The Propeller – You’ve Got Mail! – 1-21-2024

Streamline your financial independence journey with the power of automation. Remember, reaching financial independence isn’t just about willpower, it’s about smart systems that work for you, no matter what. Here’s how to set it and forget it:

• Automatic Transfers: Schedule a portion of each paycheck to automatically transfer to your investment or savings account. This removes the temptation to spend and ensures consistent progress towards your goals.
• Bill Pay: Automate recurring bills like utilities and subscriptions. No more late fees, and the freed-up mental space and time is golden!
• Micro-saving Apps: Tools like Acorns or Qapital round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the difference. These tiny drops quickly fill the bucket!
• Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs): Opt for automatic reinvestment of dividends earned on your stocks. This compounds your growth and fuels your financial independence engine.
• Review and fine-tune: Every quarter, re-evaluate your automated systems. Can you adjust the transfer amounts, investment allocations, or bill payments to further optimize your path to freedom?

Remember, automation is all about making your future self proud. By setting these systems in place, you free yourself from daily financial decisions and focus on living the life you envision. Go forth, automate, and conquer your financial Independence goals!

If something isn’t serving you, delete it instantly.

Be ruthless.  Unsubscribe from promotional emails lists. Delete apps you don’t need. Turn notifications off.  End toxic and negative relationships.  Delete. Delete. Delete.

Kill time-wasters. Be brutal. 

As the Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote, when you delete the unnecessary, you get the double benefit of doing critical work and doing it better.

There’s no easier way to gain our most important asset: time.

Distractions are a slow death. 

As you come across them, delete them immediately. 

if you’re not sure you should delete something, ask yourself if you can easily get it back later. If the answer is yes, then what do you have to lose?

Feeling the chill or the heat creeping in? Wish you could adjust your home’s temperature without leaving the couch (or even bed!)? Enter the world of smart thermostats! These nifty gadgets are more than just fancy dials – they’re the key to unlocking ultimate comfort and saving some serious cash on your energy bills.

Here’s how smart thermostats can hack your home life:

• Remote Control: Adjust the temperature from anywhere using your smartphone app, whether you’re at work, running errands, or basking on a tropical beach (well, maybe not that last one).
• Schedule Savvy: Program custom schedules for different times of day and days of the week. No more waking up to a chilly bedroom or coming home to a sweltering sauna.
• Geofencing Genius: Let your thermostat use your phone’s location to automatically adjust the temperature when you come and go. No more heating or cooling an empty house!
• Smarter Than You Think: Many smart thermostats learn your preferences over time, adjusting the temperature based on your habits and routines. They can even factor in weather conditions to optimize comfort and efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency All-Star: By learning your usage patterns and reducing unnecessary heating and cooling, smart thermostats can slash your energy bills. Plus, many models are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet strict energy-saving guidelines.

Ready to dive into the world of smart thermostats? Here are some top picks to consider:

• Ecobee Smart Thermostat: A feature-packed option with room sensors for zone control and a sleek touchscreen interface.
• Nest Learning Thermostat: A classic choice known for its intuitive design and energy-saving algorithms.
• Amazon Smart Thermostat: A budget-friendly option with Alexa integration for voice control.
• Wyze Thermostat: Another affordable option with a simple design and basic smart features.
   

Remember, the best smart thermostat for you depends on your needs and budget. Consider factors like compatibility with your HVAC system, desired features, and voice assistant preferences.

Bonus Tip: Invest in a smart thermostat with room sensors to ensure even temperature distribution throughout your home. This can further boost your comfort and energy savings.

With a smart thermostat, you can say goodbye to manual adjustments and hello to a perfectly-climatized home, all while saving money and the planet. So, ditch the old dial and embrace the future of home comfort!

Let me know if you have any questions about choosing the right smart thermostat for your needs. I’m happy to help!

The automotive landscape of 2023 saw familiar titans like the Ford F-Series retain their dominance, selling a whopping 750,789 trucks, while newcomers like the Tesla Model Y surged ahead, captivating tech-savvy, eco-conscious drivers. SUVs reigned supreme, with the Toyota RAV4 leading the pack at 434,943 units, thanks to its blend of practicality and comfort. Mainstays like the Honda CR-V, GMC Sierra, and Jeep Grand Cherokee continued to find favor, proving their staying power across diverse budgets and needs. Overall, 2023’s top sellers reflected a market in flux, balancing tradition with the growing appeal of fuel efficiency and electric innovation – while pickup trucks still dominated the top sellers.

These pickup trucks aren’t like the pickup trucks of years past.  They come loaded with tech and luxury now. Equipping them with hybrid engines, they have plenty of horsepower, yet can still remain fuel efficient.

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
Marthe Troly-Curtin

Time is never wasted if it serves to create joy.  The purposeless activity may be the most purposeful of all.

Sending good vibes and virtual high-fives

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.