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The Propeller – Santa Says “Open This Email!” – 12/17/2023

Digital Stocking Stuffers for 2023

Forget the lumps of coal! This year, fill your loved ones’ stockings with the gift of the digital – fun, functional, and instantly downloadable goodies that will put a smile on their faces and keep them entertained long after the wrapping paper is recycled.

For the gamer in your life, a digital gift card to their platform of choice unlocks a universe of possibilities. Imagine the joy of unwrapping a Steam gift card and diving into a brand new indie game, or the thrill of discovering a hidden gem on the Nintendo eShop with an eShop gift card. Let them explore new worlds, conquer epic challenges, and forge lasting memories – all from the comfort of their couch.

But the magic of digital stocking stuffers goes beyond gaming. Music lovers will swoon over a subscription to their favorite streaming service, while bookworms will devour a fresh stack of ebooks with a Kindle gift card. And for the budding artist, a creative app like Procreate Pocket or Canva Pro unlocks a world of digital creation, from stunning illustrations to eye-catching social media graphics.

So ditch the trinkets and dust off your devices this Christmas. With a little creativity, you can fill stockings with digital delights that are sure to spark joy, ignite passions, and leave a lasting impression long after the last carol is sung.

Pay in Full For A Discount

Are you paying for your auto insurance annually, semi-annually, or monthly?

Many insurance providers provide a 5-9% discount if paid semi-annually or annually rather than monthly.

I’ll take that guaranteed return on my money!

It takes under 5 minutes to email or call your insurance agent to find out if this is possible for you and could lead to a nice discount!

Are there other areas of your financial life where you are paying a “convenience fee” to spread payments out? Might be worth investigating the potential savings!

TECH: Tab’nabbing
If you’re anything like me, your browser probably has way too many tabs open right now. Not only are these eating up your computer’s memory – they are also opening you up to a type of malicious attack called “Tabnabbing”. This may just sound like something PacMan does, but it can lead to some serious consequences. This quick tutorial by Juanita Washington will explain how Tabnabbing techniques work, so that you can defend yourself against bad actors who would use Tabnabbing to trick you. (5 minute read): https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/what-is-tabnabbing/
Quote of the Week

“It’s so simple: You spend less than you earn. Invest shrewdly, and avoid toxic people and toxic activities, and try and keep learning all your life…And do a lot of deferred gratification because you prefer life that way. And if you do all those things you are almost certain to succeed. And if you don’t, you’re gonna need a lot of luck.” – Charlie Munger

The simple path to a life well lived.  Simple, not easy.

All I Want for Christmas
This holiday season, amidst the flurry of festivities, let me help you give the gift that keeps on giving – a subscription to my weekly email newsletter – The Propeller.  I’d be grateful for your support in recommending The Propeller to someone dear to you. Your recommendation is more than a gesture; it’s an opportunity to share a treasure trove of curated insights and engaging content. The Propeller isn’t just about information; it’s where ideas take flight (Yes, another aviation pun!).  Over 500 people each week receive The Propeller.  In 2024 I’d like to at least double that to over 1000!

Your endorsement could spark a journey of enrichment and discovery for someone close to you, inviting them to learn and explore. This Christmas, I hope you’ll consider granting me the gift of your recommendation, spreading the gift of The Propeller to someone you believe would relish this insightful weekly sharing of knowledge.

Forward this email to your friends, associates, co-workers, and anyone else you think might enjoy this content. Then suggest they subscribe at  https://www.leonardmack.com/subscribe
What I’m Reading/Listening To This Week
What I read last week:
 

Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy is a self-help book that offers 21 practical ways to overcome procrastination and boost productivity. The book’s central metaphor is the idea of “eating the frog,” which means tackling your most challenging or important task first thing in the morning.

Here are the top 3 points I got out of the book:

  1. Prioritize relentlessly. Not all tasks are created equal. The key to getting more done is to identify your most important tasks and focus on those first. Tracy recommends using the Pareto Principle, which states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your activities. Once you’ve identified your “frogs,” schedule them for the beginning of your day when you have the most energy and focus.
  2. Take action immediately. Don’t put off your most important tasks. Procrastination is a productivity killer, and the longer you wait to start something, the harder it will be to get going. Tracy recommends taking action within the first 24 hours of receiving a new task.
  3. Plan your day the night before. Don’t wing it when it comes to your schedule. Take some time each evening to plan out your next day, including your most important tasks, meetings, and appointments. This will help you to start your day with a sense of purpose and direction.

In addition to these three key points, the book also covers a variety of other productivity tips, such as the importance of setting deadlines, saying no to distractions, and avoiding multitasking.

Eat That Frog! is a quick and easy read that is packed with practical advice. If you’re looking for ways to be more productive and get more done, this book is a great place to start.

Read along by picking up your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Rexo5W  

What I am reading this week:



 
From the author of Simple Path to Wealth, JL Collins is his newest book!  Simple Path to Wealth is one of the best books for learning about Financial independence.  I’m looking forward to reading this bookduring this week.

Pick up your copy and read along here:  https://amzn.to/3RtV1Yl
 

Off to do some Christmas shopping…

This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

This intellectual nourishment is intended for informational purposes only. One should not construe anything herein as being legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

My rule is this – I have no advice to give, only experience to share. I have no interest in being a guru or telling people what they should do. Rather, I share my own experience because there is no right or wrong. Your mileage may vary.