Cheerful heart

Dec. 4, 2018

Introduction

It is so interesting to write a blog about my personal finance struggle. I did also like to write a topic called legal issue. I had an appeal for leave case in 1999, I spent over 6 months to work on my own case. I like to review the documents and then share my personal experience how to understand the law, and how to work with Canada Federal court registration office, immigration lawyer website, specially case study content on the internet, how to work with department justice lawyer from Canadian Federal government.

My case study

It is learning experience for me to write about personal legal issues. It is a good idea to push myself to get more organized, and document my mistakes and learning. From bad habit, personal finance struggle, and then legal issue related to immigration application process, I went through the training of myself to adapt to the society, country to country.

Here is the first blog I wrote related to my appeal for leave case in 1999.

What is cash?

My personal finance struggle

Dec. 4, 2018

Introduction

It is one of my research area called personal finance. If I can handle very well my finance, then I will have more confidence to handle better on my career as a software programmer.

Mistakes after mistakes

It takes some discipline to learn how to save money. I did my personal finance review, I spent over $4500 Canadian dollar on one month trip in 2012. I am single, all I can do is to purchase an airline ticket and then that is all. Minimal life style.

I did the totally opposite. I did not learn how to say no. How to budget and how to negotiate with relatives, siblings, and seriously deal with relationship with people.

I own nothing in the city of Yichun and I do not own any property in British Columbia area as well. It is more challenging for me to solve problems compared to year 2001 and year 2010.

One thing I like to do is to write about personal finance, and also I have to push myself learn some basics. If I can prepare very well, then when the market went down in 2008, instead I closed all accounts, sell all stocks and mutual funds in 2009, I will carefully consider and use all money to purchase Microsoft stock with $20.00 dollars a share. Since I learn that there is a few ways to double money, one is to buy stocks, good company stocks on bear market.

Never too late

I start to document all purchases, and I like to document my personal finance and see how I can grow from a seed in Canada and have some wealth and asset one day.


Wealth, like a tree, grows from a tiny seed
the richest man in Babylon, Georges Clason

Say goodbye to Leetcode medium level tree algorithms

Dec. 4, 2018

Introduction

It is my vacation day. I also like to write a blog to document my experience to work on 5 medium level tree algorithms. The learning experience was so great, and the learning is neither too hard nor too easy. It is perfect for me. I never enjoyed so much to experience the learning and training.

My thought process

It is my training to go over medium level Leetcode algorithms. I just reached 100 medium level algorithms. I changed my perspective. Before I will feel very good if I win a gold medal or silver medal on Hackerrank.com. Now I know it is just one more practice on one more algorithm. I can do it every day five medium level algorithms without too much stress.

Medium level tree algorithms (solved 37, total 39, shared 29)
94. Binary Tree Inorder Traversal using stack
94. Binary Tree Inorder Traversal use recursive function
95. Unique Binary Search Trees II
96. Unique Binary Search Trees
98. Validate Binary Search Tree
102. Binary Tree Level Order Traversal submitted in 2015
102. Binary Tree Level Order Traversal submitted in 2018
105. Construct Binary Tree from Preorder and Inorder Traversal
106. Construct Binary Tree from Inorder and Postorder Traversal
113. Path Sum II
114. Flatten Binary Tree to Linked List
129. Sum Root to Leaf Numbers
145. Binary Tree Postorder Traversal
173. Binary Search Tree Iterator
199. Binary Tree Right Side View
222. Count Complete Tree Nodes
230. Kth Smallest Element in a BST
236. Lowest Common Ancestor of a Binary Tree
337. House Robber III
449. Serialize and Deserialize BST
450. Delete Node in a BST
652. Find Duplicate Subtrees
662. Maximum Width of Binary Tree
654. Maximum binary tree
684. Redundant Connection union find using array
684. Redundant Connection using Dictionary<Int, HashSet>
701 Insert into a binary search tree
841 binary tree pruning
863. All Nodes Distance K in Binary Tree

It is my vacation day

Dec. 4, 2018

Introduction

It is my vacation day. I attended Microsoft connect event in downtown Scotia theater, I invited a friend to come with me, and I met a new friend. A beautiful day to enjoy and learn Microsoft tech event related to technology, AI etc.

Living a More Minimal Lifestyle

Here is the article I like to study.

Car dealership ripoff: Hidden-camera investigation

Dec. 3, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to learn something about auto maintenance. I did review my first service from dealership over $800 dollars. I like to study more based on my experience.

Here is the video link.

HOW TO DOUBLE YOUR MONEY

Dec. 3, 2018

Introduction

How to double your money? I like to have some study on this topic. Here is the link.

Take my notes

1. Compound interest + time
2. Bear market, when stock are on sale.
3. Game with luck
4. Play safe

Case study: three exchange transactions

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

It is hard to read my sales data. I did make mistakes to buy high and sell low in Canadian dollars from 2010 to 2017. I need to come out the idea to cover the loss, one idea is to buy low if I have US dollars in short future

Three transactions

It is a good idea to write blogs related to personal finance, and then I can train and learn how to improve my problem solving skills. I had issues since I did not make any purchase of a condo from 2010 to 2015 before condo price went up. I think that the problem is that I do not document and learn from small projects in my life first. The idea to fix and learn is to start from a vacation, rental car, buy or sell Canadian dollars  small projects first to improve my analysis.

Here are the facts:

2010 April 23, I purchased Canadian dollars using $17,000 us dollars. At that time, one US dollar can get 0.98 cents. Usually I can get better rate not from bank. Here is the blog.

2017 August, I purchase US dollars using Canadian dollars 12,000 dollars, one Canadian dollar exchanges 0.78 US dollars. Here is the blog.
2017 Sept, I purchase us dollars using Canadian dollars 10,000 dollars, 0.80. Here is the blog.

So I purchased Canadian dollar with high cost, and purchase with high cost. The difference of each transaction can add up to 4000 dollars.

I need to purchase Canadian dollars in 2010 multiple times, and learn the market and get ideas. Only purchase if I need. When I need to purchase, plan early, study Canadian economy and understand oil industry of Canada.

Analysis

What I did is to purchase high and sell low. And the purchase of Canadian dollars costed me more in 2010 when the price is highest one. And I purchased US dollars when Canadian dollars is lowest time in 2017.

Actionable Items

I break the money rules, buy low and sell high. I need to purchase some Canadian dollars if I have US dollars to cover my loss.

2010 April 23
US dollars $17,000 -> $15,000 Canadian dollars, exchange rate 0.98

2017 August
Canadian dollar $12,000 -> $9400 US dollars

2017 Sept 5
Canadian dollar $10,000 -> $8019 US dollars

I purchased high to get Canadian dollars in 2010, and I sold low in 2017 low price Canadian dollars.

I should prevent this happen long time ago. I should spend time to study Canadian economy, if I can work on weekend 1,000 hours, each hour study I can save $7.00 dollars on those three transaction. In total I can save $7,000 dollars in loss.

Case study: 2017 Sept 5 $10,000 Canadian dollar exchange

Dec. 3, 2018

Introduction

It takes time for me to catch up to build some good personal finance skills. I have to push myself learn first, make sure that I can come out various ideas to solve problems I have in daily business. I always try to be top ranking in Leetcode weekly contest, what I do is to play contest every week, and then record my performance. I like to apply the same thing for my personal finance, push myself to review, think, write and then search more ideas.

Case study

I like to do a case study of my purchase US dollar last year Sept. 5. How can I handle the business transaction better? Can I make difference to save $100 dollars, where to look into? How to follow up after one year?

I like to think hard and build a good money community around myself, through my coding blog.

Statistics

$10,000 Canadian dollars was exchanged to $8019 US dollars on Sept. 5, 2017.

How to make good business partnership?

Dec. 3, 2018

Introduction

It is the small research topic for me to spend time, now it is 12:07 AM. I need to go to sleep in 20 minutes, what I like to write a blog about how to make business partnership with friends, family and at work. I have to learn how to work on small project very well with people first, then I can make a big money like real estate investment, stock and other things. Sometimes it takes a decade for people to build trust each other to work together.

Case study

Chipotle's $10 Billion Question: Will a New CEO Fix Old Problems? - A Case Study for Entrepreneurs

Here is the link.

Case study: 2017 August 16 $12000 Canadian dollar exchange to US dollars

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

I had my first personal finance month. I started to review all my financial data, and then started to review one by one. I have to push myself learn better and quick, I decide to write blogs related to my personal finance, analyze and figure out what I should do better. The money I can save is the money I earn, if I can make $1000 dollars difference through those transaction, I definitely should spend at least 100 hours to work on them.

Case study

I was so surprised that I missed the chance to invest any condo from 2010 to 2015 even though I had a very stable job last 8 years. With my management experience, I know that if I make mistake like the condo purchase project, I have to push myself to do more research on each purchase decision. If I do not work on good research on daily business decision, how come I can expect myself to make big reward on condo purchase.

The reason I had to purchase US dollars is to pay off my US home equity loan. I had deadline to meet, Dec. 2017. So I decided to do two transaction, since it was the first time I purchase US dollars from King market.

I should at least spend 10 hours to study the history of conversion rate, and then figure out what is best time for me to make purchase of US dollars. How many times should I make transaction? How many things I have to learn from youtube.com, or through the experience once a time.

I think that I should do it early in 2017, August is too late. I should make small transaction a time, and then I figure out what I should learn and catch up. $12,000 dollar is just too big amount for one transaction. I paid for 0.78 invert rate, one month rate I got 0.80 invert rate for $10000 dollars. 0.02 for 10000 is $200 dollars. If I can purchase US dollars when the exchange rate is 1:1, then I can save at least $2000 dollars.

The Billion Dollar Mistake Starbucks Just Made! - A Case Study For Entrepreneurs

Here is the link.

7 Signs You Are Going to Be Successful

Here is the link.


#1: Super Competitive - 1:09 #2: Finish Things - 2:16 #3: Circle Out-Earns Them - 2:53 #4: Mind Never Stops - 3:29 #5: Credible People See You Going Places - 3:57 #6: Always Learning - 4:55 #7: Extremely Obsessive - 5:10

10 Signs You Won't Be Rich

Here is the link.

1) You don´t like rich people 2) You think rich people are special 3) You don´t spend enough time learning 4) People make you easily feel guilty 5) You worry too much about what people think about you 6) You worry too little about what the right people think about you 8) You listen to every single thing your parents tell you to do 9) You´re an expert at making excuses 10) Your attitude sucks

Case study: 2010 April 23 $17000 US dollar exchange

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to work hard on personal finance. I have not learned how to be an investor in Vancouver area, I did not purchase a condo from 2010 to 2015 before the price double and double. I learn that in order for me to get smart on investment, proactive, I have to start from small project, and figure out how to make or save money through each transaction over $200 dollar, analyze them and ask why, what to learn, how to reduce risk to make mistakes. I need to case study those transaction, and then I can figure out what to do next.

Case study

I landed in Canada in 2010 April 23, I drove with my friend starting from April 10 and then landed in Canada. I made a purchase $17,000 dollars in one transaction one day.

Analysis of my transaction

I used us dollars $17,000 to get $15280 Canadian dollars. I did not hold on the transaction, open a US dollar saving account first, and then find alternative to purchase Canadian dollars. I should spend some time to do research on US dollar to Canadian dollars. 

Based on the transaction, I think that I need to bring into at least three options when I made big finance decision. 

A few ideas I should try. Break into the purchase from one time deal into six deals, $2,000 dollars a time and then learn how to get better deal, learn from the experience itself. I can talk to bank clerk every time and then get the tips and learn how to bank in Canada better. 

If I make a big purchase too quick and do not do enough home work, then I will have to learn how to catch up. Just tell myself hold on, let me think about more. 

At that time, I should work on anything making difference more than $100 dollars. I do not have job waiting for me. I need to spend time to figure out things by myself. 

No, The Canadian Dollar Is NOT Soaring... It's CRASHING - This Is WHY

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

It is 24 minutes video. I like to do some study just after my personal finance. Since I lost thousand dollars in 2017 in purchasing US dollars, I like to come out the idea what I should do.

Canadian to US dollar

I choose to study 24 minutes video. Here is the link.

655. Print Binary Tree

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

It is a medium level tree algorithm. I had tough time to come out the clean and simple solution. I spent first half hour to struggle and write a solution, and then I decided to simplify the solution. I felt so tired after one hour, I solved the algorithm with a few submissions.

My practice

As a programmer, I learn that I have to put myself under stress test every day. If I do not that, I cannot stay as a software programmer longer than I expect. The way I handle medium level tree algorithms, I started with tough feeling, and then slowly I think I can live with those challenges, as long as I take it slow, try to work hard by myself first.

One of good thing is about some algebra, combinatorics related; I have not practiced a long time, but I can come out by myself without any problem, there is sum of a series numbers, 1, 2, 4, ..., the sum should be 2^N - 1.

Here is my discuss link on Leetcode.com.

144. Binary Tree Preorder Traversal

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to work on medium level tree algorithms. I only have 8 unlocked medium level tree algorithms to work on. After I worked on one tough medium level tree over one hour, this one is considerably so easy for me to write, I did in less than 30 minutes.

My practice

I spent over 20 minutes to write the solution, I felt not stress at all. Here is my discuss link.

Courage to say goodbye to second tooth in 2018

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

I had a dentist appointment to extract one tooth in November, and then next dental appointment in January 2019 for cleaning. I like to book appointment in December to extract one more tooth. I like to write a blog called courage to say goodbye to second tooth in 2018

Time to say goodbye

I had periodontal issue. I had a deep pocket around one tooth, the measure is 10 for pocket. I knew the suffering, and I decided to extract it in less than one month. I will choose to live without two teeth and no implant plan at all. That is tough and I like to take it as is.

10 Shades of Wannabe Entrepreneurs

Here is the link.

Case study: moving violation driving ticket

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

I got a driving ticket in 2014. I took it very seriously, since I got two violations in 2010, and the police officer gave me the chance, took my excuse. But in a few years, I got another ticket, I knew that it was very serious. I spent one month to read driver license book, page by page, paragraph by paragraph, I tried to understand the basics. I also plan to review the book every year, I put into my office to make sure that I will read the book in lunch time if need.

Personal finance month

I did choose to pay the ticket right away. I learned that it is not good practice to argue. I need to take seriously and learn the driving rules, try to remember one by one. In 2017, I had a car accident, one car hit me from behind, and he hit and run. He told me that let me catch the bus, it was bus's fault, I did not even have time to look at his driver license number. It happened in less than two minutes, the hit and run whole process. I did not even have time to step outside the car, the big truck ran away.

So I like to do case study of driving ticket in 2014. I had personal finance month, I came cross the driving ticket, and then I skipped the document. And I just like to share and document my case study on this ticket.

Case study: 2014 rental car in Philadephia

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

I just had my personal finance month this Nov. 2018. Now it is December 2. I learned from the fact that I could not invest the property in 2014 and 2015, one mistake I thought was to follow up after the visit of Abbotsford uptown condo site in Dec. 2014. Based on the management experience, I know that I must have at least over 10 cases not to listen and observe the way I can make or save money over one hundred dollar amount. I like to find those ones and I like to do case study.

Case study

I had a friend who invited me to attend the get-together in Philadelphia in 2014 with our Ph.D. advisor. I made a plan to attend, and then I added two more things. One is to drop by Boca Raton, Florida, with a rental car, visited my renters and rental property after five years; Another thing is to add a rental car in Philadelphia.

Do I take time to learn how to save and solve problems on the travel?

My friend in Florida kept asking me why you stopped by Florida, I told him that the trip was extra to my Philadelphia trip.

My professor friend advised me to take the public transit in Philadelphia. She did not rent the car, I had so many classmates, they all are professors, they do not rent the car at all, they chose to use public transit.

I reviewed my personal finance, and then I came cross this expense. I tried to reason to myself. How do I make plan and budget? The trip included the visit to Florida, ticket price is $750, and then whole trip costed more than $1,500 us dollars.

In order to save money, learn to be a good investor, I have to start from the small amount, I have to learn how to save $200.00 dollars first, how to use public transit, how to work with friends, take the advice. Try something new. Do not choose money to solve all the problems.

Here is the receipt I put into my personal finance github folder.

$60.00 dollar for loss damage, and $40.00 dollars for tax; when I budget, I only check the daily rental price $29.00 dollars. $60 dollar budget ended up paying $163 dollars, extra $100 dollars.

Use public transit, I can solve the problem in less than $50.00 dollars. Instead I chose to rent a car and ended up paying more than $250.00 dollars.

950 reveal cards in increasing order

Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction

It is very challenging algorithm. I studied leader board after the contest, a lot of top ranking 500,  or submission with more than 5,000, or solved 500 algorithms, they still score the same score as I do. Those players solved the first two algorithms as well. I felt much better, and I decided to write a blog to explain why my idea will not work in theory.

My practice

I came out the idea but it did not work. Instead I went ahead to try to write a solution in the contest, over 30 minutes. After the contest, I spent another 30 minutes. And then I studied all 28 discuss post.

I like to write down my idea and the analysis, and then look into facts, argue why it will not work. What I should work on to advance my skills in problem solving.

weekly contest 113

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is my favorite weekly contest and I played today again. I sovled the first two algorithms,

My performance

I solved the first two algorithms. I spent over 40 minutes to work on the algorithm called 950 reveal cards in increasing order. I could not make it. After the contest, I continued to work on the algorithm more than 30 minutes. I learned something new today.

Study leetcode weekly contest leader board

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is a good idea to look into leader board after weekly contest. Here is the github I like to look into.

45655 MCINTOSH DR CHILLIWACK

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is time to study the market and then figure out what to do next.

305C, $212,900 CAD, 3 bedroom, 1 bath.

How to Inspect Your Business

Here is the link.

customer service
brand
skills
11:00 sharing his learning in Harvard business school
Expansion

How to Find the Leaks in Your Business

Here is the link.

Mild procrastination

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is one habit to look into. How to procrastinate on purpose? Strategically procrastinate?

Choose easy, less time consuming. Give an alternative a try.

Creative writing

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is one habit from 12 shocking habits of successful people. I like to write a blog about this topic called creative writing.

7:30 - 8:10 video

Delayed gratification

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is one of 12 shocking habits of successful people called delayed gratification. I like to apply the habit to myself and then I like to study on this habit.

Delayed gratification

12 Shocking Habits of Successful People

Here is the link.

1 Waking up early, productivity 2 failure is gold if you learn 3 ignore conformity, innovation, unique solution, avoid compassion 4 reading every day, knowledge, vocabulary, sleep better 5 spend money, invest, calculated risks, delayed gratification 6 sacrifices for goals dreams, time, love, work 7 creative writing brings clarity about own story
8 mild procrastination: passive is lazy, strategic is active, good time planning, shift focus. 9 self improvement as habit, learning new techniques 10 networking, who you know is important 11 exercise consistently, working out, good for self esteem, ambitious, self discipline, goals 12 daily meditation, against stress, better problem solving, better memory. Think about your goals or reflect on emotions, relax

THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE BY STEPHEN COVEY - ANIMATED BOOK REVIEW

Here is the link.

My auto maintenance

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

I owned a used car starting from December 2014, and I like to review my maintenance cost. It is time for me to train myself to work on detail in terms of payment, how to reduce the cost and live on minimum.

Case study 

I made purchase in 2014, and then first maintenance costed me $900 dollars eight months after the purchase. So I stopped to visit the auto shop, I had to cut my expenses since I could not afford it.

One is to drive less, and the other one is to understand what is need for the car. Every year I only drive less than 3000 KM, I just drive local highways.

Financial data to maintain the car

How to maintain the car every year? I paid $5500 for a 2001 Honda Accord with 148,000 KM in Dec. 2014.

Here are some maintenance I did after the purchase.

1. 2015 August $900 auto maintenance on car dealership. (cost too much for 3000 KM driving)
2. 2016              $500 auto maintenance
3. 2017 car accident, over $2700 repair by auto insurance (Need to find statement)
3. 2018 $50 oil change

I like to review what I have done in terms of maintenance. In order to train myself smart on living, I need to study things related to auto maintenance.

6/13/2016
Oil change
Brake fluid flush             $100
Transmission fluid flush $199

I wrote a blog called my office to show how I learn to put a backup tire to get tire repaired on tireplus.com.

🌳💪HABIT 7 - SHARPEN YOUR SAW💪🌳

Here is the link.

🚦🍃HABIT 1 - BECOME PRO-ACTIVE - ACTION CHANGES THINGS🍃🚦

Here is the link.

Calculation of passive income

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

I was surprised to find a form of IRA distribution in 2005 with $3,000 dollars. I like to get all financial data together first, so that I can make some simple analysis of my 401 K investment and return from interest.

Case study: home purchase in year 2000

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

I like to conduct a case study of a condo purchase in 2000. I chose to support my mom since I had a full time software engineer job in Florida starting from December 1998, and then I decided to mail a personal check $300 dollars once two months. I was not sure how long I can stay on the job. After one year, my sister told me that she bought a condo for our mother using all the money I sent.

Wealth, like a tree, grows from a tiny seed
the richest man in Babylon, Georges Clason

Case study

Here is the hand writing note from my sister. She shared with me last year 2017 after my mom passed away in November.

I had chance to review the note shared from my sister after 17 years. She chose to share since my mom passed away in November, 2017. I like to review the purchase and make a case study.

Case study

It is so important for me to learn from the purchase in 2000. I paid the whole cost, less than $8000 us dollars from 1999 to 2001, 890 square foot. 

To be a good investor, I should learn to be a caring person first. To help my mom to have her own home when she was 70 years old in 1999. I also learn that invest early, and also think about long term. A home is the most important thing in China, I used to have the financial ability to do so many things in my home town Yichun city from 1999 to 2001, I could make such great influence.

Delay gratification

I wish that I learn money rules, delay gratification.

I wish that I saved all my income from 1999 to 2001, and then invested all of them into the real estate market in the city of Yichun. 

The millionaire next door

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is the book I like to learn from called The millionaire next door. I like to take some notes from the wiki article.

My IRA stock account in 2007

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I like to review my limited stock experience, I used to play with stock and mutual fund around 2007, and then I sell everything in 15 minutes low. I believe that the price should be before the crash. It is time for me to learn in theory first.

My case study

Here is the email I sent to my friend in 2007 and exchanged the idea how market worked.

If I do not do anything, the balance of those portfolio will worth more than $4,085, since MSFT stock is around $100.00 dollars.

My 401 K since 2008

Dec. 1, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to write a blog, what I like to do is to remind myself to work on this 401 K one hour at least every year. I like to learn how to make good profit in long term.

Case study

I worked full time less than one year, I invested $8000 us dollars to my 401 K account in 2007, and the company matched 10%, total investment is $8800 dollars. And then I did sell all funds to bonds, money market fund after I lost over $3000 dollars in market crash.

I like to learn from the lesson.


Actionable Items

It was really excellent time for me to learn from stock market in 2007.

I think that I should spend  at least 10 hours to study on this issue. Anything related to over $5000 dollars, 10 years time, I should come out at least more than three ideas. Instead of selling everything, it is not wise decision at all.

Today is Dec. 1, 2018, the account without employ matching $800 has a balance of $6170.70.

451-The Millionaire Next Door Wealth Index: How Do You Stack Up?

Here is the link of 19 minutes video.

Millionaire next door part 2

Nov. 30, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I like to spend time to understand the book called Millionaire next door. Here is one of videos I watched.

The wisdom to take vacation

Nov. 30, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I did put together all last paycheck from 2010 to 2018. I like to test and figure out my wisdom to take vacation day off through the years.

Vacation planning

I did not learn well how to plan vacations. Here are the detail for each year vacation:

2010   No vacation, start the full time job June 15, 2010
2011   No vacation
2012   Vacation in Chinese spring festival (One month ?)
2013   No vacation
2014   Vacation in Chinese spring festival (One month ?)
2015   Vacation in October, two weeks
2016   Vacation in October, two weeks
2017   Vacation in October, two weeks
2018   multiple short vacation, see my blog.

Ten minutes work on my paycheck stubs

Nov. 30, 2018

Introduction

I like to keep all my paychecks from 2010 to 2018. I put all last paycheck every year together. I need to spend 10 minutes to sort all other paystub by each year.

Play safe

I made huge mistakes to throw away checks from 1996 to 2010. So I could not analyze my behavior, I got so many issues, impulsive shopping, and all kinds of waste, I just could not believe that nothing left from $100,000 net income from 1999 to 2001. I also did not save monthly statement for my checking account, saving account from 1996 to 2018.

This time I keep all paystub because I know one day I may be able to analyze data like when to take vacation, how many and how short it can be etc.

Learn how to communicate

Nov. 30, 2018

Introduction

It is so surprising that I learned so much from mock interview today. The interviewee just showed me how he talked and communicated, and worked hard on the algorithms.

Comparison 

I just could not believe that I found a role model for my interview. I like to learn from this interviewee.

I will keep it anonymous but I like to identify a list of things I should work on. I will take some notes from replay.

How to communicate in the interview?

I like to write down a few tips from this 55 minutes mock interview.

Both of us agreed to show case our interview on interviewing.io. The interivew is available on interviewing.io right now. I like to use this interview to help myself to handle stress in the interview. I should learn how to think out loud all the time, and also work hard on the communication. Make sure that I constantly listen and also give some feedback through the interview all the time.

I like the interviewee since he handled the stress very well, he did not solve the algorithm before; he could not memorize anything from previous practice. At the beginning, he asked clarification, play with a few examples, and also tried to implement one of cases using recursive function. Of course, he tried to hide his nervousness, but he did very well. He took hint and actively involved the discussion about the bugs in the code. He just took action to fix them quickly.

My Show case:

10/29/18 at 10:04 PM Lexical Lguana interviewed by Platinum Burrito on interviewing.io

Vacation in 2012 to China

Nov. 30, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I like to review my vacation in 2012 to China from my personal finance viewpoints.

My second year 2011 in Vancouver

Nov. 30, 2018

Introduction

It is true that I did not any vacation day second year in the row on my current job. I just could not believe that when I read the data on my last paycheck in the year 2011.

My first year 2000 in Vancouver

Nov. 30, 2018

Introduction

It is so funny if I write down my thinking process. I did get together all my last paycheck of year from 2010 to 2018. I like to analyze something from those paycheck.

My thought process

It was tough year for me to go back to full time job. I did not have chance to work full time for a long time. I even did not have a full job over three years in my career. I wonder how that will be and how a person grows in technical strength. I was so curious to learn.

I did not take any sick day, any vacation in 2010.

I just could not believe that how strong I was. I like to make things work again, I was jealous of my two sisters who enjoyed long career staying on one or two jobs. I never made it work for myself.

I did not find any sick pay or vacation pay on my 2010 paycheck. I just could not believe my thinking process and my determination.

2018 vacation 3 weeks count down

Nov. 30, 2018

Introduction

It is important for me to learn budget my three weeks vacation, and I still have three days to spend on my vacation in 2018. I like to write a blog about my vacation days in 2018. I got a lot of complaints since I took one day here, one day there, but I learned from my past experience. I benefited from my vacation this year most, I had an international travel, good experience of modern travel, and also enjoyed spring, summer and also fall.

My vacation experience

It is never too late to get smart on planning and also predicting my needs. I like to show case my vacation this 2018.

Learn to survive so many vacations

I had hay fever since the spring blossom. I had hard time to get over it over 2 months. This is the first year I had hay fever. We had good time to get together with three classmates of SJTU 70141. Hay fever started from my first vacation in March, and lasted to my second vacation to China.

I got complaint to take vacation back to China too early. The project just started at work. So I decided to listen the complaint. But my attitude is to be humble as Christian, I planned to take a vacation only using two days, one weekend. Since the ticket is around $550 dollars. Later, I just added one more day. But because the time difference, I came back to Vancouver and gained half day.

Just after I came back from China in April, the website was down, one of my SQL server database was deleted because virus software treated it as a virus. I was so glad to sit in the office and caught this event. Never ignore my coworker's complaint. They are working hard for me as well, complaints are good!

Third vacation I was caught in a complicated project, I had to say so many sorry for the delay of coding. I learned the principle to communicate, do not be afraid of failing. I tried to apply customer obsession principle. Have a backbone principle.

Fourth vacation is to be a good sister to treat my elder sister visit of Vancouver. I tried to negotiate to cut down her expectation to one day off.

Fifth vacation is to take one day for Microsoft event.

I still have two more days to plan for vacation. I like those most challenging ones. Keep it secret!

👑♛ HOW TO LIVE LIKE THE RICH ♛👑 - THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR - THOMAS STANLEY - ANIMATED BOOK REVIEW

Nov. 29, 2018

Introduction

It is 6 minutes video. I like to take some notes. I purchased the book in 1997 when I was an intern worked for Daleen Inc. But I never read the book and understand the ideas. Here is the link.

Take my notes

Millionaire do not buy luxuries.

Track expenses

First millionaire - most are self made millionaires.

Two kinds of beer, free and Budweiser.

4:36/6:51
Most millionaires do not buy luxury goods. They more like financial independence than social status.

Millionaires keep track of spending, they can answer the questions like "Do you know how much money is in your bank account right  now?"
"How much money does your family spend on food, clothing and shelter each year?"

5:15/6:50
Do not give cash gift to children. Make them more likely bad financial situation.

Non-millionaire tends to give cash gift.
Make them self-sufficient

10 Passive Income Ideas: How to Make Money Online & earn Passive Income from multiple streams

Here is the link.

HOW TO BECOME RICH - THE RICHEST MAN IN BABYLON 💰 - GEORGE S. CLASON - ANIMATED BOOK REVIEW

Nov. 29, 2018

Introduction

It is 9 minutes video, the link is here.

Take my notes

1. Pay your means
2. Live below your means
Vacation, car, home, ...
3. Make money work for you
stock, real estate, diligent work to find good investment
Compound effect
4. ...

The Richest Man in Babylon - Best Ideas Summary

Nov. 29, 2018

Introduction

It is five minutes video. Here is the link. I like to write down the transcript.

Transcript

Get best clothes and food. But he never makes a fortune.

Understanding how money works.
How to put his money to work for himself.

Tell the difference from luxuries from necessities.

Controlling expenses
Money soldiers

Good investment vs poor investment

Men of Action

Always invest in your know best

Controlling expenses and investing in what you know well.
Never assume that you know it all.
Keep your mind open. Live below your means.
It takes them decades to learn that seeking advice.

Control your expenses.

Get together last paycheck stub every year from 2010 to 2018

Nov. 28, 2018

Introduction

It is the first time I like to spend time to work on personal finance, and one thing I like to do is to get all last 8 year last paycheck, scan them, and then I like to do some analysis based on the data.

Brute force search

I did search again since I could not find the last paycheck in 2017, actually I did not find any paycheck stub of 2017. I search 7 bags of paper work, and then I wondered how come I did not do this at the end of each year. This time I am lucky, I reopened one of bags, I found a pile of 2017 paycheck stubs.

I learn the lesson to work on my person finance. It takes a lot of time for me to organize the paper work this month. I could not believe that I found my biggest problem.

Actionable Items

I need to be patient and allow myself to learn the basics. Keep all the documents of my personal finance data, and then try to get ideas how to analyze them.

It takes over 20 years for me to learn that I need to keep organized document income and expense. It is the day one again feeling.

Got a Linkedin invitation

Nov. 28, 2018

Introduction

It is an invitation from LinkedIn.com. I got a message as well, the software engineer from Turkey sent me an email, saying that "I visited your profile on leetcode.com, and I like to get connected on LinkedIn". I was so glad to get connected, since the engineer took a lot of C#, object-oriented courses and got a lot of certificate on Linkedin.

Certificate to look into

I was too busy and then I stopped pluralsight.com and also frontendmaster.com a few months ago. I noticed that I did not have time to study since I have to train myself on Leetcode.com.

29 certifications

C# 6.0 First look
C# First look
C# Best Practices for Developers
C# Design patterns
C# Interface and generics
Learn ASP.NET Core MVC
Multithreded Programming in C#
SQL Tips, Tricks, & Techniques
C# Object-Oriented Programming Tips and Tricks
C#: Delegates, Events and lambdas
...

Time to pay property tax?

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I also have to pay property tax over $1700 dollars. In order to get 3% discount, I have to pay before December 1, 2018.

My understanding

It is also the important time for me to document all my income and expenses from 1996 to 2018, do as much as I can, write and share lessons and mistakes I learn. It takes a village to raise a child. To build a money community around myself, I like to reach out to the community, show my struggle first, and write down my questions, and also encourage myself to adapt my finance skills from work to my personal finance. I spent hundreds of hours to design and code the program to help business to analyze, review and make informed decision, I should be able to do those things to myself as well.

Stack medium level algorithms

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to move on stack medium level algorithms. There are 19 unlocked medium level algorithms for me to work on. I could not wait to start.

8 medium level tree algorithms

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

I like to work on medium level tree algorithms in the short future. Now I find that it is the best time work on those medium level tree algorithms. I am getting used to solve problems very often, I believe that it is very good practice to train myself think more carefully, and learn how to build confidence in the problem solving.

One story to share 

I like to write one story to share for the next 8 medium level tree algorithms.

Wealth: How to Win the Game - Part 8

Here is the link.

The serving on great level. Not just focus on money.

Cash Is King: Part 1 - Saving vs. Investing

Here is the link.

The value of capital - 7:30/ 11:39

PERIODONTAL POCKET REDUCTION PROCEDURES

Here is the link. I like to study the article.

Infinite Banking - How to Be the Banker

It is 14 minutes video called Infinite banking - how to be the banker. Here is the link.

Document all receipts of clothing purchase

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is my decision to spend over ten hours to go over all receipts to document all clothes I purchased. Shopping used to be my most favorite thing before I finally figure out that I have to stop purchasing any clothing starting from January 2017.

A story to tell

I went to Florida in 2014, one thing is to handle my personal belongings. I had a lot of bags of clothes, hand bags, shoes.

I did not document all the receipts of purchases. I could not handle so many bags of clothes if I bring them back to Canada.

Follow up 

March 13, 2019

I should be very careful, do not throw away clothings and bags. I should take time to sell them on ebay.com or amazon.com or craiglist.com. I have to push myself to calm down, learn how to solve problems properly.

Money, Identity, and Walking in Abundance

Here is the link called Money, identity, and walk in abundance.

A bag of carrots 10 lbs in Costco

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is my personal finance month. I have issues to spend too much on groceries last 8 years. I need to learn how to cut the grocery bill to Canadian national average. I like to save those money for stocks and other investment.

10 lbs carrots in Costco

I start to purchase 10 lbs carrots starting this November. I like to write a blog and think about how to make my life better to save time on grocery shopping and also cut expenses.

Cash Is King: Part 7 - Opportunity Seeks Liquidity

Here is five minutes video called opportunity seeks liquidity.

Unknowns in the future

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is the good topic for short study about unknowns in the future. How to measure that? Should I save enough to handle unknowns? I have friends who shared with me their stories. I am the one who will struggle. I like to struggle with some grace.

Top 10 lesson I learn from 99 Ford Explorer purchase

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is the first time I like to start to spend time to review my biggest purchase in my life, a brand new Ford Explorer with only less than 100 miles in March, 1999.

My case study

Here is the purchase finance paper work. I also checked in my github personal finance folder called PersonalFinanceJulia.

10 lessons to learn

I like to figure out what kind of decision process I made back in 1999 March. 

Here are some facts: 

1. Three miles from my home to office, 1 mile from home to FAU campus.

2. The new car only had 25 miles when I made the purchase.

3. ...

Follow up 

March 14, 2019

I had citi credit card statements, and I will put together how much I spent on gas, maintenance, insurance. 

Cash Is King: Part 6 - Savings Creates Confidence

What is the cash?

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

I like to write a blog related to the appeal for leave I had back in 2009 in the Canadian Federal court. I filed appeal for leave case against Canada immigration department after 60 days of my denial application, Feb, 2009. I did not get notice to provide bank letter with $10,000 dollars for immigration purpose, in 45 days of notice, and more than 30 days extension, my application was denied. So I had to go through appeal for leave legal procedure to get my case open in 2009.

One argument

I did not know who to sue, the Canadian registration officer called me and told me that my case could not be accepted, because I do not know who to sue. She was so nice and shared me the tip, sue the immigration department.

The procedure is to write legal documents followed by a few steps, until the immigration judge reviewed the document in June 2009 and granted me the court date.

The department of justice lawyer argued that the home equity line available is not cash, 401 K is not cash. It is a good topic to write and share my lessons I had through the appeal for leave case.

Actionable Items

It is so important for me to understand that the minimum savings and my personal asset. It is ok for me to avoid interest to move fund from a saving account to home equity line account. The bank did sent me a letter to say that home equity line is freezing with the exiting balance since the home value goes down back in 2014 (?). And the bank likes to change the term from 15 years to 10 years, bank has authority to change it without any reason.  But the bank will write a notice to tell 24 months in advance.

It is important for me to learn how to work with the bank and Obama's policies to help recover recession, since the interest rate is so low from 2010 to 2015, all the same, prime rate - 1%, 2.25%. No friend or siblings will lend me any money like that.

December should be my person health month

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to start December as my personal health month. I know that it is kind of challenge for me to do it. I like to get into touch a few topics like weight control, relationship, and all other things.

Cash is King: Part 5 - Liquidity, Use and Control

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to learn from Cash is king series. I like the teaching and I like to find some good topic to look into based on the teaching.

Here is the link.

Three things to look into

Cash Is King: Part 4 - Three Keys to Paying Off Your Home the Safest and Quickest Way

Here is the link.

Wealth, like a tree, grows from a tiny seed

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is a quote from the book called the richest man in Babylon, Georges Clason. I like to write a blog to share my understanding.

巴比伦富翁的秘密

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is my favorite learning drill. Once I learn the idea from youtube.com video, I will dig into Chinese articles. My study topic tonight is called The richest man in Babylon.

My learning

Here is the link.

阿卡德致富七大守则：

·先让你的荷包鼓起来

·控制支出

·让自己成为多金的人

·守护财富避免损失

·寻求获利性的投资

·保障未来生活无忧

·提高你的赚钱能力

阿卡德还是一个穷小子时得到的致富忠告：

·假如这些年来你们过着的只是仅仅糊口的生活，那是因为你们还未学会理财之道，或者还未找到理财的窍门。

·财富让一个人更有能力享受快乐，获得满足。财富就是力量，有了钱，许多事情都可以办到。

·财富就像一棵树，是从一粒小小的种子开始成长起来的。你所存的第一个铜板就是种子，将来会长成财富大树。你越快播种子，就会越快拥有更多的财富之树。你越忠实越频繁地用存款去培育、浇灌它，就越能尽早地在树荫下乘凉。

Cash Is King: Part 2 - Pay Yourself First

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is a 11 minutes teaching video called Cash is king based on the book The richest man in Babylon.

Nice teaching video, I like to hear again and again. Here is the link.

The 6 Most Important Rules of MONEY

Here is 5:42 minutes video.

In order to be financially free, we have to understand the rules of money... The 7 Rules of Money: 1. Money is just the result 2. Money and Happiness are independent of each other 3. Money get's bored 4. Moving money attracts more money 5. Can't keep when you can help you 6. Money doesn't follow ethics 7. Money follows attention

William Ackman: Everything You Need to Know About Finance and Investing in Under an Hour

Nov. 27, 2018

Introduction

It is one hour video. The link is here.

Take my notes

Never lose money
How? Understand the public company, counter example: Enron

Living Below Your Means: The Complete Beginners Guide

Here is the link.

10 Tips to Live Within Your Means — Painlessly

Nov. 26, 2018

Introduction

I spent weekends two days staying at home and worked on my personal finance, what I did is to document all my personal finance document; it is a lot of work and I also learned so many things this weekend. This is the first time I did this kind of personal finance work from 1996 to 2018. One more thing is to read the article called 10 tips to live within your means - painlessly, and then follow each tip.

One tip a time

Understanding Periodontal Pockets

Nov. 26, 2018

Introduction

It is time for me to look into the periodontal pockets. I need to decide to extract a tooth or keep it for another one and two years. The article link is here.

How to Build a Billion Dollar Company

Here is the link called How to build a billion dollar company.

Year 2000 mortgage interest payment

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is so interesting to study my personal finance over 18 years ago. Whatever mistakes I made, I should review all of them first. It is my first time to take picture of my 2000 mortgage interest statement. I did find the statement and then I took the picture. I like to write a blog about the interest $1,751.25 dollar.

The ideas to think about

I like to gather some facts for me to review what I should have considered when I received the form through the mail.

Here are facts to look into:
1. Company I worked for could not provide paychecks a few times;
2. Company I worked for rented the office in the upper stairs of a building with a few programmers;
3. The mortgage interest is equal 25% of the condo I can purchase in the city of Yichun, jiangxi province;
4. The mortgage interest of year 2000 is 7.125% of my loan. 
5. I paid 56 inches projection TV with $1,000 dollars;
6. I bought $2,000 dollar black leather sofa, 12 months interest free;
7. I spent over $500 dollars to pay for a dishwasher to be installed;

Actionable Items

I reviewed financial data in the year 2000. I did not prepare myself to get everything audit by myself in 20 years. All credit card statements were gone, and I did not seek any advice on my personal finance.

11 Reasons Why the Best Entrepreneurs are Childlike

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is 20 minutes video called 11 Reasons why the best entrepreneurs are childlike. I like the teaching from the video, and then I like to write a blog and take down some notes.

US prime rate

Nov. 25, 2018

Introduction

It is the first time I try to put all US prime rate history year by year in order for me to study my personal finance.

Here is the link.

How To Manage Your Money For Financial Freedom

Here is the link.