My thought process of personal finance

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is my research topic for me to learn how to learn personal finance, be a smart investor, and push myself to get educated. I like to write some analysis why I choose not to purchase a home in Vancouver area last 8 years.

Brainstorm ideas

I may not be correct. The ideas are just for education and research purpose. I have to evaluate myself from business viewpoint. Do I learn how to do things properly? Efficiently? Am I most efficient person in the office and constantly get good feedback on my performance?

2018 April 

This year my college classmate visited me in the city of Vancouver. She complained two things, one is that I do not clean up my table with a laptop and so many other things in my home office. Secondly she complained to me that I purchases three pairs of Nike sneakers in Seattle outlet instead of one pair for myself.

2018 November

It is the first year I do the summary report for myself. I have to search all those forms in my bags. I could not find a few T4 forms yesterday at the first.

With all T4, T5 forms from 2010 to 2018, all mortgage interest statement INT1098 Form, I like to compare the summary of T4 and summary of INT1098 Form, I like to generate how much asset I have each year in Canada, I can generate the report how much I can save to pay off the home equity loan as early as possible. I brought $17,000 US dollar to Canada in April 2010. I still used some of my rental income in US to pay graduate study tuition, vacation in USA.

2017 January - April

I used to work so hard to work on business analysis at work in 2017 over two months. I try to come out product features to generate sales report, inventory control.

I was able to come out good ideas this time in 2017. Why? Because I started to train myself using algorithm and data structure from 2015 January, and the learning helped me to think as a programmer. I learned from one algorithm documented in my blog.

1996 - 2018 

I still do not have time to deal with personal finance and learn the importance to get organized on my personal finance. I have four bags of paper work with me, I learned to use Excel to do analysis in my work from 2010 to 2018. This year I start to apply skills to solve my own problems.

My role model

My classmate shared with me, how she did so many things at work and her own personal finance. How does she so successful in investment.

That first 10 years in her career, her parents in-law do all the house work for her, she attended MBA program study in weekends, she learns a lot to manage human resource for a Fortune 500 companies, she did a lot of budgeting and calculation of salary costs, hiring and firing employees.

My job experience

I have very interesting challenging life and career as well.

When a project is late and out of control

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is one of Amazon leadership principle. When a project is late, it does not help to add more people or resource. I like to review my personal finance, and then I came cross the note about my tuition payment from 2010 Fall, 2011 Spring term, 2011 Fall term. I like to write a blog to analyze the project and apply the principle as well.

When a project is late

It is a hard decision for me to call quit, but I finally did. I looked into a few facts about my life and career.

My case study of California, Las Vegas trip in 2000

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is one of my research project I like to do, in terms of analyzing the cost of trip. I like to figure out why I could save save any net income over $110,000 from 1999 to 2001. The research is only for education and personal finance research purpose. I also like to promote simple and disciplined life style.

My case study: 15 days road trip from Florida to Vancouver

My case study: California vacation trip

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I like to write down the trip and also review all expenses in 2014. Now it is Dec. 10, 2018, 12:13 AM, I like to write more content on this blog.

Case study

It is the first California trip I had to visit my sister in California. I booked the car for over five days, I paid airline tickets, 5 day rental, and other expenses. Overall I spent over $1,000 us dollars.

I took two road trips, one is to visit university of California, Berkeley, one is to visit Yosemite.

The above image is added in Jan. 30, 2019. One month after the original blog. I just got my citi credit card statements in 2014, and I did rental analysis and found out that I need to work on analysis of 2014 citi credit card statement.

Actionable Items

Stay in budget. Have a plan. Instead of taking a road trip to Yosemite, I think that it is better not to rent the car, spend time with my sister to take public transit, and understand how cities are connected. Fully enjoy the public transit, bart, and other things.

I spent more than one week vacation in California. I evaluated the whole vacation and what I learned compared to the trip from Florida to Vancouver in 2010 April 10 to April 23.

I reviewed the vacation in 2019 and then I decided not to take vacation with a rental car. I evaluate the risk of driving accident, and safety issue. I also choose not to be a car driver for a relative. I say no to a relative for road trip. No more road trip more than half an hour.

11 Grown-Up Life Changes You Can Make Right Now | The Financial Diet

How to be a friend to rich relatives?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is hard for me to write down so many lessons in my life. One thing I think is helpful for me to be more educated. No travel needed, I can learn all things about cities, culture and other things.

My over 20 road trips to Bellingham and Seattle from 2010 to 2014

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I review my Canadian citizenship application and review the time to calculate the day I spent in Canada. I took one day off at least for each trip to USA bellingham shopping or further.

My over 22 trips 

Each trip costed me over $50 dollar gas round trip. And also my only purchase keeping the car is to drive to work and tennis court, I spent thousand dollars to maintain the car.

A tour trip to Surrey

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to plan a road trip to the city of Surrey. I like to spend some time maybe touring SFU campus this Sunday.

Go out and enjoy the trip

I understand that it is so important to invest a condo early in 2010 when I came to Canada. When I took $18,000 US dollars to Canada, two months job search, with a full time job as a software programmer.

One of my analysis is that I do not spend time to control all my income and expenses. I do not budget and also understand my mistakes from 1999 to 2001. I do not have time critical sense about market, and understand that I am not far away to super smart person by myself.

Another thing is for me to go out to Bellingham and enjoy driving and shopping, without learning the city of Surrey and possible over $100,000 gain business.

5 Lazy Ways To Be Really Productive | The Financial Diet

Nov. 25, 2018

Here is the link.


Trello -

How to close a home equity loan and pay it off?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is my person finance month. I did close my home equity loan account and the amount is $25,000 US dollars. I like to write down a few lessons I learn, over 4 thousands dollars interest mistake I made.

My story

My syndrome is called no action and being a victim. I do not think smart and find some idea how to solve the issue. When the Canada dollar value from 1.00 to 76 cents, I have no clue what to do. One day I feel so excited that my US condo and rent will go up, next day I worry about the payment on my home equity loan, I have to use Canadian dollars to purchase those US dollars.

Facts and dilemma

The over $25,000 us dollars home equity I paid over $700 interest, see my Mortgage interest statement; Same amount money earns interest less than $150 Canadian dollars. And the canadian dollar loses value from 1.0 to 0.76 from 2010 to 2017. Those interest payment in US adds up to $5000 us dollars.

My conclusion is that a person with good learning of personal finance will figure out a solution in a month; but I do not have time to study and figure out by myself.


Jan. 19, 2019 12:51PM

Actionable Items

I need to work on the research, and also put down the list of numbers for me to look into. I should come out actionable items to make profit, and avoid loss.

11 Grown-Up Life Changes You Can Make Right Now | The Financial Diet

Here is the link.

Make an active listener


70% listening, 30 talking

Meal planning
Have a bank checkup - credit score, late fee

Build a money community

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

I have a lot of successful friends and relatives. But in terms of building a money community, I have to figure out how to do that. I do think that I should learn from work, church and other communities I like to attend. But I like to challenge my research talent, I like to write a blog and will follow up later.

Why I do not wear anything valuable?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

I used to wear a lot of gold around my hand and neck, and one day my sister reminded me that it is not safe to wear them to travel. The necklace at that time cost me over two year's salary, $1500 RMB, I used to make $70/ month, and then I left the job to make 10 times more job from 1994 to 1996. The blog is titled called "Why I do not wear anything valuable?"

Good advice 

I had chance to learn from my roommate from 2006 to 2019. My roommate worked for the firm as an auditor. She taught me a lot of things about finance and stock. One thing is that she does not wear any valuable things and she shared me her thought process as well.

10 Money Steps To Take Before 30 | The Financial Diet

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is eight minutes video. Here is the link.

Take a few notes 

Bad spending habit - impulsive spending, anxiety and stress.
50% - rent, monthly bill
30% - financial goal
20% - travel, movie

Master on time bill payment

My 36 months dormant account charge in BB&T

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is so hard to learn how to manage so many things in detail. When I enjoy tennis sports, church activities, but I paid near three years dormant account in Florida since I do not have time to manage so many accounts in USA.

$300 dollars lesson

It is 7 dollars a month. I used to make 4.25 dollar as a cashier. 36 months dormant charge means that I have to work 36 hours community service as a cashier without pay.

How do I learn to control my temper?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is hard for a person to control the temper. Sometimes I walk in the office at the work, I am saying sorry, sorry, hundreds of sorry. Where do I learn that? Why I apply those sorry words so often in my full time job if I take longer time to complete a project? I like to write down a story learned from as a home owner.

A story about leaking ceiling

I like to write down this story as a home owner and how I learn to live underneath a condo with all living room leaked.

5 Lies You Tell Yourself When Making A Budget | The Financial Diet

Here is the link.

It is to train your mind and then learn better about the management.

How to be a smart Florida home owner?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

I like to write a blog how to be a smart Florida home owner. Because I work hard and do not know personal finance very well, I like to keep those memory I have in my small condo back in Florida. But it is only asset I have and keep going the value and bring some income for me. How do I do to manage the home from Canada last nine years?

Being a nice person

I learn the important lesson sometime back in early 2012. I need to look up. I was so bad and got into a bad conversation with the renter, who was a visiting professor from China, a mom, and a well-established financially success business woman. I understood that I was totally wrong, as a Christian and also a home owner. I make sure that I will never do that again.

I served a facebook engineer in Seattle, and a Ford company research scientist, a mathematics professor in China etc. I also served a few data scientists, employees working for wall-street related business. I figure out that my clients are so successful and it may bring me so much appreciation than I work on other things.

15 Things We've Bought That Actually Save Us Money

Here is the link.

11 Money-Saving Domestic Habits You Should Master | The Financial Diet

Here is the video link.

How to manage a $4600 dollars AC project as a home owner?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is the smart idea for me to write down my personal experience how to handle the project to replace a new central AC over $4600 remotely in Canada for a condo in Florida.

How to manage a over $4500 floor project in home update?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to write down the project I did in 2004 as a home owner. I like to write down how I learn and what I should do better next time. I will also check in those documents into my github in my personal finance folder.

How to find a problem solver as a home owner?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is tough for me to manage a condo back in 2014. Because I have to handle the leak of my bathroom for the rent and downstairs complained the leak on the ceiling. I like to write down how I solved the problem and lessons I learned.

Adapt to my person finance

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

My most favorite product feature for inventory control program I developed is the one I added less than two years ago. After six years working for manufacture business, I figure out the product feature may help people to make decision. It is called last 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months usage in quantity and cost. This is the first time I learn how to add product feature based on my experience and analysis. People like it. I like to apply those skills to my personal finance.

How to help aging parents?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is a topic I like to write, since my late mom passed away over 85 years old in November, 2017. I found out that I finally had a city I grew up, and I spent so much money to trips and gift, but nothing I can have called a home, a condo in the city of Yichun. I like to write down a few most important lessons I learn and try to learn in the future.

How to work with your siblings?

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to look up the internet and then find out how to improve and solve my problem. It is called to work with your siblings.

My siblings 

It is time for me to admit mistakes first, and I like to study how to work better with my siblings. I have super smart siblings in China. But I failed to make any investment to my home town in the city of Yichun, Jiangxi province. I checked my spending in 2012 China vacation, I spent over $4500 Canadian dollars for the trip alone.

How to travel simple and save money? I like to learn how to do it better next time if I have chance to travel.

8 money mistakes you're probably making and how to fix them

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to learn how to do it better through youtube.com videos. Here is the link.

My money mistakes in Canada

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is not easy for me to adapt to Canada. I chose so many ways to help, one is to drive to USA for shopping, and then chose not right auto shop, and then waste thousands of dollars.

Time to document

I like to document all my mistakes and then I like to learn and push myself to discipline myself.

5 Money-Saving habits every shopper should master

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is five minutes video. It is the time for me to learn a few thing and then look into those terms more later.

Learning 5 things 

Here is the link.

1.
2. Time your purchase right.
3. Envision you
top down, professional wardrobe
specific plan -
impulsive
4. Figure out your smart shopping MO
social activity, pressure, need help
5. Know your size
regularly measure your size.

Find all my T4 forms from 2010 to 2018

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It took over hours to find missing T4 form from 2014 and 2015. I like to get my T4 forms and then scan them, make an excel sheet and generate reports.

First day to get all T4 in order

It is the day I like to spend time to get all T4 scanned and check in my github, and then I can start to analyze my income and all other things related to my personal finance.

First laid off in United States in 2001

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I came cross the email I wrote to show how many mistakes I made just after I got laidoff in 2001. I also like to document all mistakes and learning starting from a blog. How to deal with struggle in finance, mental health, and also get support from all resources.

One story a time

2 year extra one bedroom empty mistake

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to document all possible loss of my net income $100,000 dollars after tax, 401K from 1999 to 2001. I am working on my documentary of all the income and expenses from 1996 to 2018. I need to break into my vicious cycle of wasting money.

Learn to invest or waste money

I have to find ways that I waste money and then I can start to learn how to invest money later. First thing I am doing is to review all the expenses and income, document all of them if I still have receipts or statement. Second is to analyze them one by one.

It is my decision to start to learn how to work with real life, inflation, real estate. I need to admit those mistakes I make, and then push myself to discipline and live a healthy finance life.

Facts

This was the first time I scanned my home purchase in 1999 and checked in github on Nov. 25, 2018. I have to learn how to manage my own documents. No matter how smart I am, if I do not get myself organized, document all expenses and income, I can analyze and avoid make same mistakes again and again.

I am a single all my life. It is so difficult for me to stay competitive. If I lose the job, I do not have any passive income, the whole family does not income. And I have mortgage, car payment, gym membership, and even I purchase a leather on 12 installments with full price $2000 in 2000.

Actionable Items

It is very serious mistake. I underestimated the toughness of economy, how important it is my bad habit to affect the way I think and problem solving. The condo I purchased for my mom is worth of half a million yuan in 2018. If I save those money, then I purchase extra one condo. The wasted empty bedroom will turn into half a million Chinese dollars after 18 years.

3 year wasted Bally gym membership

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to learn how to budget, how to avoid unnecessary expenses. One of ways to push myself learn is to document all major waste money called net income $100,000. This is the first one called $30 dollar/ month bally gym three years, I wasted over $1000 us dollars, I only visited the gym less than 10 times. I still have $99,000 to find out.

Leader board study

Nov. 2, 2018

Introduction

I choose not to read wechat every day, what I do is to study leaderboard and then find some top ranking player of weekly contest 112 who also write coding blogs.

A few blogs to read

Here is one blog I like to read if I have time.

Play with a tooth

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is my new hobby to play a tooth I got extracted this month. It is the third tooth I got extracted, last one was six years ago in Canada, the first one was some time from 1999 to 2000. I like to document every tooth in my github, and the idea is to push myself how to clean and keep myself with less trouble with teeth.

My case study 

I have another tooth which has no bone left one side, the measurement of pocket is 10 based on my last dentist visit. I used the extracted tooth as a comparison, so I can measure the depth of pocket, I clean every day and wonder if I should keep it alive for another year. I am worrying about the neighbor tooth's health.

I have a few things to learn based on the tooth.

Count every dollar

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

It is hard to beat the market as an investor. I think that a smart investor should be a very detail-oriented person. I was so surprised that I have to push myself to get organized, and count all expenses and income for each year from 1996 to 2010. I like to write a blog called count every dollar.

Never too late

I did a case study and the result shocked me. I could not hold any net income made from 1999 to 2001 over $110,000 dollars, I had a brand new car on loan, and owned a condo with 2 bedrooms, leaving one bedroom empty paying 6.5% interest with over $25,000 dollars mortgage.

I should try to be a saver first before I learn how to be an investor. In order to be a saver, I have to spend time to document all my expenses and income using Excel sheet.

I have to start to run my personal finance as a business, document all income and expenses first, and then start to learn how to analyze them.

Be kind and considerate

I think that as a Christian today, I learn to be humble and kind and considerate. But at that time from 1999 to 2001, I just started my career, those two years empty extra bedroom missing rent income, $350/ months, two years will be able to purchase extra condo in my home town in the city of Yichun, Jiangxi province, in the year 2000. If I do that, then I will have a retired home in my grow-up city.

I learn to be kind to be myself and others. Every time  I recall my life style, I feel so guilty and learn to be humble again.

Learn the value of one dollar

I have to learn the value of one dollar, and one thing I can do is to document all expenses, income every day and every month. As an adult, I have to showcase my hard working in learning booking, and learn the way to hold those hard-earning money.

I knew today that my programming skills was not so good at all back in 1999 to 2001. I was luck to have jobs when economy was booming even though it was crashed.

Those network income over $110,000 should be my foundation of my first $100,000 dollar in my savings.

Weekly contest 112

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

It is a weekly contest again called weekly contest 112. I played the contest and this time I tried different strategies in the contest and after the contest. I spend first 5 to 10 minutes to read all four algorithms from last one to the first one, and after the contest, I try to finish all the algorithms if there are unsolved algorithms.

My performance

Here is the my performance. I solved two algorithms. I only had 10 minutes for the third and fourth algorithms, however, I already spent first 5 to 10 minutes to go over the problem statements first.

I had problems to understand the algorithm Q3, the bag of tokens. Actually a bag of token may not be ordered. I thought that the tokens are ordered like an array. After the contest, I spent extra 30 minutes to finish the algorithm "the bag of tokens".

I learned the algorithm 4 from discuss, I will write one solution later.

I  need to share my discuss and go over some sharings first.

Follow up 

April 2, 2019

I have time to learn how to solve union find tagged algorithm, Leetcode 947 Most stones removed with same row or column, which is the third algorithm in the contest.

I like to go over a few solutions and then learn to solve them one by one using C#. I failed to solve an algorithm in March 2019 in code screen, which is the same level of Leetcode 947.

Actionable Items

April 2, 2019


I need to push myself to work on all the algorithms in each weekly contest. It is not too difficult to learn various ideas to solve the problem, I can just go over top ranking 20 players and then study a few solutions.

10221 133A street, Surrey

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

It is a good idea to write down the address, so I can recall the learning experience from a Chinese friend. I learn from her about hard work and also business mindset. She is so brave and she shared her investment experience on this one bedroom condo near SFU.

A story to tell

It is so interesting to learn from Chinese Canadians. They are so hard working and they survive so quickly as strong business mindset.

Timeless Ways To Protect Yourself From Inflation

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

It is my job to read and learn something day by day about personal finance. I search topics and then I found the article to read in next half hour. Timeless ways to protect yourself from inflation, here is the link.

Inflation

I like to take some notes, and then figure out some topic to help me study the topic.

Learn to adapt

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

It is most important skills I find that I learn through my life. It is never too late to learn it and train myself in every day life.

Case study of the home purchase

I like to write a case study of my home purchase experience in the city of Yichun, jiangxi province. I did not make the purchase, I just paid all the bills back in 2000.

I had chance to review all the payments in the detail in 2017,

Celebration of 19 years ownership of a condo

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

Life is so tough to go through year by year, decade by decade, but something is always true that I have to be responsible as a home owner, it is the third decade. I need to serve people for housing, and also get into the market and find renter, and find people to do maintenance work. So it is time for me to celebrate 19 years ownership.

Lessons learned from a owner

Customer-obsession leadership 
It was time for me to replace a new central air conditioning in 2017 hot summer in Florida. I replaced a new central AC, which costed me $4600 Canadian dollars. It was $3500 US dollars.

The last renter told me that over three years ago the AC will last another three years, I paid $350 service call.

The profit is very low compared to the cost of monthly maintenance and also property tax, and the risk is very high; To run the place, the cost is high than I think. I also have to maintain the place.

I remembered back in 2001, I took all carpet by myself in one of bedrooms. I learned that the hourly rate I saved is $3.00/ hour for over 30 hours, a weekend. I learned a few story about being poor and struggle, and the story touched my heart again and again when I recalled the story. One day I will write down.

Hurricane - Wilma
There are a few hurricanes I had memory. The most worst one is Hurricane Wilma.

I like Florida urban life style near Florida Atlantic university.

Market value

I wish that I have learned more from the experience as a owner. This is the first time I wrote a blog to help me learn things about market value and what is time to get in the market in British Columbia.

Here is the blog.

894. All Possible Full Binary Trees

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

It is one of medium level tree algorithms I enjoyed so much to work on. At the beginning, actually yesterday I was so frustrated and then I had difficulty to find a simple solution. Today I solved it with a few submissions. I like to share my experience.

My practice

It is very challenging problem I came cross this week. I did learn a few things and started to review the way I approached the algorithm. I like to write a post to share my practice on Leetcode.com first.

Here is my discussion link.

Octotales Fred Hutch

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

It is such great feeling to have a friend in the city of Seattle. I visited Fred Hutch this June 2018. I like to share the video I watched. Here is the link. The friends just share each other how to advance career.

Cancer research using data science

It is such exciting to learn a few things from the video.

The key to financial freedom

Nov. 24, 2018

Introduction

It is a short video to teach about the key to financial freedom. Here is the link.

Money management 101: How to manage your manage for financial freedom

Nov. 23, 2018

Introduction

It is 14 minutes video and I like to watch again and again. The way I learn personal finance is so interesting, I made net income over $110,000 in three years but I only saved less than $20,000 dollars from 1999 to 2001. I made the mistake when I was 20 years younger, but I still did not learn the lesson after 18 years. It is time for me to start to learn, I choose to follow the teaching from Project Life Mastery, here is the link of 14 minutes video.

Manage my finance

I just could not believe that this is the first year I try to do income, expense item by item, and analyze my behavior as a consumer, investor, and a university graduate with mathematics degree.

I like to get some education first, and I like to get ideas how to do it quickly.

Learn how to learn manage money. The skill is very important and the first thing to learn.

My most favorite teaching

First five minute 2:00 - 4:00/ 14:49
1. Money management
Lottery winner as an example;
Do not change the habits or mindset. You will get back in debt. Establish mindset, and then learn how to handle it.

Surgery to lose weight as an example.
Challenge is that the life style will not change.

Case study my Boca Raton condo last 10 year property value

Nov. 23, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to learn how market goes up and down. I like to study my condo in Florida last 10 years property value, and I also like to look into those data and teach myself how to read the value and come out some conclusion for life decision.

Case study

First I like to show the condo last 10 years market value, assessment value, and property tax.

My baby step thinking 

I was so busy the first nine years in Canada, but I did not pay attention to learn that I need to watch the market, get into real estate market in the province of British Columbia.

I know that I was busy every year. But last 10 years I paid property tax in November. I always tried and did pay property tax in full and get 3% discount. But I never thought about that the market also showed me what to get into the market of house in Canada.

Based on the above data, I should get into house market in British Columbia in 2011 and 2012. The market is lowest in last 10 years.

Right now, if I purchase a condo in British Columbia area, and I am busy and no time to look into the Canada market, but based on my property value, I know that I must have to pay double price compared to 2011 or 2012.

2010 - the price goes down 14% from $63,000 to $54,000
2011 - the price goes down 11% from $54,000 to $48,000
2012 - the price stays same  0%  stay  $48,000
2013 - the price goes up      25% from $48,000 to $60,000
2014 - the price goes up      20% from $60,000 to $72,000
2015 - the price goes up      24% from $72,000 to $89,000
2016 - the price goes up        1% from $89,000 to $90,000 
2017 - the price goes up     3.3% from $89,000 to $90,000                       

Based on my analysis, I should start to look into those market value, and I should time the market and get into Vancouver house market in 2012 and 2013.

I was so busy with hiking, church small group activities, enjoy the food and vacation. I have to forgive myself. I never did this kind of analysis as a home owner starting from 1999.

I spent over 20 minutes to put together nice image and like to teach myself to read and learn.

Also it is very important to invest the cheapest condo as possible to reduce the risk. Investment has risk. Chilliwack condo is the perfect place to invest, but unfortunately I did not know how many cities we have here in British Columbia until last three months. So in order to be a good investor, the person should also be very educated and get familiar with the community, neighborhood cities.

I made a 22 trips to Bellingham cities to do shopping over years from 2010 to 2016. Through the analysis of my activities, I should spend time to visit Chilliwack cities, Langley and Abbotsford instead.

Reference:

1. Palm beach property appraiser, the link is here.

10 advices to myself from 1999 to 2001

Nov. 23, 2018

Introduction

It is my favorite things to do to give my advice to other people when I see the need. Also I review my financial records, I really like to write down 10 advice to myself, young one, who just started her career from 1999 to 2001.

My advice to young one

I could not save any of net income over $110,000 dollars from 1999 to 2001, and I like to look into those financial records. I like to present some nice pictures to document my life from 1999 to 2001, to memorize those three short years. I also like to come out some good advice how to prepare myself better for next 20 years.

My office

Nov. 23, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I like to learn how to be a successful person to learn how to be a problem solver. I like to share you my most favorite office picture and myself as well.

My office

Here is the place for me to learn how to solve a problem to get myself drive to tire plus to replace my flat tire. I was determined to cut down my expenses to maintain the car in last fall.

I spent over hours to figure out how to do it by myself. I like to write a blog to show my Instagram pictures. Here is the link. My office looks like this.

Amazing people I met

Nov. 23, 2018

Introduction

It is the first year I work as a mock interviewer on interviewing.io. I have interviewed over 100 interviewees. I like to write a blog to thanks all those amazing people, I learn to be patient, be communicative, be confident, and also work hard.

Amazing people

Last two months, I started to notice that I met top ranking people in California and Seattle area. I also learn to work with them on my favorite learning a day. I also learn that it is so challenging world out there.

I like to write one story to cover all my learning. Let me think about and come back to write down here.

Wait for medium level 100 mark

Nov. 23, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to work on medium level algorithms. I am busy to learn and get ideas how to live with those medium level algorithms. I just try to push those numbers, I try to solve as many algorithms as possible first. Rest will follow.

Wait for medium level 100 mark

Here is my profile in Nov. 23, 2018. Now it is 12:23 AM.

My lucky number is three

Nov. 23, 2018

Introduction

It is my training task to let myself continue to perform thinking. I did work on three medium level tree algorithm in less than two hours, but I stopped at the fourth one, my brain just stopped working, I came out the idea, but I was afraid to write since I could not come out the elegant one.

My practice

Here are three medium level tree algorithm.

654. Maximum binary tree
701 Insert into a binary search tree
841 binary tree pruning

Here is the one I thought about over 10 minutes.
894. All possible full binary trees.

Actionable Items

I like to work on more training, I enjoy the challenge to work on medium level tree algorithms. I like to solve five or six in a row if I find ways to do it more often.

Do not panic

Nov. 22, 2018

Introduction

I had a story to write called don't panic. I just reviewed those documents of my stocks, I sold in lowest in 15 years, in 2008. I like to review those documents and then write a blog about it. Do not be panic, the smart person is to adjust the portfolio, keep those big companies stock and purchase more for those big companies.

My holdings before crash in 2008 

I like to show the history of my stock transaction in 2008. At that time, I do not really understand crash, marketing crash.

I want to learn how to stay calm, and think about for myself for long term. I have to push myself to be a long term investor, get into the market when the market is crashed. Find out 20 companies to hold stocks for life time. I like to start again from a few thousands first.

Case study of 2012 vacation to China

Nov. 22, 2018

Introduction

I like to figure out why I am not smart enough to catch so many opportunities in Vancouver last 8 years. I missed the condo to purchase in 2014, and I figured out that I am better to start to investigate what is going on.

I don't know what has happened

It is so important for me to figure out how to be a problem solver. I started to work on my personal finance, and try to document all my expenses, and then I had to write down all my mistakes back in Florida and also in Canada.

To be a problem solver, I have to review all mistakes I made. If I continue to waste the money on travel, clothing, I may never have chance to be confident to be a problem solver. I like to have a challenge job and be a strong problem solver.

2017 the experience to replace a flat tire with a backup tire

Nov. 22, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to write down my experience, and cheer myself up for a problem solver, and also a smart safe driver. I did spend over hours to figure out how to take off a flat tire, and then put a backup tire by myself first time.

The story

I still remembered that I had a flat tire back in 1997 when I was an intern in Florida working for Daleen Inc. My coworker did for me and he did very quickly.

20 years later, in 2017, I spent over hours to figure out how to do it by myself. I like to write a blog to show my Instagram pictures. Here is the link. My office looks like this.

Discipline is most important lesson in my life

Nov. 22, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I did study my W2 form from 1999 to 2001, the net income after tax, 401K, social security and medical tax is over $110,000 US dollars. If I learn how to discipline myself, live under mean, then I should be able to save over $70,000 dollars.

How to discipline myself? 

I remembered that I did not have saving account with value enough for $29,000 us dollars in 2012, I had to ask my friend to write a check with $15,000 dollars called promissory note in 2002. I like to write a blog how many ways for me to waste all those important income in my early life.

I can write down a list of things I did to waste the money in those three years.

1. Big waste is to purchase a brand new Ford Explorer in 1999 over $22,000 dollars. The life style comes with the driving and expenses to cover insurance, maintenance etc.
2. ...

I do not want to write down so many ways I wasted those income. As a Christian, I think that it is most important for me to accept myself, and let it go. I start to learn and think like an engineer, problem solver now.

Here is the link to show me to take off a flat tire by myself over a year ago. Here is my instgram link, the office I worked is here to look up. I wrote a blog about my experience in 2017.

Do I live under my means in Canada?

Nov. 21, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to review my life style and I like to figure out the truth. Do I live under my means in Canada from 2010 to 2018?

Challenge question

It is so challenge to question myself. I did case study from 1999 to 2001 my poor discipline. I like to challenge myself again.

What I did is to do case study of 2012 China vacation to Shanghai, Yichun, Shenzhen. I did come out the analysis all expenses I did.

863. All Nodes Distance K in Binary Tree

Nov. 21, 2018

Introduction

It is a medium level tree algorithm. I read the algorithm a few times before. Finally I had chance to write C# code for the algorithm.

My practice

Here is my discuss link.

Save money up to $100,000 dollars

Nov. 20, 2018

Introduction

It is so challenging to save money until I can have more than $50,000 dollars in the saving account. I like to conduct some research how to live in minimum and save more.

Ideas to save

Track down everything. Download all bank statements. Analyze every expenses.

96. Unique binary search trees

Nov. 19, 2018

Introduction

It is a medium level tree algorithm. I really like the challenge and then I learn to be patient, and also I need to push myself hard next time to solve the problem by myself. I was very close to come out the recurrence formula by myself.

My practice

Here is the discuss link I shared on leetcode.com.

Personal finance analysis from 1999 to 2001

Nov. 19, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I like to perform some analysis of my personal finance from 1999 to 2001. I need to get those financial data and then plan to perform the analysis.

My analysis

It is never too late to review all the financial documents and also try to learn from my own experience. I bought and sold stocks and mutual funds from 1999 to 2001, 2006 to 2007. I did not save all the bank statement and credit card statements. It is hard for me to analyze my annual income and expenses now. I have W2 statements and tax return forms. But I like to keep those credit card statement so I can dig into detail.

Wishful thinking

Life is tough. I learned the lesson to waste all the money I made in those three years, net income over $100,000 dollars. Nothing left for me to take to Canada in 2010. Only thing left is the gift I purchased for my mom, a condo in the city of Yichun downtown, Jiangxi province, China in the year 2000, less than US $6000 dollars back in 2000.

Live under your means. If I lived under $10000/ year from 1999 to 2001, then I could have saved over $70,000 us dollar. And those money I could have invested to a few projects and make my life much successful.

If I could discipline myself enough, I could have use those $70,000 dollars to purchase condo in the city of Yichun, Jiangxi province near 10 units. If that is the case, I will have lot of chance to learn and grow as a business woman.

I wish that I used those net income to purchase a few condos in my home town Yichun city of Jiangxi from 1999 to 2001.

Follow up 

March 14, 2019
I will post my W2 form from 1999, 2000, 2001 with sensitive information removed. I like to look into and see how many issues I need to look into.

199. Binary Tree Right Side View

Nov. 19, 2018

Introduction

It is a medium level tree algorithm. I wrote the solution using queue and the algorithm can be solved to track last node in each level.

My practice

Here is the link of my sharing on Leetcode discuss.

401 K retirement fund return after 19 years

Nov. 19, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I tried to find things to work on. One thing is to review how much I put into my 401 K account from W2 form, and then calculate the return after almost 19 years.

W2 form 

I need to take all my W2 form and then start to check in my github. Meanwhile I like to calculate my net income, and then I like to calculate big expenses etc.

Dec. 1, 2018

I found one IRA distribution from in 2015 with $3,000 dollars.

I had a journey from 401 K, and then I put some into stock market as IRA CD, and the moved to IRA CD. I made interest less than near $5,000 over 18 years.

How to get ready for the next economic collapse?

Nov. 18, 2018

Introduction

It is 23 minutes video called "How to get ready for the next economic collapse? ". I like to take notes and learn something. I like his teaching style.

Economic collapse

- leverage
- middle class
- build your savings
  cut down expenses
- don't rely on 1 source income
- cash on hand
 50%, 60% off big company's stock, 2008 SP index lost 50%.

Instacart - 20 minutes case study

Nov. 18, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to learn some personal finance and also business in November 2018. I like to learn 20 minutes, here is the link.

Spotify - 15 minutes study

Nov. 18, 2018

Introduction

It is my assignment to study 20 companies since  I like to purchase 20 companies stocks if stock market crashes next time.

Case study

It is 15 minutes video called .... The video link is here.

It is people skills

Nov. 18, 2018

Introduction

It is November and I made the decision to study personal fiance every year November. I did some research called why I missed the chance to purchase a condo in 2015. I like to write a blog on this research result.

My case study

It should be very natural for me to purchase a condo in 2015. I already spent more than five years in Canada. I got to know so many people through Willingdon church, and I had some down payment as well. I worked full time with stable income from 2010 to 2015.

I did spend time to get organized all activities I did in 2015. I need to come out the explanation why it is 2015, I started to have ideas to purchase a condo, what I did in terms of home search, why I could not make any purchase at the end.

Let me gather some facts:

1. My home equity loan in USA was updated to 5 years short, I have to pay it off at the end of 2017. I did not paid it off right away since I like to hold cash for my emergency fund or down payment.

2. I don't have ability to predict the condo price will double in next three years.

3. I like the home I rented, I like the outdoor backyard and the window. The rent was still reasonable.

4. I have some people issue. I only think about the down payment, the home price, and long distance to travel to work. But I do not put people first.

For example, my elder sister complained to me, a church young couple spent time with me and other to hike, play sports, get-together; As a christian, I do not be very supportive to their sales job as a real estate agent. I do not understand how they make a living, based on commissions.

5. I had so many shopping trips to USA from 2010 to 2015. I got myself isolated from others. I did not research house market at all in the city of Surrey or Chilliwack enough.

6. I purchase a Honda Accord in Dec. 2014. The car is a used one, I controlled the budget less than $6,000 dollars.

7. Over one week case study, three activities are found and reviewed. First two are easy to recall, one is Abbotsford home and second one is a condo in Cloverdale. But I totally forgot that I got over 10 emails from real estate agent in 2015 from June to August, he attended same small group with me over years. I think if I treat people right, I should not miss anything important to build wealth through home purchase.

8. The email about properties under $150,000 only lasted two months, the real estate agent stopped in August 2015.

I think that in order to be successful in my person finance, I have to be careful how I treat people in my church life and friends in my life. 

I should not be scared, in 2015, I should ask the real estate agent to give me a tour at least once, spend two or three hours to visit a few home around the city of Surrey.

10 lessons to learn using home equity line

Nov. 17, 2018

Introduction

I like to write a blog to help people to learn how to use home equity line better. It takes a village to raise a child. In order to learn better personal finance better, I like to write down my experience and push myself to get organized. I also like to push myself learn better on this video called The 20 rules of money.

10 lessons

I like to come out the 10 lessons to learn and I also like to put most important lessons first. I like to analyze based on the 20 rules of money, and then I write 10 lessons based on one of rules each time.

20 rules of money

Rule #1: Game
Rule #2: Don't be a hater
Rule #3: Double
Rule #4: Seduction
Rule #5: Timing - speed,
Rule #6: Boredom
Rule #7: Secret


As an immigrant in Canada, I planned to land in Canada in April, 2010 starting from January 2010. I did not have support financially, all the money I can get is from my home equity line.

1. Find the possible double games. There are a few double games for me to play. One is to purchase a home in the city of Surrey, city of Chilliwack just after I land in 2010.

One is to price around $130,000 for a three bedroom 10 years old condo in 2010, and then an investment 10 years condo in Chilliwack around $40,000 us dollar. Get home loan up to $200,000.

Two possible double games are involved, one is a condo in the city of Surrey, one is a condo in the city of Chilliwack.

Based on the price in 2018, the return compared to the original investment of down payment will be more than five times.

2. ...

Home equity loan 2006

Nov. 17, 2018

Introduction

It is the time for me to review my person finance document. I like to share my experience with home equity loan.

The story

I opened a home equity line with $60,000 with interest rate 6.0% in December 2006 when I was in Florida with Amtrust bank, transferred $18,000 unpaid loan to home equity loan.

I closed the account in 2017 with New York community bank with balance $25,000 dollars.

I learned so many lessons through the life, the home equity loan was so important for me to survive. Since the interest rate went down to 2.0% (prime rate -1), US interest prime rate stayed 0.25% over years since recession from 2008.

Personal finance 2010

Nov. 17, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I spent time to review my documents and then came out the idea to study. How to make good sound finance decision?

My Chase bank check 

I found that the chase bank check $15,000 documented on 04/22/2010. I was so excited to find the check, I like to find out how much money I brought to Canada when I landed in Canada. I landed in April 22, 2010, and I still remembered the day I came to the chase bank branch and get a bank check with $15,000 US dollars.

Is Facebook the next Amazon? - A case study for Entrepreneurs

Nov. 17, 2018

Introduction

It is a 15 minutes video I like to watch.

Weekly contest 111

Nov. 17, 2018

Introduction

It is my favorite contest. I can solve the first three algorithms in the contest, but I learned some lessons and only submitted successfully two algorithms, score 8.

My solutions

941. Valid Mountain Array
942. DI string match
944. Delete columns to make sorted

Inside the Mind of Patrick Bet-David

Nov. 17, 2018

Introduction

It is 56 minutes interview of the host of valuetainment. Here is the link.

Notes taken

20% to make a living.

Market crashes, keep the cash. 38:00 / 56:00

Case study: 2015 my home search

Nov. 17, 2018

Introduction

The blog is only for my own personal study and education purchase. Just remind myself to spend time to read and learn about community I live. If there is any concern about privacy and other thing, then please let me know.

I am the resident of Canada and try to find a condo to purchase in Canada.

Case study

It is time for me to learn something from my own experience. I checked my gmail box and then I found around 10 emails about listing of properties under $150,000 dollars. I was one of possible buyers since I could not afford the home price more than $150,000 dollars at that time. I asked the real estate agent once and he sent me emails every week from June to August 2015.

I like to learn more about communities, size, the prize asking and sold price, how long it takes to sell.

June 3, 2015

No. 1:
New Listing $147,800 210 605 COMO LAKE AV
1 Bedrooms, Status: Active. Residential Attached

28-Feb-2016

$160,000

No. 2:
New Listing, Images Added! $139,000 314 1591 BOOTH AV
1 Bedrooms, Status: Active. Residential Attached

23-Jul-2015

$160,000

No. 3:
New Listing $123,900 303 13530 HILTON RD
2 Bedrooms, Status: Active. Residential Attached

12-Aug-2015

$100,000

No. 4:
New Listing, Images Added! $139,000 207 10698 151A ST
2 Bedrooms, Status: Active. Residential Attached

06-Sep-2015

$135,000

No 5:

Price Reduced! $139,900 305 715 ROYAL AV 2 Bedrooms, Status: Active. Residential Attached

Sold price: 

24-Sep-2015

$137,600

July 8, 2015
No. 6

Price Reduced! $148,000 302 13383 108 AV 1 Bedrooms, Status: Active. Residential Attached

26-Aug-2018	$338,000
19-Aug-2015	$138,000

630 square feet.

The community link is here. 150 units. 

asking price Nov. 17, 2018

Actionable Items

One of money rules is to double the money. One of ways is to buy low and sell high, buy and flip real estate condo. There are thousands of investors to choose condos in British Columbia area right now.

I need a home to live in Canada, I have not purchased anything last  19 years. My last home purchase is in 1999.

I make a living from paycheck to paycheck. Even though I tried to save money every year through last 9 years. 

Now the price of condo below $150,000 dollars in British Columbia go up at least $100,000 dollars, some of them go up more than $150,000 dollars, but my saving of last 9 years is less than 30% of price gain of those condos. 

Here are the communities for me to look up:

1. 67 units - 8110 120A ST SURREY
2. Strawberry hill estates

17700 60 AVE SURREY

Nov. 17, 2 018

Introduction

I checked a property less than $100,000 dollars before 2015, I found the condo in the address of 17700 60 Ave Surrey. I like to write a blog to tell that the price goes up almost 3 times in last three years.

My research

I did search the internet before 2015 and then I came cross a property on this condo with the address 17700 60 Ave, Surrey. I checked the property through the internet a few times before 2015, the price was less than $90,000 dollars.

Dental periodontal probe

Nov. 15, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to learn how to measure aperiodontal pocket depth. I like to figure out things by myself and learn how to clean my tooth better.

Tool

One of ideas is to get the tool, and then I can use the tool to measure things by myself. Here is the link on ebay.com.

Start from the small project

Nov. 15, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to learn to be an investor. I like to find some small projects to work on.

Small projects

I did some study about apps to help me manage project. I played with trello.com more than one hour today. It is the first time I learned to be patient and also explored all features inside trello.com.

Search an app for investment on real estate

Nov. 14, 2018

Introduction

I am the product manager for my own personal finance and investment management, I like to search an app to keep myself tracked and motivated on investment of real estate in Canada. I made a mistake and lost the chance to sell now since I did not make a purchase in 2015. I need to get motivated and also informed better, or connecting to community of condo investment group better.

Product manager

I like to find some apps on the market like Mint to help me better manage my investment activities.

Here is the article called best free real estate apps 2018. Trello seems to be a good project management tool I should start to use by myself.

Mint app

Nov. 14, 2018

Introduction

I did google search personal finance article and then learned that Min app is very popular. So I use it to connect all my accounts. I like to share my user experience and see what I can learn from the app.

First time Mint app user

I decided to make November my personal finance month. Since I learned my mistake in 2014 October, I was too busy to work on my person finance project. I do not give enough attention to investment, personal finance, buy low sell high, money rules. I missed the opportunity to purchase a condo in Abbotsford in 2015.

So many mistakes in my personal finance management. I totally forgot one account in USA and then got charged dormant account over two years, and then I finally stopped to pay dormant account fee.

I could not find my loan application in 2011,  I could not recall the loan amount, what was bank's evaluation.

As a person to work on problem solving skills, I know that it is a red flag. I should spend time to do those easy things very well, then I will have chance to make big profit on real estate investment.

I also need to have product management experience, come out the idea for the app to make my life easy to manage the account using the feature like Mint.

From my personal mistake, I should come out the idea and then search Google, it should take less than 10 minutes to come out the creative idea like using Mint to manage personal finance.

I will search ideas how to avoid same mistake to miss the investment opportunity like Abbotsford, using common sense of buy low sell high and just apply simple analysis of market.

One thing I can do is to educate myself, spend time on the personal finance. I decided to use Mint app right away today once I read the article to give recommendation.

Statistics

My dormant account charge is three years $7.50 dollar from 2014 to 2016. Total is around $300 US dollars.

It is the day to extract the tooth

Nov. 14, 2018

Introduction

I had so many feelings to say goodbye to a tooth. Life will go on but I like to write down a few thoughts to memorize the suffering last two years.

A tooth story

I had so many stories with the tooth. Two years ago the tooth third next to last in right bottom section was shaking, and then I got surgery to remove the gum; I learned how to clean underneath the tooth since the infection grows over there.

Last week the gum has abscess and then I finally got my appointment. I changed another dentist I visited first year in the city of Vancouver. The tooth was extracted today.

I got my tooth back, talked to my two roommates about tooth. I like to educate myself and other about tooth health.

Say goodbye to long weekend

Nov. 13, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to say goodbye to the long weekend. I like to summarize what I did in the past three days.

What to study?

Nov. 13, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to catch up some study about British Columbia condo price under $150,000 dollars.

Chilliwack vs Boca Raton

Nov. 12, 2018

Introduction

I learn how hard I have to work staying in manufacture business last 9 years. But when I read the data from last three year transaction in a two-hour away city, the 560 square foot condo 40 years old price went up from $50,000 to $180,000. Those increment seems to be questionable.

Need to study the trend

It is time for me to look into data scientist's technique, and then compare the trend, and learn the lesson again. Buy low and sell high.

Comparison study between Chilliwack and Calgary

Nov. 13, 2018

Introduction

I am a home owner 19 years but I still feel so stressful when I try to tell the difference from Chilliwack and Calgary. Why does the condo price go up in Chiliwack compared to Calgary?

Baby step to start my real estate research

Nov. 12, 2018

Introduction

It is the research for me to work on. I do not have a lot of cash to play with, I can play with $50,000 dollar cash and $100,000 dollars loan. I have some asset in USA, but I like to serve the Chinese community for their education pursuit in Florida Atlantic University. I like to get into the project called find a cheap condo in British Columbia.

Data 

I need to find ways to collect data. I have to do analysis based on different province, different cities, population, managment cost, travel, safety, and all other things. At the beginning, I just learn that the market is the game, some of us play them to get quick money in the world.

Actionable items

It is the first time I learn that I should learn how to invest my new home area in British Columbia area in Canada. I only had one hiking trip to Chilliwack invited by SJTU classmate back in 2015. I like the view of the city from the top of mountain.

Follow up 

May 20, 2022

45749 Spadine ave, Chilliwack

I want to be an investor of Canada

Nov. 12, 2018

Introduction

I have such great time from 2010 to 2018, last two months I started to study British Columbia province. It is the first time I start to learn things about British Columbia, there are over 10 cities with more than 10,000 population.

To be an investor

I have to figure out how to be an optimist investor. Today I studied cities Prince George, Vernon, Chilliwack. I like to study the market and see if there is a condo for me to purchase. I want to find a condo under $100,000 dollars, I have to go through BC assessment and find the community over 40 units, last 3 years transaction history, and then I have to come out the market price trend.

7 principles for building better cities - Peter Calthorpe

Nov. 12, 2018

Introduction

I had a chat with my elder sister, how she decided which city to invest in 2013 when she has limited cash and no loan to purchase? She gave me a few minutes talk how she analyzed and chose a city Huiyang. One thing I like to analyze myself from 2010 to 2018, I could find so many excuses to miss something so important to learn invest in the city I like to live.

7 principles for building better cities

I like to learn something and it is called 7 principles. Here is the link.

15 Things Poor People Do That The Rich Don’t

Nov. 12, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to review my habit. I need to learn how to get sharp on finance. I like to tell what is most important thing to do in terms of personal finance.

15 things to do

1-Watching a lot of TV 2-Eating fast food 3-Buying products on sale 4-Waking up late 5-Into sports 6-Don't shower often 7-Blame others for their misfortunes 8-Don't save money 9- Using credit cards to buy useles things 10-Having more kids earlier 11-Don't visit medic regularly 12-Spend more money before they get it 13-They hang out with other poor people 14-Never follow their ideas 15-Expect others to help them to get to the top

No pain no gain

Nov. 12, 2018

Introduction

It is a good topic to write, no pain no gain. I like to make a comparison from 2000 to 2009 in Florida and 2010 to 2018 in Vancouver area.

Divyank Turakhia

Nov. 12, 2018

Introduction

It is one hour five minutes video called "How the youngest billionaire in India turned $500 into billions". Here is the link.

Over $100,000 dollar home price increase in 2 years

Nov. 12, 2018

Introduction

It is so challenging for me to study the trend in the city of Vancouver area. I have to look into over $100,000 dollar home price increase in 2 years, as a Canadian citizen, this is the first time I understand how challenge it is.

Software programmer

I am a software programmer. I am learning how to solve a problem quickly using my crafting skills, build a website, a program, or some business analysis using Excel sheet. This long weekend I dig into a lot of ideas how to reinvent myself. Review what I have done last nine years as a software programmer.

I spent over hours to calculate this year my monthly expenses, and found those numbers for my living expenses, gas, grocery, and saving, income. I need to do more analysis, and see what I should bring into my finance life.

I had great time from 2010 to 2018 to enjoy hiking, tennis sports, programming, and a lot of learning and experiencing in Vancouver area.

I need to learn something about finance, investing, housing, real estate. It is never too late to start to work on.

Why investing is the best way to get rich

Nov. 11, 2018

Introduction

It is 9 minutes video called why investing is the best way to get rich. Here is the link.

Investing to build wealth

1. Compound interest is truly powerful.

Apple $1000, 30%  a year, compounding power, thousand double 20 times, billion dollars.
Double every 2.5 years.

Year 2000, 1000 dollar in Apple stock, how much is in 2018?

2. You need to get an early start on investing.
3. Investing in individual stocks offers you the greatest opportunity for inflation-beating gains in the long term.
Educating yourself - hold 70% on a few companies he trusts - Warren buffet - 6:00 - 7:30/9:07

8:00
Find 20 companies over  your life time, only 4 or 5 of them really are successful.

20 stocks to study

Nov. 11, 2018

Introduction

It is the first time I heard this argument about studying 20 companies very well, holding 20 stocks life time; It is never too late for me to start to learn and get into this activity. I like to spend some time to study companies, and choose 20 companies and get back to hold the stocks for those companies.

20 companies

I need to figure out what 20 companies I should study and work on, I need to practice and then hold those companies stocks in the long term.

One of ideas is to save some money every month on grocery shopping, or clothing shopping which is my biggest expenses. I spent double average Canadian grocery expenses over $400.00 dollars. Instead I should spend less than $100.00 dollars to get into the purchase of stocks.

I like to read the article called top 100 companies to work for, here is the link.

Reference:

1. Why investing is the best way to get rich - Phil Town (The link is here)

15 steps to master self-discipline

Nov. 11, 2018

Introduction

It is 27 minutes called 15 steps to master self-discipline. Here is the link.

15 steps

1. Define the goals
2. Destruct the goal
ingredients - each target one sense
3. Make a daily plan that if followed will get you to your goal
4. Remove temptations or distractions
5. Prioritize the goal before anything else
6. Don't wait for it to feel right
7. Force yourself to do it (12:46/ 27:18)
8.

15 things you should know when starting a business

Nov. 11, 2018

Introduction

It is 20 minutes video about 15 things you should know when starting a business. I like to spend time to study this long weekend.

15 things

1. Talk is cheap
2. Idea is nothing without action
3.
...
10. The right mentor is worth 10 years of struggles
11. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going
foundation, lay bricks next to bricks

12. Keeping your head down and grinding is what will make or break you
13. Sales solve all your problems
14. Raise capital from investors only when you can't do it by yourself
15. A business without an end game is headed nowhere
16. Don't worry about the legal part in the beginning

My case study of the city of British Columbia

Nov. 11, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to do my own study and then figure out what is going on in terms of Vancouver area, how people buy flip and repeat brand new condos. One of 15 ways to make a million is to buy and flip, I like to show how it works in the city nearby my home.

Case study

It is important to understand the average salary is around $30,000 - $40,000 Canadian dollars, a person works near 10 years, savings can be up to $40,000 dollars. If he decides to invest a condo in the suburb of Vancouver, in 3 three years, he can make $120,000 dollars. Here is the story:

That is what I did only first part, go visit the construction site for the new condo community in 2014. But I did not get loan and made a purchase. I wrote my loan story here in a blog.

If I purchased a home in 2015 January, I could  have paid around $150,000 dollars, then in 2018 I can sell them around $280,000 dollars. What I have paid down payment around $40,000, and then I can find renters and then let it sit off the market two years.

My investment will start from $40,000 Canadian dollar, the return is 3 times more than $40,000 dollars.

I like my case study, I did a few hours in one weekend. I talked to my smart elder sister and then I know that I have some weakness in my personality.

A table as a reference

Here is the table I like to copy here for a reference:

15 ways to make one million dollars

Nov. 11, 2018

Introduction

It is a good break from my algorithm and data structure problem solving. After weekly contest 110, I felt that the contest can be so easy if I can work hard and spend more time to practice. I need a break. I need to find some ways to make more money and understand better about the economy.

15 ways

Here are 15 ways to make one million dollars.

1. Be in the top 1% of a lucrative profession
Doctor, lawyer, upper management, sales

2. Write several books that sell ok

5,000 or 10,000 books - publish on kindle.com
podcast, youtube.com, or blog

3. License a patent or trademark to a big company
super soaker -> 3% royality of sale - 300 million
4. Start a dropshipping company under your own label
instagram - weight loss -

5. Start a small business and keep going
15 things to know before you start a business -> check it out
6. Aggressively save money and put it in index funds for several years
7. Do an ico
Crypto - wild wild money
ethereum -> ?
8. Purchase a franchise and make it really successful
9. Create a subscription service where 1000 people pay $83 per month
Netflix 125 million subscribed users, $7.99/ month

10. Work for someone who's a multi-millionaire
11. Go viral on youtube
12. Have a blog that gets over 41 million views per month
13. Make an app that a million people use
Candy crush - how to make a million dollar app
14. Get over 100,000 twitch subscribers
15. Buy-flip-repeat
Find something you can purchase one price, and sell it higher price
resell sneakers - ... Ben
House, antiques, ...
16. Come up with such an original crazy idea that it might just work