The Propeller - Propelling you into the new week! Tips, Newsbites, and Wisdom covering Life, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and the Internet

The Propeller – Just Checking In—Because Even Your Inbox Deserves a Break from Spam! – 9-15-2024

I Appreciate You

People want to feel important — we all do. 

There’s a specific kind of importance people crave that is incredibly easy to give: appreciation.

Showing appreciation for your family, friends, co-workers, or employees is one of the most valuable things you can do. 

In business, this can lead to happier, more motivated, and more productive employees. Studies have shown that employees who feel appreciated are five times more likely to stay with their company.

It doesn’t take much time or money to make someone feel appreciated. 

All it requires is a conscious effort to recognize what you value in each person and to tell them. This leaves you feeling grateful and them feeling appreciated. It’s the easiest and cheapest possible win-win.

 I really do appreciate you all. Thank you so much for your support!!

Tech: How to Save BIG on your Cell Phone Bill

Everyone knows the names of the main carriers in the US — AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — but many others are floating around as well. Mint Mobile is one of the more popular alternatives to the Big Three, but you may be wondering how it actually works. We’ll I’m spilling Mint Mobiles secrets.

If you’re wondering which network Mint Mobile uses, you probably already know it isn’t your typical cell phone carrier. It’s what’s called a “mobile virtual network operator,” or 
MVNO for short. Think of it as a cell phone company that’s renting space on the networks of bigger carriers like Verizon and AT&T. This is a great deal for everyone involved: the big carriers get extra money, and Mint Mobile can offer service without the hassle of building its own towers. Other popular MVNOs in the U.S. include Google FI, Tello, Ting, and Visible – and even the cable companies are getting in the business with Spectrum offering Cell Phone services as well.

Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network.  So, you’ll have good coverage where T-Mobile is strong. This is great because T-Mobile has one of the best networks in the U.S., which is why many other MVNOs use it as well.


One of the shortcomings of MVNOs is coverage while roaming outside of your country. Mint Mobile roaming is (mostly) easy. When you travel outside the US, Canada, and Mexico, your phone will automatically connect to a compatible network. You can talk, text, and use data just like you do at home. There are no complicated settings or manual switches needed.  Mint Mobile does charge an extra charge for the days you are outside of the US, Canada, and Mexico (no extra charge for those)

Since Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, you’ll get good coverage throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico for $15 or less per month. If you like having control over your phone plan and you live in an area with good T-Mobile coverage, Mint Mobile is a nice option.  I’ve been using it for years and only paying $15/month for my cell phone service!


If you’d like to give Mint Mobile a try and get a smokin’ deal plus a free month of service, use this link:  http://fbuy.me/uPIjX  (In full disclosure, I will get a bill credit if you sign up using this link as well – It’s a win-win!)

Finance: Net Worth Statement

Tracking your net worth regularly is one of the most powerful habits for building wealth and financial independence. Every three months, I take just five minutes to update my net worth statement, and it’s one of the best things you can do to stay on top of your financial health.

As we close the third quarter of 2024, here’s a friendly reminder to update your net worth statement. If this is something new for you, don’t worry—it’s really easy to get started.

Why Keeping a Net Worth Statement Matters

Your net worth provides a clear picture of your financial standing at any given moment. It lets you see your progress over time, whether you’re paying down debt, increasing savings, growing your investments, or retired and watching your remaining investments. Monitoring it quarterly can reveal trends, alert you to financial issues, and motivate you to stay on track.

Plus, as you track your net worth, you’ll become more engaged with your finances. This awareness is key to making smarter money decisions and accelerating your journey to financial independence (FI).

How to Create Your Net Worth Statement

Here’s how to build and update your own net worth statement in just a few steps:

  1. List Your Assets
    Log into each of your bank, investment, and brokerage accounts and note the current balance of each.
    Also, include any significant assets like real estate, cars, or valuable personal items.
    Total these together to get your Total Assets.

  2. List Your Liabilities
    Next, write down all your outstanding debts, such as mortgages, student loans, car loans, credit card debt, or any other liabilities.
    Add these together to get your Total Liabilities.

  3. Calculate Your Net Worth
    Now, subtract your Total Liabilities from your Total Assets.
    The result is your Net Worth.

     

Monitor and Adjust Quarterly

By tracking this every quarter, you’ll begin to see patterns in how your net worth changes. Did your assets grow? Did you pay off debt? Over time, you’ll witness the progress toward your financial goals, and it will help keep you motivated.

Make it a habit and watch as your financial journey unfolds before your eyes!

The Presidential Debate and Voting

Selling and influencing isn’t just about the product, service, or idea: it’s about the results and the emotions those results create.

It goes beyond just solving the problem.

It’s about having the other person imagine and FEEL the solution.

Maybe it’s relief from avoiding pain, fear, or struggle.

Or, on the flip side, maybe it’s joy that comes from feeling good, hopeful, and happy.

The more you can encourage the other side to visualize and feel this future result, the more effective and persuasive you’ll become. 

This is true with selling anything, whether it’s pitching a service to a client, a promotion to your boss, or even the presidency to the American people, as seen in this past week’s debate.

No matter who you support, voting is essential. It’s your chance to make your voice heard and shape the future of your community and country. By voting, you ensure that your values and priorities are represented in decisions that affect key areas like healthcare, education, and the economy.

Your vote matters, and it’s not just a right — it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re backing a candidate or an issue, your participation strengthens democracy. So, no matter your political preference, get out there and vote!  If you aren’t registered to vote, there is still time to register for this November’s election.

Quote of the Week
“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt


Pushing our boundaries, even in small ways, can lead to personal growth. This could be as simple as trying a new recipe or taking a different route to work.

Changing things up helps you to build confidence. You become more adaptable and open to change in all areas of life. You reduce the fear associated with novelty, making future changes easier.

 

 

Hope you’re enjoying that sweet spot where it’s too late for summer goals and too early for holiday stress.

 

 

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.