Andrew Lokenauth

👋 I write https://TheFinanceNewsletter.com for 50,000 subscribers 💥15yrs working on Wall St, Tech & Start-ups 🎯I post about #investing #personalfinance #stocks #stockmarket #finance

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FluentInFinance_at_mastodon.social@mostr.pub

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nprofile1qqs26344cevd992d65vqu54k5vmdj3cggphgqem89jxqwas5md8d3xgrw5kkp

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npub144rtt3jc6225m4gcpeftdgekm9rsssrwspnkwtyvqampfk6wmzvs4450vp

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Last Notes

2024-09-11 19:24:56

Normalize not having an opinion on things you don’t understand.
You're allowed to say, “I don't know enough about this to have an opinion on it.”

2024-09-07 13:47:37

A job isn’t your life.
It’s not your family.
It’s a business transaction.
You’re exchanging your time and talent for money.
And no job is worth it if it costs your:
• Happiness
• Mental Health
• Time with family
Never let a job steal your life.

2024-09-03 02:09:46

An important rule to live by.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/071/172/243/503/763/original/e7980cf038afbc3c.png

2024-09-02 02:14:50

How to stay calm.
"Overthinkers", read this:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/065/534/341/327/417/original/ff255d39edfc0214.png

2024-08-25 21:14:26

I hate to admit it but being financially stable eliminates 99% of your stress.
Money is one of the most important things in life and we shouldn’t pretend it isn’t.

2024-08-24 01:49:52

Laying a brick every hour, every day, year after year, is how you build an empire.
You don’t have to do it all today. Just lay a brick.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/014/467/997/903/764/original/4e52b093afb6202e.png

2024-08-17 23:21:47

Never allow a job to steal your life
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/979/929/045/162/803/original/4f42c64e9583b3f2.png

2024-08-14 18:11:33

I was rejected for an internal promotion even though I was the most qualified.
I later learned that the person hired was a friend of the hiring manager.
I got tired of office politics and started applying to other jobs.
Within a month, I found a much better job.
Three months later, my old company asked me to come back.
I told them, "No thanks."
Stop telling yourself you're not qualified, good enough, or worthy.
There's nothing as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong.

2024-08-13 18:17:26

Real wealth is not:
• Mansions
• Private jets
• Sports cars
Real wealth is:
• Freedom to spend time with your family
• Waking up without alarm clocks
• Traveling anywhere you want

2024-08-12 04:19:46

From age 20-50, I can't stress this enough:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/947/093/973/622/464/original/bcfd1f4fea9d4cb6.png

2024-08-03 15:16:26

The average wedding costs $35,000 and lasts 5 hours.
Taking out a $35,000 loan for a 5-hour wedding is a terrible financial decision.
Agree or disagree?

2024-08-01 17:01:48

My credit score dropped when I paid off my car.
My credit score dropped when I paid off my student loans.
The system punishes you for not owing money.
Credit reporting agencies told me: "Get more loans to increase your credit score."
It's a business for them.
The system is designed to incentivize debt.
It's predatory.
This is why so many are in debt.
Credit scores are borderline a scam.

2024-07-25 17:52:30

Please stop calling jobs that require 3-5 years of experience entry-level.
3-5 years of experience are for Managers.
5-7 years of experience are for Senior Managers.
8-10 years of experience are for Directors.
10+ years of experience are for VP's.
Entry-level roles should require 0 years of experience.
You can't ask for mid-level experience and offer entry-level pay.

2024-07-23 17:40:02

Job security is an illusion.
Job cuts this year:
• Microsoft: 10,000
• Citigroup: 20,000
• Walmart: 12,000
• Amazon: 27,000
• Google: 12,000
• FedEx: 12,000
• Meta: 11,000
• UPS: 12,000
It’s okay to leave jobs that no longer serve you.
Never let a job steal your life.

2024-07-21 17:15:11

Entry-level jobs should not require 3-5 years experience.
Entry-level jobs are to kick-start one’s career.
It should require 0 years of experience.
Not 1 year. Not 2 years. Not 3-5 years.
Spread the word.

2024-07-18 01:41:31

Learn to control your mouth, mind, and mood.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/804/946/909/499/751/original/6becf784f8be8346.jpeg

2024-07-15 13:05:03

Being wealthy isn't about having a lot of money.
Real wealth is:
• Doing things you love with the people you love
• Having complete control over your time
• Being satisfied with what you have

2024-07-13 23:37:21

How to research a stock:

2024-07-09 18:55:38

Good people don't quit their jobs. They quit:
• Low pay
• Bad bosses
• Office politics
• Toxic workplaces
• Micro-management
• Feeling undervalued
• Lack of opportunities
• Zero work-life balance
It’s okay to leave jobs that are no longer serving you.

2024-07-08 18:50:58

Job security is an illusion.
Job hopping every 3-4 years is one of the best life hacks.

2024-07-01 19:58:01

You're probably doing a lot better than you realize:
• The average consumer debt is $23,000
• Only 7% of Americans make above $150,000
• 37% of Americans aren't investing for retirement
• 66% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck
• 43% of Americans expect to be in debt over the next 1-5 years
• 56% of Americans don't have $1,000 saved for an emergency
Don't let the social media fool you.

2024-06-30 01:05:08

6 months of consistency will change your life.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/702/882/235/488/146/original/6f034e14e39001e1.png

2024-06-27 11:29:18

Credit scores are a joke.
My score dropped when I paid off my car.
My score dropped when I paid off my student loans.
Credit agencies told me to take on more loans to increase my score.
The system wants you to be in debt.
It's a business for them.
They punish you for not owing money.

2024-06-26 22:59:05

Dear Managers,
Please add this to your email signature:
“I am emailing at a time convenient to me, and please do not feel obliged to reply to this email outside of your normal working hours.”
Please feel free to use it, and share it.

2024-06-25 13:34:38

If you make $20 an hour, that night out isn't $300; it costs 15 hours of work.
If you make $20 an hour, that car isn't $50,000; it costs 2,500 hours of work.
Framing purchases in time instead of dollars will help you make better decisions.
Always consider opportunity cost.
Time is your most valuable asset.

2024-06-19 22:22:23

From age 20-30, read this:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/645/619/167/357/952/original/c0b779ee29ab8c52.png

2024-06-18 01:54:18

Companies will literally do anything but pay people more money
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/635/127/701/544/305/original/0b2860371672e078.jpeg

2024-06-16 18:27:24

The person you'll be in 5 years depends on:
• The people you spend time with
• The conversations you have
• The habits you develop
• The network you build
• The actions you take
• The books you read
• The skills you learn
Invest in yourself accordingly.

2024-06-15 21:32:18

Don't let a job steal your life.
Layoffs this year:
• UPS: 12,000
• FedEx: 12,000
• Google: 12,000
• Amazon: 27,000
• Walmart: 12,000
• Citigroup: 20,000
• Microsoft: 10,000
• Meta (Facebook): 21,000
• Twitter: 50% of employees
• Peleton: 20% of employees
• Coinbase: 25% of employees
• Snapchat: 20% of employees
• Robinhood: 31% of employees
Job security is an illusion.
Never feel guilty about leaving a job for a better opportunity.

2024-06-15 12:49:36

18-year-old: I'd like to go $300,000 in debt for a college degree
Bank: Excellent, sign right here.
18-year-old: I'd like to borrow $60,000 for a car loan
Bank: Yes, here you go.
18-year-old: Can I also get a home mortgage?
Bank: No.
18-year-old: Can I also borrow $5,000 to start my business?
Bank: No.
Make it make sense.

2024-06-15 04:50:28

People who locked in a 3% mortgage for 30 years
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/618/833/621/061/678/original/cefc830bfc29b382.png

2024-06-14 02:58:03

What's the best career advice you've ever got?
I’ll go first:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/612/729/205/076/691/original/724bdc9c25ce740d.png

2024-06-02 15:36:32

The smartest people I know:
1. Read books
2. Are optimistic
3. Seek feedback
4. Admit their mistakes
5. Ask lots of questions
6. Don't get easily offended
7. Are open to understanding others
8. Are comfortable changing their opinion

2024-05-30 18:36:06

My credit score went down when I paid off my car.
My credit score went down when I paid off my student loans.
The system punishes you for not owing money.
They want you to be in debt constantly.
Credit reporting agencies told me: "You should get more loans to increase your credit score."
Credit scoring is one of the biggest scams.

2024-05-28 23:39:38

Both homes are $2,400 per month:
In 2021, at a 3.35% interest rate: $700,000 home
In 2024, at a 7.22% interest rate: $450,000 home
Crazy.

2024-05-19 15:46:05

If you make $20/ hour, that night out isn't $300, it's 15 hours of your time, or 2 days of work.
If you make $20/ hour, that car isn't $50,000, it's 2,500 hours of your time or 357 days of work.
Framing purchases in time instead of dollars will help you make better decisions with money.
Always consider opportunity cost.
Time is your most valuable asset, use it wisely.

2024-05-17 23:28:31

What's the best career advice you've ever received?
I’ll go first:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/459/022/965/843/544/original/0640e6141a082e0e.png

2024-05-13 00:09:47

For the first time in history, Billionaires are now paying less taxes than working-class families:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/430/697/279/066/733/original/5910e96b7195f8c8.png

2024-05-12 22:38:57

BREAKING: The median mortgage payment in the United States hit a new record high of $2,894 per month, for May 2024.
That's an increase of +14% from 2023, +23% from 2022, and +78% from 2021.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/430/473/235/429/727/original/5d29e199dd1c863f.png

2024-05-11 19:27:40

10 things you will never regret doing:
1. Quitting a toxic job
2. Negotiating your salary
3. Saying no to unnecessary work
4. Spending more time with family
5. Removing toxic people from life
6. Growing your professional network
7. Investing in your personal development
8. Learning a skill you've always wanted to learn
9. Traveling the World and experiencing new things
10. Giving up things that no longer add value or serve you
Any others you’d add? 👇

2024-05-10 19:51:53

My credit score dropped when I paid off my car.
My credit score dropped when I paid off my student loans.
The system punishes you for not owing any money.
They told me: "You should get more loans to increase your credit score."
The system is predatory and wants you to be in debt.
Credit scores are one of the biggest scams.

2024-05-06 04:28:39

This is what $1.50 from Costco gets you:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/392/255/389/160/912/original/fa7cf1c0f2f070f2.png

2024-04-30 22:10:09

You could have an $80,000 car loan with $0 invested, and people will think you're rich.
But when you have $100,000 invested and drive a $25,000 car, people think you're broke.
Don't be fooled by everything you see.

2024-04-28 04:00:39

Never waste time regretting missed opportunities,
Focus on the future ones.
Take the risk. Missed opportunities hurt more than rejection.

2024-04-27 13:40:20

Good people don't quit jobs. They quit:
• Low pay
• Bad leadership
• Toxic workplaces
• Micro-managers
• Zero work-life balance
Respect yourself enough to know that you deserve better.
Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy.

2024-04-26 02:02:52

A $400,000 mortgage is $3,000 per month today.
A $400,000 mortgage was $1,500 per month in 2021.
$1,500 more a month for the same house. Wild.

2024-04-25 16:55:38

The real scam is normalizing mountains of debt for college, cars, weddings and vacations.
And then depending on a job you hate to pay it back until you die.
The biggest scam society pulled was normalizing the American debt trap.

2024-04-19 23:31:47

The 7 Levels of Wealth:
Level 1: Living paycheck to paycheck
Level 2: Budgeting money
Level 3: Paying down debt
Level 4: Saving an emergency fund
Level 5: Investing in assets
Level 6: Building multiple income streams
Level 7: Having financial freedom
Money is a tool. Every dollar you own should be working for you.

2024-04-16 14:32:00

My credit score dropped when I paid off my car.
My credit score dropped when I paid off my student loans.
Credit reporting agencies told me: "You should get more loans to increase your credit score."
The system punishes you for not owing them money.
They want you to be in debt.
Credit scoring is one of the biggest scams.

2024-04-15 18:00:57

Government: You owe taxes
You: How much?
Government: You have to figure it out
You: Can I pay what I want?
Government: No. We know how much you owe but you have to guess the number
You: What if I guess wrong?
Government: We penalize you

2024-04-11 19:47:37

Disappear for a few months. People don’t have to know your plans.
Learn new skills. Focus on yourself. Build income streams. Create meaningful relationships.
Invest in things that will pay you back. Watch how quick your life changes.

2024-03-31 15:22:03

10 rules for financial success:
1. Budget
2. Invest in assets
3. Invest in yourself
4. Avoid lifestyle creep
5. Marry the right person
7. Pay off high-interest debt
8. Cut unnecessary expenses
9. Network with high achievers
10. Build multiple streams of income
What else?

2024-03-28 14:06:29

Step 1: Make money
Step 2: Invest in assets
Step 3: Act broke
Step 4: Repeat

2024-03-21 18:43:49

Reminder:
Marry the right person.
The person you choose to marry will be the most important financial decision you ever make.

2024-03-21 18:12:53

Working your whole life only to enjoy a few years when you're close to death is one of the biggest scams.
We need to shift this mindset.

2024-03-13 18:06:40

12 tips for people in their 20s:
1. Network
2. Read more books.
3. Start a side hustle.
4. Avoid consumer debt.
5. Learn high-value skills.
6. Max out your Roth IRA.
7. Build up your credit score.
8. House hack and get a roommate.
9. Create multiple sources of income.
10. Invest at least 10% of your income.
11. Control spending to keep expenses low.
12. Plan to become financially free in your 40s.
You’ll be unstoppable.

2024-03-08 16:52:35

I'd rather make $80,000 a year working 4 hours a day than $250,000 a year working 12 hours a day.
Your time is worth more than you think.
A salary is nothing more than selling your time to a company.
If you make $100,000/ year working 80 hours a week, you basically have two $50,000/year jobs.
Time > Money

2024-03-05 01:46:59

Finance terms explained for kids:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/040/545/857/027/988/original/0b1f6c980632b8e4.png

2024-02-27 21:15:51

The person you will be in 10 years depends on the:
• skills you learn
• books you read
• habits you create
• network you build
• mindset you develop
Start investing in yourself today.
Your future is written in the present.

2024-02-26 03:44:14

A boss tells people what to do, a leader shows how.
A boss demands respect, a leader earns it.
A boss throws blame, a leader corrects mistakes.
A boss creates fear, a leader creates confidence.
A boss "knows everything", a leader admits mistakes and listens.
A boss says “I”, a leader says “We”.
Leadership isn’t about being the boss — It’s about taking responsibility and helping others.
Don't be a boss, BE A LEADER.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/995/715/289/470/216/original/f56bc4877fb17da2.png

2024-02-24 22:54:44

Your job is not your family, and will never be.
You don't owe your job anything beyond the work you're being paid to do.
Prioritize your own growth and well-being.
Never feel guilty about leaving a job for a better opportunity.
Companies are not families, they're businesses.
It's a business relationship and their primary goal is to make money.
If they can make more money by laying you off, they will.

2024-02-17 04:01:22

Good employees don't quit jobs, they quit:
• Low pay
• Bad bosses
• Office politics
• Toxic workplaces
• Micro-management
• Feeling undervalued
• Lack of opportunities
• Zero work-life balance
It's 100% okay to leave jobs that no longer serve you.
Remember, it's important to be happy where you work. You spend a lot of time there.

2024-02-15 20:39:49

Unpopular opinion: The 40-hour work week is broken.
Employees should be judged on their productivity and results, not on time spent in the office.
The 40-hour work creates a culture where employees are judged on the amount of time they spend at their desks, instead of the quality of work produced and their impact.
This leads to burnout and diminishing returns as workers put in long hours just for the sake of clocking more face time.

2024-02-12 17:12:15

Median Salary:
2024 — $54,000
2004 — $42,500
+27% increase
Median House Price:
2024 — $532,000
2004 — $184,000
+190% increase
Affordability has never been worse

2024-02-11 19:15:57

In 1987 Al Bundy was able to afford this house while selling women's shoes for $6 an hour:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/914/447/835/338/476/original/1c32e93e1d04bb28.jpeg

2024-02-11 03:39:17

There are 9 States with NO Income Tax:
• Texas
• Alaska
• Florida
• Nevada
• Wyoming
• Tennessee
• Washington
• South Dakota
• New Hampshire
Would you move to any?

2024-02-11 02:03:26

Never let a job steal your life.
The company you work for is not your family, you don't owe a job anything beyond the work you're being paid for.
Prioritize your well-being over misplaced loyalty, and never feel guilty about leaving a job.
Companies aren't families, they're businesses. It's a business relationship and their goal is to make money.
If they can make more money by laying you off, they will.
If you have an opportunity to better yourself, never feel guilty about taking it.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/910/375/545/521/129/original/84e09b4d18a32929.png

2024-02-10 18:22:16

Travel hack:
Find a rental you like on Airbnb and search it on Google.
Book Directly with them.
Save 50%.
Many owners and property managers have a direct booking website with $0 Airbnb fees.
Skip the HIGH Airbnb Fees.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/908/574/669/026/302/original/88035c5ca41a5bbb.png

2024-02-10 07:13:52

- reply

“Aliens”
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/905/945/374/336/658/original/dfca4d5855ee56de.jpeg

2024-02-08 17:50:02

Just because you can afford a $1,500/month car payment doesn’t mean you need to spend $1,500/month on a car.
Car A: $1,500/ month payment
Car B: $600/ month payment
Both cars drive you to work, and one car keeps you stuck working there.

2024-01-14 12:55:05

The wealthy avoid taxes using the “Buy-Borrow-Die” strategy:
Step 1: Buy assets and hold (to avoid capital gains taxes from selling)
Step 2: Borrow money from Banks for living expenses using assets as collateral, at low interest rates (while assets appreciate)
Step 3: Interest paid on borrowed money is a tax write off
Step 4: Wait and repeat. The long-term gains on assets outweigh the short-term cost of borrowing money
Step 5: Pass assets to kids, tax-free (with stepped-up basis) and repeat

2024-01-04 20:52:44

The Roth IRA is one of the most powerful tools to build wealth.
Here is the power of maxing out a Roth IRA in an S&P 500 Index Fund:
10 Years: $118,000
20 Years: $434,000
30 Years: $1,332,000
40 Years: $3,881,000
50 Years: $11,120,000
Which you can withdraw 100% tax-free at age 59.5!
(In the last ~100 years, the S&P 500 had an average annual return of ~11%, with dividends reinvested)

2023-12-29 23:52:06

7 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS:
✓ Spend more time with people you love
✓ Leave behind what isn't good for you
✓ Have a more positive outlook
✓ Don't respond to negativity
✓ Smile and laugh often
✓ Practice self-care
✓ Get more sleep
✓ Eat healthier
What would you add?

2023-12-24 17:52:53

- reply

@npub1kpw…xzz4 How does Mastodon work? You have 32,000 followers but your posts get little to no engagement (little to zero likes, comments, reposts). Why is that?

2023-12-17 15:42:30

Apple’s first investor was Mike Markkula.
For 1/3 of Apple he invested $250,000.
1/3 of Apple is now worth $1 Trillion.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/596/480/059/359/471/original/bee0086c24d35b0b.png

2023-12-02 14:13:39

Everything in life is negotiable, and never negotiating will cost you thousands over your lifetime.
If you never negotiate, you’re leaving money on the table you could’ve had if you just asked — whether you're negotiating a raise for work, the price of a car or home, the interest rate on a loan, or medical bills.
Never be afraid to negotiate your salary or ask for a raise — If you never ask, the answer is always “no”.

2023-11-22 02:21:04

- reply

@npub1kpw…xzz4 Ah! And thank-you for the tips!
I wanted to see alternative views here that I wouldn’t be able to view on other platforms.

2023-11-22 02:03:00

- reply

@npub1kpw…xzz4 both! Trying to figure this thing out lol