CoachKhang

Hello Everyone!

I was tasked to produce a video to build awareness of mental health and reduce stigma related to talking about and treating mental health conditions.

If this aligns with you, or you have a story to share, or you know someone who went through mental health, please consider sharing your story. Just send me a message on FB or my email [email protected].

Please help share this post so it reaches the people with a story.

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There is a $100 incentive to record your story and it may be utilized for social media and research purposes. And who knows, I might just throw in a photo session as well. I’m not trying to bribe you, but I just want to make sure it is worthy of your time. This is TBD.

I get it, sharing your story/experience can be scary. But at the same time, it can be empowering. Your story/experience could help someone.

Example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvIWggfifwM

📍Saint Paul, MN
I’ll be emceeing for this event. If you love spicy food, this will be an easy win for you! If you don’t, follow the instructions for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Join the third Food Challenge hosted by Herizon Builders! Challengers will eat spicy chicken wings made by Chef Chris Her, at Juche St Paul, a Korean lounge with house infused soju, cocktails, and serving full food menu late night.

For a chance to win a $100 gift card from Juche:
* Like & Follow Herizon Builders
* Like & Share this post
* Tag 2 friends in the comments
(Winner of food challenge not eligible)

We're also seeking 3 brave souls to take on the food challenge. All challengers who eats all their wings clean to the bone will walk away with a cash prize of $100! **See flyer for entry details.

Join us for a fun-filled event bringing the community together for a friendly food competition.

For information about our event please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/793656275993529/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Long story short, I bought a $3k camera from Amazon and reported the card lost. Then it charged to my backup card which has a $3k limit. It appeared as if I spent 100% on that card = you are bad at using credit = minus 107 points!

I thought my life was over for a second and the goal for a second property was gone.

JUST DO IT!

Between braces and eyes, if I could go back to 18 and get lasik, I would. I have worn glasses since the 9th grade until 2023. It was such a pain dealing with that in all my travels and playing sports.

Do not wait any longer. Lasik is affordable now; maybe $5k max, TOTAL. I highly recommend it. I haven't had to worry about my glasses for the past year and traveling has been so painless.

I knew I would get them done in 2023 so I signed up for a FSA (flexible savings account) instead. FSA works like a credit card for health-related needs, which means you can pay your operation in full at the beginning. But if you don’t use what you projected to spend, you lose it though.

HSA (health savings account) works like a savings. You have to wait for each paycheck to hit the amount you need and then use it. The great thing about HSA is that it’s usually matched and you never lose it.

Not everyone's eyes are eligible for lasik, so I highly recommend getting a free consultation exam to see if you're a fit for it. Here's a bonus hack, don't schedule an operation right away and wait a couple months to see if the business sends you any promotions. I got a $1500 price cut from TLC lasik.

I got my lasik done with Independent Vision Group: https://inde-vision.com/. I paid $3150 for both eyes, which comes with lifetime enhancements. That just means if I notice my vision isn't 20/20, I can get it corrected by them; basically insurance with $0 deductible.

This was inspired by a conversation about teeth with my siblings. I get it, not everyone wants to talk about their insecurity, so I wanted to share my financial experience with one of my “insecurities.”

First, I was only insecure about my teeth when it came to photos (the irony of being a photographer now. Wow, was that a healing decision/moment?!). I still laugh the same way by covering my mouth. It never bothered my confidence in sports or being competitive.

I was the first in my family to get braces. It was my senior year in college and I decided to go for it even though I had no health insurance. It was about $4k out of pocket and one of my best investments. I knew nothing about credit cards at that time, but luckily the dental office had a 0% payment plan for me to enroll in.

I had it on from 2012-2014. If you think you don’t have time for anything, you’re right. You should’ve done everything sooner. Anyway, time will pass and you will still have whatever existing issues you have, so just tackle it. My sister got hers done after having her kids. I also got it done again in 2017-2019.

Society’s beauty standards obviously influenced me, but I am glad to see photos of pretty teeth for the last 12 years.

However, if I could go back and throw $4k somewhere else, it would’ve been for lasik. That’s for the next post.

I saw this and it struck a chord hard!

This explains why I doubt some people. As I work toward understanding myself and having self-accountability, I realized it was hard to be around others who weren’t on the same journey. They would say one thing and act another.

Of course, I’m nowhere perfect or a saint, so I’m just looking for those on the same path. And if that path is alone, so be it.

“The person who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever seen before.” - Albert Einstein

If you, your parents, or someone you know have 100k liquid cash lying around, they can put it in a high-yield savings account (HYSA). Obviously, the return is not as high or fast compared to actually investing the money in a business, real estate, or the stock market.

A HYSA requires absolutely no work. It's just like a savings account, but you earn more money from it. There are only 2 steps to start. 1) Open an account and 2) Move your $100k there.

Below is a display of the money growing because of compound interest, if the money is not touched for 10 years.

The bank I use is https://www.synchronybank.com/. I post about it all the time.

Compound interest calculator: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator

I will always love this quote and I hope it’ll help you with the “bad” parts in life.

My bathroom faucet last week was dripping and as a homeowner, I naturally didn’t want to take care of it. I coincidentally put it off for about two days before taking care of it. Then coincidentally, it also rained heavily those two days too.

The day came to turn off the water supply completely so I could change the faucet. I went downstairs with my niece and saw small puddles of water. My basement wasn’t flooded, thank goodness, but had my faucet not drip, I would’ve never gone to the basement to see the small puddles of water.

The dehumidifier should take care of the small puddles so I’m not worried.

Whatever “bad” thing you’re going through, I hope it’ll turn around. Remember this quote when you’re going through it.

This is my secret to peace, which may not always be a great way to troubleshoot.

I believe it takes someone very close to a person to change their mind. I no longer have the energy to tell people to believe in their self. Believing in myself is within my control and I hope that will inspire their behavior.

You say you feel like crap, but you’re indoor all day.
You say you’re broke, but you don’t make time to budget.
You say you want to go after your dreams, but you don’t work on them after your 9-5.
You say you want to travel, but you don’t plan trips.

So sometimes you just have to step back and watch what people do, let them observe their behaviors, and watch them be surprised by the results.

Trust me, I give myself the same speech too when I’m not productive.

“You said you were going to the gym. Go to the pickleball!”
“You said you wanted to save money (for that second property). Eat at home!”

For July, “You said you're going to finish your kitchen wall and build your booth. Better do it!!”

No one knows you better than yourself. Your results are the work you put in. Don't be surprised.

I tend to live in the future; planning for things to go right so they don’t go wrong.

It has been two very busy and productive months! I went after everything I kept telling everyone to do or disqualified myself. I’m sending main character energy to you.

Launching the photo side of me has been so rewarding! Head over to 93photoboothllc to know all about it.

The rest of summer is to keep focusing on that. I know that will pay off from no trips. Plan now, trips later.

Hope summer 2024 is treating you well!

Half-year financial check.

Where do you stand? Are you behind, on track, or overachieving?

I'm on track for the average and overachieving in the median side. I'll be on a new tier soon, so my goal is another property this year to stay on track.

Because all that glitter is debt!

Only believe people when they show you their numbers (and taxes).

I’m in 10k (0%) debt from starting my photography and 360 business, 93photoboothllc. But that’s not going to stop me from glittering, I mean smiling! What’s life if you don’t go after what you want?

I took care of the owning a home part, so going after my dream was next. I know it costs to start a business (or to even breathe), but I know it’ll payoff in the long run.

It’s ok to live the life you want, as long as you can financially manage it and don’t act surprised where you end up.

Life is short. It’s ok to throw a little glitter at it.

Let me tell you about getting started. Just go.

I kept waiting for others to validate me. (But it’s the least qualified people who are validating you).

But please tell me how you can critique yourself, but not compliment yourself.

No one is less or more qualified compared to you.

Qualification isn’t even what sets you apart from someone who is out there doing what you’re actually good at.

DOING is what sets everyone apart. That’s all. Some are out there DOING it and some aren’t. That is all.

If you're seeking validation, here you go.

You got it! Go get it!

Let’s talk TSA pre-check. Details here: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

Cost: $77.95 for 5 years

1. Apply Online
2. Visit an Enrollment Location
3. Get Your TSA PreCheck Number, aka KTN

KTN is the number to add to your flight info when you check in. Your ticket will show TSA precheck and you’ll be able to go through security in the TSA precheck line.

Why should you get it?
- Keep shoes and jacket on during security
- No need to take out toiletry or electronics
- Faster line through security

At the math of $16/year, it’s so worth it to beat the lines.

Mine was included with Global Entry, which is $100. If you travel international, that is definitely worth it.

What’s the difference between TSA precheck and global entry?
TSA Precheck - Domestic flights only
Global Entry - Faster entry when you return

This gets even sweeter. Some credit card will cover these fees for you, which of course, they also have annual fees. But it all balances out in my eyes.

The card I use is the Capital One Venture X. Annual fee is $395/year, but it all comes back to me through credits. For example, this trip was $100 out of pocket for 2 roundtrip flights, after a $300 travel credit from Capital One. I used points to pay for the $80 car rental.

Here’s my referral link if you’re looking to open one
https://capital.one/3Fegy1W

It’s been a busy year focusing on what I want. I literally spend my time studying what I have to do to hit my goals (and also pickleball). If you want to see who supports you, start a business.

I’m sharing my half year reflection to remind you to also reflect on yours. Where are you in the year and in life? Remember, you don’t have to do everything right away, but always work toward something.

Jan - Planning the year
Feb - 5k Followers
Mar - Podcast
Apr - Podcast
May - Photography & PB & maxed $7k IRA contribution
Jun - Mini Sessions & Virtual gig

Remaining goals for the year
- Podcast, but upgrade it
- Build photography, video, and 360 portfolio
- Upgrade photobooth
- Finish kitchen wall = rent house
- Payoff student loans
- Dual license
- Another property, then maybe a new car?

Life goals
- Mobile phone company
- Studio
- Rentals

My biggest goal this year is another property and I know it will happen because I make things happen when I focus. All that’s really left is to keep buying properties, starting/maintaining businesses, and expanding your skills.

Write your goals into existence in the comments!

I'm a huge Cricket Wireless fan when it comes to a cellphone plan with 1-5 people.

However, if you like to be alone (in life or just a cellphone plan), I recommend the $300 for 12 months prepaid with AT&T. I will be switching back to AT&T after my prepaid ends with Cricket on Sept. 20, 2024.

PAYMENT ALLOCATION

If you do as many transactions as I do, you need to read your statements.

Payment allocation is important when you have a credit card or loan, anything you finance.

In this example, $648.11 was a refund that went to my 0% promotion.

Why would anyone want anything applied to a 0% promo when their regular balance has a 20% interest rate?

Because that went toward my 0% balance, it means I have to fork up $648.11 on my normal balance so that it doesn’t get hit with the 20% balance interest.

I called the credit card company and you can use this line too.

“Hi. I’m calling in regards to my payment allocation. $ # # # was applied to the ABC account/balance when it should be applied to XYZ.”

Sometimes, it’s an easy fix. And sometimes, you’ll hear “We can’t do anything about that.” Then you say, “That’s unacceptable. It’s not my fault the payment was applied incorrectly. This needs to be fixed. I’ll talk to whoever I need to.”

It's true that if you stop using a credit card, it may close automatically.

However, (most of the time) there will be communication in advance about that to avoid it.

“Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles. It takes away today's peace.”

Like and follow to expand your finance knowledge 🥰
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CHOUA
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cuakay

How is it already the end of the month?

If you didn’t know, I added photography to my skills. Head over to 93photoboothllc to see what it’s all about and help give it a like and follow. I’m sorry for multiple pages, but I just want to stay organized.

https://93photobooth.mypixieset.com/vidphotos/

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T. S. Eliot

Like and follow to expand your finance knowledge 🥰
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CHOUA
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cuakay

Testing out penny stocks.

They are so dangerous...but can be rewarding.

I spent $2000 on this at .14 a piece.

I automated the stock to sell whenever it hits .18 a piece today.

If this stock hits .18, I will get the estimated gain of $571.43. That's so crazy.

If it doesn't, then I wait it out again.

The stock market is just the legal way for a poor man's way to be rich.

***PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN WILL. I am not a stock or financial advisor

I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.
SOCRATES

Like and follow to expand your finance knowledge 🥰
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CHOUA
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cuakay

"You can't hope to make progress in areas where you have taken no action." - Epictetus

Like and follow to expand your finance knowledge 🥰
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CHOUA
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cuakay

WOW! Thank you for 500+. We have come a long way from Feb 8, 2020, the oldest photo date on this page. It took 4 years, but remember, Confucius said, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

I can't wait to see this page at 1k, 5k, and 10k!

Thank you, everyone, for the support, and I hope I bring value to your life, whether it's finance knowledge or motivation.

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.
- Socrates

Like and follow to expand your finance knowledge 🥰
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CHOUA
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cuakay

The time is here and now. I'm accepting branding and social media consultation appointments. Here is my portfolio.

https://93photobooth.mypixieset.com/Consultant/

Stack this with tip #2.

A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.
- James N. Watkins

Like and follow to expand your finance knowledge 🥰
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CHOUA
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cuakay

📍Garden of the Gods, CO | April 2023

If you think life starts when you find another person do life with, you'll turn to a skeleton.

Waiting for that significant partner to join you will keep you away from everything you could be doing. It will actually backfire you. Imagine meeting someone and telling them, "I didn't want to do anything until I found 'the one'." At that rate, keep looking for them. Bye!

What makes you amazing is simply being you and you have to double down on that. Life has to go on. Don't wait. One of my life principle is, "This ship is leaving, with or without you. You can get on or off (ok fine, or drown :P)."

Having others or a life partner join you is just a bonus. The only consistency in life is you. Plan those trips. Buy the house or whatever your heart desires (within your financial means). Life starts everyday.

With that said, summer weekends are getting carved on a rock soon.