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The Propeller – How To Turn a Penny into 5.3 Million Dollars! – 7-7-2024

The Hidden Security Benefits of Restarting Your Cell Phone Weekly

In today’s digital age, our cell phones are more than just communication tools; they are mini-computers that store a treasure trove of personal information. From banking apps and social media accounts to emails and personal photos, our smartphones hold sensitive data that can be attractive targets for cybercriminals. While we often focus on installing the latest security apps and updates, there’s a simple, often overlooked practice that can significantly enhance your phone’s security: turning it off and on at least once a week.

1. Interrupting Malware and Spyware
One of the primary security benefits of restarting your phone is that it can disrupt malware and spyware. Malicious software often relies on continuous operation to monitor your activities or steal information. Restarting your device can help interrupt these processes and prevent them from running smoothly. While this doesn’t remove the malware, it can limit its effectiveness and give you a chance to notice unusual behavior.

2. Clearing Temporary Files and Cache
When you use your phone, it accumulates temporary files and cache data, which can sometimes include sensitive information. Restarting your phone clears these temporary files, reducing the risk of data being exploited by malicious apps. This practice not only enhances security but also improves your phone’s performance by freeing up memory.

3. Applying Updates and Patches
Regularly restarting your phone ensures that any system updates or security patches that have been downloaded are properly installed. These updates are crucial as they often include fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities. By rebooting your device, you ensure that your phone is running the latest software with all the necessary security enhancements.

4. Resetting Network Connections
Restarting your phone resets network connections, which can help protect against certain types of attacks, such as those that exploit weaknesses in your device’s network settings. This can also solve connectivity issues and ensure that you are connected to the most secure and up-to-date networks.

5. Enhancing Battery Life and Performance
While not directly related to security, a weekly restart can improve your phone’s overall performance and battery life. A device that runs efficiently is less likely to experience crashes or slowdowns that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Better performance means your phone is more responsive and reliable in implementing security measures.

6. Reducing the Attack Surface
Every running application and process on your phone is a potential attack surface for cybercriminals. By restarting your phone, you close unnecessary background processes and applications that may have vulnerabilities. This reduction in the attack surface makes it harder for malicious actors to find and exploit weaknesses in your device.

Practical Tips for Restarting Your Phone

  • Set a Reminder: Use a calendar app or reminder to prompt you to restart your phone weekly.
  • Choose a Convenient Time: Restart your phone during a time when you don’t need it immediately, such as during a meal or while you sleep.
  • Check for Updates: Before restarting, check if there are any pending system or app updates and install them.

Incorporating a simple weekly restart into your routine can have substantial security benefits for your cell phone. While it won’t replace comprehensive security practices like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping your software up to date, it’s an easy and effective way to add an extra layer of protection. In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, every small step counts towards safeguarding your personal information. So, take a moment each week to turn your phone off and on—you’ll be contributing to a more secure digital life.

The Next President

As much as I hate to talk politics in The Propeller, I feel compelled to touch on the topic because it’s crucial for everyone to do their best, regardless of who is president. So, will someone replace Biden? Will they become president? Or could it be Trump part deux? Maybe a late entry like Newsom or Harris? Does RFK somehow make it to the top?

Here’s the bigger question: Does it REALLY matter?

No matter what happens, the president will not save you. They will not reach your goals for you. They will not determine if the next four years of your life are happy or sad. Only you decide those things.

No matter who is in charge and what the environment looks like, it’s up to you to play the game. Maybe the rules will change, but it’s your job to do what you can with those rules.

On a side note, who wants to back my Presidential run in 2028? 🤣

From Pennies to Millions: The Power of Steady Growth and Perseverance

Imagine I gave you a single penny today and told you I’d double it every day until the end of the month. By the end of July, you’d have over 5.3 million dollars! Sounds unbelievable, right? But do the math: double a penny to 2 cents, then 4 cents, then 8 cents, and so on. By the end of the month, you’d have more than 5.3 million dollars.

This illustrates a powerful lesson: even the smallest beginnings can grow into something immense when compounded over time. Your current situation might feel tough, and you might be holding onto just a few metaphorical pennies. But if you commit to improving just a little bit every single day, over time, those small changes will add up.

Keep going. Keep pushing forward. One day, you’ll wake up and realize how far you’ve come. Your life can transform beyond your wildest dreams. All it takes is perseverance and a commitment to steady growth. You have the power to turn your pennies into millions. Keep going, and greatness will follow!

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Stock Market Shenanigans:
Balancing Boring ETFs and YOLO Moonshots

Here’s a simplified look at the two extremes of building wealth with stocks: 

  • Steady Growth: A diversified portfolio of Mutual Funds/ETFs/Bonds.
  • Moonshot Risk-Taking: YOLO Single Stocks/Options/Puts/Seed Funding/Venture Capital.

You don’t have to be reckless to take moonshot risks, nor do you need to be wealthy to handle potential failures.

Instead, create a “big money bucket.”

Fill this bucket with money that isn’t your primary income – such as side business earnings, savings from canceled subscriptions, or other extra funds.

The goal is to use money you’re not dependent on for your living expenses. This lets you invest in high-risk, high-reward opportunities – the moonshots.

Think of it as your risk capital account, where you can invest like a billionaire in high-growth, high-risk ventures.

Although this money is at risk, it won’t hurt you financially if you lose it because you’ve already designated it as disposable. That’s the key – a separate bucket of money you’re willing to lose, sourced from outside your main income.

This way, you can pursue both strategies: the stability of steady growth and the chance to achieve rapid wealth.

I think this is an interesting approach.  I have used it to with success many times, and also some failures.  The wins have far outweighed the losses, but I’m smart enough to know that might not always be the case.

$8 for a Hot Dog?!

The cost of hot dogs at baseball stadiums has surged to unprecedented levels, leaving many fans reminiscing about the days when ballpark snacks were more affordable. This price hike is largely attributed to ongoing inflation and supply chain disruptions that have impacted food production and distribution across the country. With the average price of a hot dog now hovering up to over $8, a simple treat has become a luxury for many families attending games. (A Family of 4 getting 4 hot dogs and 4 drinks can cost over $60.) This significant increase has sparked debates among fans and analysts about the future of traditional ballpark experiences and the accessibility of America’s favorite pastime. However, for those in Columbus, Ohio, the Columbus Clippers’ iconic Dime-a-Dog Night offers a refreshing and affordable reprieve, allowing fans to enjoy hot dogs for just 10 cents each.  And for those in Cleveland, pairing the hot dog with some iconic Stadium Mustard can almost make the $4.50 price per hotdog palatable. 

Columbus Clippers Dime-A-Dog Night Minor League Baseball, Draft Beer ...

The rising costs are not just limited to hot dogs but extend to other concessions as well, making the overall stadium experience considerably more expensive. For many, this trend underscores a broader issue of affordability in sports entertainment, where ticket prices, parking, and food collectively create a barrier for the average fan. Despite these challenges, stadiums are exploring ways to balance profitability with fan satisfaction, such as introducing discounted family packages and special promotional days. However, the nostalgia of enjoying a classic hot dog at a game without breaking the bank seems to be fading, marking a shift in the cultural and economic landscape of baseball in 2024. Yet, the Columbus Clippers’ Dime-a-Dog Night remains a cherished tradition, offering fans a taste of nostalgia and affordability amidst the changing times.

 

Cheers to a July full of sun and stock gains!

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

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

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