"Don’t tell anyone what you doing until it’s done. Outside energy can throw off goals"/ "Why Jensen Ackles Didn't Tell Jared Padalecki About 'Supernatural' Prequel: 'Extremely Superstitious'"

Feb. 17, 2020 "Don’t tell anyone what you doing until it’s done. Outside energy can throw off goals": Today I found this article on Facebook by Papaja Bless:

Today, I saw a quote that said “Don’t tell anyone what you’re doing until it’s done. Outside energy can throw off goals”.

When I saw it, I realize it makes a lot of sense.

I believe this is 100% true.

People that have negative intentions and don’t want to see you succeed can wish you harm and that may actually affect the outcome of your situation.

So one needs to be very careful when sharing your ideas with friends and even family members.

Some may appear to love you but within, they wish you bad and that can be a source of negative energy that can affect your achievements.

What I’ve personally realized is, anytime I share a business idea or any idea with someone, I find it hard to accomplish it but when I keep it to myself, I’m able to get myself motivated till I get things done.

But of course, if you need an expert opinion on what you’re up to, you can seek it but not directly from people around you.

Part of the problem also is praise. I try not to talk about things that aren’t finished because, when you do, you’re triggering the same kind of reward mechanisms that you would when you finish.

This has the detrimental effect of making it harder to finish as you’ve already got your “prize”.

You know what? I stopped sharing my dreams and intentions years ago because other people would try and poke holes in my plan or tell me things were impossible.

But also remember that If you have a good woman, involve her in your business, you’ll see great progress.

I don’t know if you agree, share your opinion on this with us in the comment box below:

https://www.celebritiesbuzz.com.gh/dont-tell-anyone-what-you-doing-until-its-done-outside-energy-can-throw-off-goals/?fbclid=IwAR11eI-ml0yyw4ZSTkS-WJ8WMjwHEJiw2mnvuy0WsUcYDSurceJYN5Wi1uk

There are 59 comments right now.

My opinion: I have heard of this before like the part of:

Part of the problem also is praise. I try not to talk about things that aren’t finished because, when you do, you’re triggering the same kind of reward mechanisms that you would when you finish.

This has the detrimental effect of making it harder to finish as you’ve already got your “prize”.

Celine Vousden said that in one of those self development telesummits I listen to.

My saying: "Don't tell anyone about something, in case it doesn't work out.  Also there is less pressure":

Office jobs: It was in 2008, but I got a job at a Big Company.  I told my immediate family because I live with them.  I told my bosses at the Soup place because I will be working there only on the weekends.  

And my friends about it.  There was a lot of pressure, mainly from my parents.  It didn't work out.

In 2013, I got a job at the Office Job.  I told my immediate family.  I told my dad the night before the job was to start, and he told my mom.  I had told my boss at the 1st restaurant job because I will only be working there on the weekends.

I didn't tell my friends.

The job lasted 5 months which was pretty good.  There wasn't really any pressure from anyone.

In 2015, I worked at the home installation place for 3 months.  It was stressful.  I only told my family and boss at my restaurant job. 

Jul. 8, 2020 Southgate Construction scam: This also reminds me of where I thought I got hired at this office job, which later turns out it was a scam.

When I thought this was a real job, I only told my parents.  Then it was a scam and I told them and then I put this on my weekly emails/ blog posts so everybody knows that this is a scam.


https://badcb.blogspot.com/2017/07/scream-4-southgate-construction-scam.html

Regular jobs: This goes with a regular restaurant job.  I don't tell anyone except my family and boss.

The Fast Food Place: I got hired and worked there for a month in Aug. 2017.  I was let go after a month, because there weren't enough shifts go around.

I have nothing bad to say about them.

Cover letter mistakes/ "Job can be worse than no job"

Nov. 2, 2019 Cover letter mistakes: Today I was reading a Reader's Digest Jan. 2012 issue that my dad bought.  In the "Laughter" section:

This is from real- life applicants from The Office Book by Chloe Rhodes:

"My dream is to be a meteorologist.  But since I possess no training in meteorology, I suppose I should try stockbrokerage." 

"Although I trained as an accountant and for the past eight years I worked for a major accountancy firm, I am no good at my job and get bored easily."

From Amazon:

Both a field guide to office survival and discussion of the woes and follies in the workplace, The Office Book is a delightfully subversive look at the world of work. Contains anecdotes, real life cover letter gaffes, resume quotes, outrageous emails, and other creative distractions that offer a lifeline from the depths of 9-to-5 monotony. Inside you'll find:

• Office Survival Rules: Rule #99-If at first you don't succeed, remove all evidence you ever tried

Tracy's blog: Cover letter mistakes/ "Job can be worse than no job" (badcb.blogspot.com)

Jan. 10, 2020 My opinion: I know that's supposed to be a joke, but I would do that in certain cases.

I don't care if I write about all these job interviews where I didn't get hired.  There are some interviews that I get hired at, but then the job doesn't work out.  Most of the time, you or anyone who reads this blog is not going to know which one.

I don't really care about these jobs:

Telemarketer #1: I worked for 4 days in 2012 and didn't sell any tickets, so I was let go.

Telemarketer #2: I worked for 4 days in 2012 and didn't sell any tickets, so I was let go.

Telemarketer #3: I worked for 2 days in 2018 and didn't sell any ad space, so I was let go.

Sept. 22, 2022 Angry and annoyed: 

This is from the Nov. 2021 blog post:

Tracy's ideal life vs. Tracy's real life (Part 2)/ "Missing Out: In Praise of the Unlived Life" by Adam Phillips

2012 TV production company job search: I rebooted my TV production company job search.  I attended an interview in 2008, and didn't get hired.  I decided I will work a regular job at a restaurant in the day and pitch my script to TV production companies in the evenings.  I got 2 interviews in 2 months in 2012.  I called my friend Angela about this:

Angela: How come you didn't do this sooner?

Tracy: I did.  I attended a job interview at a TV production company back in 2008, after I graduated from Professional Writing.  I wrote about it on my blog.

It's okay that she and my friends, family, or blog readers will probably not remember that I attended a job interview at a TV production company from 5 yrs ago.

In Dec. 2014, I was sick for 2 days and decided to look for the blog post about that 2008 interview and I couldn't find it.  I edited spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  In Dec. 2020, I was saving and backing up my blog and I found it:

Dynacor Media: 

In May 2008:

job/ drive/ shopping

Tracy's blog: job/ drive/ shopping (badcb.blogspot.com)

This morning I got up at 10am. Since I got a email from Dynacor, I wanted to get his name so I could call them back. I then called and we will have an interview on Fri. He said I could be a production assistant and not only an office assistant. My dream of working at TV production company could be coming true. I also got a email from Media Masters, but he said that they are a production company. They don't produce the film like pay the writer for the script. They only film it. He told me to get an investor and money for the project before I could call them and start filming.

job/ charity/ 27 Dresses

Tracy's blog: job/ charity/ 27 Dresses (badcb.blogspot.com)

May 9: I went to the Dynacor job interview. It was good. They asked that I email my The Fighter script to them and I did. What was interesting was that one of them kind of recognized me because my name sounded familiar. I told her I called her back in 2004 when I was trying to get into Nait's tv program. They don't really have time to train a production assistant, but they will keep my resume on file. She gave me some tips and production companies like Anaid, Reel girls and Panacea Productions. Call Citytv and ask who is in charge of programming.

In Nov. 2018: 

Dynacor Media job interview/ "It's do or dye" (Timeless)

Tracy's blog: Dynacor Media job interview/ "It's do or dye" (Timeless) (badcb.blogspot.com)

Tracy's blog: Tracy's ideal life vs. Tracy's real life (Part 2)/ "Missing Out: In Praise of the Unlived Life" by Adam Phillips (badcb.blogspot.com)

Sept. 22, 2022 My opinion: I am angry and annoyed that Angela thought that I was stupid and that I didn't try to get a TV production company job right after I graduated out of Professional Writing in college.  

There I said it.  I need to get my anger out.

I know it was not Angela's intention to get me angry.

Comedy comparisons: 

A character thinks another character is really dumb when he or she is not dumb:

The Simpsons: The episode where the school bus driver Otto lives with the family.

Bart: You said Otto can live with us.  I have it on tape.

Bart plays the tape:

Bart: Hey mom, can Otto live in the garage as long as he wants?

Bart (pretends to be Marge): He sure can!

Homer: Marge, what were you thinking?!

Marge: That's not my voice.

Homer: Oh, that's what everybody says when they hear their voice on tape.

"The Simpsons" The Otto Show (TV Episode 1992) - IMDb

Oct. 9, 2022 My blogs: The whole point of Tracy's blog and The Vertex Fighter blog is where I post my goal of being a TV writer and producer.  This is like an ad where TV writers, producers, and the TV industry can contact me.

Jan. 23, 2022 "Why Jensen Ackles Didn't Tell Jared Padalecki About 'Supernatural' Prequel: 'Extremely Superstitious'": Today I found this article by Glenn Garner on Yahoo news:

Jensen Ackles never meant to keep the Supernatural prequel a secret from his onscreen brother Jared Padalecki.

The actor and producer, 43, said Padalecki, 39, was "number one" on his list of people to tell about The Winchesters, the first title under his Chaos Machine Productions banner. Ackles explained the miscommunication last week on Michael Rosenbaum's Inside of You podcast, stating that he is "extremely superstitious."

"It's an unwritten rule that you just don't talk about s— until it's a done deal, until the ink has dried," Ackles noted. "And this was my first venture into producing and creating content, and I didn't wanna jinx it at any cost. So, I shut up about it. Only the people that had to know knew."

He said that he only received the first script for the show last week and it was still in the early stages of development when Deadline announced it back in June 2021. "I definitely had people that I was excited to tell, Jared being number one on that list," he said.

Ackles recalled that he was working on a set that didn't allow phones when the news broke. By the time he reconnected to the world, he received a flood of congratulatory messages. "And then it all just kind of turned south," he said.

Following the announcement, Padalecki tweeted his congratulations to Ackles, adding that he wished he had "heard about this some way other than Twitter. I'm excited to watch, but bummed that Sam Winchester had no involvement whatsoever."

"I had a long text from Jared, and he was really bummed, and I just remember my heart just sank. I was just like, 'F—!'" Ackles said, adding: "In hindsight, that could have been a step that was avoided. But he did it, and it happened, and we dealt with it. And he and I, we're great."

Why Jensen Ackles Didn't Tell Jared Padalecki About 'Supernatural' Prequel: 'Extremely Superstitious' (yahoo.com)

This week's theme is about saving money:

"How some grads are crushing their student debt during the pandemic"/ "'Bear down' and 'be as frugal as you can': Baby-boomer financial experts speak from experience on ways to ride out a recession"

Tracy's blog: "How some grads are crushing their student debt during the pandemic"/ "'Bear down' and 'be as frugal as you can': Baby-boomer financial experts speak from experience on ways to ride out a recession" (badcb.blogspot.com)

"Pattie Lovett-Reid's 10 tips on managing your finances amid runaway inflation"/ "9 ways Warren Buffett's frugal habits can help you save money like a billionaire"

Tracy's blog: "Pattie Lovett-Reid's 10 tips on managing your finances amid runaway inflation"/ "9 ways Warren Buffett's frugal habits can help you save money like a billionaire" (badcb.blogspot.com)

My week:

Oct. 11, 2022 Thanksgiving: We bought roast beef from Costco and veggies with gravy.  It was delicious.

Oct. 6, 2022 "Biden to pardon thousands for marijuana possession": Today I found this article by Jordan Fabian and Tiffany Kary, on Bloomberg.  Here is some good news:

President Joe Biden took his first major steps toward decriminalizing marijuana, pardoning thousands of Americans convicted for possession of the drug and ordering a review of its legal status.

Biden on Thursday issued a blanket pardon for all prior federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana. He will also urge governors to issue similar pardons for state offenses involving marijuana, senior administration officials said.

 “Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit,” Biden said in a statement, noting that people of color have been disproportionately arrested, prosecuted and convicted for the crime.

Biden to pardon thousands for marijuana possession - BNN Bloomberg

Oct. 12, 2022 "Like Afterpay for your apartment: Would you rent now, pay later?": Today I found this article by Paula Duhatschek on CBC:

It's a familiar sight for online shoppers: An item — say, a men's suit jacket — is listed for $150. But beneath the sale price is a second offer: four payments of $37.50 with Affirm, Afterpay or Klarna. 

In recent years, such buy now, pay later services have become increasingly common in the U.S. and Canada. Companies like Air Canada and CIBC have even hopped on the bandwagon, offering products that allow customers to spread the cost of flights and credit card purchases over multiple payments. 

But can the same model apply to rent? That's what a small number of financial technology companies are banking on.

For a fee, providers like Calgary-based Zenbase and the U.S.-based Till, Jetty and Flex allow renters to split their monthly payments into two instalments. 

The idea, said Zenbase founder and CEO Koray Oztekin, is to address the imbalance between when people get paid (often twice a month) and when their rent comes due (usually the first of the month). 

"Our mission is to give people full control around how they manage their household expenses," said Oztekin, whose company launched last year and charges between $9.90 and $19.90 a month depending on the amount of rent a tenant pays.

Amid the high cost of rent (and just about everything else), Oztekin believes there's a growing market for this type of service.

"We're not developers, we cannot fix the housing supply issue," he said. "But at the very least, we could offer an option that people can use if it makes sense for them." 

How it works

While rent now, pay later products are still fairly new, they generally come in a couple of flavours, said Tal Schwartz, a senior tech product manager who writes the Canadian Fintech newsletter. 

Earlier versions of this product, he said, were typically geared toward landlords and embedded into property management software.

"So when a landlord is requesting payment from a renter, this would be one of the checkout options," said Schwartz, who is also the former head of research for the Canadian Lenders' Association.

He also recommends people take a "good hard look" at their budgets, consider whether they're overextending themselves, and seek help from a credit counsellor if necessary. 

"Otherwise you're going to set yourself up for having a long relationship with an entity like this and paying, on average, somewhere between $120 and $240 odd dollars a year for the privilege of someone just paying your rent and you paying them right back," said Hannah.

Like Afterpay for your apartment: Would you rent now, pay later? | CBC News

1. 9 HRS AGO

   All you should care about is the annual rate of these loans.... I have no doubt this is similar to a legalized loan shark or payday advances.
2. 12 HRS AGO

   Used to be, if you couldn't afford something, one would wait until they obtained enough money and then purchase. A week or 2 ago there was an article on BNPL/ fin tech companies losing around 80% of their stock evaluations (from covid highs). The silver lining came in the claim that these services are still quite popular with gen Z. I find this troubling - in the pursuit of financial literacy we're giving younger generations every option (encouraging I'd say) to continually go through life carrying debt for everyday expenses - not healthy at all. Shouldn't need to say it, but I will anyways.... this doesn't end well.

   • 12 HRS AGO

     Instant gratification is the drug of today….but as they are fully aware…it comes with a price….but that price can be payed tomorrow

My opinion: I have mixed feelings about this:

Pro: If you want to pay your rent in 2 different times of the month so it's more manageable for you, then this is a good way to do it.

Con: For some people, they could be carrying debt and not learn about delayed gratification and saving money. 

Oct. 13, 2022 "International students enticed to Canada on dubious promises of jobs and immigration": I found this article by Nazim Baksh, Lisa Ellenwood, Mark Kelley, Satbir Singh Aulakh ·on CBC:

Dilpreet Kaur's parents were worried it would be difficult for her to find a job in her home state of Punjab, India, where her father toils long, lonely hours as a rice and wheat farmer. She, too, felt there was no future for her there.

So last year, her dad sold two trucks for $28,000 and mortgaged the family's land to raise money for her to come to Canada, rent a room in a shared apartment in Toronto's east end and pay $16,000 in international tuition fees for the first year of a two-year college program.

Increasing numbers of Ontario's international college students come, like Kaur, from India, where it's not uncommon for rural families such as hers to literally bet the farm to raise enough money to pay for a daughter or son's education, hoping they'll eventually land a decent job and be able to remit money back home to repay the debt.

Drawn by Canada's reputation and the potential to gain permanent residency, tens of thousands of foreign students enrol every year in Canadian post-secondary schools. The vast majority head to universities and public colleges.

The auditor general's report found that the tuition revenue from these partnerships single-handedly meant the difference between running a deficit or a surplus for five of the six public colleges that had them in place as of 2019-20, and is also lucrative for the private career colleges, with net profit margins ranging from 18 to 53 per cent.

"With reduced funding from government, international students have become bread and butter sustaining these institutions," said Earl Blaney, an advocate for international students and a registered Canadian immigration consultant based in London, Ont.

"Their appetite is insatiable. They're doing everything they can to find more ways to bring in more students… whether it is increasing class sizes, whether it is irresponsibly bringing in students that they don't have enough support to offer. I mean it doesn't matter. What matters is numbers."

International students enticed to Canada on dubious promises of jobs and immigration | CBC News

Fall 2022 TV season: I watched the pilots to these shows:

1. Alaska Daily- average, and I recorded the series and will watch this all in a week.

2. So Help Me Todd- average, and I recorded the series and will watch this all in a week.

3. Quantum Leap- mediocre, I don't know if I will watch more.

4. The Rookie: Feds- mediocre, I don't know if I will watch more.

5. East New York- average, and I never watched it again.

6. Fire Country- average, and I never watched it again.

7. Professionals- mediocre, and I never watched it again.  This show came out in 2020, but I get to see this show now on the CW.

Professionals (TV Series 2020– ) - IMDb

My opinion: I would describe all these new shows this season to be mediocre.  I didn't check out these pilots because I was interested in them:

1. Monarch

2. The Winchesters

3. Walker: Independence. 

"Netflix Canada launches ad-supported tier for $5.99 on Nov. 1":

Today I found this article by David Friend on Yahoo:

Netflix is giving Canadian viewers the option for a cheaper monthly subscription plan — as long as they're willing to sit through commercial breaks.

The streaming giant said it has marked Nov. 1 to launch its new ad-supported streaming tier in Canada for $5.99 per month. The price is significantly less than Netflix's ad-free plans which start at $9.99 and go as high as $20.99 a month.

In exchange for the savings, Netflix said subscribers will see an average of four to five minutes of ads per hour placed before and during TV shows and films.

Netflix Canada launches ad-supported tier for $5.99 on Nov. 1 (yahoo.com)

"Pattie Lovett-Reid's 10 tips on managing your finances amid runaway inflation"/ "9 ways Warren Buffett's frugal habits can help you save money like a billionaire"

Dec. 8, 2021 "Pattie Lovett-Reid's 10 tips on managing your finances amid runaway inflation": Today I found this article by Pattie Lovett-Reid on BNN Bloomberg news:

Young families are increasingly having to make tough decisions, financially speaking. 

Nick and Jane are a classic example - eager to start their careers and family, while at the same, coming to grips with the harsh reality that living in a major urban centre isn't going to be part of the plan. 

They made the decision to buy in a much more affordable community, just outside of Peterborough, Ont. 

As a young couple, they make a great living. He is the chair of physical education in a local high school and she works at a foundation in a major hospital. 

They now have one child and are contemplating a second.

However, life has become expensive. Really expensive. They moved to a more affordable community but, now, their commuting costs are going through the roof. In fact, most costs are going higher and the money they did have left over at the end of the month can no longer be redirected to savings as it once was. They are getting by but the frustration is growing and they just don't see a solution any time soon.

They aren't alone. 

Stories like this are being played out across the country. Canadians are angry, frustrated and exploring their options in order to make ends meet. Real estate prices have skyrocketed, food prices are soaring and gas prices have been inching higher while salaries haven't kept up with the cost of living. 

In other words, the standard of living is deteriorating when many truly believed they were living below their means. They tried to do everything right and then a pandemic hit and the corresponding impact across all aspects of our lives have left them searching for solutions.

If higher inflation proves to be "transitory" - or temporary - then relief could be on the horizon. Even as supply chain issues subside, the reality is, either way, it is going to take time for prices to come down.

In the meantime, you still have to try to make ends meet.

Now is the time to take control of your financial situation line by line. 

Begin by looking at exactly how much money you have coming in and what you are spending your money on. 

Most of us know our after tax take-home pay and that is a great place to start. 

Step two is to then direct your attention to your expenses line by line and look for ways to shave off even a few dollars. 

What you will find is that coming up with a little extra cash each month isn't about doing one big thing right - it is about doing a lot of little things right. 

 

My top 10 inflation protectors:

1) In a perfect world, you would have the shortest amortization period you can manage on your mortgage. However, if you are feeling squeezed and coming up short month after month, stretching out your amortization is far better than defaulting on a payment. Explore extending the period and other options with your lender. 

2) Recurring costs such as cable bills, insurance premiums and even streaming services are normally costs you might think are non-negotiable but you will never know if you don't ask. 

Plus, it never hurts to shop around. While you are at it, be sure to cut costs that you no longer really benefit from. How many streaming services do you really need?

3) Delay purchasing big ticket items. Full stop. A low interest rate environment is not a green light to continue spending money on things you know you can't afford.

4) As food costs continue to climb, many have turned to bulk buying, meatless Monday's and browning bagging lunches. Households are scrambling to cut grocery costs and one obvious way is eating out less. 

Check flyers and ads for specials, 

clipping coupons is back in vogue, 

shop seasonally, 

use leftovers and if you do find yourself often disposing of food waste - ask yourself why and how you could do things better.

Get the whole family involved.

In fact, growing vegetables can be great fun. I'm not talking about a farmer’s field, however, I do know many who grow and share tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, to name a few.  

5) Don't leave money on the table by not fully understanding your entire compensation package. For example, ensure your household isn't doubling up on medical and dental plans. 

Go through your entire compensation package line by line to ensure you are fully utilizing all of the benefits you are entitled too. 

6) Pay off the most expensive debt you have first. This is the one with the highest interest charge (and that may not be the same one with the biggest balance). A quick calculation will help you determine which is costing you the most monthly, and by paying it off quickly, you will save money in the long run. 

7) Change your filters for improved efficiency, insulate to save money and turn down the heat - especially when you aren't home. You could also consider timers on your water heater to activate and deactivate, according to your household schedule.

8) Barter or exchange goods and services with colleagues and friends. Your skill could be someone else's shortcoming.

9) Look for additional revenue streams. For example, Jane told me she teaches a spin class a few times a week to satisfy her desire to work out and picks up a few extra dollars along the way. 

10) Finally, although many still find them distasteful, I believe budgets work. Align big expenses with your pay frequency so fixed costs are covered off the top. It allows you to see instantly how much money you will have left over for discretionary spending - if any. But you need to know so you don't dig yourself in deeper.

For now, it is all about controlling what you can, and you can only do that when you know your numbers. 

I feel for those starting out. Jane said to me, "we both have Masters degrees and work hard but it just doesn't feel like we are successful.”

The truth is they are successful and hopefully some of the challenges they face are just speed bumps in their life's journey.

Pattie Lovett-Reid's 10 tips on managing your finances amid runaway inflation - BNN Bloomberg

Jan. 11, 2022 "9 ways Warren Buffett's frugal habits can help you save money like a billionaire": Today I found this article by Serah Louis in the Financial Post:

Warren Buffett might have billions of dollars to his name, but unlike other celebrities and financial gurus, he prefers to live life simply, for the most part.

The investing icon practices what he preaches when it comes to financial discipline, saving and paying off debt .

Buffett gave an early warning last May about today’s higher prices when he told a livestream audience of over 28 million during Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting that “substantial inflation” was already hitting businesses.

When one of the world’s most successful investors raises concerns about rising prices, it’s probably a good time to apply some well-tested strategies to tighten your belt. Here are nine ways Buffett’s frugality can help you save and spend wisely.

1. He lives in the same home he bought back in 1958

While most billionaires bulk up on expensive real estate, Buffett originally paid US$31,500 for his Omaha, Neb., home — that’s about US$289,000 in today’s dollars — and he’s lived there for over 60 years.

His home is by no means tiny, however. The 6,570-sq.-ft., five-bedroom house has had plenty of renovations and additions over the decades and is worth about US$1 million today. It’s also protected by fences and security cameras and most likely has a good homeowners insurance policy as well.

Buffett has no plans to move out, calling the house “the third best investment I ever made,” in a 2010 letter to Berkshire Hathaway’s shareholders.

2. He rarely takes out loans

Buffett’s one-and-only mortgage was on a vacation home in Laguna Beach, Calif., that he purchased in 1971, although he certainly had the cash to afford the US$150,000-listed seaside property.

He told CNBC that he took out the 30-year mortgage loan because “I thought I could probably do better with the money than have it be an all-equity purchase of the house.” He decided to use the extra cash on hand for shares in Berkshire Hathaway — the company that brought him billions.

Buffett’s point about not locking up capital still resonates. And if you own your home, you have options to free up some of your capital by refinancing quickly at today’s historically low rates before they rise this year, as forecasters expect. A switch may save you thousands of dollars a year.

3. He buys breakfast cheap

While Buffett could simply have a personal chef cook him a gourmet breakfast, he often grabs Mickey D’s on his way to work. He says he doesn’t like to spend more than $3.17 on his morning meal.

“When I’m not feeling quite so prosperous, I might go with the $2.61, which is two sausage patties, and then I put them together and pour myself a Coke,” he says in HBO’s 2017 documentary Becoming Warren Buffett. He continues: “$3.17 is a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, but the market’s down this morning, so I’ll pass up the $3.17 and go with the $2.95.”

Instead of going out for meals or buying a latte from Starbucks every day, make your own lunches and coffee. 

You can also get a little extra money by signing up for a cash-back app that gives you actual cash back, not points, on your purchases.

4. He buys marked-down cars

Many billionaires and millionaires keep a collection of flashy sports cars and vintage models in their garages, but Buffett allegedly prefers fixed-up automobiles that he can acquire at reduced prices.

He upgraded from his 2006 Cadillac DTS to a Cadillac XTS for just US$45,000 in 2014. “The truth is, I only drive about 3,500 miles a year, so I will buy a new car very infrequently,” he told Forbes.

Whether you opt for a brand-new car or a slightly used model, emulate Buffett by spending within your limit. That means you won’t want to go for the first loan you spot and should look around for better deals. A good habit is to do a quick check of auto insurance rates every six months.

5. He doesn’t splurge on brands

Buffett doesn’t much care for designer suits or the latest iPhone model — he relied on his $20 flip-phone for years before swapping it out for the Apple smartphone in 2020.

Buffett avoids unnecessary spending and once said, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”

Park your funds in a high-yield savings account or in a diversified investment portfolio so the money can grow over time. 

Set aside your extra cash for an emergency fund or retirement instead of blowing it all on nonessential purchases.

6. He doesn’t invest with borrowed money (anymore)

“I’ve never borrowed a significant amount of money in my life. Never. Never will. I’ve got no interest in it,” he told students at Notre Dame in 1991.

Although a young Buffett once borrowed 25 per cent of his net wealth to buy shares, he warns investors against repeating the same mistake.

Even skilled stock traders will tell you borrowing to invest can be risky. And there’s no real need with investing apps that allow you to start with a small amount of money, like one that lets you invest using nothing more than your spare change.

7. He does what he loves

Buffett credits some of his success to his passion for investing. “You have to love something to do well at it,” he says, urging people to take the jobs they love, instead of positions that look good on your resume.

Even if you can’t quit your full-time job to focus on the things you truly enjoy, you can certainly find the time for some affordable hobbies. Buffett himself enjoys card games and playing the ukulele.

And if you’re looking for a way to boost your income, capitalize on your skills and hobbies, try setting up a side hustle, such as being a mystery shopper.

8. He finds creative ways to save

When Buffett’s first child was born, he converted a dresser drawer into a bassinet. For his second, he borrowed a crib.

“If you buy things you don’t need, you will soon sell things you need,” the billionaire says.

Take a good, hard look at your finances and figure out what you can cut down on. 

Get yourself a library card and borrow books and movies instead of purchasing them. 

Read a few thoughtful advice columns on saving money.

9. He uses cash, not credit

While most of us prefer the convenience of a credit card for our everyday purchases, Buffett uses hard cash.

He told Yahoo Finance Editor-in-Chief Andy Serwer in 2019 that he uses cash “98 per cent of the time. If I’m in a restaurant, I’ll always pay cash. It’s just easier.” While the method may sound a bit old school, relying less on your credit card can help prevent spending money you don’t have.

Using most of your available credit and falling behind on your monthly payments damages your credit score. If you’re struggling to pay off your credit card debt, you might want to consider bundling it up into a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate.

This article was created by Wise Publishing. Wise is devoted to providing information that helps readers navigate the complex landscape of personal finance. Wise only partners with brands it trusts and believes may be helpful to the reader. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

9 ways Warren Buffett's frugal habits can help you save money | Financial Post

My opinion: I like this part the most, and I put that in my inspirational quotes:

“You have to love something to do well at it,” he says, urging people to take the jobs they love, instead of positions that look good on your resume.

"How some grads are crushing their student debt during the pandemic"/ "'Bear down' and 'be as frugal as you can': Baby-boomer financial experts speak from experience on ways to ride out a recession"

Jun. 5, 2021 "How some grads are crushing their student debt during the pandemic": Today I found this article by Priscilla Ki Sun Hwang on CBC News:

Three years ago, Godwin Scott graduated from Carleton University with about $120,000 in student debt. 

Today, he's debt free.

"I'll be honest, it did not hit me that night," said Scott, 26, who made his final student loan payment last October, in the middle of the pandemic. "I still feel odd knowing that I don't owe somebody."

Scott is one of several post-secondary students who spoke to CBC Ottawa in 2017 about what they owed and how it was affecting their lives. We followed up to see where they are now, and how they're paying the rest of their debt off.

Scott, an international student at the time, had debt tied to an Indian bank that was charging about 13 per cent interest. He said he leaned on advice from financial experts and used Canada's tuition tax credit to defer taxes for a few years, but his best strategy was to get his overseas loan paid down as quickly as possible.

"When I graduated, I had a conversation with my friends [and family]. I asked them to sort of loan me maybe a couple thousand dollars that I could pay them back in a couple months," explained Scott, who said a handful of people trusted him and loaned him money at zero interest.

"[There] was an element of faith involved," he said.

Scott used the approximately $50,000 he borrowed from family and friends to slash his bank loan by nearly half. 

He lived frugally in the basement of a pastor's home where he paid $500 per month in rent, allowing him to allocate about 80 per cent of his paycheque to his student loans. 

As time went by, he was able to reduce the portion of his income earmarked for debt repayment to about 60 per cent.

"One thing I do want to share with the students coming into Canada is ... there's a responsibility on you to pay back what you borrowed ... quickly," he said. 

"Because that's the best way to freedom, financially."

Cracking down on credit debt

Troy Curtis graduated from Carleton in the summer of 2019 with about $17,000 in debt through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and a credit line. He also had thousands of dollars in credit card debt for living expenses during school.

Curtis, 25, who's now a freelance digital marketing consultant and photographer, has about $10,000 left to pay.

"After I graduated, the biggest thing for me ... was making sure I found a job right away," he said. Eventually, Curtis found a position with a non-profit, and freelanced as a graphic designer and wedding photographer on the side.

"That's when I was able to start really each month cracking down on my credit card debt first," he said. It took a year and a half to pay down the card.

During the pandemic, Curtis's work-from-home situation remained static, but he found himself with more contracts due to greater demand for virtual conferences and other projects. He was making bigger dents in his debt and saving for the future, perhaps for a house, so he approached a financial adviser. 

Curtis says he's now optimistic about his financial future.

"[I feel] more comfortable," he said. "$10,000 still left in debt is a lot, but it's definitely manageable. I can understand how to pay it back."

Goodbye to $30K in 2.5 years

Lauren Paulson, 27, graduated in December 2018 from Algonquin College with about $50,000 in debt — more than half of it through OSAP and the rest through a line of credit with her bank. 

Less than three years in, the X-ray technologist with CHEO has crushed about $30,000 of it, "which I'm pretty happy with," Paulson said.

Paulson said she's "extremely fortunate" to have found a job right after school. She said her strategy centred largely on keeping her expenses down, and she's thankful her partner was able to purchase a house, a "huge factor" in her being able to pay off her debt so quickly.  

"If I was in that situation putting so much of my paycheque each month toward rent, there's no way I would be able to have paid off this much debt so far," she said. "Luck was on my side in that sense."

Paulson also targeted her line of credit, which has a higher interest rate. Now, she's turned her focus toward OSAP, which has given her an interest-free grace period during the pandemic. 

"I am super fortunate," she said. "I've never been super strong financially, or very smart with my finances, I would say. There's a reason I wound up with $50,000 in debt."

How some grads are crushing their student debt during the pandemic | CBC News

Sept. 6, 2022 "'Bear down' and 'be as frugal as you can': Baby-boomer financial experts speak from experience on ways to ride out a recession": Today I found this article by Lauren Bird on the Financial Post:

It was a time of big hair, shoulder pads and the Cold War. But something often less thought of when feeling nostalgic about the ’80s, was the interest rates that were high enough to make you dizzy.

The high interest rate made getting ahead almost impossible, says Mike Drak, who remembers his mortgage rate was 17.5 per cent at the time.

Drak was a banker at the time. And though today’s interest rates still look small in comparison, there’s a lot that can be learned from people who’ve been through it.

Consumer prices are 7.6 per cent higher than they were a year ago, according to July’s inflation numbers released by Statistics Canada. In June, it was 8.1 per cent. Rates like these haven’t been seen in decades.

And people who remember the ridiculously high interest rates that followed the high inflation of the ’70s say buckle down and be prudent, because we’re in for a long haul.

The Great Inflation of the 1970s and 80s

Experts have drawn parallels between the high inflation of five decades ago and what’s happening today.

Back then, there were several factors and global events that played into it, like the U.S. removing the gold standard (the monetary system in which a currency is backed by gold), but energy prices pushed things to their limit.

In 1973 the price of oil nearly quadrupled when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) enforced an oil embargo on the west for supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War. There was a series of knock-on effects that caused inflation and stagnation to swell. Then, the Iranian Revolution at the end of the decade sent oil prices surging again.

By 1981 annual average inflation reached a 33-year high of 12.5 per cent in Canada, while unemployment was at 7.6 per cent. The Bank of Canada hiked interest rates in the 1980’s, which lead to the prime lending rate rising to more than 20 per cent (for comparison, it’s currently at 4.7 per cent).

“Rates were going up, it was almost monthly, they were increasing,” Drak says. “So it seemed like it was something that that didn’t seem like it was ever going to stop. And I remember saying at one point, ‘if I could ever find one day where I could find a mortgage rate for 10 per cent, I’d be the happiest person in the world.”

Drak is the author of Victory Lap Retirement and Retirement Heaven or Hell: Which Will You Choose and a senior contributor at Booming Encore, a finance blog focused on the baby boomer generation.

Pay down debt

Debt at that time rose quickly, says Drak – on houses, on credit cards and on vehicles.

“It was tough, scary times. But we were lucky because we could work. So our wages kept increasing – not at the same pace – but it necessitated both people working to help pay down debt.”

One of the most important things you can do during times of high interest is pay down debt, he says. His goal then, was to pay down his mortgage, which wasn’t easy.

“You have to have a lot of discipline, you’d have to say I want to make lump sum additions annually on it, because the interest rate was crushing and I didn’t want to be trapped.”

Brad Lyons, a certified financial planner and an investment manager at Wiser Wealth Management based in Georgia, suggests people stay away from credit card debt especially.

“Pay off debt as much as [you] can, to the extent that [you’re] able to do so,” said Lyons, who was his early 20s at the start of the 1980s.

Paying down debt, especially now, might sound daunting, but there are a couple different tactics you can use, the avalanche method and the snowball method.

Stay invested

As tempting as it is to take out money from your investment accounts, especially as you watch numbers take a dive, Lyons says don’t fall for that temptation.

“During periods where you have decreased valuations in the stock markets, nobody likes to see their valuations in their accounts go down, their retirement plan accounts that they have become accustomed to seeing going up and up and up year after year after year,” Lyons says. “And now they’re seeing it go down some, but it’s going to come back over time.”

For younger generations, he says, this is an opportunity to invest at a lower price, if you can afford it.

“What we’re suggesting is that people remain invested, maintain their asset allocation that was designed in order to achieve their goals and objectives in the timeframes that they have set for themselves and continue to add to their investment portfolio through their retirement account savings.”

Dollar cost averaging is one of the most trusted strategies. It’s investing the same amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of what the market is doing.

“By taking advantage of lower valuations you’re effectively buying more shares at a lower price,” says Lyons.

Save your pennies

Although it can be hard when every trip to the grocery store is costing you more, and the price of everything is going up, both Drak and Lyons say saving is hugely important, and it can also be advantageous.

“As interest rates continue to rise, we will begin to see interest rates higher in our savings accounts, and newly issued fixed income securities,” says Lyons.

If you stick your money in a high interest savings account, it’s going to grow faster than it would have just a few months ago. And although that probably won’t keep pace with current inflation, it helps to build a safety net.

Get settled in for the long haul

The 1980s was a long decade. There were two recessions and it was years before inflation was under control and interest rates began to drop. And although our current situation is a little different, if there’s anything to be learned from the past, it’s that inflation and higher interest rates will be here for a while yet.

“Bear down,” Drak tells younger generations going through a similar financial landscape. 

“Try to work as hard as [you] can and make as much money as [you] can, and be as frugal as [you] can. 

That’s the key. And there’s no way around it. You have to be prudent. You have to pull back and you have to watch your pennies.”

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

'Bear down' and 'be as frugal as you can': Baby-boomer financial experts speak from experience on ways to ride out a recession | Financial Post