a tradition of celebrating the 1st of every month. It sounds silly, but we love it. We do this because: 1) It began when we bought our first rental property together. Rent checks come in on the 1st of each month, and even though most (sometimes Read more about It’s the 1st of the Month – Time to Celebrate![…]

Legacy Graph

Your 200 Year Plan: Your Legacy

  The presenter asked, “By show of hands, who out there has a 5 year plan?” About 200 of us were all packed inside a mid-sized training room at my company headquarters. I raised my hand. Looking around it surprised me that most of the audience had their hand up also. Apparently everyone these days Read more about Your 200 Year Plan: Your Legacy[…]

Financial FOMO draw

Financial FOMO: What, Why and How To Avoid It.

What is Financial FOMO? You’ve probably heard of regular FOMO, which is the fear of missing out. It’s when you worry or have anxiety about missing out on fun and memorable experiences in life. What about Financial FOMO or Investing FOMO? Financial FOMO is a little more specific to money and investing. It’s when you Read more about Financial FOMO: What, Why and How To Avoid It.[…]

Pessimists are right too!

The Pessimists are Always Right (In the Short Term)

  The Pessimists are always right! (in the short term) – Guest post written by Joel’s Dad! –   Do you ever get tempted to divide everyone up into optimists and pessimists? Optimists are always looking on the bright side; “glass half full”, ready to accept even the smallest chance of success against the odds. Read more about The Pessimists are Always Right (In the Short Term)[…]

Dumping Amazon PRIME

  Earlier this year I cancelled my Amazon PRIME membership. It’s not because I’m disgruntled or didn’t enjoy their service. I’m actually a huge fan of Amazon. My reasons for cancelling were: I realized the “benefits” of PRIME membership can easily be found elsewhere – free shipping, fast shipping, convenience, streaming, etc. is not unique Read more about Dumping Amazon PRIME[…]

Down tree at fourplex

Hiring a Property Manager? – Ask These Questions…

  Property Managers are the backbone of your buy & hold rental business. While you’re sitting back and counting your money, they are watching over your affairs and handling all the dirty tasks that you don’t want to do. Finding a good property manager however, can be a hard task. There are hundreds of management Read more about Hiring a Property Manager? – Ask These Questions…[…]

Financial Independence Sunset

What does Financial Independence mean to you?

  Beyond the literal definition of Financial Independence, there’s a deep and personal meaning this term holds. Every time I ask someone “What does FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) mean to you?” I hear a unique and individual answer. It’s interesting hearing everyone else’s response. Most people describe freedom, flexibility and custom lifestyles, but no Read more about What does Financial Independence mean to you?[…]

Real Estate Syndication Complex

Syndications for Beginners: How to Vet Sponsors & Deals

  OK, so you’ve read about these so called ‘syndications’ and think you may want to give it a try… You’ve got a spare $50k in your checking account and feel bad that it’s just sitting there not earning any interest. Your friend one day says “hey, I know a guy that’s buying a mobile Read more about Syndications for Beginners: How to Vet Sponsors & Deals[…]

Toilets aka Rental Properties

How Many Toilets Do You Own?

Newbie: “Real estate investing sounds so cool! How many rental properties do you own?” Me: I own 22 toilets. Newbie: “Huh? I was asking about your rental houses.” Me: I know. Let me tell you. Somewhere in Texas, there are 22 toilets that I own. Right now, and throughout the day, people are shitting in Read more about How Many Toilets Do You Own?[…]

Credit Card Hacking Photo

Credit Card Hacking – Personal Summary, Timeline & Notes

SUMMARY: It’s been 16 months We’ve opened 8 new credit cards Received $6,565 in signup bonuses and rewards travel We paid $457 in membership fees so far A whopping $149,000 in total available credit lines Starting credit score = 764 Current credit score = 810 I’ve been taking notes every time I applied for a Read more about Credit Card Hacking – Personal Summary, Timeline & Notes[…]

Downsides to out of state rental properties

The Downsides to Owning Out of State Rental Properties (And How to Deal With Them)

There are downsides to owning out of state rental properties. Some of them can be combated with careful planning and extra ongoing efforts, while others are simply unavoidable. None of my rental properties are even remotely close to where I live. (In fact, the closest property I own is 1,463 miles away – just a Read more about The Downsides to Owning Out of State Rental Properties (And How to Deal With Them)[…]

Fourplex Saga Part 3

4 x Fourplex Saga – (Part 3) – Property Management & Accounting

  It’s now been a full 12 months since purchasing the last fourplex property, and I’ve learned a TON of stuff during this time. The buildings have mostly stabilized, and my personal involvement has shrunken down to just a few hours of work per month. In this post I talk about property management, and share Read more about 4 x Fourplex Saga – (Part 3) – Property Management & Accounting[…]

Real Estate Syndication Complex

Syndications for Beginners: What is a Real Estate Syndication?

  In late 2018, I changed my primary investment strategy to real estate syndications. I’ve invested $100k so far across 2 different apartment complex deals, and plan to fund another 2-3 syndication projects in 2019 also. What the heck is a real estate syndication anyway??? To help answer this question I’ve asked Michael Bishop from Read more about Syndications for Beginners: What is a Real Estate Syndication?[…]

making mistakes real estate

Making Mistakes in Real Estate – We All Do It

  Sometimes I feel like the world‘s worst real estate investor. Even with all the books, podcasts, and knowledge I’ve consumed over the years, I still regularly screw up, waste time, lose money, and make rookie mistakes. I’m not alone…   Perfect Investors: – don’t lose money, – don’t make mistakes – don’t need help Read more about Making Mistakes in Real Estate – We All Do It[…]

5am agenda

5AM Activities – What Do You Do at 5AM Every Day?

Here’s a common question I get asked when people learn about my 5AM activities.   What the heck do you do at 5AM every morning?   The short answer is: Whatever I want! And the longer, more annoying answer is: It depends on the day. My morning routine and 5am activities change depending on what Read more about 5AM Activities – What Do You Do at 5AM Every Day?[…]

How to Start Big Fights with Your Partner About Money

  I don’t mean to brag… but back in the day I used to be pretty awesome at starting fights about money. My expert skills earned me 7 messy break-ups, 3 National Asshole Awards, and countless nights sleeping on the couch! Unfortunately, I’ve lost my touch over the years, and my wife and I barely Read more about How to Start Big Fights with Your Partner About Money[…]

Prostitute High Heels

There’s a Prostitute in My Rental Property!

  There’s a Prostitute in My Rental Property!     You’ve probably heard the saying… “Pimpin’ aint easy”… And after my recent experience I can verify that this is 100% true! Especially since I didn’t even know I was pimpin’ to begin with! I’ve been a real estate investor (please note this is just a Read more about There’s a Prostitute in My Rental Property![…]

Strategy Change

Changing Real Estate Investing Strategies

Earlier this year I found myself in a rut. A real estate investing rut. I had my head down focusing on buy/hold rental properties for so many years, I never really took a step back to consider my overall strategy and general position as an investor. In addition to this rut, a couple new factors Read more about Changing Real Estate Investing Strategies[…]

FinCon 2018 Reviews and Highlights

FinCon 2018 – Recap & Highlights from a First-Timer

  I just returned home from FinCon 2018 held in Orlando, Florida. This was my first time attending the conference, and it won’t be my last. The conference itself was educational, professional, and I came home with a lot of practical action items to help with my blogging. What happened outside conference hours, however, is Read more about FinCon 2018 – Recap & Highlights from a First-Timer[…]

Pay Yourself First Square Head

Is it Selfish to Pay Yourself First?

  When you hear “Pay Yourself First” what do you think of? It sounds like something a rich and greedy person would say… Let’s break it down:   Pay = something money related. Yourself First = something selfish. The complete opposite of what our parents taught us.   OK now let’s see what happens if Read more about Is it Selfish to Pay Yourself First?[…]

House Flip Case Study

Funding a House Flip – Numbers, Notes, and Q&A!

  Investing in a House Flip   For a long time my investment strategy has been “buy and hold” rentals. Specifically, small multi-family properties. This has been a slow and conservative way to building wealth through real estate. I’ve read about people that “flip” houses for quick profits, and it never really interested me in Read more about Funding a House Flip – Numbers, Notes, and Q&A![…]

500 days

500 days left… until Year 2020!!

If you were going to start a 500 day challenge, this coming Sunday would be the perfect day to start. Because:   Exactly 500 days from Sunday it will be January 1st, 2020.   Even the tiniest positive change added into your daily routine, done consistently for 500 days in a row, could have you Read more about 500 days left… until Year 2020!![…]

Just do it title

Financial Independence via JUST DO IT!

“What do you think sets apart successful people from those who give up, fail, or never even get started?” This is the final question at the end of every episode of my favorite podcast, BiggerPockets. It has been asked nearly 300 times to successful investors, business experts, and entrepreneurs who are guests on the show. Read more about Financial Independence via JUST DO IT![…]

Personal QBR

It’s Time for Your QBR: Quarterly Business Review

  It’s July 1st and time for your QBR!   What’s a QBR?   The last company I worked for had a grueling ritual at the beginning of each new sales quarter. Each sales rep had to prepare a detailed powerpoint presentation and deliver it to a room full of peers, managers, and executives from Read more about It’s Time for Your QBR: Quarterly Business Review[…]

More equals less ROE

When More Equity = Less Return

Woohoo! Your investment property has risen in value! But before we go out celebrating, let’s talk quickly about return on equity. Having more equity doesn’t necessarily mean that your returns are increasing. In fact, as your property value increases, your return on equity decreases. Wait a sec… What the heck does that mean? Let’s run Read more about When More Equity = Less Return[…]

Cyril Parkinson

Retire Early with Parkinson’s Law

    “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion”     A dude named Cyril Parkinson wrote this phrase in the opening sentence of an essay published in 1955. (Original article here)   From what I gather, Parkinson was basically making fun of the government for wasting time and money. Read more about Retire Early with Parkinson’s Law[…]

4 x Fourplexes (Part 2): Investment Timeline and Numbers

  4 x Fourplexes… Part 2: Investment Timeline and Numbers   Finding The Fourplexes: Probably the coolest part of this story is that these Fourplexes were found and purchased off-market. Meaning, nothing was listed for sale publicly on the MLS, and I was the only investor who knew about it. No competition, no worries. One Read more about 4 x Fourplexes (Part 2): Investment Timeline and Numbers[…]

Dog reading

How I Bought 4 x Fourplexes in 12 Months – (Part 1)

How I Bought 4 x Fourplex Investment Properties in 12 Months – (Part 1)   In the last 12 months my brother and I purchased 4 x fourplex rental properties in a small town in Texas. These were all off market properties (not listed publicly for sale on the MLS), all purchased from the same Read more about How I Bought 4 x Fourplexes in 12 Months – (Part 1)[…]

NINKS No Income No Kids

From DINKS –> NINKS: No Income, No Kids

  Ever heard of a NINK? Probably not… because I just made it up. But you’ve heard of DINKs, right? Yeah, well, I’m throwing out a new acronym for those young couples out there that don’t have kids and don’t have to work anymore. NINKS = No Income, No Kids No Income? By “Income” I’m talking Read more about From DINKS –> NINKS: No Income, No Kids[…]

Fourplex investment property

My First Investment Property, Age 18

My First Investment Property… I was 18 years old and barely out of high school when I bought my first investment property. Actually, I should really say “stumbled upon” my first investment property. It was a family deal, driven mostly by my parents. Now before you go thinking that I was born with a silver Read more about My First Investment Property, Age 18[…]

Tracking my savings rate as a young kid

It all started with Mum…   I think about my savings rate in a different way than most people. It’s because of my Mum.   When I was a young kid, my Mum paid me and my siblings to do chores around the house. Pretty standard chores like doing the family laundry, vacuuming/mopping, dishes, yard Read more about Tracking my savings rate as a young kid[…]