Blue Collar Money: Theories of Middle Class Investing: Recent Episodes
PW Gopal
The middle class needs to take control of their financial future and learn the narrative of investing. We are playing a rigged game when we invest in the stock market and the small stack of chips in front of you has a target on it. Learn how to navigate the markets and secure your family's financial future. Join entrepreneur and performance coach, PW Gopal, as he explores the changing landscape of investing in today's markets.
Resources / Mentions:
The Fourth Turning
How Markets Fail
The Value of Nothing
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Joel Salatin
Polyface Farms
The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs
Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal
Salad Bar Beef
The Sheer Ecstasy of Being A Lunatic Farmer
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Joel Salatin
Polyface Farms
The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs
Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal
Salad Bar Beef
The Sheer Ecstasy of Being A Lunatic Farmer
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
John Maynard Keynes
The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money
How Markets Fail: The Logic of Economic Calamities
Alex Wickell
The Branch Community Church
alex@brch.org
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Alex Wickell
The Branch Community Church
alex@brch.org
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mention:
Myles Alexander -
myles@ffarchitecture.com
Form and Function Architecture
Vinyet Architecture
Mack Constructors
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Dave Ramsey Video Link
Redemptive Economics - Mike Hatch
IMN Special Assets Conference
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources / Mentions:
Clever Fox Planner Pro
Rich Nathan Sermon:
Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants For His Disciples
The Red Thread - Tamsen Webster
7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Covey
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Devry
Cutting Coporate Ties Podcast
Dan Miller
Switch
Made To Stick
Vincent Pugliese
Rich Litvin
Gary Vee
Contact:
greg@gregtosi.com
gregtosi.com
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Jimmy Song
The Creature From Jekyl Island
Killing Sacred Cows
Honest Money
Ascent of Money
The Scandal of Money
Life After Google
Contact:
Mike Hatch
EmpoweredManhood.com
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
"Be not simply good, be good for something" - Henry David Thoreau
"The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do" - Zig Ziglar
Billy Southrey - Atlantic City Mission
Harvey McKay
Contact:
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources / Mentions:
The Day the Revolution Began - N.T. Wright
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources / Mentions:
Start Over, Finish Rich - David Bach
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
Garrett Gundersen - Wealthfactory.com
Redemptive Economics - Mike Hatch
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
The Richest Man in Babylon - George Clason
Young Life
The Hundred Movement
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources / Mentions:
Fender Guitars
Jeremy Sheppard
jeremy@jeremysheppard.com
jeremytheguitarhunter.com
YouTube
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources / Mentions:
Fender Guitars
Jeremy Sheppard
jeremy@jeremysheppard.com
jeremytheguitarhunter.com
YouTube
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources and Mentions:
Traction
Mover of Men and Mountains - R.G LeTourneau
Traction - Gino Wickman
Youth for Christ
Luke Walker - luke@lukesautoservice.com
https://www.lukesautoservice.com/
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources and Mentions:
Terre Zeigler:
tzflmgt@gmail.com
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources and Mentions:
Terre Zeigler:
tzflmgt@gmail.com
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:Bigger Pockets
Ken McElroy Podcast
Contact:
Daniel Johnson
daniel@refocusfp.com
Winston Salem "Bigger Pockets Meetup"
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Bigger Pockets
Ken McElroy Podcast
Contact:
Daniel Johnson
daniel@refocusfp.com
Winston Salem "Bigger Pockets Meetup"
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
John Deere Company - www.deere.com
NOTES FROM OUR PREVIOUS EPISODE (E10) ON THE BASICS IN VALUE CREATION:
Value creation comes at a cost but allows us as a value creator to use our gifts and to serve and bless others in our community.
As we consider how we will create value we need to be looking at ourselves as either a steward of God's resources or a storehouse for his resources. As we steward, we manage, invest and give away God's resources and as a storehouse we hoard and stockpile what is intended for others.
PREPARATION:
Some key questions to ask yourself as you prepare to put money at risk:
1 . Are you able to produce value and produce it consistently?
-
Who is the recipient of that value and is the market proven?
-
Have you done your due diligence with your family's financial safety to then put money at risk?
-
Having done your due diligence with your family's financial safety, are you operating at 70% of your income - giving, saving and investing the other 30%.
-
What is your proximity to the market you wish to invest in? Do you know your product and market well?
THE 3 G'S of VALUE CREATION:
GROUND - what does the landscape and narrative look like for the market and product you wish to invest in?
GAP - is there a proven gap in the market where your product can sit? are you securing a need for a consumer base? how stable is the supply chain for the product you wish to produce? Is there is a proven and growing consumer base for your product?
GIFTS - where do your gifts lie? Do you like to work with your hands on rentals or read balance sheets of companies you want to invest in?
ANCILLARY QUESTIONS:
- what does your margin look like to do research into a market and product?
- is your job and income stream stable?
- is your spouse involved in the decisions to put money at risk? do you agree on the risk levels?
- what is your timeline to begin risking capital? what is your timeline to be paid back from an investment?
- do you have a fiduciary who has walked you through your safety plan? your legacy plan?
VALUE CREATION is about serving and blessing people. It's not about the money - it's about expanding the Kingdom of God and reaching people with your resources.
Contact:
Jay Bryner - jay.bryner@gmail.com
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
BLUE COLLAR VALUES:
Kingdom Citizenship
Family Value Integration
Production Mindset
Financial Education
Offsetting Risk
Contact:
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
David Bach - Start Over Finish Rich
Garrett Gundersen
Dave Ramsey - Total Money Makeover
The Emyth
Contact:
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Risk lies in two areas: the Investor and the Investment
here are a few questions to consider when evaluating both yourself and the investment you wish to pursue:
INVESTOR
- How safe is my job market?
- How safe is my job?
- How is my mental margin?
- Have I finished my safety plan (wills, trusts and insurances)?
INVESTMENT
- Productivity potential revolves around due diligence of the market, market position or share of the investment and your due diligence.
- Assess risk and disruptors (See IMN Special Assets conferences)
- Lane of Investment - we see picking a lane of investment as paramount and we use a simple formula: Values + Gifting + Wealth of Knowledge + Cash Flow = Lane of Investment
- Surrender the Outcome
- Count the small wins and continue learning from the wins and defeats
- Find a good solid set of coaches to walk you through the rhythms of each industry.
- Find people to learn with - vision comes from many eyes and wisdom follows.
Contact:
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
** If the content of this episode or podcast has brought you value we would appreciate a tip at the Paypal email below. We promise we will put the funds to good work and honor your investment.
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
This is part 2 of the interview that I have been most excited about bringing to our Blue Collar Money family. Derek Webb has been a friend and mentor for the last 15 years and has brought me incredible value with his thoughts on failure, process and fan (customer) connection. Please give this episode (and the previous) your full attention - take notes and be encouraged that you are fully capable of writing and living a great creative narrative.
Resources/ Mentions:
1000 True Fans - Kevin Kelly
Contact:
Derek Webb
derekwebb.com
middleclassmusician.com
patreon.com/derekwebb
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
This may be the episode that I have been most excited about bringing to our Blue Collar Money family. Derek Webb has been a friend and mentor for the last 15 years and has brought me incredible value with his thoughts on failure, process and fan (customer) connection. Please give these next two episodes your full attention - take notes and be encouraged that you are fully capable of writing and living a great creative narrative.
Resources/ Mentions:
1000 True Fans - Kevin Kelly
Contact:
Derek Webb
derekwebb.com
middleclassmusician.com
patreon.com/derekwebb
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
pwgopal.com
Contact:
PW Gopal
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
thebluecollarmoney.com
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources / Mentions:
Thank God for Bitcoin
The Little Bitcoin Book
Inventing Bitcoin
Programming Bitcoin
Layered Money
The Bullish Case for Bitcoin
Bitcoin Clarity
The Bitcoin Standard
Honest Money
The Ethics of Money Production
Mere Christianity
Contact:
Jimmy Song Linkedin
Jimmy Song Newsletter
Jimmy Song Twitter
Programmingbitcoin.com
Jimmy Song Podcast - Bitcoin Fixes This
Resources / Mentions:
Thank God for Bitcoin
The Little Bitcoin Book
Inventing Bitcoin
Programming Bitcoin
Layered Money
The Bullish Case for Bitcoin
Bitcoin Clarity
The Bitcoin Standard
Honest Money
The Ethics of Money Production
Mere Christianity
Contact:
Jimmy Song Linkedin
Jimmy Song Newsletter
Jimmy Song Twitter
Programmingbitcoin.com
Jimmy Song Podcast - Bitcoin Fixes This
Assessment - The process takes us through the practical day to day numbers including current family or business budget, debt and cash flow. We snapshot the current and expected margin to try and get an understanding if the client is able to live on 70% of their cash flow while investing, saving and giving the remaining 30%.
Narratives - As investors we must understand the impact of what we call, The 5 Meta Narratives: Global Economics, US Finance, Politics, Civil Rights and Media/Technology
Mapping - When working with individuals and businesses our hope is to outline a constellation of goals, action points, gaps and relationships that will need attention and stewardship.
Values - family values dictate direction, risk and investment strategy. the discovery and discussion of values can hone your current risk narrative while adding efficiency and congruency to your families/business goals. Values are sewn deep into us and drive the 'why versus what conversation'. When I know what I value most in life then I can work the narrative backwards to outline action points and investment strategy.
Emergency fund - the benefit of having a $1500 emergency fund set up to offset healthcare or automotive bills. This is especially effective when paying off debt and pushing any excess funds to reducing debt.
Debt - speaks for itself - every family and individual needs to utilize a plan for reducing debt to prepare for an investment future.
Hedge - a safety bet meant to protect market investments. Our discussion centered out the use of gold and silver, specifically.
Savings - self explanatory
Safety - this requires ongoing conversation and attention to the wills, trusts and insurance policies that protect wealth and wealth transfer
Cash Flow - one of many products or markets that can produce monthly remuneration for value.
Conservative Investing - stocks, bonds, annuities, 401k, IRA's etc.
High Risk Investing - futures and some options products
Wealth Transfer - we recommend working with a fiduciary to set up draws from your investment products and to protect the investments passed on to your family.
Equity Stakes - we believe that the new stock market will be holding equity stakes in small businesses.
Additional notes:
What shapes our progress through these steps is the idea of operating out of faith instead of fear. In our worldview, we are stewarding things that are not ours to keep and so it allows us the freedom to invest without the fear of loss.
Our hope is to produce value to honor God, bless our families and to invest in our friends and communities.
Margin is the 3rd Value in our Mindset of an Investor series and is paramount in framing the lifestyle of investment.
Our process is simple:
Arena - what lanes you are running in and what is the purpose of you being there - in short, what is your personal mission statement and is it congruent with God's purpose for you and your community.
Assessment - how much energy is required in the following areas of your life:
- personal life
- professional life
- spiritual life
- economic life
- emotional life
- physical life
Is there harmony being these spinning plates? Do you understand the affect that each category has on the others?
Automate - what steps can you take to automate certain activities - to put them under daily discipline and practice. In addition, what areas can be handed off to professional to steward or to quarterback on your behalf.
Resources/ Mentions:
Jimmy Song
Ryan Hreczkosiej (pronounced "Ricochet")
Chris Jamison
The Richest Man in Babylon
Proverbs 30:25
Contact:
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
PW Gopal - pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com, pwgopal@pwgopal.com
Please join us for the first, BLUE COLLAR MONEY MASTERMIND: INVESTING FOR KINGDOM IMPACT starting Wednesday July 21st, 2021 at 12n. We will be meeting for 5 sessions thru August 18 and will be discussing the possibilities of getting financially unstuck, becoming a producer of value and reinvesting into the Kingdom of God.The cost of the course is $199 for the Beta of this Mastermind ($497 for future Masterminds) and you can sign up by emailing Mike Hatch at mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com with "mastermind" in the subject line.
Resources / Mentions:
Bigger Pockets Podcast
www.syndicationattorneys.com
Michael Blank
Jake and Gino
Rod Khleif
Contact:
URL: febroscapital.com
Email: eric@febroscapital.com
Phone: (316) 640-8163
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Please join us for the first, BLUE COLLAR MONEY MASTERMIND: INVESTING FOR KINGDOM IMPACT starting Wednesday July 21st, 2021 at 12n. We will be meeting for 5 sessions thru August 18 and will be discussing the possibilities of getting financially unstuck, becoming a producer of value and reinvesting into the Kingdom of God.The cost of the course is $199 for the Beta of this Mastermind ($497 for future Masterminds) and you can sign up by emailing Mike Hatch at mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com with "mastermind" in the subject line.
Resources/ Mentions:
URL: mobilehomeinvesting.net
Email: support@mobilehomeinvesting.net
Podcast: https://www.mobilehomeinvesting.net/free-resources/mhi-podcast/
Youtube Channel
Triad Financial
21st Mortgage
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Please join us for the first, BLUE COLLAR MONEY MASTERMIND: INVESTING FOR KINGDOM IMPACT starting Wednesday July 21st, 2021 at 12n. We will be meeting for 5 sessions thru August 18 and will be discussing the possibilities of getting financially unstuck, becoming a producer of value and reinvesting into the Kingdom of God.The cost of the course is $199 for the Beta of this Mastermind ($497 for future Masterminds) and you can sign up by emailing Mike Hatch at mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com with "mastermind" in the subject line.
Resources/ Mentions:
God is a Capitalist - McKinney
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Please join us for the first, BLUE COLLAR MONEY MASTERMIND: INVESTING FOR KINGDOM IMPACT starting Wednesday July 21st, 2021 at 12n. We will be meeting for 5 sessions thru August 18 and will be discussing the possibilities of getting financially unstuck, becoming a producer of value and reinvesting into the Kingdom of God.The cost of the course is $199 for the Beta of this Mastermind ($497 for future Masterminds) and you can sign up by emailing Mike Hatch at mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com with "mastermind" in the subject line.
The following are the Narratives we use to solve for defining an individual or family plan for investment...
The 5 Macro Narratives:
Global Economics
U.S. Finance
Politics
Media/ Technology
Civil Rights
There is a trail of information that can be trusted but it lies in the relationship between the above arenas. If you can familiarize yourself with how these affect US Finance, the following truths can help you understand the game being played and distill your plan:
The 7 Truths of U.S. Finance:
- There will always be a marketplace (for the buyer, seller and speculator).
- There will always be an arbitrage
- There will always be speculators and market makers that will show you where the arbitrage exists. Their presence will also affect volatility and price action.
- Some people will always cheat. Not all, but some.
- Small timeframes take the blame /credit for moves in the market.
- People are people. Human nature hasn't changed in 800 years of recorded financial history.
- The Herd consumes...productivity exists outside of the herd.
Final Points:
- You cant play the game and beat the game by making moral judgements against the game or the people. Don't dismiss the information because of its origin...but instead, become a learner.
- Hate debt.... every kind and all kinds of it. Once you have a healthy hatred of it, you can then decide which debt you will keep to move you forward.
- Understand the $/ Currency relationship
- Self Determination is a moral endeavor - God has set you free... now go live free and free others to do the same. Freeing people, adding margin and value to someones life is a Holy endeavor.
Resources / Mentions:
https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2021-millennials-are-running-out-of-time/
The Fourth Turning - Strauss/ Howe
Proverbs 3:5,6
U.S. Debt Collapse: $20,000 Gold - Mike Maloney
IMN Banking Conferences
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Please join us for the first, BLUE COLLAR MONEY MASTERMIND: INVESTING FOR KINGDOM IMPACT starting Wednesday July 21st, 2021 at 12n. We will be meeting for 5 sessions thru August 18 and will be discussing the possibilities of getting financially unstuck, becoming a producer of value and reinvesting into the Kingdom of God.
The cost of the course is $199 for the Beta of this Mastermind ($497 for future Masterminds) and you can sign up by emailing Mike Hatch at mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com with "mastermind" in the subject line.
The following are the Narratives we use to solve for defining an individual or family plan for investment...
The 5 Macro Narratives:
Global Economics
U.S. Finance
Politics
Media/ Technology
Civil Rights
There is a trail of information that can be trusted but it lies in the relationship between the above arenas. If you can familiarize yourself with how these affect US Finance, the following truths can help you understand the game being played and distill your plan:
The 7 Truths of U.S. Finance:
- There will always be a marketplace (for the buyer, seller and speculator).
- There will always be an arbitrage
- There will always be speculators and market makers that will show you where the arbitrage exist. Their presence will also affect volatility and price action.
- Some people will always cheat. Not all, but some.
- Small timeframes take the blame /credit for moves in the market.
- People are people. Human nature hasn't changed in 800 years of recorded financial history.
- The Herd consumes...productivity exists outside of the herd.
Resources / Mentions:
https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2021-millennials-are-running-out-of-time/
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources and Mentions:
Storybrand
Jim Rohn
Martin Guitars
Fender Guitars
Guild Guitars
Enneagram
Young Life
Abraham Kuyper
Martin Luther
N.T. Wright
Contact:
Jeremy Sheppard: www.jeremysheppard.com
YouTube
PW Gopal: pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch: mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
In response to our friend, Jason Reinwald's question about Commerce and the Great Commission we decided to put our thoughts into an episode. His question is one that we have chewed on for years and continue to work through so it was a valuable endeavor to put our thoughts in front of our listenership for engagement and critique.
We keep the rules of Blue Collar Investing pretty simple: role up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and take responsibility for your financial future but we wanted to pull back the curtain and share a short outline that we follow to refine our stewardship and investment narrative.
- Complete the Biblical Narrative
- Get Your House in Order
- Plant in Your Field
- Plant in Someone Else's Field
- Celebrate God
If you are looking for a deeper dive into Biblical Investing and stewardship principles you may want to be a part of our first ever, Blue Collar Money Mastermind: Investing for Kingdom Impact
We are offering a 5 week class starting Wednesday, July 21 at 12pm (Finishing August 18). The Cost is $199 as this is the beta-round and will go up to $497 in the fall as the course is opened up to the public.
Email mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com with "mastermind" in the subject line to register! We are really looking forward to learning from you and sharing resources with you to help you make the impact that God has intended for your energy and investment.
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Contact:
Chuck Verrett - chuck@img-group.com
Linked in
Integramarketinggroup.com
sustainablemissionpartners.org
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:John Perkins, Quiet Revolution
High Street Hymns
Matt Taibee - The Divide
Bitcoin and Black America
Richmond Community Bail Fund
Contact:
Alex Mejias - amejias@jamesriverlaw.com
jamesriverlaw.com
alexmejias.com
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
John Perkins, Quiet Revolution
High Street Hymns
Matt Taibee - The Divide
Bitcoin and Black America
Richmond Community Bail Fund
Contact:
Alex Mejias - amejias@jamesriverlaw.com
jamesriverlaw.com
alexmejias.com
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
This episode was a treat to record! Our time with Shawn was packed with gold and we hope you take the time to take notes and think through the relationships that are affecting your portfolio.
Shawn Honer is not only a 20 year veteran law enforcement officer for Homeland Security but a seasoned real estate investor. He has built his investment portfolio around real estate which isn't necessarily unique but what we found interesting is how he values relationships and people. We cant help but think there is an incredible correlation between his love for solid relationships and the success of his investment endeavors. Such an honor to sit down with him and hear how he has gone from working a 40 hour day job to owning/ managing 20 doors in just a few short years.
Resources/ Mentions:
Mount Zion Baptist Church - Albany, GA
Contact:
Shawn Honer - shawn.honer@yahoo.com
Linked In
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
One of the biggest problems facing investors today who are interested in having a redemptive influence is the issue of information - where to get it, how to curate it, and how to navigate the obstacles of trusting information.
We put together a short list that has been helpful to us in curating information to invest well. Again, our goal with this podcast is to teach people how to get "unstuck" but for the purpose of moving the Gospel forward - joining God in the "good work" He has left for us to do. We hope this episode helps you move your investing narrative forward and helps renew your vigor to see God move in your life and those you serve.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about this process.
- Keep the Gospel central
- Be honest about your background
- Find a place to hear both sides
- All data is curated so it can be manipulated
- Seek information through relationships
Resources / Mentions:
Yahoo Finance
Lyn Alden
George Gammon
Brennan Manning
Enneagram - The Art of Growth
The Flipside
Philanthrocapitalism
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Thank you for joining us for our one year anniversary show! We are so grateful to our listeners for staying with us and supporting us over the past 50+ weeks as we unpack our passion for getting middle class folks financially unstuck.
This episode was pure passion! We can't emphasize enough the critical nature of integrating the Biblical narrative of Stewardship into your family's investing narrative. The following are basic steps to consider when writing out your investment strategy. We firmly believe that Kingdom Values combined with sound financial strategy can provide true redemptive influence in your family and community.
- Complete the Biblical Narrative
- Put Your House in Order: Problems to Solve vs. Tensions to Manage
- Plant In Your Field
- Plant In Others Fields
- Celebrate God
Resources/ Mentions:
Brant Menswar - Black Sheep Values
Matthew 6:33 - "Seek First the Kingdom"
Deuteronomy 6:7-8 "Commandments on Your Heart"
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
This was a fun episode for us because we have known Dan for several years and have first hand watched him overcome some serious personal obstacles to build a thriving business. His tenacity and heart to serve folks in his community is what shines in this episode. If you are interested in building up cash flow through short term rentals this is a great episode to take notes from - Dan was kind enough to be transparent how he set up his business and what he puts into it to make his clients and customers happy.
Resources / Mentions:
Hostfully - software management
Stripe - payment processing
Contact:
Dan Morris - morrissolutionswnc@gmail.com
Morris Solutions WNC
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
All opinions expressed by PW Gopal and Mike Hatch, or any podcast guests are solely their own. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for legal, tax, and investment decisions. All comments are based upon information participants consider to be reliable, and PW Gopal and Mike Hatch are not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken because of the information provided.
The Speed Equity System is a system created by Harj Gill to use the "key banking principle" to pay down your mortgage in years instead of decades.
It requires significant discipline and is not for everyone to use or utilize. We do not recommend toying around with the principles explained in this episode or this system without professional consultation and coaching from financial advisors and Harj Gill.
- MIKE HIGHLY RECOMMENDS GETTING HARJ GILL'S BOOK AND READING IT BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS METHOD. IT WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS IN DETAIL.
Resources and Mentions:
The Speed Equity System - Harj Gill
Book: "Own Your Home Years Sooner and Retire Debt Free" by Harj Gill explains everything about how the system works in detail.
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
PW Gopal - pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com, pwgopal@pwgopal.com
After sitting down with Investment Advisor, Daniel Johnson III last week, we wanted to explore the foundational principles and action steps that can better prepare us for financial success. As you may have discovered, it's one thing to enjoy a great story but it's quite another to be able to write one - especially when we are unfamiliar with the metrics of great stewardship.
Wealth and financial independence dont happen overnight and they certainly dont happen without significant planning and focus.
The following are part of a basic outline to consider when assembling the elements of your story. In our experience, it is helpful to think about it as a house with many floors built on the foundation of Biblical principles of stewardship:
-
Foundation: (Meta Narrative) - The Gospel and biblical narrative of stewardship/investment
-
First Floor: Our Kingdom Values in Tension with the Macro Narrative - the macro narratives being
-
Global Economics
- US Finance
- Politics
- Civil Rights
-
Media/Technology
-
Second Floor: Debt, Savings and Hedging Coupled with Planned Generosity
-
Third Floor: The 3 Legged Stool of Business Ownership, Cash and Cash Flow, and Real Estate
-
The Apex of the House: Having a Redemptive Influence over our families, neighbors and community
Resources and Mentions:
Daniel Johnson III, CFP, CEPA
Refocus Financial Planning
www.refocusfp.com
Tamsin Webster - The Red Thread
www.tamsinwebster.com
Contact:
PW Gopal
www.pwgopal.com
pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch
www.empoweredmanhood.com
mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
We took pages of notes from our time with Daniel Johnson so it may take repeated listens to this episode to take in all the gold in his comments.
Feel free to reach out to Daniel through email or message him on LinkedIn to set up an appointment:
URL: www.refocusfp.com
Email: daniel@refocusfp.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljohnsoniii/
PW Gopal: pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
www.pwgopal.com
Mike Hatch: mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
www.empoweredmanhood.com
The old adage, "money doesnt grow on trees" only applies to us but not to the US government. They can grow money on their money tree all day long in partnership with the Fed and that is, unfortunately, where our upcoming stimulus checks are coming from. So it begs the question... where is it coming from? How is it created and why don't we have to pay it back?
In Part 2 of this discussion we tackle some ideas around planning for the economic winter on the horizon as well as what God would ask of us in preparation. The following is an outline of our discussion and response to God's narrative of redemptive influence and stewardship.
- Review of George Clason's 70% rule:
- In Seasons of Crisis, 70% has to be adjusted:
- in Seasons of Crisis, money will get expensive - why?:
- What is your plan for this next season? What is the side gig? How will you generate and develop cash flow?:
- Preparation starts with prayer, time with the Holy Spirit and engaging in crucial conversations - it is the very fuel needed to execute.
Resources and Mentions:
The Creature From Jekyll Island : A Second Look at the Federal Reserve
The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics
1 Samuel 8
2 Corinthians 8:9
John 14
1 Corinthians 2
Contact:
PW Gopal - pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
The old adage, "money doesnt grow on trees" only applies to us but not to the US government. They can grow money on their money tree all day long in partnership with the Fed and that is, unfortunately, where our upcoming stimulus checks are coming from. So it begs the question... where is it coming from? How is it created and why don't we have to pay it back?
in Part 1 of this discussion we tackle the backstory of the partnership between the Federal Reserve and the US Treasury to fill in some of the narrative of how "growth by debt" works and why it will keep us as the middle class enslaved to an unhealthy financial agenda.
Resources and Mentions:
The Creature From Jekyll Island : A Second Look at the Federal Reserve
The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics
1 Samuel 8
2 Corinthians 8:9
John 14
1 Corinthians 2
Contact:
PW Gopal - pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
One of the best things we learned from our previous interview with Jerry Bowyer was that Jesus sees and has a heart for the "load bearing structures" in our society, specifically the folks that are getting their hands dirty and working in the trades - Chris and Jaime Hare of CJT Machine / Shepherd Tactical Supply fit that bill.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Chris and hear his heart for redeeming the quality standards used in the market but also how God has been stirring him to serve his community through his businesses and free time. Chris is not only a gifted machinist but he and his wife are also students at a local bible college where they take classes in their free time on missions, discipleship and Theology.
We are excited for you to hear their story and their struggle. They are some of our favorites and we'd love for you to support their work through the sites below.
Resources / Mentions:
The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics - Jerry Bowyer
www.shepherdtacticalsupply.com
www.cjtmachine.com
Contact:
Chris Hare - cjtmachine@gmail.com
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
In a season where information is highly manipulated, it is becoming increasingly difficult to trust curated information - information that you want to use to build a wealth strategy. So how do you move forward? Especially as a young professional or working stiff, where is the margin / time to weigh the words of one side against the other.
-
LISTEN: START A MEDITATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - listen and listen and listen for his voice. It can only happen with practice and stillness but it can easily accelerate your learning.
-
STUDY:
READ THE OLD STUFF FROM THE OLD PEOPLE: It's simple. Reach back to the times when information wasn't being weaponized by red and blue against the opposition. Read the historical books/ accounts of money and understand the movements of those specific leaders. The human animal is still the same and the aggregate of them - what we call the "herd", still makes the same moves. They have for hundreds of years.
LEARN THE BASICS OF THE BASIC NARRATIVES: Learn the basic narratives and it will help you catch up on the ongoing conversation of money and finance. (See E3 - "Learn the Narratives"). AND, it will help you engage that conversation because the language will not be the prohibitive element.
- CAPTURE: The moment you finish a plan, it's wrong but at least you have taken the time to write down all the elements in the constellation that will affect your plan. The written plan is paramount to building your working narrative, which is simply the paper manifestation of your plan. Once it's on paper, it becomes easier to put that plan into action. Aim small, miss small. Execute in small steps and refine your movements until you get more comfortable with the plan.
REPEAT: Every plan needs refining. There isn't a financial strategy out there that is able to sit stagnant and succeed. Constant refining and adjustment may be necessary to come to a working model that honors your values, skillset, cashflow and long term plan.
CONTACT:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
www.thebluecollarmoney.com
We were really excited to do this episode with friend and listener, Chase Hardin - not just because he is a close friend but because he brings a unique perspective to stewardship and finance as a millennial trying to understand a shifting landscape. Millennials have a lot on their plate dealing with trust issues for people and resources and keeping focused on the timing of their professional pivots.
Our hope is that you get to see Chase's heart for people seeing and experiencing Jesus - his lead motivator as well as glean from his experience tackling the starting blocks of the financial / investing world.
Mentions / Resources:
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
The World is Flat - Thomas Friedman
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
The following are personal lessons we took away from 2020. We hope that they, in some way, resonate with you and affirm the values that you are working with to bolster your goal of having a redemptive influence in your community.
- We must not forget to take our daily activities and goals to God to sift on a weekly basis
- Values, while they may serve you for a season, may need to be refined at different stages of your life to better lead you though where God is taking you.
- Take care of your highest values and leave the rest to God to sort out.
- Keep putting out value and understand that pretense isn't helpful in building a transparent offering to your community. Be willing to be walk humbly through your path of entrepreneurship, especially when it gets ugly.
- Investing is a lifestyle and takes years to refine and perfect.
- Invest in relationships where you see Kingdom values being prioritized. As such, it is even more important to partner with folks who share your Kingdom values. This is where you will experience incredible synergy in having a redemptive influence.
- Investing / commerce is better with a partner, especially one who shares your desire for change.
- Invest in the lane where you have passion and a wealth of knowledge.
Resources/ Mentions:
Enneagram Test - enneagramtesting.org
The Compound Effect - Darren Hardy
Andrew Carnegie - The Gospel of Wealth
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com , pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Previous Relevant Episodes:
E5: The Order of Investing, Part 1
E6: The Order of Investing, Part 2
E15: The Pivot
E29: Biblical Investing, Part 2
E32: Interview with "Rigged: Exposing the Largest Financial Fraud in History" author, Stuart Englert
Resources / Mentions:
Rigged: Exposing the Largest Financial Fraud in History
Apmex - Precious Metals Bullion Dealer
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mike.hatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources and Mentions:
Citron Research
Melvin Capital
Game Stop
Flash Boys : A Wall Street Revolt
Previous Podcasts:
BCM Episode "10 Essential Principles for Investing in 2021"
BCM "The Mindset of an Investor Series"...
Mindset of An Investor, Lesson #1
Redemptive Economics Course - Mike Hatch
Below are a few bullets that outline our takeaways from 2020. Please take a listen for further details and reach out if we can help you in any way to bring clarity to this information, resources or your financial goals.
2020 Investment Lessons (not comprehensive)
1 . We are living in a time of "mania" where folks are "stacking maybes" keeping their money tied up in the stock market without counting the cost of the historical and mathematical narratives. We think the risk of market correction is significant and may cause individuals to have to rethink retirement and even worse, lose time to make their financial goals work.
-
Most people are still ignoring the Meta Narratives of Investing (see Episode 3)
-
Greed can look civil and rational
-
Very few of us have a defined Mission and Vision and can even tell the difference between the two.
-
Vision outlines the "how" of how we progress. It outlines the specific path and components in the constellation that we use and utilize to bring about our financial goals. It also sets the parameters for "safety" that protect our families from financial ruin/risk but also defines the specific entry fees for future endeavors/ investments
-
Have a specific person/people group in mind when you invest - how will your investment benefit someone and specifically, who is going to be the beneficiary.
In part 2 of "Lessons We Learned in 2020, we will discuss the personal lessons we have learned this past year.
Resources/ Mentions:
Switch : How to Change When Change is Hard
The Fourth Turning
Become Your Own Banker
The Richest Man in Babylon
Contact:
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Contact:
Mike Hatch - mike.hatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
PW Gopal - pwgopal@pwgopal.com, pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Success Magazine - www.success.com
Below are a list of investing principles to consider when approaching your financial plan for 2021. This episode is paired with E37 (part 1).
- BIBLICAL NARRATIVE - trade and invest by the Biblical narrative which we nickname "tree, fruit, tree..." Our investments need to be in a machine or tree that is able to bear fruit which can grow another fruit bearing tree. This allows us to be in close proximity to the growth and also allows us to be generous monthly instead of after receiving a yearly stock dividend check.
- CLOSE TO HOME - Bring your investments close to home meaning you can see, feel and touch the value that is being created and also be in relationship with those who are helping you create that value.
- DIRTY HANDS - Warren Buffet is known for coaching traders to "trade what you know" - in a season where there is little to no transparency in the stock market, we believe it is paramount for seasoned and new investors to get their hands dirty and truly know what it is they are trading.
- INVEST IN TANGIBLE VALUE - this being value that is easy to see and experience mainly through the barometer of measuring customer sentiment. If you can see the value and see the customer enjoying the value that has been created for them, then it is an asset worth looking into.
- REDUCE EQUITY EXPOSURE - better said, STOP putting so much trust in the stock market where there is little to no transparency or understanding of growth and value. Move your assets to promise based assets or FIXED INCOME ASSETS. (we described them as "fixed assets" in the audio but they are correctly named, FIXED INCOME ASSETS). In addition to buying into "products" that are being sold to you, even good fixed income products, please consider investing in or starting a small business and build tangible value for customers in your community.
- STAGE TO BUY - in this next season of the market, there is a chance that mania will continue and we will see 40,000 on the Dow. The is an equal chance that we will see mass sell-off and the market will seek equity between 18,000-23,000. It's a dangerous game to wait this one out - smart investors have already done their work to figure out how to move money with the least amount of penalty to free up cash to buy/create their next cash flow vehicle. We cannot afford to be late to the party on this point - if we wait, we miss.
- PROTECTION FOR FAMILY/ ASSETS - wills, trusts and insurances. Protect your family with term or whole life depending on your long term goals. Most middle class families in the US have not priced out life insurance nor done the homework to understand what it can do for their spouse and children.
- MONETARY "INSURANCE" - buying gold and silver can help in hedging your stock portfolio investments against market failure or recession. Buying gold and silver is not investing - it is hedging. Historically gold and silver are a reliable store of value so in our mind, when in doubt... do what rich people and governments do.
- TAX DEFERRED to NON TAX-DEFERRED - Would you rather pay taxes on the seed or the crop? Well, thats what the government is hoping you don't investigate. If you leave your $ in tax-deferred vehicles you will pay tax on the full crop that you waited to grow and take distributions from. Non-tax deferred vehicles allow you to pay the tax once and then never again. Be sure to consult with a qualified fiduciary for help in determining what is appropriate for your family.
- LONG TERM to MID-TERM INVESTMENTS - "set it and forget it" to cash-flow vehicles. The narrative that the market always has ups and downs and will continue to range up doesnt take long term time cycles into account. Since we see the 100 year cog moving into place we are due for a massive correction in stocks. So while you may not lose money over the next 30 years, you may lose a significant amount of time - time that is paramount in creating a significant yield curve.
Contact:
PW Gopal - pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com, pwgopal@pwgopal.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
Debt Collapse: 20,000 Gold - Mike Maloney
The Fourth Turning
Guide to Investing in Gold & Silver - Mike Maloney
The New Case for Gold - James Rickards
Money & Man: A Survey of Monetary Experience - Groseclose
Honest Money - Dr. Gary North
The Ascent of Money - Niall Ferguson
Below are a list of investing principles to consider when approaching your financial plan for 2021. This episode is paired with E38 (part 2) so the second half of the notes will be attached to the audio in E38.
- BIBLICAL NARRATIVE - trade and invest by the Biblical narrative which we nickname "tree, fruit, tree..." Our investments need to be in a machine or tree that is able to bear fruit which can grow another fruit bearing tree. This allows us to be in close proximity to the growth and also allows us to be generous monthly instead of after receiving a yearly stock dividend check.
- CLOSE TO HOME - Bring your investments close to home meaning you can see, feel and touch the value that is being created and also be in relationship with those who are helping you create that value.
- DIRTY HANDS - Warren Buffet is known for coaching traders to "trade what you know" - in a season where there is little to no transparency in the stock market, we believe it is paramount for seasoned and new investors to get their hands dirty and truly know what it is they are trading.
- INVEST IN TANGIBLE VALUE - this being value that is easy to see and experience mainly through the barometer of measuring customer sentiment. If you can see the value and see the customer enjoying the value that has been created for them, then it is an asset worth looking into.
- REDUCE EQUITY EXPOSURE - better said, STOP putting so much trust in the stock market where there is little to no transparency or understanding of growth and value. Move your assets to promise based assets or FIXED INCOME ASSETS. (we described them as "fixed assets" in the audio but they are correctly named, FIXED INCOME ASSETS). In addition to buying into "products" that are being sold to you, even good fixed income products, please consider investing in or starting a small business and build tangible value for customers in your community.
**Principles 6-10 will be attached to E38: 10 Essential Principles to Build Your Financial Future in 2021, Part 2
Contact:
PW Gopal - pw.gopal@thebluecollarmoney.com, pwgopal@pwgopal.com
Mike Hatch - mikehatch@thebluecollarmoney.com
Resources/ Mentions:
The Fourth Turning
We hope this episode encourages you in your journey as an entrepreneur. The following is a basic outline of key points from our discussion that may be helpful in your journey to execute on your values.
- Stop reacting - instead, execute on your values. And if you don't have a list of family or business values then it's time to sift through what matters most to you as you seek to provide value to your community.
- Pretense Isn't Helpful - it will always be a trap to look good while you learn and perform. Don't give in to the temptation to look like you have it all together.
- Know Your Limitations - this piggy backs upon avoiding pretense... know what you are good at and the environment you need to succeed, including your triggers and blindspots.
- Have Your Vendors in Place - whether its a vendor or a friend or a spouse, you must have people you trust who can help you execute, whether directly to the task or indirectly supporting you through it.
- Stage for the Next Round - each time we execute we are allowed a unique view into what could be better or improved upon. Use each experience to improve your environment where you perform or the elements needed to execute appropriately.
- Be Grateful for God's Provision - Don't forget to take time each week to thank God for what and whom he has already given you including finances, people and time to execute and succeed bringing about your goals.
MISSIONThe mission of The Hundred Movement is to provide points of exit for survivors of sex trafficking through specialized counseling, support, and educational services. We engage individuals, organizations, and the church to create sustainable models of aftercare and a cultural movement.
VISIONThe vision of THM is providing personal and specialized care for survivors of sex trafficking that allows opportunities for self-determination, health, and stability. Our heart is for the community to see and value survivors as family, neighbors, and equals.
The Hundred Movement will accomplish this by:
Providing trauma-informed counseling services with expertise in the field of sex trafficking.
Providing relational case management services that are individualized to each person’s needs and goals.Building integrated systems for sustainable aftercare models.
Developing foster care resources for both minor and adult victims by training existing foster homes and recruiting new families.
Providing professional and community educational opportunities in order to develop and expand the resources available to survivors.
Moving the Christian Church to support survivors in all areas of healing and growth.
CORE VALUESWe do this because we believe each survivor is unique in their experiences, needs, and goals. We believe that relationships are transformative and necessary for healing. We believe the Church is responsible for, and capable of, caring for survivors of trafficking. We believe in the need for community-wide participation to fuel movement and growth for survivors.
Resources and Mentions:
BCM Podcast on Entry Fees
BCM Podcast on Order of Investing
Proverbs 18:11 -
Contact:
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
www.pwgopal.com
www.hundredmovement.com
Luke Walker lives in Columbus Ohio with his wife Carrie and 3 kids Jude, Titus, and Maggie. Luke loves working with his hands and tinkering with anything mechanical. Jesus, family, and helping those in need are Luke's top values. He is also an entrepreneur and started an auto repair shop in 2009 at 22 years old (also the year he married his wife:-). The rent was $350 a month for a 1 bay shop. The first full year (2010) Luke's Auto did $260K in sales.
11 years into business there are now 16 bays, 24 employees and $3.6MM in revenue 2020. Luke's Auto is the top Yelp and Google rated independent shop in Columbus Ohio.
TRADE CENTER:
In 2018 Luke took over management of an inner city mechanic training program for 11-19 year old students with first seats open to those at risk. Almost 100 student have come through this program in the past couple years and the program expand in 2020 by adding another larger facility that is 10,000ft2 and has 5 lifts. 200 students a year will be able to attend a 6 week intro class and 50 of them invited into an advanced class. Those who graduate will receive a certification, tool set, and job placement. The mission statement of the trade center is "to help students identify and cultivate: 1. Being gifted with their hands 2. God's love for them 3. A life of loving others."
Resources and Mentions:
What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done
"The power behind our productivity comes from realizing that, through faith in the gospel, we are accepted by God in Christ apart from what we do. This puts wind in our sails and unleashes the power of the Spirit in our lives (Gal. 3:5). Truth: The only way to be productive is to realize that you don’t have to be productive."
Contact:
luke@lukesautoservice.com
www.lukesautoservice.com
We continue to challenge ourselves to fill in the gaps in the financial narrative we use to write our own financial and investment strategies. Luckily, Author and Journalist, Stuart Englert was willing to sit down with us and unpack the historical events that formed the largest financial fraud in U.S. and world history. We were able to get specific answers regarding the differences between real money and currency and also identify the lasting monetary value of gold and silver.
Below are just a few notes that outlines the shift that Stuart's book is asking of the everyday investor. We believe and follow a similar narrative and think it would be worth your time to check out his book and take the time to evaluate your own strategy and the narrative it is based upon.
- Education - we, as individuals must be educated on finance, stewardship and investment.
- Debt Is Not Wealth - we must understand that a great deal of the "wealth" that has been created is actually debt and not real wealth.
- Gold and Silver are insurance, not an investment
- Savings, more specifically aggressive savings is a lost component of great stewardship and investing
- We must all evaluate our own risk tolerance for investing but also evaluate the narratives we use to asses our own risk /the products we invest in.
- Employ great patience and keep a long term perspective in the foreground.
Contact:
Stuart Englert - srenglert@comcast.net for questions or autographed copies of his books.
Resources and Mentions:
Rigged: Exposing the Largest Financial Fraud in History
The Richest Man in Babylon - George Clason
Previous Episodes for Review:
Jerry Bowyer Episode
The 7 Roads of Investing
We continue to challenge ourselves to fill in the gaps in the financial narrative we use to write our own financial and investment strategies. Luckily, Author and Journalist, Stuart Englert was willing to sit down with us and unpack the historical events that formed the largest financial fraud in U.S. and world history. We were able to get specific answers regarding the differences between real money and currency and also identify the lasting monetary value of gold and silver.
Below are just a few notes that outlines the shift that Stuart's book is asking of the everyday investor. We believe and follow a similar narrative and think it would be worth your time to check out his book and take the time to evaluate your own strategy and the narrative it is based upon.
- Education - we, as individuals must be educated on finance, stewardship and investment.
- Debt Is Not Wealth - we must understand that a great deal of the "wealth" that has been created is actually debt and not real wealth.
- Gold and Silver are insurance, not an investment
- Savings, more specifically aggressive savings is a lost component of great stewardship and investing
- We must all evaluate our own risk tolerance for investing but also evaluate the narratives we use to asses our own risk /the products we invest in.
- Employ great patience and keep a long term perspective in the foreground.
Contact:
Stuart Englert - srenglert@comcast.net for questions or autographed copies of his books.
Resources and Mentions:
Rigged: Exposing the Largest Financial Fraud in History
There was so much to unpack in this episode - our time with Jerry was mind blowing and inspiring! We hope that this short list of points will spark you to learn and investigate the principles in his book - principles that can surely charge your investing future for success.
- In the marketplace we are used to discussing the role of buyer, seller and speculator. Unfortunately, we cannot in all honesty speak of them in the first person. Jerry outlines the characteristics of the Galilean in that time and culture which we would use to reinforce the idea of becoming a "producer" (and not remaining an abdicator of your financial future)
- We asked Jerry what "shift" needs to happen with our mindsets and understanding. He describes Jesus as one of a "mediatorial" class - someone who can speak to the banker/aristocrat class as well as the blue collar class of folks. He is our example to be able to speak both languages and be able to perform in both environments. As Jerry describes, He was not only God but also fully man, but not just any man - a highly sophisticated and educated blue collar leader.
- Understand the idea of Currency Centralization or Decentralization and understand the different example of that in US history and world history.
- Entrepreneurism is about loving people! Why? Because they are willing to takes risk to love their families, communities and folks who rely on them. In Jerry's words, they are the "load bearing structures in their world".
- Theism and capitalism have massive ties as does socialism and atheism. It is good to palate the reminder that God wants us to create and pass on value.
Jerry Bowyer is a Forbes contributor, contributing editor of AffluentInvestor.com, and Senior Fellow in Business Economics at The Center for Cultural Leadership. Jerry has compiled an impressive record as a leading thinker in finance and economics. He worked as an auditor and a tax consultant with Arthur Anderson, as Vice President of the Beechwood Company which is the family office associated with Federated Investors, and has consulted in various privatization efforts for Allegheny County, Pa.
He founded the influential economic think tank, the Allegheny Institute, and has lectured extensively at universities, businesses and civic groups. Jerry has been a member of three investment committees, among which is Benchmark Financial, Pittsburgh’s largest financial services firm. Jerry had been a regular commentator on Fox Business News and Fox News. He was formerly a CNBC Contributor, has guest-hosted The Kudlow Report, and has written for CNBC.com, National Review Online and The Wall Street Journal, as well as many other publications. He is the author of The Bush Boom and more recently The Free Market Capitalist’s Survival Guide, published by HarperCollins.
Jerry Bowyer Contact info:
Linked In
Resources and Mentions:
The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said about Social Justice and Economics
The Free Market Capitalists Survival Guide
We were absolutely blown away by this interview and we think this will be one of the most valuable hours you will spend listening to Jerry unpack his thoughts on Biblical Economics and entrepreneurship. We were thrilled that he was willing to sit down with us and share his thoughts on Jesus' unique perspective on these topics.
Jerry Bowyer is a Forbes contributor, contributing editor of AffluentInvestor.com, and Senior Fellow in Business Economics at The Center for Cultural Leadership. Jerry has compiled an impressive record as a leading thinker in finance and economics. He worked as an auditor and a tax consultant with Arthur Anderson, as Vice President of the Beechwood Company which is the family office associated with Federated Investors, and has consulted in various privatization efforts for Allegheny County, Pa.
He founded the influential economic think tank, the Allegheny Institute, and has lectured extensively at universities, businesses and civic groups. Jerry has been a member of three investment committees, among which is Benchmark Financial, Pittsburgh’s largest financial services firm. Jerry had been a regular commentator on Fox Business News and Fox News. He was formerly a CNBC Contributor, has guest-hosted The Kudlow Report, and has written for CNBC.com, National Review Online and The Wall Street Journal, as well as many other publications. He is the author of The Bush Boom and more recently The Free Market Capitalist’s Survival Guide, published by HarperCollins.
Jerry Bowyer Contact info:
Linked In
Resources and Mentions:
The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said about Social Justice and Economics
The Free Market Capitalists Survival Guide
We hope this episode allows you to have a better understanding of the difference between money and currency and the need for the paradigm and lifestyle of cashflow. The following is an outline of today's conversation and a deeper look at the foundational principles of Biblical investing.
Review:
- We have fiat currency that violates the laws of money and is disobedient to God's mandate for "just weights & measures." (Deut. 25:15)
- Our fiat currency system is NOT an accurate information utility for investors and entrepreneurs (noise distorting the signal).
- Nothing new - empires always monopolize money throughout history.
- JP Morgan: "Gold and silver are money, everything else is just credit."
- The bible is not unaware of currency manipulation...
Investing in Uncertain Economic Times
Redemptive Economics
- Trust or Distrust God
- Steward (abundance) or Storehouse (scarcity)?
- Decentralize (Gen 1:28-29; Gen 11/12; Jewish diaspora; Holy Spirit ---> gospel)
- Generosity (production) or Greed (speculation)?
- Proverbs 11:24-28
- Proverbs 13:22 - "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous. (RSV)"
- God favors a high velocity of money (velocity = how many times a dollar circulates through the economy in a given amount of time.)
- Redemption (value) or Retirement (consumerism)?
- Luke 12:13-21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool)
- Compare with Boaz - Ruth - kinsman redeemer
- Conclusion
- God spared nothing for us - redemption
- Pavilion illustration - gospel
Resources and Mentions:
The Scandal of Money - Gilder
The Ascent of Money - Ferguson
Honest Money - North
Biblical Economics - RC Sproul Jr.
Guide to Investing in Gold and Silver - Mike Maloney
We hope this episode allows you to have a better understanding of what the Bible calls, "just weights and measures" - outlining for us what investing looks like for people pursuing a life of stewardship and integrity. The following is an outline on the topic of money and currency that Mike leads us through as we take a deeper look at the foundational principles of Biblical investing.
PART 1:
I. It All Starts with Trust in God
A. Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25)
B. Genesis 1:28 - "be fruitful and multiply"
C. George Gilder (Author - "The Scandal of Money"): "Money is the central information utility of
the world economy"
- Money is the critical vessel of information about the conditions of markets around the globe.
II. Money from a Biblical Perspective
A. Money is Seed
-
Seed is a by-product of production, being "fruitful."
-
As seed, money is meant to be planted/invested (Prov. 11:24; Ecc. 11:6; 2 Cor. 9:6-11).
-
Money is not meant to be hoarded or stock-piled.
B. "Just weights & measures" (Deut. 25:13-16)
- Because money is vital to communicating information in markets it is critical for it to be "honest" or reliable (e.g. ruler). This is why God emphasized "honest weights & measures."
III. Money from a Worldly Perspective
A. 1971 - The Dollar is Taken off the Gold Standard
- Unfortunately money became dishonest, or unreliable in communicating information about markets since 1971, when the dollar was removed from the gold standard. We don't have money any more, we have fiat currency.
B. A Distorted Signal
-
This fiat currency has made it much more difficult to discern "the signal from the noise." Instead the herd simply follows the next inflated asset and very little is learned as the entrepreneurial process was abandoned, by and large.
-
So, how do we invest our currency (not money) in a God honoring way? The bible has the answers!
NOTES/ MENTIONS:
The Scandal of Money - George Gilder
Mike Hatch's course on Redemptive Economics: www.mikehatch.thinkific.com
There's nothing tricky about the principles outlined in this episode as PW's "big chicken" methodology is a result of his second go-round with financial crisis. The first, coming from his poor financial decisions - the second, coming from his daughters health crisis.
What does the chicken want?
-
Safety and Guarantees
-
A Smooth Path
-
Balancing your best hours and secondary hours.
We encourage you to go back and listen to the episode on the Order of Investing. Our hope is as you listen to this discussion you are encouraged to prepare, educate yourself on the steps and pray through your plan for stewardship.
PW detailed his "long game" in the episode and we have shared the outline below:
THE LONG GAME OF RECOVERY
- Bottom Line - 7 streams of income protect the bottom line so bills get paid and cash flow is recovered. Second, the cash flow is used to identify which streams will take priority moving forward into phase 2.
- Blue Collar Business - we would like to invest in blue collar businesses that follow the narrative of Boaz (Book of Ruth)
- invest close to home
- work with my hands
- produce value
- employ people, having a direct effect on families
- Rentals, specifically mobile home and tiny/micro home investing
- Protection - we are working with an advisory group to set up whole life insurance that will allow us to shield any income from unnecessary taxes and allow for ease of reinvestment.
- The Long Game
- Equity Stakes in small business
- Offer Loans directly from CV whole life insurance policy
- 10x land/rentals
- more life insurance
- Investment into non-profit by making www.hundredmovement.com and www.younglife.org the beneficiaries of the policies.
-
investment in people and relationships
-
Disruptors
-
history
- perception
- anxiety and paralysis
- failures
- people
For questions or thoughts about this episode, please feel free to reach out to PW at
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
www.patreon.com/pwgopal
www.pwgopal.com
And please visit and support these organizations for their work and investment in people:
www.hundredmovement.com
www.younglife.org
There's nothing tricky about the principles outlined in this episode as PW's "big chicken" methodology is a result of his second go-round with financial crisis. The first, coming from his poor financial decisions - the second, coming from his daughters health crisis.
What does the chicken want?
-
Safety and Guarantees
-
A Smooth Path
-
Balancing your best hours and secondary hours.
Our hope is as you listen to this discussion you are encouraged to prepare, educate yourself and take steps to pray through your plan for stewardship, whether to stave off chaos for your family or to recover from crisis.
For questions or thoughts about this episode, please feel free to reach out to PW at
pwgopal@pwgopal.com
www.patreon.com/pwgopal
www.pwgopal.com
Myles Alexander has been a great friend for years and it was an honor to sit down and hear more of his story and specifically hear about his investment strategy as a small business owner but more importantly what engineering your financial futures looks like when you dont include the stock market.
In this episode we decided to talk through the specific lessons that Myles taught us about his process but more specifically unpack what that could mean to you as someone investigating different avenues of cash flow investing.
Feel free to reach out / follow Myles :
ffarchitecture.com
IG: instagram.com/form.function.architecture
FB: facebook.com/ffarchitecture
Show Less
Myles Alexander has been a great friend for years and it was an honor to sit down and hear more of his story and specifically hear about his investment strategy as a small business owner but more importantly what engineering your financial futures looks like when you dont include the stock market.
We know this episode is longer than previous episodes but we think you will gain some great insight into making yourself you first investment. Myles went all-in on building a set of businesses that create cash flow for his family and staff and while we realize that may not be where you are in your life, we definitely think his bet on himself is something we can all learn from. Whether you invest in your business or someone else's, you may still need to bet on yourself to gain an education and to write/execute your financial plan.
Feel free to reach out / follow Myles :
ffarchitecture.com
IG: instagram.com/form.function.architecture
FB: facebook.com/ffarchitecture
Episode NotesWe have done extensive work in researching some of our favorite roads of investing - our hope is that it may save you some time and help you with your pivot into a cash flow investing space.
Our GUIDELINES are steeped in the following investing principles:
People - we invest to make use of what God has given us and to be able to invest in people so that they could have a better picture of who He is.
Transparency - We strive to employ "honest weights and measures" and we seek that in the investments we make.
Proximity - In times of financial tension or potential crisis, we move our investments closer to home where we can see them and manage them accordingly.
Wisdom - Our hope is that God would lead us as investors and that we would develop shrewd and wise practices to build resources for our families and communities.
Below is a list of lanes/roads and that we believe hold solid opportunities for this season of financial tension:
1. INSURANCE PRODUCTS - when you consider an insurance product you are buying into a promissory product which means that the insurance company is guaranteeing you a fixed percentage or profit each year which is different than a market based product such as an IRA or 401k. If you don't have a wealth strategist and would like to talk to someone regarding your investments, please let us know so we can set up a time to meet with some trusted professionals.
2. SIDE HUSTLE - building a secondary stream of income is paramount to making use of opportunities related to your skillset. Your secondary hours, meaning not your 40hr work week, can be utilized to generate significant income to free you up to invest if, and only if you figure out how to automate some of your 40hr work week.
3. RENTALS - Rentals are probably the number one way to build a cash flow system for your family but it depends on the market and the players in the market. Playing in a crowded market can drive prices up and make new investors overpay for homes. The numbers have to be right. Let's say that again: the numbers have to be right! Whatever package you create has to have enough margin with enough buyers for your service and there has to be room to play, meaning it cant be a crowded space which is harmful for beginners.
4. BUSINESS EQUITY - We consider this the new stock market and follows the ideal of "moving our investments closer to home" which should be a priority in times prior to financial crisis. There is inherent risk in buying into businesses, so your cash flow has to be right for your family to assign money for the long haul to someone else's productivity or potential for productivity. The upside is cash every year from your equity ownership. The downside is the character and strength of the owner you are choosing to invest in.
5. REFERRAL FEES - There are two types of people in industry according to Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point) - Mavens (experts) and Connectors. If you have a decent understanding of process and can write a great story outlining the partnership of two Mavens, you then can sell them the story and after the introduction, write yourselves into the contract or business agreement. Some of the greatest wealth is made from referral fees.
(Affiliate fees are in this category for us as well as it has become lucrative to help people partner with products)
6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - You may have heard of the phrases, "niche down" or "the riches are in the niches". We agree. Find a niche in which you can be seen as an expert and create value - whether through an online class, mastermind class, book or audio product. Once the value is created you must properly utilize your sales bridge to connect with potential buyers and warm them up to your product or value.
7. DEBT SHOP - When someone has influence over a gap in a market or has chosen to provide a service to address a gap they are and should be a target for you to approach regarding investment. The hard part is vetting business owners - as Jon Coyne said in a previous episode, "it is hard to test for character". Having said that there are a few and certain to be more businesses that are partnering you/your investment with businesses. And the beauty is that you can buy in with very little from $10 up to $50,000, thus creating a new and more personal stock market.
Resources and Mentions:
Related Scripture:
1 Chronicles 12:32 - Men of Issachar, people who knew how to interpret the signs of the times.
Matthew 24: Signs of the end times
Luke 16: Parable of the Shrewd Manager
We have done extensive work in researching some of our favorite roads of investing - our hope is that it may save you some time and help you with your pivot into a cash flow investing space.
Our GUIDELINES are steeped in the following investing principles:
People - we invest to make use of what God has given us and to be able to invest in people so that they could have a better picture of who He is.
Transparency - We strive to employ "honest weights and measures" and we seek that in the investments we make.
Proximity - In times of financial tension or potential crisis, we move our investments closer to home where we can see them and manage them accordingly.
Wisdom - Our hope is that God would lead us as investors and that we would develop shrewd and wise practices to build resources for our families and communities.
Below is a list of lanes/roads and that we believe hold solid opportunities for this season of financial tension:
1. INSURANCE PRODUCTS - when you consider an insurance product you are buying into a promissory product which means that the insurance company is guaranteeing you a fixed percentage or profit each year which is different than a market based product such as an IRA or 401k. If you don't have a wealth strategist and would like to talk to someone regarding your investments, please let us know so we can set up a time to meet with some trusted professionals.
2. SIDE HUSTLE - building a secondary stream of income is paramount to making use of opportunities related to your skillset. Your secondary hours, meaning not your 40hr work week, can be utilized to generate significant income to free you up to invest if, and only if you figure out how to automate some of your 40hr work week.
3. RENTALS - Rentals are probably the number one way to build a cash flow system for your family but it depends on the market and the players in the market. Playing in a crowded market can drive prices up and make new investors overpay for homes. The numbers have to be right. Let's say that again: the numbers have to be right! Whatever package you create has to have enough margin with enough buyers for your service and there has to be room to play, meaning it cant be a crowded space which is harmful for beginners.
4. BUSINESS EQUITY - We consider this the new stock market and follows the ideal of "moving our investments closer to home" which should be a priority in times prior to financial crisis. There is inherent risk in buying into businesses, so your cash flow has to be right for your family to assign money for the long haul to someone else's productivity or potential for productivity. The upside is cash every year from your equity ownership. The downside is the character and strength of the owner you are choosing to invest in.
5. REFERRAL FEES - There are two types of people in industry according to Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point) - Mavens (experts) and Connectors. If you have a decent understanding of process and can write a great story outlining the partnership of two Mavens, you then can sell them the story and after the introduction, write yourselves into the contract or business agreement. Some of the greatest wealth is made from referral fees.
(Affiliate fees are in this category for us as well as it has become lucrative to help people partner with products)
6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - You may have heard of the phrases, "niche down" or "the riches are in the niches". We agree. Find a niche in which you can be seen as an expert and create value - whether through an online class, mastermind class, book or audio product. Once the value is created you must properly utilize your sales bridge to connect with potential buyers and warm them up to your product or value.
7. DEBT SHOP - When someone has influence over a gap in a market or has chosen to provide a service to address a gap they are and should be a target for you to approach regarding investment. The hard part is vetting business owners - as Jon Coyne said in a previous episode, "it is hard to test for character". Having said that there are a few and certain to be more businesses that are partnering you/your investment with businesses. And the beauty is that you can buy in with very little from $10 up to $50,000, thus creating a new and more personal stock market.
Resources and Mentions:
Related Scripture:
1 Chronicles 12:32 - Men of Issachar, people who knew how to interpret the signs of the times.
Matthew 24: Signs of the end times
Luke 16: Parable of the Shrewd Manager
Values Based Enterprise is business and investment based on a set of values driving action points - moving your individual, family or team towards growth and profit and best of all... creating value for others.
Follow these simple steps and let us know if you need help or clarification:
- Write your Values and test your values - email us for a pdf worksheet on Values.
- Pick a Lane - We normally pick lanes of investment from narratives that are handed to us. Remember that there is more than one market - the American middle class narrative of earn, save and invest in mutual funds and IRA's is a dead or dying narrative but it's still being sold and bought. Looking at other lanes may be ridiculed by your friends and family but stay the course and do your homework.
Values + Gifting + Wealth of Knowledge + Cash Flow (Potential) = Lane of Investment
- Test Your Knowledge - Exercise some Humility and be willing to be wrong about your assessment of the market or markets.
- Dialogue and Learn from Key Leaders to help shape what arena you may play best in.
- Stage - get your vendors in place, do your homework and get your numbers on paper and get them right. Get your cash flow numbers right!!! Don't be wrong about the numbers.
- Execute small - aim small, miss small. Don't go too big, too soon. Take small measured steps in your market to see if how the market plays is something you can understand and work with.
- Build in Seasons - be willing to let things be ugly in the beginning stages but set goals and make sure to put them on a timeline. If you are in the same cash flow position 6 months after your start or a year after your start, you need to look at your plan and your execution strategy.
- Echo Chamber - some echo chambers are good. It takes time to learn the language of investment and even the specifics of your lane so you need a good community of people who share your language and cheer you on. And don't be afraid to get rid of negative relationships as those voices may confuse the narrative for you as you grow.
Resources and Mentions:
Black Sheep - Brant Menswar
Enneagram - https://www.gospelenneagram.com/
Strengthfinders - https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx
Culture Index - https://www.cindexinc.com/
Meyers-Briggs - https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
The Webers run Convive Coffee Roastery in Pittsburgh, PA and have done an amazing job building a business around values that bring about a redemptive influence. They have put years into building an intentional environment for discourse, diversity and enterprise.
In our conversation, Katie said that part of their motivation in serving people coffee is knowing that "there are an infinite amount of dreams and inspirations happening right in front of [them]" - such a rich thought and motivation. Excited for you to hear how they use that inspiration to invest in their people.
You're gonna love your time with the Webers - we know we did!
Please visit their website for coffee and more information on Convive.
www.convivecoffee.com
Email: admin@convivecoffee.com / connect@convivecoffee.com
We are really excited to launch our first digital course, Redemptive Economics - A Gospel Centered Approach to Business and Economics, written by our very own, Mike Hatch! Please click the link below to check out the course :
mikehatch.thinkific.com
Coupon code: bcm (all lower case)
We are really excited to launch our first digital course, Redemptive Economics - A Gospel Centered Approach to Business and Economics, written by our very own, Mike Hatch! Please click the link below to check out the course :
mikehatch.thinkific.com
Coupon code: bcm (all lower case)
There so many great lessons learned from our time with Jon that we decided to take the time to unpack some of his comments. Some, we will leave for you to interpret as they are self explanatory. We hope that this short review is helpful:
TAKEAWAYS:
EVERYTHING IN WRITING -
Putting everything in writing between Jon and his staff allowed him to honor their time and their work and preserve and uphold their relationship.
Keeping agreements in writing relinquishes control of the false narrative that we have control of life and therefore can easily make good on handshake deals. Further, it allows us to know what base expectations are and gives us the opportunity to overdeliver.
Aligning Values and Actions are a necessity for any business to progress and writing things down bring clarity to all parties involved in creating and upholding values as well as the teams efforts/actions.
HONOR YOUR INVESTORS:
this needs no explanation but it was encouraging to hear Jon's loyalty to his staff as investors and his financial backers. Loyalty is a precious and rare commodity in business and investing.
EMPLOY GREAT PEOPLE:
PAY GREAT PEOPLE WELL:
MAKE A GREAT PRODUCT AND GET IT TO THE PEOPLE THAT NEED IT:
JON'S ADVICE:
THE SPIRITUAL:
"Be careful what you ask for"
"Recognize His will, asking moment by moment for direction"
THE PRAGMATIC:
"if you build it, they will come is a myth"
"have a good exit ( sales) plan"
"get comfortable being uncomfortable... you cant just do what you're good at"
"hurry up and wait" seems to be a standard for business life. but while you are waiting fill the gaps with doing work in your ancillary or complementary lanes.
Resources and Mentions:
Blacksheep - Brant Menswar
Good to Great - Jim Collins
www.healuxcbd.com (use code review50 for 50% off your purchase but please be sure to leave a review)
www.riseupt.com
The World is Flat - Thomas Friedman
We are really excited to launch our first digital course, Redemptive Economics - A Gospel Centered Approach to Business and Economics, written by our very own, Mike Hatch! Please click the link below to check out the course :
mikehatch.thinkific.com
Coupon code: bcm (all lower case)
We are really excited to launch our first digital course, Redemptive Economics - A Gospel Centered Approach to Business and Economics, written by our very own, Mike Hatch! Please click the link below to check out the course :
mikehatch.thinkific.com
Coupon code: bcm (all lower case)
Resources and mentions:
The Lean Startup - Eric Ries
Contact Jon Coyne with questions at jcoyne@riseupt.com
URLs:
www.healuxcbd.com
www.riseupt.com
Our conversation with entrepreneur and investor, Bob Faletti led us to review some of the important points behind Modeling - the sequence of constructing a moving narrative to pivot your investments. The following list includes some of the key points you may want to consider as you investigate taking back control of your financial future.
It is an unusual time in the markets with a lack of accountability, transparency and looming mania driving the markets to record highs. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider pivoting and moving your money/ investments closer to home. To do this, you need to consider doing the following:
WORKING NARRATIVE: Construct a working narrative. After all, as soon as you write a plan down, it is wrong, but at least you have labeled and considered the moving parts and have a basic understanding of the elements involved in your plan/ building your investment machine. Do your due diligence and build out 80% of your plan on paper adding in safeties and contingencies for errors and the unknown. Then work the other 20% out in practice.
Note: There are many white papers on SWOT Analysis and even doing a quick youtube search can help outline your strategy to evaluate your bet.
EDUCATION: Pay for an education. Take online classes, pay for a coach, pay to be in a mastermind group etc.
SAFETY: Part of being a good steward is considering what season of life you are in and passing on resources to your family/ community. This also includes safeguarding against catastrophic events and prolonging your ministry through what we like to call, bullet proof paper which is blue collar language for wills, trusts and insurances.
NOTE: If you are interested in meeting with a financial advisor and dont have one that you know or trust, please let us make the introduction to folks that we trust who can walk you through your SAFETY process.
HEDGING: With the stock market being in such a strange place we believe that part of your responsibility lies in protecting your bets with ancillary markets, i.e. silver and gold. Yes, they are considered real money and not an investment per se but they are, historically, a "reliable store of value" and should be considered soon as their prices are pushing up with more and more distrust of the stock market.
CONVERSION: If you have money in the markets you will need to sit down with your financial advisor and figure out exactly how much money it will cost you to move your money. It is their responsibility to get you numbers if you ask for them. It is your money after all.
ACTIVATE CASH FLOW: Do your due diligence and build out your plan, then work the plan and measure the cash flow with risk and your goals. Chances are that the investment isnt exactly going to work as you expected but be flexible and patient. There is a strong possibility with a little coaching that your new endeavor is exactly what you need to increase cash flow and secure a model of investing that is not only transparent but lives closer to home.
REFINE NARRATIVE: You've prayed, studied and wrote out your plans and then pulled the trigger on what you hope is the right investment. It's important that you continue at regular intervals to seek out your brain trust and spouse and run the numbers by them to see if there are things that you are missing that can help bring about efficiency and scale. PRAY, WRITE, BUILD, REVIEW, REFINE = SCALE
GIVE: Build generosity and investment in your community into the model from the beginning. Make sure you start and finish with honoring your Kingdom values and leave the rest to God to work out.
We had a great time interviewing Bob Faletti and hearing about the start of his real estate investment business. Our conversation centered around 7 crucial steps that he suggested for beginners to integrate into their investment plan.
- Assess the risk and the work involved.
- Structure: Full time or part time work.
- Vendors: make sure you hire the right vendors to help you keep your workload in check.
- Find a successful model to mimic
- Work with a coach or strategist who has a proven track record.
- Live your values through serving your clients/tenants.
- Choose the right property - dont jump into the deal without weighing all the factors.
We'd like to start with a series of critical questions:
- how much do you believe in moving to a cash flow focus?
- how much do you believe in erasing debt?
- how much do you believe in pivoting your investment mentality to include a "safety" conversation - protecting your families assets through a will, trusts and insurances?
- is it time to stage for your new investment season by freeing up brain space to learn first the language of investment, then the lifestyle of investment?
- have you worked with your family to build a congruent mission, vision and core values statement that you can use to build your stewardship portfolio?
Your answers to the above questions are critical in your preparation to invest. It may lead you to more traditional avenues of investing - however, if you are feeling the urge to stage your life to steward more or learn the lifestyle of investment then it may be time to work your way through these steps. The following list is a progression we outlined in the podcast that may help you in your pivot to the practical stages of preparation and investment.
The Closet: is God calling you to earn and invest for your family? OR, is God calling you to earn/invest/ steward resources for your family and for other families, your community and local businesses?
Margin: Do you have or are you developing the brain space to learn the language of investing and do your own homework? Are you ready to be the quarterback of your investment portfolio?
Values: Values are the cornerstone of what we call the "congruency" platform. An investor or family's ability to be settled on their mission, vision and values sets the stage for them to streamline their energy and focus them on what God has called them to steward.
Family Mission: What is God calling you to do in the next 10 years? What legacy will you leave as a family? Strictly a financial legacy for your kids or are you wanting to invest in your community? or missions?
Penalties to move money: There can be significant penalties to move your money from traditional products so you need to be sure of your calling to build cash flow machines as the basis of your portfolio.
Insurance based products: If you are a person who is stuck and cannot remove your $ from products that are stuck in a 401K or similar, you can ask your fiduciary to introduce you to insurance based products. This move may protect you against further stock market decline.
Hedging: contrary to public sentiment, investing in money, i.e. gold or silver is a hedge against the stock market - we do not consider it an investment because it doesnt bring about returns but walks inversely to traditional markets. If current markets fail we will see a stark rise in the value of commodities, especially real money - gold and silver.
Proximity: As the markets continue to show weakness and fragility it is imperative that we move our investments closer to home or at least make it so we can see where we are invested to make changes and move resources as needed.
The Praying Game: All of this is moot information if we haven't spent time with God seeking His counsel regarding our stewardship. We must be seeking to answer at what level does he want our investment responsibility - for us and our families or the greater responsibility of stewarding resources for our neighbors and community.
Our hope is as you work through these terms and ideas that you will see yourself as part of God's redemptive force on this earth and plan/move/invest accordingly.
Capitalism at its root thrives on a free market where a buyer and seller can exchange value but throughout history we see that markets are not just a place for these two types of people. There are multiple opportunities for people to help with the transaction, multiply transactions and even profit from the manipulation of the buyer/seller relationship. In this episode we discuss a few of the added layers in the US financial markets and the difficulty in having the small stack of chips in a highly manipulated game of trade.
The buyer/ seller relationship has always benefited from having a convenient marketplace to exchange value. Over time the market makers, speculators and oligarchs became regulars on the scene and have changed the way "free" markets now operate. They have created layers for us to now peel back to understand how we must navigate a market.
A helpful exercise is briefly to follow and outline the influence of these positions or layers in the market. Your familiarity with these "layers" and their influence can be helpful in your future trades.
Layer #1
- Buyer
- Seller
- Speculator
- Oligarch
The second layer of complexity comes through the worldview of:
Capitalist or Marxist
The third layer through the worldview of a:
Democrat or Republican
Layers 2 and 3 make it near impossible to navigate a trade - when the exchange of value is no longer seen as the exchange between a buyer and seller but a buyer or seller coming to the table with one or more of the above hats on, the complexity of motive and exchange becomes exponential.
For that reason we simplified our paradigm on "exchange" by creating a fourth layer (looking at lesson from Jim Rohn as he outlined what happened on the first day of the Christian church) - this layer outlining the mindset of a buyer or a potential customer that we can serve.
In Acts 2, Peter gave a message telling people about Jesus and Rohn posits that there were 5 reactions to this message:
- Believer
- Mocker
- Scoffer
- Laugher
- Unbeliever
Instead of looking at people as good or bad, as we do carrying all of the different labels in the previous lists, we can see them (in market terms) as someone who is on a 'continuum of understanding' - understanding the value that we create. Our job is first to create value and sell it to the "believers" but it is also to remove the obstacles for the rest of the list - to give tools for them to enter the market and benefit from the value we have created.
The fifth and most important layer comes from our role as a follower of Jesus where God calls us to see people as valuable. This layer adds the 'why' to our motivation for exchange and also the 'how" - reminding us that how we exchange value is just as important as how we create value.
When we see a person's value, we can honor that value by serving them and honoring them as a created being. And in many circumstances, part of that service comes with a level of remuneration where we can get paid for the value we create for them. God gives us the priority to:
- Honor God and honor people
- Live in proximity to the people we wish to serve
- Provide value to those He brings into our life
- Provide that value through accurate and honest weights and measures.
- Proverbs 11, Proverbs 16 and Psalm 112:5
In summary, spending the majority of your time wading through 'who is manipulating what' does not allow you to create value. Hoping to jump in on a trade and stay safe when there are too many unpredictable elements at play is a waste of your time.
Our hope is that we, as the middle class, would go back to creating value with our investments - to get close to the investment to see the moving parts, to value the people those investments will serve and to do it with accurate and honest weights and measures.
Resources and Mentions:
www.ForexFactory.com
Author, Matt Taibbi - "The Divide"
Jim Roan - Author and Business Coach, www.jimrohn.com
Mike said it best in this episode. God is looking for people who are willing to take a risk to provide redemptive, restorative influences in our communities. In that paradigm we need to be looking to set ourselves up for success in 3 ways:
- Cash Flow - determine and build out cash flow streams that build into your monthly or quarterly budget
- Velocity - Be the quarterback and determine where and how that reproducing seed is used and replicated. Listen and let God direct you in your pursuit of creating value, taking heed of His timing, pace and direction.
- The Mindset of an Investor - Don't stop learning. Act and execute only after understanding the narratives of US finance, the seasons of the markets that you are playing in and how God wants you to engage.
To finish up our thoughts on Seasons in this episode we continue our conversation on Past prime, resting and green lit markets:
a. Past Prime - We thought we would give you some examples of markets that have saturated and may be past their prime in our estimation:
- youtube
- drop shipping
- MLM
- FBA
- Ebay
- Stock Market
b. Resting - We don't have an exhaustive list for this category but believe these few markets are asleep and may wake up soon with the market wanting to reset:
- Buying debt,
- Auctions referrals
- selling high end assets such as boats, cars and heavy equipment.
c. Timing/ Needs Cultivating/ Green Light - we believe these few categories can provide great investment opportunities:
- Affiliate marketing
- Intellectual Property
- Clickfunnel sales
- Auction Referrals
- Rentals
- Small Business Equity
Resources and mentions:
www.convivecoffee.com
There is a season for everything under the sun according to Ecclesiastes 3 - understanding these specific seasons help us measure the implications of each season on us as the investor and the markets that we are investing in. This marriage of observation and execution is what makes our decision making process so complex when deciding what market is past its prime, what is ripe and what ground needs cultivating. Having said that, in our worldview as followers of Jesus, Mike and I believe that God allows us to wade in the waters of investing and do it successfully with God escorting us through Evaluation and Execution.
We like to keep the evaluation simple and divide our thoughts between answering these questions:
A) What season are you in? What is the weight of the following categories on your decision making process:
1. Mental - This centers around current output and margin -
How am I doing with my mental margin? Am I mentally maxxed out or fatigued by work or life at home or , in this day and age, the weight of social media?
2. Emotional - this centers around your EQ - how are my relationships? Am I able to offload stress? do I have the right support to make sound decisions?
3. Physical - Am I exercising and eating right for my age category? Am I moving appropriately to retain flexibility and range?
4. Spiritual - Am I connecting with God and hearing His voice to better understand myself, my environment and His will for me.
5a. Cash/ Budget - the answers to the questions above will provide a good barometer of readiness for the markets but this barometer will be the best marker of readiness as all of the above answers directly affect how you see your basic household numbers.
- What is your monthly cashflow?
- Have you made a budget and are you sticking to it?
- Have you started your safety plan education with a fiduciary? Are you executing?
- Are you in Debt? How much? What is the plan to reduce and eliminate debt?
- Do you have your vendors in place to be generous?
- Have you written out and followed the "order of investing"
For reference regarding the Order of Investing:
Narratives - As investors we must understand the impact of what we call, The 5 Meta Narratives: Global Economics, US Finance, Politics, Civil Rights and Media/Technology
Mapping - When working with individuals and businesses our hope is to outline a constellation of goals, action points, gaps and relationships that will need attention and stewardship.
Values - the discovery and discussion of values can hone your current risk narrative while adding efficiency and congruency to your families/business goals. Values are sewn deep into us and drive the 'why versus what conversation'. When I know what I value most in life then I can work the narrative backwards to outline action points and investment strategy.
Emergency fund - the benefit of having a $1500 emergency fund set up to offset healthcare or automotive bills. This is especially effective when paying off debt and pushing any excess funds to reducing debt.
Debt - speaks for itself - every family and individual needs to utilize a plan for reducing debt to prepare for an investment future.
Hedge - a safety bet meant to protect market investments. Our discussion centered out the use of gold and silver, specifically.
Savings - self explanatory
Safety - this requires ongoing conversation and attention to the wills, trusts and insurance policies that protect wealth and wealth transfer
Cash Flow - one of many products or markets that can produce monthly remuneration for value.
Conservative Investing - stocks, bonds, annuities, 401k, IRA's etc.
High Risk Investing - futures and some options products
Wealth Transfer - we recommend working with a fiduciary to set up draws from your investment products and to protect the investments passed on to your family.
Equity Stakes - we believe that the new stock market will be holding equity stakes in small businesses.
5b. Generosity - We keep "generosity" in the Cash category but we thought we would give it special consideration as, in our worldview, it is generated by a Spiritual tenet:
- have we listened to God ?
- have we decided how to be generous and to whom?
- are my vendors in place to automate generosity each month/ each week?
B) What season is the market in?
we are covering this question in Part 2 of Seasons.
Resources and Mentions:
M.C. Laubscher - www.cashflowninja.com
www.youneedabudget.com
Debt reduction formulas :
- Garrett Gunderson
- David Bach
- Dave Ramsey
We outlined 7 Principles in considering the Value of Generosity:
1) Malachi 3 - Our example for generosity comes from God and we are reminded that His generosity needs to be remembered in a basic tithe but also as a test to God to "open the storehouses" to us to engage in the value of generosity.
2) Ownership - God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and everything in between and wants us to act in faith in considering our stewardship and finances. Where traditional market makers and investors are ruled by fear, hope and greed, we believe a follower of Jesus needs to act in faith when investing and trust that God will provide resources to His trusted servants.
3) Planned Giving - our giving must be planned and spontaneous but both in response to the voice of God. We believe that God speaks specifically and so we should listen to receive specifically the information of who and where to invest.
4) Conduit - While we believe we are the conduits for some of God's generosity there are some physical and practical conduits to put in place. We call it the plumbing of investment and includes wills, trusts and insurances for protecting and passing on assets as well as the basic routing for spontaneous and monthly giving such as venmo, paypal and bank transfers. Are your vendors in place to give on all levels?
5) Stewardship - Mike has made it a point to explain that we have a choice to be a steward or a storehouse. One is entrusted with assets and resources and tends to them before giving them and the other stores them for later use and is apt to take credit for the hoarding.
6) Gratitude - Living with an attitude of gratitude is living with an understanding of our place in the system of God's radical generosity. If we come to the table with nothing but are entrusted with so much to tend and then pass on, we must return thanks to God for His generosity in allowing us to participate. Grateful people give generously because they are aware of the source of their gifts.
7) Company - we added this point in the podcast as it became apparent that the company we keep allows us to hear the truth when in the trenches of execution. As we do our due diligence it is easy to take credit for the work, lose heart or even stop the work. Encouraging voices and strong company keep us moving forward and encouraged and keeps us accountable for the shape and pace of the work we are assigned from our time with Jesus.
Value creation comes at a cost but allows us as a value creator to use our gifts and to serve and bless others in our community.
As we consider how we will create value we need to be looking at ourselves as either a steward of God's resources or a storehouse for his resources. As we steward, we manage, invest and give away God's resources and as a storehouse we hoard and stockpile what is intended for others.
PREPARATION:
Some key questions to ask yourself as you prepare to put money at risk:
1 . Are you able to produce value and produce it consistently?
-
Who is the recipient of that value and is the market proven?
-
Have you done your due diligence with your family's financial safety to then put money at risk?
-
Having done your due diligence with your family's financial safety, are you operating at 70% of your income - giving, saving and investing the other 30%.
-
What is your proximity to the market you wish to invest in? Do you know your product and market well?
THE 3 G'S of VALUE CREATION:
GROUND - what does the landscape and narrative look like for the market and product you wish to invest in?
GAP - is there a proven gap in the market where your product can sit? are you securing a need for a consumer base? how stable is the supply chain for the product you wish to produce? Is there is a proven and growing consumer base for your product?
GIFTS - where do your gifts lie? Do you like to work with your hands on rentals or read balance sheets of companies you want to invest in?
ANCILLARY QUESTIONS:
- what does your margin look like to do research into a market and product?
- is your job and income stream stable?
- is your spouse involved in the decisions to put money at risk? do you agree on the risk levels?
- what is your timeline to begin risking capital? what is your timeline to be paid back from an investment?
- do you have a fiduciary who has walked you through your safety plan? your legacy plan?
VALUE CREATION is about serving and blessing people. It's not about the money - it's about expanding the Kingdom of God and reaching people with your resources.
Our goal and your goal should be economic independence from the stock market. Even if you trust the market you should share interest in flattening your portfolio and moving risk to investments that you have proximity to and knowledge around.
The market wants to be below 18 and we believe the Dow will end up moving below 18,000 unless more financial engineering occurs and drives the market back past 27K to 29K. If these moves happen then there is a outside chance at mania where the market could make a parabolic move to 40K.
We encourage all investors to understand the Fibonnaci sequence and find the real value retracement points in the market as these support and resistance levels will have significant effects on current industries.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 - outlines to the church to consider 7-8 ventures to flatten your portfolio as an investor. Obviously the audience is agrarian but it's a wise lesson for us to consider.
Risk lies in two areas: the Investor and the Investment
here are a few questions to consider when evaluating both yourself and the investment you wish to pursue:
INVESTOR
- How safe is my job market?
- How safe is my job?
- How is my mental margin?
- Have I finished my safety plan (wills, trusts and insurances)?
INVESTMENT
- Productivity potential revolves around due diligence of the market, market position or share of the investment and your due diligence.
- Assess risk and disruptors (See IMN Special Assets conferences)
- Lane of Investment - we see picking a lane of investment as paramount and we use a simple formula: Values + Gifting + Wealth of Knowledge + Cash Flow = Lane of Investment
- Surrender the Outcome
- Count the small wins and continue learning from the wins and defeats
- Find a good solid set of coaches to walk you through the rhythms of each industry.
- Find people to learn with - vision comes from many eyes and wisdom follows.
We group ENTRY FEES into 6 subheadings:
1 - Cost to play the game
2 - Cost to play the game well
3 - Cycles of each market
4 - Defining the end game
5 - The emotional and mental weight of investing
6 - Relationships
Resources and mentions:
Michael Hyatt - Full Focus Seminar
Garret Gunderson - Velocity
Stephen Covey - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ("start with the end in mind")
The Fourth Turning - Strauss and Howe
All opinions expressed by PW Gopal and Mike Hatch, or any podcast guests are solely their own. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for legal, tax, and investment decisions. All comments are based upon information participants consider to be reliable, and PW Gopal and Mike Hatch are not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken because of the information provided.
Entry Fees:
1) Cost to play the game - we usually see this as the upfront cost - the cost of entry associated with buying a stock, buying a franchise or investing in a futures index.
2) Cost to play the game well - we think of these costs as hidden costs, long term costs and the cost of draw downs or losses.
3) Understanding the market cycles - every market has a rhythm as the people investing in them have rhythms. Investors are responsible for the majority of the cycles as cycles are created by human nature. Macro cycles or eras revolve around 100 year snapshots of the market. 25 year rhythms or "turnings" respond to more generational cues (The Fourth Turning, Strauss and Howe)
Stephen Covey - "Start with the end in mind"
John Fedro - mobilehomeinvesting.net
K-cycles - Russian economist, Kondratiev or Kondratieff that first developed language around the long term cycles of markets.
Garrett Gunderson - "Risk is in the investor"
Values - family values that dictate direction, risk and investment strategy
Emergency fund - the benefit of having a $1500 emergency fund set up to offset healthcare or automotive bills. This is especially effective when paying off debt and pushing any excess funds to reducing debt.
Debt - speaks for itself - every family and individual needs to utilize a plan for reducing debt to prepare for an investment future.
Hedge - a safety bet meant to protect market investments. Our discussion centered out the use of gold and silver, specifically.
Savings - self explanatory
Safety - this requires ongoing conversation and attention to the wills, trusts and insurance policies that protect wealth and wealth transfer
Cash Flow - one of many products or markets that can produce monthly remuneration for value.
Conservative Investing - stocks, bonds, annuities, 401k, IRA's etc.
High Risk Investing - futures and some options products
Wealth Transfer - we recommend working with a fiduciary to set up draws from your investment products and to protect the investments passed on to your family.
Equity Stakes - we believe that the new stock market will be holding equity stakes in small businesses.
Additional resources:
The Gospel of Wealth - Andrew Carnegie https://amzn.to/2AyOhV4
Convive Coffee - Pittsburgh, PA www.convivecoffee.com
Assessment - The process takes us through the practical day to day numbers including current family or business budget, debt and cash flow. We snapshot the current and expected margin to try and get an understanding if the client is able to live on 70% of their cash flow while investing, saving and giving the remaining 30%.
Narratives - As investors we must understand the impact of what we call, The 5 Meta Narratives: Global Economics, US Finance, Politics, Civil Rights and Media/Technology
Mapping - When working with individuals and businesses our hope is to outline a constellation of goals, action points, gaps and relationships that will need attention and stewardship.
Values - the discovery and discussion of values can hone your current risk narrative while adding efficiency and congruency to your families/business goals. Values are sewn deep into us and drive the 'why versus what conversation'. When I know what I value most in life then I can work the narrative backwards to outline action points and investment strategy.
Additional notes:
What shapes our progress through these steps is the idea of operating out of faith instead of fear. In our worldview, we are stewarding things that are not ours to keep and so it allows us the freedom to invest without the fear of loss.
Our hope is to produce value to honor God, bless our families and to invest in our friends and communities.
Margin is the 3rd Value in our Mindset of an Investor series and is paramount in framing the lifestyle of investment.
Our process is simple:
Arena: what lanes you are running in and what plates are spinning - in short, what requires attention and focus in your life.
Assessment - how much energy is required in the following areas of your life:
- personal life
- professional life
- spiritual life
- economic life
- emotional life
- physical life
Automate - what steps can you take to automate certain activities - to put them under daily discipline and practice. In addition, what areas can be handed off to professional to steward or to quarterback on your behalf.
7 Truths of the Financial Narrative:
- There will always be a market.
- There will always be an arbitrage.
- There will always be speculators.
- People will always cheat, not all but some.
- Every smaller timeframe, season, or event will be blamed for a move in the market.
- People are people, and human nature does not change.
- The herd will always consume.
Film: The Big Short
Proverbs 13:22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Forexfactory.com
Book: The Fourth Turning
Shark Tank
Key Points:
treat information without morality - it helps to recover valuable information to help us understand the landscape in which we invest and trade.
money is only one measure of wealth
wealth is not just for us but it allows us to create and generate productivity and progress. (Genesis reference - be fruitful and multiply)
Wealth helps us to impact the culture and people around us = human flourishing
Fiat currency - "let it be so" - our government instituted a fiat currency system by calling our IOU currency notes, valuable.
"Creature from Jekyll Island" - G. Edward Griffin. Great book outlining the beginning of the Federal Reserve Act and our banking system.
20,000 Gold: US Debt Collapse - Youtube video by Mike Maloney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj2s6vzErqY
UPCOMING: EPISODE 3
THE 5 NARRATIVES - here we will be discussing the 5 complex meta narratives that play into our role as investors and creators.
Global Economics
US Finance
Politics
Civil Rights
Media/Technology
PW Gopal is a singer/songwriter from Asheville, NC and has a 9 year history trading futures and studying market structures. He is the Principal consultant for The Mechanics Group and teaches financial intelligence to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Mike Hatch is an Associate Pastor from Pittsburgh, PA and has been studying biblical investing for almost a decade. He loves consulting and writing educational materials to help local churches engage in gospel-centered financial stewardship and investing.
THOUGHT:
If you consider yourself an investor or have a sense that you want to invest more to stabilize your financial future, the best place to start is to understand that the stock market is just one market of many to engage.
CONNECT:
- Website: www.thebluecollarmoney.com
- PW Gopal's websites: www.pwgopal.com
- PW Gopal's Financial Intelligence course: www.patreon.com/pwgopal
- Mike Hatch's Website: www.empoweredmanhood.com
- PW Gopal's Instagram: @pwgopal
- PW Gopal’s Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/pwgopal
- Mike Hatch’s Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/mikehatch02
- PW Gopal's YouTube Channel: PW Gopal
- Mike Hatch's YouTube Channel: #HATCHtags