Matthew
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November 2024 and the peace of this waterfront paradise in Van Vieng in Laos was shattered after a methanol poisoning outbreak. Three shots of supposedly alcoholic drinks containing this toxic substance at a hostel in the town claimed the lives of Simone White from the UK and Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, along with three others.
November 2024 and the peace of this waterfront paradise in Van Vieng in Laos was shattered after a methanol poisoning outbreak. Three shots of supposedly alcoholic drinks containing this toxic substance at a hostel in the town claimed the lives of Simone White from the UK and Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, along with three others.
International headlines brought this hidden issue of methanol poisoning to worldwide attention. But for Rashahi Medical College in the far west of Bangladesh, treating victims is commonplace. The hospital struggles to cope with demand at the best of times. So it was no surprise when eight people were poisoned by methanol in this district, claiming four lives.
International headlines brought this hidden issue of methanol poisoning to worldwide attention. But for Rashahi Medical College in the far west of Bangladesh, treating victims is commonplace. The hospital struggles to cope with demand at the best of times. So it was no surprise when eight people were poisoned by methanol in this district, claiming four lives.
In Muslim countries like Bangladesh, where alcohol is illegal, bootleggers can easily and cheaply get hold of methanol. And there's a huge social stigma associated with methanol, which is why this victim doesn't want to be identified. Sadly, his best friends didn't survive.
In Muslim countries like Bangladesh, where alcohol is illegal, bootleggers can easily and cheaply get hold of methanol. And there's a huge social stigma associated with methanol, which is why this victim doesn't want to be identified. Sadly, his best friends didn't survive.
and believe it or not treating patients with alcohol is the first form of defense by buying doctors extra time as it prevents patients from metabolizing methanol into their system the problem is hospitals in bangladesh are not able to store alcohol or ethanol as it's known medically so doctors have to waste valuable time trying to find it in places like local hotels
and believe it or not treating patients with alcohol is the first form of defense by buying doctors extra time as it prevents patients from metabolizing methanol into their system the problem is hospitals in bangladesh are not able to store alcohol or ethanol as it's known medically so doctors have to waste valuable time trying to find it in places like local hotels
It's something Dr Mohamed Rabid Amin, a distinguished professor of medicine who's now working in the Bangladeshi government's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, says he's seen firsthand.
It's something Dr Mohamed Rabid Amin, a distinguished professor of medicine who's now working in the Bangladeshi government's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, says he's seen firsthand.
It normally takes up to 24 hours for symptoms of methanol poisoning to appear. They include stomach pain, vomiting and frequent breathing, known as hyperventilation. Finally, patients are blinded and brain damaged.
It normally takes up to 24 hours for symptoms of methanol poisoning to appear. They include stomach pain, vomiting and frequent breathing, known as hyperventilation. Finally, patients are blinded and brain damaged.
But Norwegian expert Professor Newt-Erik Hovda has developed a finger prick blood test that detects poisoning even before symptoms appear. He's now training up medics throughout Bangladesh and India as part of a clinical trial for the test, as well as a drug that can be used as a much better alternative treatment to ethanol.
But Norwegian expert Professor Newt-Erik Hovda has developed a finger prick blood test that detects poisoning even before symptoms appear. He's now training up medics throughout Bangladesh and India as part of a clinical trial for the test, as well as a drug that can be used as a much better alternative treatment to ethanol.
Over the past 25 years, there have been over 1,000 documented methanol outbreaks across the world, some claiming dozens or even hundreds of lives. But outbreaks are seldom reported in many countries. So the need for better diagnosis and treatment couldn't be greater.
Over the past 25 years, there have been over 1,000 documented methanol outbreaks across the world, some claiming dozens or even hundreds of lives. But outbreaks are seldom reported in many countries. So the need for better diagnosis and treatment couldn't be greater.
And Academy voters liked the movie, didn't care about the controversy and the noise and voted for it anyway. So not all of these controversies actually stick.
And Academy voters liked the movie, didn't care about the controversy and the noise and voted for it anyway. So not all of these controversies actually stick.
I understand that argument and I don't agree with it because I think if anyone involved with Emilia Perez had had those tweets resurfaced, if it was Zoe Saldana, if it was Selena Gomez, if it was the filmmaker Odiard, if it was any of them that had those resurfaced, I think it would have absolutely imploded the film's campaign. They were so reprehensible. And it wasn't a one-off.
I understand that argument and I don't agree with it because I think if anyone involved with Emilia Perez had had those tweets resurfaced, if it was Zoe Saldana, if it was Selena Gomez, if it was the filmmaker Odiard, if it was any of them that had those resurfaced, I think it would have absolutely imploded the film's campaign. They were so reprehensible. And it wasn't a one-off.
It wasn't something that happened when this person was 15 years old. It wasn't something that was easily explained away. This was a barrage of really offensive messaging. Maybe there was more attention on it because this was the first transgender Best Actress nominee. But I think that any of the talent involved in any of these films would have suffered for those tweets.
It wasn't something that happened when this person was 15 years old. It wasn't something that was easily explained away. This was a barrage of really offensive messaging. Maybe there was more attention on it because this was the first transgender Best Actress nominee. But I think that any of the talent involved in any of these films would have suffered for those tweets.
Yeah, maybe. I don't know. If it was Timothee Chalamet that had set those tweets, I think he would have had a really tough time. And it probably would have been a much bigger deal. The other thing about the Oscar season that is really interesting when it comes to controversies is people go from complete unknowns. Sorry to use the pun of a movie.
Yeah, maybe. I don't know. If it was Timothee Chalamet that had set those tweets, I think he would have had a really tough time. And it probably would have been a much bigger deal. The other thing about the Oscar season that is really interesting when it comes to controversies is people go from complete unknowns. Sorry to use the pun of a movie.
They go from complete unknowns to ubiquitous in the course of five to seven months. Carla Gascon is a person that I had never heard of. I assume most people in the film community in the U.S. had never heard of.
They go from complete unknowns to ubiquitous in the course of five to seven months. Carla Gascon is a person that I had never heard of. I assume most people in the film community in the U.S. had never heard of.
But by the time these tweets were uncovered, this is a person that I knew pretty well through events, through media, through commercials, through a press campaign that Netflix had orchestrated precisely to bring attention to this person. And this happens every year. I remember back when Lupita Nyong'o was an unknown actress. She ended up winning and she's had a great career after that.
But by the time these tweets were uncovered, this is a person that I knew pretty well through events, through media, through commercials, through a press campaign that Netflix had orchestrated precisely to bring attention to this person. And this happens every year. I remember back when Lupita Nyong'o was an unknown actress. She ended up winning and she's had a great career after that.
It adds a little bit of urgency to this need to check people's social media because what you post as an unknown person can come back to hurt you when you are a very famous person. And that's what happened in this situation.
It adds a little bit of urgency to this need to check people's social media because what you post as an unknown person can come back to hurt you when you are a very famous person. And that's what happened in this situation.
That is a very good question. And I would argue no, that the art should speak for itself, that what the filmmaker was trying to accomplish with it will still endure, even though this controversy has surrounded it. Unfortunately, that's not how Oscar voters vote.
That is a very good question. And I would argue no, that the art should speak for itself, that what the filmmaker was trying to accomplish with it will still endure, even though this controversy has surrounded it. Unfortunately, that's not how Oscar voters vote.
In the history of the Academy Awards, the voters have over and over shown that they vote on the merits of the art, but they also vote on the narrative surrounding the movie. And the narrative is created in a number of different ways. It is self-created. It can be things that the candidate says at different award shows. Look at what's going on with Demi Moore right now.
In the history of the Academy Awards, the voters have over and over shown that they vote on the merits of the art, but they also vote on the narrative surrounding the movie. And the narrative is created in a number of different ways. It is self-created. It can be things that the candidate says at different award shows. Look at what's going on with Demi Moore right now.
She's winning all these awards for The Substance, a great movie and a great performance. But there is also a narrative around her that she has been in this business for 40 years, has put in her time. She has never been nominated for an Oscar. And it's about time.
She's winning all these awards for The Substance, a great movie and a great performance. But there is also a narrative around her that she has been in this business for 40 years, has put in her time. She has never been nominated for an Oscar. And it's about time.
And I think that for best picture, you want to vote for something that you think is important. And it's very difficult to put your heart behind a movie as much as you liked it. If you don't believe the narrative of the main character and the narrative is the stuff going on outside the movie.
And I think that for best picture, you want to vote for something that you think is important. And it's very difficult to put your heart behind a movie as much as you liked it. If you don't believe the narrative of the main character and the narrative is the stuff going on outside the movie.
I think Zoe Saldana will end up winning. And that's a perfect example. There's a feeling throughout Hollywood that she should not be punished for the actions of her co-star. She's done everything right this season. She's shaken all the hands. She's showed up at all the awards ceremonies. She's done the media. She's had a great career and has never been honored in this way.
I think Zoe Saldana will end up winning. And that's a perfect example. There's a feeling throughout Hollywood that she should not be punished for the actions of her co-star. She's done everything right this season. She's shaken all the hands. She's showed up at all the awards ceremonies. She's done the media. She's had a great career and has never been honored in this way.
There is a sense that she's almost like a martyr in a way that she's kind of suffered for this movie and being dragged down. Voting for her is a way to honor the movie without voting for it for best picture.
There is a sense that she's almost like a martyr in a way that she's kind of suffered for this movie and being dragged down. Voting for her is a way to honor the movie without voting for it for best picture.
They pivoted because they had to pivot because as a smart campaigner, it's like a political campaign. If your vice president has a scandal, your ads don't focus on the vice president. Your ads focus on other people in the campaign. And that's exactly what happened in Netflix. Amelia Perez, the character, has sort of disappeared from the advertising of the movie called Amelia Perez.
They pivoted because they had to pivot because as a smart campaigner, it's like a political campaign. If your vice president has a scandal, your ads don't focus on the vice president. Your ads focus on other people in the campaign. And that's exactly what happened in Netflix. Amelia Perez, the character, has sort of disappeared from the advertising of the movie called Amelia Perez.
It's focused almost entirely on Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, the music, the artistry of it. Even at the SAG Awards, which is a key precursor, they completely erased Amelia Perez from the Amelia Perez promo. Netflix has spent tens of millions of dollars on this campaign designed to raise awareness of the movie and position it for awards voters. They have to pivot.
It's focused almost entirely on Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, the music, the artistry of it. Even at the SAG Awards, which is a key precursor, they completely erased Amelia Perez from the Amelia Perez promo. Netflix has spent tens of millions of dollars on this campaign designed to raise awareness of the movie and position it for awards voters. They have to pivot.
If they have this controversy, they can't continue as if nothing has happened. They have to respond. When you talk to awards voters, they don't want to vote for this movie. They got a really bad taste in their mouth from these comments.
If they have this controversy, they can't continue as if nothing has happened. They have to respond. When you talk to awards voters, they don't want to vote for this movie. They got a really bad taste in their mouth from these comments.
It is. I mean, she could go on her own. The nominees are invited to attend. So it's not like She is banned or has to do anything to get invited. The key, as you mentioned, is whether Netflix is going to support her going. And my understanding is they are going to support her going to the Oscars. They are going to fly her in and put her up just like the other talent.
It is. I mean, she could go on her own. The nominees are invited to attend. So it's not like She is banned or has to do anything to get invited. The key, as you mentioned, is whether Netflix is going to support her going. And my understanding is they are going to support her going to the Oscars. They are going to fly her in and put her up just like the other talent.
I don't know how the financials work on the glam and getting ready. I don't know how much Netflix will front on that. Netflix was paying for her to have a PR person throughout the season. That, I believe, is not happening anymore. But they've decided that for the good of the movie, she is going to attend the Oscars.
I don't know how the financials work on the glam and getting ready. I don't know how much Netflix will front on that. Netflix was paying for her to have a PR person throughout the season. That, I believe, is not happening anymore. But they've decided that for the good of the movie, she is going to attend the Oscars.
She has not attended a number of other ceremonies like the BAFTAs or the SAG Awards. But for the big one, for the Oscars, she will be there and presumably she will do the red carpet. So that should be interesting.
She has not attended a number of other ceremonies like the BAFTAs or the SAG Awards. But for the big one, for the Oscars, she will be there and presumably she will do the red carpet. So that should be interesting.
Listen, Hollywood has a long tradition of forgiving and for allowing people to apologize, to move on. So I think with a little time and with a little bit of coaching, perhaps she could apologize and come back. We'll see.
Listen, Hollywood has a long tradition of forgiving and for allowing people to apologize, to move on. So I think with a little time and with a little bit of coaching, perhaps she could apologize and come back. We'll see.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I have seen Amelia Perez and I enjoyed it. I saw it with a film festival audience in Toronto and it is a wild ride. It's very unusual. I understand some of the controversy around it, but as an audacious piece of filmmaking, I enjoyed it.
I have seen Amelia Perez and I enjoyed it. I saw it with a film festival audience in Toronto and it is a wild ride. It's very unusual. I understand some of the controversy around it, but as an audacious piece of filmmaking, I enjoyed it.
She said it was a bummer.
She said it was a bummer.
And that this was something that was unforeseen. They do not screen the prior social media history of the talent that they work with. And I think that was a mistake here.
And that this was something that was unforeseen. They do not screen the prior social media history of the talent that they work with. And I think that was a mistake here.
When you are in an Oscar race in 2025, there are people out there on social media who are trying to dig up unflattering facts about the candidates. These Oscar campaigns are exactly that. They are campaigns. They are political contests. And for six months, these movies are trying to jockey for position in the hearts and minds of Academy voters around the world.
When you are in an Oscar race in 2025, there are people out there on social media who are trying to dig up unflattering facts about the candidates. These Oscar campaigns are exactly that. They are campaigns. They are political contests. And for six months, these movies are trying to jockey for position in the hearts and minds of Academy voters around the world.
And if there is bad information out there on the Internet, someone is going to find it and resurface it. And Netflix didn't look at Carla Sofia Gascon's social media. If they had, they would have discovered these tweets. They could have deleted them. They could have planned and minimized this controversy. They didn't, and it blew up.
And if there is bad information out there on the Internet, someone is going to find it and resurface it. And Netflix didn't look at Carla Sofia Gascon's social media. If they had, they would have discovered these tweets. They could have deleted them. They could have planned and minimized this controversy. They didn't, and it blew up.
Shockingly, it is common practice. These media companies, these movie studios don't look at the social media of their talent. Now, if you ask Netflix about this, they will say, We work with thousands and thousands of artists who produce hundreds of TV shows and hundreds of movies every year. We can't go policing every little thing someone has said on the Internet over their entire life.
Shockingly, it is common practice. These media companies, these movie studios don't look at the social media of their talent. Now, if you ask Netflix about this, they will say, We work with thousands and thousands of artists who produce hundreds of TV shows and hundreds of movies every year. We can't go policing every little thing someone has said on the Internet over their entire life.
Now, I understand that. I think it's different when you have a movie that is in the Oscar race. And don't forget, Netflix purchased US rights to this movie at the Cannes Film Festival specifically to do an Oscar campaign for this movie. And I think the people who are in the Oscar race They are scrutinized to an extent that you have to check their social media.
Now, I understand that. I think it's different when you have a movie that is in the Oscar race. And don't forget, Netflix purchased US rights to this movie at the Cannes Film Festival specifically to do an Oscar campaign for this movie. And I think the people who are in the Oscar race They are scrutinized to an extent that you have to check their social media.
Every one of these candidates does dozens and dozens of press interviews. They are out there campaigning at events and screenings and lunches all over town, all over the world for six months. Bad stuff is going to come up if it's out there.
Every one of these candidates does dozens and dozens of press interviews. They are out there campaigning at events and screenings and lunches all over town, all over the world for six months. Bad stuff is going to come up if it's out there.
Yeah, that's the name. Amelia Perez. This is Amelia Perez. They knew this was going to be a controversial movie. In fact, that's why they bought it. It is an openly transgender storyline. The transgender actress is the main character. And Netflix liked that, bought it because they thought it would appeal...
Yeah, that's the name. Amelia Perez. This is Amelia Perez. They knew this was going to be a controversial movie. In fact, that's why they bought it. It is an openly transgender storyline. The transgender actress is the main character. And Netflix liked that, bought it because they thought it would appeal...
to Academy voters, and it showed 13 nominations, the most nominations of any film this year. For that kind of movie not to get the level of scrutiny that I think it deserved from Netflix, I think is a mistake. Now, you could not anticipate this kind of a situation. It is the worst case scenario. I had a guest on The Town call Gus Gohn a terrorist. Because she really did blow up this campaign.
to Academy voters, and it showed 13 nominations, the most nominations of any film this year. For that kind of movie not to get the level of scrutiny that I think it deserved from Netflix, I think is a mistake. Now, you could not anticipate this kind of a situation. It is the worst case scenario. I had a guest on The Town call Gus Gohn a terrorist. Because she really did blow up this campaign.
And it wasn't just that there were bad tweets. The tweets that were uncovered undermined the message of the film. One of acceptance, tolerance, of representation. And these tweets were just so regressive.
And it wasn't just that there were bad tweets. The tweets that were uncovered undermined the message of the film. One of acceptance, tolerance, of representation. And these tweets were just so regressive.
No. I mean, there have been little micro controversies that have come up over the years. There was a film about 10 years ago called The Birth of a Nation, which was directed by a young filmmaker named Nate Parker. And that film sold at the Sundance Film Festival for what was then a record amount of money. And the studio behind it planned an Oscar campaign.
No. I mean, there have been little micro controversies that have come up over the years. There was a film about 10 years ago called The Birth of a Nation, which was directed by a young filmmaker named Nate Parker. And that film sold at the Sundance Film Festival for what was then a record amount of money. And the studio behind it planned an Oscar campaign.
What they didn't plan was that there would be some news reports resurfaces that the filmmaker had been on trial in college for rape.
What they didn't plan was that there would be some news reports resurfaces that the filmmaker had been on trial in college for rape.
He was ultimately acquitted of that and he had denied that he was at fault at all. But that also derailed the Oscar campaign. And ultimately, the film barely even got a release.
He was ultimately acquitted of that and he had denied that he was at fault at all. But that also derailed the Oscar campaign. And ultimately, the film barely even got a release.
Green Book is a great example of how the Academy voters tend not to care that much about these online controversies. You know, oh, this film is not representative of a certain group, or this person has said insensitive things in the past. It didn't stick because... It wasn't contrary to the narrative of the film in a way that Amelia Perez was. This was just noise that was out there.
Green Book is a great example of how the Academy voters tend not to care that much about these online controversies. You know, oh, this film is not representative of a certain group, or this person has said insensitive things in the past. It didn't stick because... It wasn't contrary to the narrative of the film in a way that Amelia Perez was. This was just noise that was out there.
Das ist so, wie es angefangen hat. Du sagst, es hat acht Stunden gedauert. Ich habe gehört, du hast gesagt, dass es im Grunde die Intention war, eine Satire zu unterleiten, die megalomanische Natur der Idee. Ist das richtig?
Das ist so, wie es angefangen hat. Du sagst, es hat acht Stunden gedauert. Ich habe gehört, du hast gesagt, dass es im Grunde die Intention war, eine Satire zu unterleiten, die megalomanische Natur der Idee. Ist das richtig?
You thought you were going to offend the White House. In fact, the White House reposted it. I suppose what this underlines is the extraordinary potential creativity of AI, but all of the dangers as well.
You thought you were going to offend the White House. In fact, the White House reposted it. I suppose what this underlines is the extraordinary potential creativity of AI, but all of the dangers as well.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, HelpChatterPodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, HelpChatterPodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us.
And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Help Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's HelpChatterPodcast.com.
And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Help Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's HelpChatterPodcast.com.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, HelpChatterPodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, HelpChatterPodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us.
And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Help Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's HelpChatterPodcast.com.
And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Help Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's HelpChatterPodcast.com.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, healthchatterpodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us. And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with each
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, healthchatterpodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us. And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with each
Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Health Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's healthchatterpodcast.com.
Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Health Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's healthchatterpodcast.com.
Right. That will always be there. Right.
Right. That will always be there. Right.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, HelpChatterPodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, HelpChatterPodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us.
And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Help Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's HelpChatterPodcast.com.
And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Help Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's HelpChatterPodcast.com.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, HelpChatterPodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us.
Hi, everyone. It's Matthew from Behind the Scenes. And I wanted to let everyone know that we have a new website up and running, HelpChatterPodcast.com. You can go on there. You can interact with us. You can communicate with us, send us a message. You can comment on each episode. You can rate us.
And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Help Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's HelpChatterPodcast.com.
And it's just another way for everyone to communicate with Stan and Clarence and all of us at the Help Chatter team. So definitely check it out. Again, that's HelpChatterPodcast.com.
Yeah, looking for some advice here. I've been in my job for about two years now and just really burning out. Not sure if I should take time off and then go back to the job or should just completely quit and figure out, you know, what truly makes me happy if it's a different industry or a different job in general. You know, made around $157,000 last year. I'm 25 years old.
Yeah, looking for some advice here. I've been in my job for about two years now and just really burning out. Not sure if I should take time off and then go back to the job or should just completely quit and figure out, you know, what truly makes me happy if it's a different industry or a different job in general. You know, made around $157,000 last year. I'm 25 years old.
I think one, just not really believing in the product, and two, being ADHD, if I don't truly enjoy it, I have a time limit before I just hate it.
I think one, just not really believing in the product, and two, being ADHD, if I don't truly enjoy it, I have a time limit before I just hate it.
Yeah, could be that as well.
Yeah, could be that as well.
Yeah. I mean, that's what I'm afraid of because, you know, you know, I've always thought about that since, you know, I had my IEP in fourth grade, like, is this going to be like something that happens constantly or is it, you know, I just got to keep changing until I find what I truly like. So, um, You know, it's something I think about every day.
Yeah. I mean, that's what I'm afraid of because, you know, you know, I've always thought about that since, you know, I had my IEP in fourth grade, like, is this going to be like something that happens constantly or is it, you know, I just got to keep changing until I find what I truly like. So, um, You know, it's something I think about every day.
Maybe I'm just, you know, being a wuss and I should just muck it up and keep going or, you know, maybe taking time off to, like, figure out if it truly is that or if it's, you know, more of the burnout side.
Maybe I'm just, you know, being a wuss and I should just muck it up and keep going or, you know, maybe taking time off to, like, figure out if it truly is that or if it's, you know, more of the burnout side.
Yeah, I mean, similar work probably, you know, 60 hours a week just because it is a tougher job.
Yeah, I mean, similar work probably, you know, 60 hours a week just because it is a tougher job.
Yeah, because for the first year and a half, like, top performer, I liked the product better then.
Yeah, because for the first year and a half, like, top performer, I liked the product better then.
Yeah, well, so, like, the first year, year and a half, I was selling different products, and then I changed teams, and now I'm on this team. I just, like, the reason why I don't believe it is because there isn't enough data out there to figure out, okay, is that truly... Working, plus it's expensive and it's a big commitment, and so that's where my trouble is. Okay.
Yeah, well, so, like, the first year, year and a half, I was selling different products, and then I changed teams, and now I'm on this team. I just, like, the reason why I don't believe it is because there isn't enough data out there to figure out, okay, is that truly... Working, plus it's expensive and it's a big commitment, and so that's where my trouble is. Okay.
So can you go back to the old product? No, I mean, you have to, you can't. Our company doesn't do that. Okay.
So can you go back to the old product? No, I mean, you have to, you can't. Our company doesn't do that. Okay.
Yeah, of course. Do you quickly, yeah. Do you think it's, Why is it take some time off travel for a couple of months and then come back to her or should I have my next role lined up?
Yeah, of course. Do you quickly, yeah. Do you think it's, Why is it take some time off travel for a couple of months and then come back to her or should I have my next role lined up?
Love it. And I work for a dental supply manufacturer and solutions company, and I oversee their service department.
Love it. And I work for a dental supply manufacturer and solutions company, and I oversee their service department.
Conservatively, five. Okay.
Conservatively, five. Okay.
Fortunately, we'll stick with 100. Just checking. South Bend.
Fortunately, we'll stick with 100. Just checking. South Bend.
Yeah, just years ago, heard you on the radio, started listening. And you reminded me of the Southern preacher when I used to live down in Tennessee. And so just started listening to this guy. Makes a lot of sense. And so asked Jodi if she would, you know,
Yeah, just years ago, heard you on the radio, started listening. And you reminded me of the Southern preacher when I used to live down in Tennessee. And so just started listening to this guy. Makes a lot of sense. And so asked Jodi if she would, you know,
maybe read the book along with me and it was a total money makeover is what we got into and we got gazelle intense we knocked out consumer debt very very quickly and then we went on autopilot for a little while with a 15-year mortgage and I was actually very unhappy with the work I was doing and we made the decision that I would step away from my work And we were pretty safe by it.
maybe read the book along with me and it was a total money makeover is what we got into and we got gazelle intense we knocked out consumer debt very very quickly and then we went on autopilot for a little while with a 15-year mortgage and I was actually very unhappy with the work I was doing and we made the decision that I would step away from my work And we were pretty safe by it.
We had a fully funded emergency fund. And, you know, at the time, economy was booming. And I also was getting offers from headhunters every week. So I was like, this is great. And so on January 31st, 2020, I left my job. Oh, God. Something happened with the entire world almost immediately after that. You have the worst possible timing.
We had a fully funded emergency fund. And, you know, at the time, economy was booming. And I also was getting offers from headhunters every week. So I was like, this is great. And so on January 31st, 2020, I left my job. Oh, God. Something happened with the entire world almost immediately after that. You have the worst possible timing.
To the whole world at that point.
To the whole world at that point.
I just, all the time, Saturday morning, I'm looking at the Ramsey mortgage payoff calculator. And like, you know, if we threw an extra this on it- threw this on him, and three years later, knocked it out.
I just, all the time, Saturday morning, I'm looking at the Ramsey mortgage payoff calculator. And like, you know, if we threw an extra this on it- threw this on him, and three years later, knocked it out.
Way to go. How does it feel to be free?
Way to go. How does it feel to be free?
Oregon City, which is just south of Portland.
Oregon City, which is just south of Portland.
Portland, Oregon.
Portland, Oregon.
I'm in real estate. I manage commercial properties.
I'm in real estate. I manage commercial properties.
You were normal.
You were normal.
And he brought it home. He set up the budget meetings. We stayed firm on the budget. We set up the every dollar budget and just really followed it through the process.
And he brought it home. He set up the budget meetings. We stayed firm on the budget. We set up the every dollar budget and just really followed it through the process.
You know, we kind of struggled with our OpCon meetings. We called them OpCon meetings because it just was quicker. OpCon. OpCon. Operational Confab. More fun way to say it than a budget meeting. Yeah. So... We turned it into, you know, how are we going to look this month? We set out our schedules. What are our priorities? Do we have family meals? Do we have, you know, bigger expenses?
You know, we kind of struggled with our OpCon meetings. We called them OpCon meetings because it just was quicker. OpCon. OpCon. Operational Confab. More fun way to say it than a budget meeting. Yeah. So... We turned it into, you know, how are we going to look this month? We set out our schedules. What are our priorities? Do we have family meals? Do we have, you know, bigger expenses?
Do we have work expenses? We have meetings that will keep us out late night sometimes. And just really prioritized what was important to us at the time, which was paying off our debt, but also being able to live like no one else so we can live like no one else. And so trim the fat on our budget, cut out, you know, Starbucks restaurants, the non necessities and really paid off our debt.
Do we have work expenses? We have meetings that will keep us out late night sometimes. And just really prioritized what was important to us at the time, which was paying off our debt, but also being able to live like no one else so we can live like no one else. And so trim the fat on our budget, cut out, you know, Starbucks restaurants, the non necessities and really paid off our debt.
You know, it was quick and easy, but yeah.
You know, it was quick and easy, but yeah.
no no 24 months no for now yeah exactly but it was it was great it was wonderful experience to communicate and go through this experience as a married couple as a young married couple and do the hard things so we can do hard things later and we prove to ourself that we can communicate we can be prescriptive in in what we want and do the hard thing
no no 24 months no for now yeah exactly but it was it was great it was wonderful experience to communicate and go through this experience as a married couple as a young married couple and do the hard things so we can do hard things later and we prove to ourself that we can communicate we can be prescriptive in in what we want and do the hard thing
Yeah. We were very intentional on these are the large expenses this month, be it, you know, be it infertility treatments, be it doctor's appointments, be it, you know, he's got a car repair. You know, we set those priorities early in the month. So we set our budget according to that. So we knew we had to prioritize. Here's our debt. Here's our big payment. And here's what we can do elsewhere.
Yeah. We were very intentional on these are the large expenses this month, be it, you know, be it infertility treatments, be it doctor's appointments, be it, you know, he's got a car repair. You know, we set those priorities early in the month. So we set our budget according to that. So we knew we had to prioritize. Here's our debt. Here's our big payment. And here's what we can do elsewhere.
And, you know, we changed our habits. We no longer ate out. We had game night. We found a new recipe online and we cooked together. We did a lot of meal prepping. That was kind of a natural thing that I did, but I brought it into our relationship to cut out going out, going out and eating lunch out. Interesting.
And, you know, we changed our habits. We no longer ate out. We had game night. We found a new recipe online and we cooked together. We did a lot of meal prepping. That was kind of a natural thing that I did, but I brought it into our relationship to cut out going out, going out and eating lunch out. Interesting.
No, we had to cut out family travels. My family's not close by. So going to see my family meant, you know, $1,000 a plane ride. And so we had to say no a couple of times and say, you know what, this just isn't the budget. And our parents were very supportive. They said, you know, we know you have those priorities. We still want to bring you out. You know, we'll cover your flight this season. Okay.
No, we had to cut out family travels. My family's not close by. So going to see my family meant, you know, $1,000 a plane ride. And so we had to say no a couple of times and say, you know what, this just isn't the budget. And our parents were very supportive. They said, you know, we know you have those priorities. We still want to bring you out. You know, we'll cover your flight this season. Okay.
And you learned that adults don't need gifts. Yeah. That's great. Yeah. Firsthand. Yeah. They survived. Yeah. Yeah. And we changed our, a lot of our habits, you know, eating out is kind of just, it's a luxury nowadays. And on occasion he works late, I work late. So food is just, you need food, but it didn't have to be, you know, a hundred dollars a pop restaurant. I know that's right.
And you learned that adults don't need gifts. Yeah. That's great. Yeah. Firsthand. Yeah. They survived. Yeah. Yeah. And we changed our, a lot of our habits, you know, eating out is kind of just, it's a luxury nowadays. And on occasion he works late, I work late. So food is just, you need food, but it didn't have to be, you know, a hundred dollars a pop restaurant. I know that's right.
We, we changed it and we, we put it in the budget cause we knew it was a necessity of just how we live our lives, but we didn't make it the only way to live our lives.
We, we changed it and we, we put it in the budget cause we knew it was a necessity of just how we live our lives, but we didn't make it the only way to live our lives.
They were hard. They were not the easiest thing. He works differently mentally than I do. So I'm the planner. I do month calendaring ahead and here's what we have planned. He's the analytical mind who likes the data, that likes the budgeting. So while he's coding things, I'm looking at the budget and thinking, okay, well, we have the family dinner. We have X's birthday. So it worked.
They were hard. They were not the easiest thing. He works differently mentally than I do. So I'm the planner. I do month calendaring ahead and here's what we have planned. He's the analytical mind who likes the data, that likes the budgeting. So while he's coding things, I'm looking at the budget and thinking, okay, well, we have the family dinner. We have X's birthday. So it worked.
We had to change it.
We had to change it.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Okay.
Okay.
Yes, sir. I'm here.
Yes, sir. I'm here.
Well, in 2012, my dad passed away suddenly from cancer. I'm sorry. And he didn't have a very concise will put together. He had directives. Um, when he died, he was taking care of his mother, um, who was suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's six months after he died, she died. And that left everything that was supposed to go to kids and grandkids and cousins, um, kind of up in the air.
Well, in 2012, my dad passed away suddenly from cancer. I'm sorry. And he didn't have a very concise will put together. He had directives. Um, when he died, he was taking care of his mother, um, who was suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's six months after he died, she died. And that left everything that was supposed to go to kids and grandkids and cousins, um, kind of up in the air.
And then eventually everything was in my aunt's name. Um, so, um,
And then eventually everything was in my aunt's name. Um, so, um,
yeah so how now the the good how did it end up in her name probate she was the deciding that no no probate no probate somehow we skated by probate nobody was arguing about anything my aunt happened to be the last surviving child and it just it just went everything into my aunt's name because my dad's will was not in good shape um but my my grandmother's was um but she died after my dad.
yeah so how now the the good how did it end up in her name probate she was the deciding that no no probate no probate somehow we skated by probate nobody was arguing about anything my aunt happened to be the last surviving child and it just it just went everything into my aunt's name because my dad's will was not in good shape um but my my grandmother's was um but she died after my dad.
So nothing went to him. So I, um, am in a position now to where like I'm the only person who has a steady job out of my siblings. Um, and I'm trying to get my siblings and my cousins together cause my, my aunt's husband is also dead. It was just my aunt and she's kind of going into a little bit of a mental decline. My siblings are okay. Everybody knows who's supposed to get what. From the aunt?
So nothing went to him. So I, um, am in a position now to where like I'm the only person who has a steady job out of my siblings. Um, and I'm trying to get my siblings and my cousins together cause my, my aunt's husband is also dead. It was just my aunt and she's kind of going into a little bit of a mental decline. My siblings are okay. Everybody knows who's supposed to get what. From the aunt?
From my cousins. Yeah, from the aunt. Because she's okay with everybody getting what they were supposed to get in the beginning.
From my cousins. Yeah, from the aunt. Because she's okay with everybody getting what they were supposed to get in the beginning.
The cousins, nobody's arguing about anything that they're supposed to get.
The cousins, nobody's arguing about anything that they're supposed to get.
Correct. Okay. So what we've got, this is the biggest struggle, is my aunt's two children... The only bicker is over her own personal effects that she had and her husband had. Not about the properties, nothing that anything my grandmother had. They're fighting over those things, and it's making it difficult for any of the rest of us to get a regular will set up.
Correct. Okay. So what we've got, this is the biggest struggle, is my aunt's two children... The only bicker is over her own personal effects that she had and her husband had. Not about the properties, nothing that anything my grandmother had. They're fighting over those things, and it's making it difficult for any of the rest of us to get a regular will set up.
Okay, so I'm going to be, I'm collecting rent on two homes. There's no mortgages. Everything's paid for. There's no mortgages. I'm collecting rent on two together. They're about $375,000. And those are to become yours? Yes. Yeah.
Okay, so I'm going to be, I'm collecting rent on two homes. There's no mortgages. Everything's paid for. There's no mortgages. I'm collecting rent on two together. They're about $375,000. And those are to become yours? Yes. Yeah.
Yes, I have.
Yes, I have.
She is reluctant to go along with it unless her two kids agree on what... It's supposed to be divided that was my aunt's and her husband's.
She is reluctant to go along with it unless her two kids agree on what... It's supposed to be divided that was my aunt's and her husband's.
Everything's in the aunt's name.
Everything's in the aunt's name.
And that's my struggle. No, you are.
And that's my struggle. No, you are.
That's what we're struggling to do. Do you have, like, any suggestions and, like, how to speak to them in such a manner, because headlocks won't work. They're a bunch of hillbillies. We all are, actually.
That's what we're struggling to do. Do you have, like, any suggestions and, like, how to speak to them in such a manner, because headlocks won't work. They're a bunch of hillbillies. We all are, actually.
Okay, so if that was to occur, would there be some sort of net gain tax?
Okay, so if that was to occur, would there be some sort of net gain tax?
And that's how it's been.
And that's how it's been.
I'm doing well. Thank you, sir.
I'm doing well. Thank you, sir.
So my wife and I are in our early 40s. We're about to turn 43 and 41, respectively. She just had our fourth child last year, and during the pregnancy, she started having severe mobility issues. After she gave birth, the mobility issues did not improve, and her MRI results show significant damage to her back and hips, and she's in severe pain most days. She is having to use canes in order to walk.
So my wife and I are in our early 40s. We're about to turn 43 and 41, respectively. She just had our fourth child last year, and during the pregnancy, she started having severe mobility issues. After she gave birth, the mobility issues did not improve, and her MRI results show significant damage to her back and hips, and she's in severe pain most days. She is having to use canes in order to walk.
At this point, she's barely able to do the stairs to get up to our master bedroom.
At this point, she's barely able to do the stairs to get up to our master bedroom.
So there's some significantly invasive surgeries for the back. The doctors do not want to have to do that. So they're going to try injections first to see if that helps at all. But for the hips, she's definitely going to end up having to do surgeries at some point. At this point, it looks like she's going to have one and a half to two years of recovery time after just the hip surgeries.
So there's some significantly invasive surgeries for the back. The doctors do not want to have to do that. So they're going to try injections first to see if that helps at all. But for the hips, she's definitely going to end up having to do surgeries at some point. At this point, it looks like she's going to have one and a half to two years of recovery time after just the hip surgeries.
We're hoping to get those done later this year. Is there a bedroom on the first floor? There's not. That's our problem. Currently, we have a three-bedroom house. All three bedrooms are upstairs. We have two offices on the main floor, one of which we've converted into a bedroom for our 17-year-old. We've looked at moving. We've looked at trying to do remodels. We've looked at
We're hoping to get those done later this year. Is there a bedroom on the first floor? There's not. That's our problem. Currently, we have a three-bedroom house. All three bedrooms are upstairs. We have two offices on the main floor, one of which we've converted into a bedroom for our 17-year-old. We've looked at moving. We've looked at trying to do remodels. We've looked at
potentially adding a residential elevator. All of these are either going to increase our debt.
potentially adding a residential elevator. All of these are either going to increase our debt.
So we bought it for 320. We currently owe about 245 left on it.
So we bought it for 320. We currently owe about 245 left on it.
We could sell it roughly for 500.
We could sell it roughly for 500.
Right. And then... My problem is I feel like we're going to just be throwing our equity out the window.
Right. And then... My problem is I feel like we're going to just be throwing our equity out the window.
So that's my other concern is we did go and look to get pre-approved and even selling our house for 500,000, taking the money we make off of it, paying off the one student loan of 45,000 that we have left and taking the difference, putting it towards the next house. They're only approved for 200,000 in order to maintain the current payment that we have of about 2000 a month.
So that's my other concern is we did go and look to get pre-approved and even selling our house for 500,000, taking the money we make off of it, paying off the one student loan of 45,000 that we have left and taking the difference, putting it towards the next house. They're only approved for 200,000 in order to maintain the current payment that we have of about 2000 a month.
So even selling our house for $500,000, we're going to end up being able to afford less house.
So even selling our house for $500,000, we're going to end up being able to afford less house.
We only have 4.125%.
We only have 4.125%.
I am not, no. Well, did she? I don't know who I am.
I am not, no. Well, did she? I don't know who I am.
Currently, we owe about $240,000. Okay, so give or take, you have $250,000 in equity, not counting expenses.
Currently, we owe about $240,000. Okay, so give or take, you have $250,000 in equity, not counting expenses.
That's what I was looking to do. Yeah, that's pretty simple. Temporarily move us downstairs and then move him upstairs.
That's what I was looking to do. Yeah, that's pretty simple. Temporarily move us downstairs and then move him upstairs.
We're both heavier. Yes.
We're both heavier. Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
I'm sorry. She's a doctor of physical therapy, so she's been trying to help herself.
I'm sorry. She's a doctor of physical therapy, so she's been trying to help herself.
Yeah, yeah. Joe.
Yeah, yeah. Joe.
How are y'all doing?
How are y'all doing?
Yeah, we're glad you're here.
Yeah, we're glad you're here.
You sound like y'all always got it together, son. Just need your help thinking I'm supposed to get married here in a couple weeks. Congrats. Thanks, there. But yikes, kind of. And it has mainly to do with kids. I've got
You sound like y'all always got it together, son. Just need your help thinking I'm supposed to get married here in a couple weeks. Congrats. Thanks, there. But yikes, kind of. And it has mainly to do with kids. I've got
kids and how my new wife interacts i guess the question being how much does my new wife have say so into how i uh raise my kids uh spend money on my kids and that type of thing because it's really i'm really kind of struggling with it all right real quick question because i i my colleague is loaded up ready to go um i i i want to know this how long have you two been dating
kids and how my new wife interacts i guess the question being how much does my new wife have say so into how i uh raise my kids uh spend money on my kids and that type of thing because it's really i'm really kind of struggling with it all right real quick question because i i my colleague is loaded up ready to go um i i i want to know this how long have you two been dating
She's 16, but for example, like when the subject comes up, and I don't like saying this, and I know it's probably wrong, but I say I'm a dad first if you make me choose. Is that a wrong thing to say? Yes.
She's 16, but for example, like when the subject comes up, and I don't like saying this, and I know it's probably wrong, but I say I'm a dad first if you make me choose. Is that a wrong thing to say? Yes.
She's nice to my kids. That's not it. But we're kind of different when things come up like, well, I go, well, if they're 22, they're going to be on their own. I'm like, well, yeah, but I sure hope so, but. what if something happens and they need to move back in, you know, that kind of thing. Again, those, those things come up or do you, are you,
She's nice to my kids. That's not it. But we're kind of different when things come up like, well, I go, well, if they're 22, they're going to be on their own. I'm like, well, yeah, but I sure hope so, but. what if something happens and they need to move back in, you know, that kind of thing. Again, those, those things come up or do you, are you,
Are you going to pay for their master's degrees too instead of us going to Hawaii for vacation? So I'm like, wait a minute.
Are you going to pay for their master's degrees too instead of us going to Hawaii for vacation? So I'm like, wait a minute.
No, but I can't move it. It's not moving, so. You know what?
No, but I can't move it. It's not moving, so. You know what?
Wow. And your range of income during that time? $144,000 to $177,000. Nice jump in one year. Oh, yeah. What do you guys do for a living? I work for the United States Postal Service. Mm-hmm.
Wow. And your range of income during that time? $144,000 to $177,000. Nice jump in one year. Oh, yeah. What do you guys do for a living? I work for the United States Postal Service. Mm-hmm.
Awesome. Way to go, guys. What kind of debt was the 113? Two auto loans and student debt loans. Ah, most of it student. Yes.
Awesome. Way to go, guys. What kind of debt was the 113? Two auto loans and student debt loans. Ah, most of it student. Yes.
Oh yeah. I listened to the book on the way to work and then just got hooked and there it was.
Oh yeah. I listened to the book on the way to work and then just got hooked and there it was.
Whoa. Yeah.
Whoa. Yeah.
I fit myself into it most days. Makes a couple of folds. Yeah, it does. Just a little bit.
I fit myself into it most days. Makes a couple of folds. Yeah, it does. Just a little bit.
Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah. Way off the charts. It's over in a blink of an eye. You're debt free.
Yeah. Way off the charts. It's over in a blink of an eye. You're debt free.
100%.
100%.
Yeah, and that's exactly what it is. It's just like, we can do anything now. It's a very come at me bro mentality. Very much so, yeah. Good for you guys. Well done. Thank you.
Yeah, and that's exactly what it is. It's just like, we can do anything now. It's a very come at me bro mentality. Very much so, yeah. Good for you guys. Well done. Thank you.
Amazing. Yeah, just amazing. It just felt so like you don't feel like how bogged down you are by the debt until it's gone. What was the biggest sacrifice, the hardest thing? Getting rid of the Gladiator? Yeah, that was probably it.
Amazing. Yeah, just amazing. It just felt so like you don't feel like how bogged down you are by the debt until it's gone. What was the biggest sacrifice, the hardest thing? Getting rid of the Gladiator? Yeah, that was probably it.
Yeah, a little bit of a different feel. But none of those people in that line are paying your bills.
Yeah, a little bit of a different feel. But none of those people in that line are paying your bills.
I have to remind myself that. I'm like, hey, you know what? I don't need that payment. This car gets me an A to B. Well, and you're sitting in that line looking and you're going, and you got a payment. And you got a payment.
I have to remind myself that. I'm like, hey, you know what? I don't need that payment. This car gets me an A to B. Well, and you're sitting in that line looking and you're going, and you got a payment. And you got a payment.
Yeah. It's very cool.
Yeah. It's very cool.
I just run it till the wheels fall off. I travel for work a little bit. So I'm like, it gets great gas mileage. So I'm just going to keep it. And I'm like, hey, it's paid for. So yeah.
I just run it till the wheels fall off. I travel for work a little bit. So I'm like, it gets great gas mileage. So I'm just going to keep it. And I'm like, hey, it's paid for. So yeah.
What a peaceful way to live. Oh, yeah. Yeah. That's amazing. What do you tell people the key to getting out of debt is? Just shared vision and goals. You got to have the same goals to get through it.
What a peaceful way to live. Oh, yeah. Yeah. That's amazing. What do you tell people the key to getting out of debt is? Just shared vision and goals. You got to have the same goals to get through it.
Who was cheering you on as you went? Just friends and family.
Who was cheering you on as you went? Just friends and family.
She is nine. And this is Jane. She's seven. All right. Beautiful.
She is nine. And this is Jane. She's seven. All right. Beautiful.
$30,000.
$30,000.
You sound like y'all always got it together, sonny. Just need your help thinking I'm supposed to get married here in a couple weeks.
You sound like y'all always got it together, sonny. Just need your help thinking I'm supposed to get married here in a couple weeks.
Thanks, sir. But yikes, kind of. And it has mainly to do with kids. I've got kids and how my new wife interacts. I guess the question being, how much does my new wife have say so into how I raise my kids, spend money on my kids, and that type of thing. Cause it's really, I'm really kind of struggling with it.
Thanks, sir. But yikes, kind of. And it has mainly to do with kids. I've got kids and how my new wife interacts. I guess the question being, how much does my new wife have say so into how I raise my kids, spend money on my kids, and that type of thing. Cause it's really, I'm really kind of struggling with it.
There's enough. I knew the answer to that.
There's enough. I knew the answer to that.
How old are the kids? They're not young, and so I got two in college. I have one that's a teenager.
How old are the kids? They're not young, and so I got two in college. I have one that's a teenager.
She's 16, but... For example, like when the subject comes up, and I don't like saying this, and I know it's probably wrong, but I say I'm a dad first if you make me choose. Is that a wrong thing to say? Yes.
She's 16, but... For example, like when the subject comes up, and I don't like saying this, and I know it's probably wrong, but I say I'm a dad first if you make me choose. Is that a wrong thing to say? Yes.
She's nice to my kids. That's not it. But we're kind of different when things come up like, well, I go, well, if they're 22, they're going to be on their own. I'm like, well, yeah, but I sure hope so, but. what if something happens and they need to move back in, you know, again, those, those things come up or do you, are you,
She's nice to my kids. That's not it. But we're kind of different when things come up like, well, I go, well, if they're 22, they're going to be on their own. I'm like, well, yeah, but I sure hope so, but. what if something happens and they need to move back in, you know, again, those, those things come up or do you, are you,
Are you going to pay for their master's degrees, too, instead of us going to Hawaii for vacation? So I'm like, wait a minute.
Are you going to pay for their master's degrees, too, instead of us going to Hawaii for vacation? So I'm like, wait a minute.
No, but I can't move it. It's not moving, so.
No, but I can't move it. It's not moving, so.
Thank you. I appreciate it. How are you guys doing?
Thank you. I appreciate it. How are you guys doing?
fantastic so i had a quick question so my wife and i are expecting our first child in december congratulations soon i appreciate that christmas she's real pregnant huh yeah she's very pregnant you're getting a baby john we are not boo it's a girl it's a girl so rachel feels right you know like like in the 80s rachel nicole you know rachel or nicole that's I love that.
fantastic so i had a quick question so my wife and i are expecting our first child in december congratulations soon i appreciate that christmas she's real pregnant huh yeah she's very pregnant you're getting a baby john we are not boo it's a girl it's a girl so rachel feels right you know like like in the 80s rachel nicole you know rachel or nicole that's I love that.
But yeah, so we are trying to figure out what our work life is going to look like. Just a little bit of context. I own two small businesses. I work from home, very flexible life. My wife works a normal nine to five job that she's not thrilled with. So I think it's a really good time for her to kind of take a break, take a little reset and kind of see how everything goes.
But yeah, so we are trying to figure out what our work life is going to look like. Just a little bit of context. I own two small businesses. I work from home, very flexible life. My wife works a normal nine to five job that she's not thrilled with. So I think it's a really good time for her to kind of take a break, take a little reset and kind of see how everything goes.
And then, you know, jump back into work if she feels like she wants to. And so she doesn't feel the same way. We're kind of going back and forth about it. She goes. She goes, call the Ramsey show. I dare you. Get on the Ramsey show. So I'm like, you know what? I will get on the Ramsey show. Okay, Matthew.
And then, you know, jump back into work if she feels like she wants to. And so she doesn't feel the same way. We're kind of going back and forth about it. She goes. She goes, call the Ramsey show. I dare you. Get on the Ramsey show. So I'm like, you know what? I will get on the Ramsey show. Okay, Matthew.
Does she want to work? Yeah. She wants to work. She's been working since she was 14, but she doesn't love what she does. So I just think it's just a good time in our life. I think we're really set up where she's able to take a small break and then jump back in if she wants to go back to work.
Does she want to work? Yeah. She wants to work. She's been working since she was 14, but she doesn't love what she does. So I just think it's just a good time in our life. I think we're really set up where she's able to take a small break and then jump back in if she wants to go back to work.
A thousand percent. I mean, you hit the nail on the head. It definitely stems from, you know, her mom was a breadwinner of her family. And so she's used to that. You said, you know, the woman working in the home where I came from a household, my mom was a stay-at-home mom. And that's kind of what I'm used to.
A thousand percent. I mean, you hit the nail on the head. It definitely stems from, you know, her mom was a breadwinner of her family. And so she's used to that. You said, you know, the woman working in the home where I came from a household, my mom was a stay-at-home mom. And that's kind of what I'm used to.
So, but yeah, I mean, if she wants to go back to work, obviously I would not make her, you know, not work. Obviously she's, you know, she could do whatever she wants and we can obviously use any income we can get, but I just feel like.
So, but yeah, I mean, if she wants to go back to work, obviously I would not make her, you know, not work. Obviously she's, you know, she could do whatever she wants and we can obviously use any income we can get, but I just feel like.
Yeah, she does get three months off. So we do have that three month window. And yeah. So, I mean, like you said, the 90 days, that makes a lot of sense. So maybe she could stay home, the leave, see how it goes, you know, but just talking to peers and friends, they're all just like, I wish I had so much more time.
Yeah, she does get three months off. So we do have that three month window. And yeah. So, I mean, like you said, the 90 days, that makes a lot of sense. So maybe she could stay home, the leave, see how it goes, you know, but just talking to peers and friends, they're all just like, I wish I had so much more time.
Okay, so just keep it fluid. Obviously, keep communication up. See how the lead goes. But don't use proxy wars. Don't use proxy.
Okay, so just keep it fluid. Obviously, keep communication up. See how the lead goes. But don't use proxy wars. Don't use proxy.
Sorry about that. Not much. Um, long story short, I graduated college a year ago. I've been working at a pretty big corporation for the past year. Um, they notified me a few weeks ago that I'm getting laid off in March. And, um, in the meantime, I've actually gotten a job offer in Dubai and I was wondering,
Sorry about that. Not much. Um, long story short, I graduated college a year ago. I've been working at a pretty big corporation for the past year. Um, they notified me a few weeks ago that I'm getting laid off in March. And, um, in the meantime, I've actually gotten a job offer in Dubai and I was wondering,
If I should take this offer, you know, worst case scenario, I stay out there for a few years and I don't have to pay any tax and just use that extra money that I'm not having to pay in tax as like a wealth building opportunity.
If I should take this offer, you know, worst case scenario, I stay out there for a few years and I don't have to pay any tax and just use that extra money that I'm not having to pay in tax as like a wealth building opportunity.
No, no, it's actually, so I'm in a logistics role right now and this would be a sales role.
No, no, it's actually, so I'm in a logistics role right now and this would be a sales role.
No, I haven't.
No, I haven't.
The base pay is almost the exact same as what I'm making now. And then there'd be bonuses on top of that. And they said eventually they would like to try to make me a partner at the company. It was started by an American a few years ago in Dubai.
The base pay is almost the exact same as what I'm making now. And then there'd be bonuses on top of that. And they said eventually they would like to try to make me a partner at the company. It was started by an American a few years ago in Dubai.
I actually met this guy in college at a bar a few years ago, and he knows I'm really interested in Middle Eastern politics, and I like to read and stuff. So he actually called me and said that this company was trying to bring in Westerners to represent them and work on a lot of their deals. And so he had me in mind and just gave me a call.
I actually met this guy in college at a bar a few years ago, and he knows I'm really interested in Middle Eastern politics, and I like to read and stuff. So he actually called me and said that this company was trying to bring in Westerners to represent them and work on a lot of their deals. And so he had me in mind and just gave me a call.
And it was just purely coincidence that I'd just been laid off.
And it was just purely coincidence that I'd just been laid off.
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, just... I feel like saving the money alone from having to pay 0% tax.
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, just... I feel like saving the money alone from having to pay 0% tax.
Yeah. I mean, I've been looking into it. So pretty much the main stipulations are I have to stay out of the U.S.,
Yeah. I mean, I've been looking into it. So pretty much the main stipulations are I have to stay out of the U.S.,
for um 32 days or less uh-huh um once i stay once i'm in the u.s for more than 32 days i'll have to pay tax right right right um and then also if i make more than 114 000 i'll have to pay uh income tax in the united states okay so that was my that was my question so your start is is 114 you're starting or is it a little less than that No, so the actual base is 72.
for um 32 days or less uh-huh um once i stay once i'm in the u.s for more than 32 days i'll have to pay tax right right right um and then also if i make more than 114 000 i'll have to pay uh income tax in the united states okay so that was my that was my question so your start is is 114 you're starting or is it a little less than that No, so the actual base is 72.
My current job that I'm getting laid off from, I'm making 74.6. And then with bonuses, last year I ended up making about 86.
My current job that I'm getting laid off from, I'm making 74.6. And then with bonuses, last year I ended up making about 86.
Yeah, absolutely. So I've been using like different programs, talking to different people. Obviously, like if I live in the Dubai Marina area, like where the Burj Khalifa is, everyone knows that's going to be more expensive. But actually in like the suburbs area, it's pretty comparable to Nashville. It's not a little cheaper. And then from what I've heard,
Yeah, absolutely. So I've been using like different programs, talking to different people. Obviously, like if I live in the Dubai Marina area, like where the Burj Khalifa is, everyone knows that's going to be more expensive. But actually in like the suburbs area, it's pretty comparable to Nashville. It's not a little cheaper. And then from what I've heard,
And what I'm reading online is, is things like insurance are significantly cheaper, uh, food costs, that type of thing. Just your day to day expenses are significantly cheaper. And the program I used was Numbeo. And it's on average, Dubai is about 14% cheaper than living in Metro Nashville.
And what I'm reading online is, is things like insurance are significantly cheaper, uh, food costs, that type of thing. Just your day to day expenses are significantly cheaper. And the program I used was Numbeo. And it's on average, Dubai is about 14% cheaper than living in Metro Nashville.
I mean, with the way I understand the permanent residency in Dubai, while I'm in that process, which takes about six months, I'll pretty much have to stay there for that six months. But after that, I would be free to go whenever.
I mean, with the way I understand the permanent residency in Dubai, while I'm in that process, which takes about six months, I'll pretty much have to stay there for that six months. But after that, I would be free to go whenever.
So I sort of have like one question. So I'm not like an avid watcher of the Ramsey show, but I see a lot of clips online where you guys talk about mutual funds and investing in mutual funds. I was wondering, why do you recommend mutual funds over index funds?
So I sort of have like one question. So I'm not like an avid watcher of the Ramsey show, but I see a lot of clips online where you guys talk about mutual funds and investing in mutual funds. I was wondering, why do you recommend mutual funds over index funds?
21.
21.
Yeah, I've been investing since I was 15. Oh, my goodness. Dude, that's amazing. Who taught you that? My dad taught me a little bit, and I read about it.
Yeah, I've been investing since I was 15. Oh, my goodness. Dude, that's amazing. Who taught you that? My dad taught me a little bit, and I read about it.
That's awesome.
That's awesome.
So I was doing, like, mostly index funds, but... I like to play around, do some stock picks, but obviously not a big portion of my portfolio goes towards that.
So I was doing, like, mostly index funds, but... I like to play around, do some stock picks, but obviously not a big portion of my portfolio goes towards that.
Yeah, I'm in marketing.
Yeah, I'm in marketing.
Probably like 25, 30%.
Probably like 25, 30%.
No. I still live with my mom at home.
No. I still live with my mom at home.
Yeah.
Yeah.
No, I use a Roth IRA.
No, I use a Roth IRA.
I just put in a regular brokerage.
I just put in a regular brokerage.
Yeah. I mean, one thing that's sort of important to note is that mutual funds sort of have built-in fees, right? You know what I mean? Correct. There's built-in fees.
Yeah. I mean, one thing that's sort of important to note is that mutual funds sort of have built-in fees, right? You know what I mean? Correct. There's built-in fees.
Yeah, exactly.
Yeah, exactly.
Do you look for specifics in a mutual fund to try to hit those funds? Because I know 80% of mutual funds don't beat the market.
Do you look for specifics in a mutual fund to try to hit those funds? Because I know 80% of mutual funds don't beat the market.
Wait, over how long?
Wait, over how long?
Right, but why are you looking at a 12-month period versus like, you know, decades?
Right, but why are you looking at a 12-month period versus like, you know, decades?
What do you look for in a mutual fund, though?
What do you look for in a mutual fund, though?
Good. But, um, isn't that sort of, um, inevitable? I mean, if, if a mutual fund has a 30 year history with one manager and I'm 21 and I want to invest for another 30 years, you know, Isn't there pretty much a guarantee that the fund manager is going to change the fund management team?
Good. But, um, isn't that sort of, um, inevitable? I mean, if, if a mutual fund has a 30 year history with one manager and I'm 21 and I want to invest for another 30 years, you know, Isn't there pretty much a guarantee that the fund manager is going to change the fund management team?
I'm doing well. Thank you, sir.
So my wife and I are in our early 40s. We're about to turn 43 and 41, respectively. She just had our fourth child last year, and during the pregnancy, she started having severe mobility issues. After she gave birth, the mobility issues did not improve, and her MRI results show significant damage to her back and hips, and she's in severe pain most days. She is having to use canes in order to walk.
At this point, she's barely able to do the stairs to get up to our master bedroom.
So there's some significantly invasive surgeries for the back. The doctors do not want to have to do that. So they're going to try injections first to see if that helps at all. But for the hips, she's definitely going to end up having to do surgeries at some point. At this point, it looks like she's going to have one and a half to two years of recovery time after just the hip surgeries.
We're hoping to get those done later this year. Is there a bedroom on the first floor? There's not. That's our problem. Currently, we have a three-bedroom house. All three bedrooms are upstairs. We have two offices on the main floor, one of which we've converted into a bedroom for our 17-year-old. We've looked at moving. We've looked at trying to do remodels. We've looked at
potentially adding a residential elevator. All of these are either going to increase our debt.
So we bought it for 320. We currently owe about 245 left on it.
We could sell it roughly for 500.
Right. And then... My problem is I feel like we're going to just be throwing our equity out the window.
So that's my other concern is we did go and look to get pre-approved and even selling our house for 500,000, taking the money we make off of it, paying off the one student loan of 45,000 that we have left and taking the difference, putting it towards the next house. They're only approved for 200,000 in order to maintain the current payment that we have of about 2000 a month.
So even selling our house for $500,000, we're going to end up being able to afford less house.
We only have 4.125%.
I am not, no. Well, did she? I don't know who I am.
Currently, we owe about $240,000. Okay, so give or take, you have $250,000 in equity, not counting expenses.
That's what I was looking to do. Yeah, that's pretty simple. Temporarily move us downstairs and then move him upstairs.
We're both heavier. Yes.
Yes.
I'm sorry. She's a doctor of physical therapy, so she's been trying to help herself.
Yeah, looking for some advice here. I've been in my job for about two years now and just really burning out. Not sure if I should take time off and then go back to the job or should just completely quit and figure out, you know, what truly makes me happy if it's a different industry or a different job in general. You know, made around $157,000 last year. I'm 25 years old.
I think one, just not really believing in the product, and two, being ADHD, if I don't truly enjoy it, I have a time limit before I just hate it.
Yeah, could be that as well.
Yeah. I mean, that's what I'm afraid of because, you know, you know, I've always thought about that since, you know, I had my IEP in fourth grade, like, is this going to be like something that happens constantly or is it, you know, I just got to keep changing until I find what I truly like. So, um, You know, it's something I think about every day.
Maybe I'm just, you know, being a wuss and I should just muck it up and keep going or, you know, maybe taking time off to, like, figure out if it truly is that or if it's, you know, more of the burnout side.
Yeah, I mean, similar work probably, you know, 60 hours a week just because it is a tougher job.
Yeah, because for the first year and a half, like, top performer, I liked the product better then.
Yeah, well, so, like, the first year, year and a half, I was selling different products, and then I changed teams, and now I'm on this team. I just, like, the reason why I don't believe it is because there isn't enough data out there to figure out, okay, is that truly... Working, plus it's expensive and it's a big commitment, and so that's where my trouble is. Okay.
So can you go back to the old product? No, I mean, you have to, you can't. Our company doesn't do that. Okay.
Yeah, of course. Do you quickly, yeah. Do you think it's, Why is it take some time off travel for a couple of months and then come back to her or should I have my next role lined up?
Oregon City, which is just south of Portland.
Portland, Oregon.
I'm in real estate. I manage commercial properties.
You were normal.
And he brought it home. He set up the budget meetings. We stayed firm on the budget. We set up the every dollar budget and just really followed it through the process.
You know, we kind of struggled with our OpCon meetings. We called them OpCon meetings because it just was quicker. OpCon. OpCon. Operational Confab. More fun way to say it than a budget meeting. Yeah. So... We turned it into, you know, how are we going to look this month? We set out our schedules. What are our priorities? Do we have family meals? Do we have, you know, bigger expenses?
Do we have work expenses? We have meetings that will keep us out late night sometimes. And just really prioritized what was important to us at the time, which was paying off our debt, but also being able to live like no one else so we can live like no one else. And so trim the fat on our budget, cut out, you know, Starbucks restaurants, the non necessities and really paid off our debt.
You know, it was quick and easy, but yeah.
no no 24 months no for now yeah exactly but it was it was great it was wonderful experience to communicate and go through this experience as a married couple as a young married couple and do the hard things so we can do hard things later and we prove to ourself that we can communicate we can be prescriptive in in what we want and do the hard thing
Yeah. We were very intentional on these are the large expenses this month, be it, you know, be it infertility treatments, be it doctor's appointments, be it, you know, he's got a car repair. You know, we set those priorities early in the month. So we set our budget according to that. So we knew we had to prioritize. Here's our debt. Here's our big payment. And here's what we can do elsewhere.
And, you know, we changed our habits. We no longer ate out. We had game night. We found a new recipe online and we cooked together. We did a lot of meal prepping. That was kind of a natural thing that I did, but I brought it into our relationship to cut out going out, going out and eating lunch out. Interesting.
No, we had to cut out family travels. My family's not close by. So going to see my family meant, you know, $1,000 a plane ride. And so we had to say no a couple of times and say, you know what, this just isn't the budget. And our parents were very supportive. They said, you know, we know you have those priorities. We still want to bring you out. You know, we'll cover your flight this season. Okay.
And you learned that adults don't need gifts. Yeah. That's great. Yeah. Firsthand. Yeah. They survived. Yeah. Yeah. And we changed our, a lot of our habits, you know, eating out is kind of just, it's a luxury nowadays. And on occasion he works late, I work late. So food is just, you need food, but it didn't have to be, you know, a hundred dollars a pop restaurant. I know that's right.
We, we changed it and we, we put it in the budget cause we knew it was a necessity of just how we live our lives, but we didn't make it the only way to live our lives.
They were hard. They were not the easiest thing. He works differently mentally than I do. So I'm the planner. I do month calendaring ahead and here's what we have planned. He's the analytical mind who likes the data, that likes the budgeting. So while he's coding things, I'm looking at the budget and thinking, okay, well, we have the family dinner. We have X's birthday. So it worked.
We had to change it.
Yeah, yeah. Joe.
How are y'all doing?
Yeah, we're glad you're here.
You sound like y'all always got it together, son. Just need your help thinking I'm supposed to get married here in a couple weeks. Congrats. Thanks, there. But yikes, kind of. And it has mainly to do with kids. I've got
kids and how my new wife interacts i guess the question being how much does my new wife have say so into how i uh raise my kids uh spend money on my kids and that type of thing because it's really i'm really kind of struggling with it all right real quick question because i i my colleague is loaded up ready to go um i i i want to know this how long have you two been dating
She's 16, but for example, like when the subject comes up, and I don't like saying this, and I know it's probably wrong, but I say I'm a dad first if you make me choose. Is that a wrong thing to say? Yes.
She's nice to my kids. That's not it. But we're kind of different when things come up like, well, I go, well, if they're 22, they're going to be on their own. I'm like, well, yeah, but I sure hope so, but. what if something happens and they need to move back in, you know, that kind of thing. Again, those, those things come up or do you, are you,
Are you going to pay for their master's degrees too instead of us going to Hawaii for vacation? So I'm like, wait a minute.
No, but I can't move it. It's not moving, so. You know what?
So I sort of have like one question. So I'm not like an avid watcher of the Ramsey show, but I see a lot of clips online where you guys talk about mutual funds and investing in mutual funds. I was wondering, why do you recommend mutual funds over index funds?
21.
Yeah, I've been investing since I was 15. Oh, my goodness. Dude, that's amazing. Who taught you that? My dad taught me a little bit, and I read about it.
That's awesome.
So I was doing, like, mostly index funds, but... I like to play around, do some stock picks, but obviously not a big portion of my portfolio goes towards that.
Yeah, I'm in marketing.
Probably like 25, 30%.
No. I still live with my mom at home.
Yeah.
No, I use a Roth IRA.
I just put in a regular brokerage.
Yeah. I mean, one thing that's sort of important to note is that mutual funds sort of have built-in fees, right? You know what I mean? Correct. There's built-in fees.
Yeah, exactly.
Do you look for specifics in a mutual fund to try to hit those funds? Because I know 80% of mutual funds don't beat the market.
Wait, over how long?
Right, but why are you looking at a 12-month period versus like, you know, decades?
What do you look for in a mutual fund, though?
Good. But, um, isn't that sort of, um, inevitable? I mean, if, if a mutual fund has a 30 year history with one manager and I'm 21 and I want to invest for another 30 years, you know, Isn't there pretty much a guarantee that the fund manager is going to change the fund management team?
Wow. And your range of income during that time? $144,000 to $177,000. Nice jump in one year. Oh, yeah. What do you guys do for a living? I work for the United States Postal Service. Mm-hmm.
Awesome. Way to go, guys. What kind of debt was the 113? Two auto loans and student debt loans. Ah, most of it student. Yes.
Oh yeah. I listened to the book on the way to work and then just got hooked and there it was.
Whoa. Yeah.
I fit myself into it most days. Makes a couple of folds. Yeah, it does. Just a little bit.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah. Way off the charts. It's over in a blink of an eye. You're debt free.
100%.
Yeah, and that's exactly what it is. It's just like, we can do anything now. It's a very come at me bro mentality. Very much so, yeah. Good for you guys. Well done. Thank you.
Amazing. Yeah, just amazing. It just felt so like you don't feel like how bogged down you are by the debt until it's gone. What was the biggest sacrifice, the hardest thing? Getting rid of the Gladiator? Yeah, that was probably it.
Yeah, a little bit of a different feel. But none of those people in that line are paying your bills.
I have to remind myself that. I'm like, hey, you know what? I don't need that payment. This car gets me an A to B. Well, and you're sitting in that line looking and you're going, and you got a payment. And you got a payment.
Yeah. It's very cool.
I just run it till the wheels fall off. I travel for work a little bit. So I'm like, it gets great gas mileage. So I'm just going to keep it. And I'm like, hey, it's paid for. So yeah.
What a peaceful way to live. Oh, yeah. Yeah. That's amazing. What do you tell people the key to getting out of debt is? Just shared vision and goals. You got to have the same goals to get through it.
Who was cheering you on as you went? Just friends and family.
She is nine. And this is Jane. She's seven. All right. Beautiful.
Yes, sir.
Okay.
Yes, sir. I'm here.
Well, in 2012, my dad passed away suddenly from cancer. I'm sorry. And he didn't have a very concise will put together. He had directives. Um, when he died, he was taking care of his mother, um, who was suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's six months after he died, she died. And that left everything that was supposed to go to kids and grandkids and cousins, um, kind of up in the air.
And then eventually everything was in my aunt's name. Um, so, um,
yeah so how now the the good how did it end up in her name probate she was the deciding that no no probate no probate somehow we skated by probate nobody was arguing about anything my aunt happened to be the last surviving child and it just it just went everything into my aunt's name because my dad's will was not in good shape um but my my grandmother's was um but she died after my dad.
So nothing went to him. So I, um, am in a position now to where like I'm the only person who has a steady job out of my siblings. Um, and I'm trying to get my siblings and my cousins together cause my, my aunt's husband is also dead. It was just my aunt and she's kind of going into a little bit of a mental decline. My siblings are okay. Everybody knows who's supposed to get what. From the aunt?
From my cousins. Yeah, from the aunt. Because she's okay with everybody getting what they were supposed to get in the beginning.
The cousins, nobody's arguing about anything that they're supposed to get.
Correct. Okay. So what we've got, this is the biggest struggle, is my aunt's two children... The only bicker is over her own personal effects that she had and her husband had. Not about the properties, nothing that anything my grandmother had. They're fighting over those things, and it's making it difficult for any of the rest of us to get a regular will set up.
Okay, so I'm going to be, I'm collecting rent on two homes. There's no mortgages. Everything's paid for. There's no mortgages. I'm collecting rent on two together. They're about $375,000. And those are to become yours? Yes. Yeah.
Yes, I have.
She is reluctant to go along with it unless her two kids agree on what... It's supposed to be divided that was my aunt's and her husband's.
Everything's in the aunt's name.
And that's my struggle. No, you are.
That's what we're struggling to do. Do you have, like, any suggestions and, like, how to speak to them in such a manner, because headlocks won't work. They're a bunch of hillbillies. We all are, actually.
Okay, so if that was to occur, would there be some sort of net gain tax?
And that's how it's been.
Sorry about that. Not much. Um, long story short, I graduated college a year ago. I've been working at a pretty big corporation for the past year. Um, they notified me a few weeks ago that I'm getting laid off in March. And, um, in the meantime, I've actually gotten a job offer in Dubai and I was wondering,
If I should take this offer, you know, worst case scenario, I stay out there for a few years and I don't have to pay any tax and just use that extra money that I'm not having to pay in tax as like a wealth building opportunity.
No, no, it's actually, so I'm in a logistics role right now and this would be a sales role.
No, I haven't.
The base pay is almost the exact same as what I'm making now. And then there'd be bonuses on top of that. And they said eventually they would like to try to make me a partner at the company. It was started by an American a few years ago in Dubai.
I actually met this guy in college at a bar a few years ago, and he knows I'm really interested in Middle Eastern politics, and I like to read and stuff. So he actually called me and said that this company was trying to bring in Westerners to represent them and work on a lot of their deals. And so he had me in mind and just gave me a call.
And it was just purely coincidence that I'd just been laid off.
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, just... I feel like saving the money alone from having to pay 0% tax.
Yeah. I mean, I've been looking into it. So pretty much the main stipulations are I have to stay out of the U.S.,
for um 32 days or less uh-huh um once i stay once i'm in the u.s for more than 32 days i'll have to pay tax right right right um and then also if i make more than 114 000 i'll have to pay uh income tax in the united states okay so that was my that was my question so your start is is 114 you're starting or is it a little less than that No, so the actual base is 72.
My current job that I'm getting laid off from, I'm making 74.6. And then with bonuses, last year I ended up making about 86.
Yeah, absolutely. So I've been using like different programs, talking to different people. Obviously, like if I live in the Dubai Marina area, like where the Burj Khalifa is, everyone knows that's going to be more expensive. But actually in like the suburbs area, it's pretty comparable to Nashville. It's not a little cheaper. And then from what I've heard,
And what I'm reading online is, is things like insurance are significantly cheaper, uh, food costs, that type of thing. Just your day to day expenses are significantly cheaper. And the program I used was Numbeo. And it's on average, Dubai is about 14% cheaper than living in Metro Nashville.
I mean, with the way I understand the permanent residency in Dubai, while I'm in that process, which takes about six months, I'll pretty much have to stay there for that six months. But after that, I would be free to go whenever.
Love it. And I work for a dental supply manufacturer and solutions company, and I oversee their service department.
Conservatively, five. Okay.
Fortunately, we'll stick with 100. Just checking. South Bend.
Yeah, just years ago, heard you on the radio, started listening. And you reminded me of the Southern preacher when I used to live down in Tennessee. And so just started listening to this guy. Makes a lot of sense. And so asked Jodi if she would, you know,
maybe read the book along with me and it was a total money makeover is what we got into and we got gazelle intense we knocked out consumer debt very very quickly and then we went on autopilot for a little while with a 15-year mortgage and I was actually very unhappy with the work I was doing and we made the decision that I would step away from my work And we were pretty safe by it.
We had a fully funded emergency fund. And, you know, at the time, economy was booming. And I also was getting offers from headhunters every week. So I was like, this is great. And so on January 31st, 2020, I left my job. Oh, God. Something happened with the entire world almost immediately after that. You have the worst possible timing.
To the whole world at that point.
I just, all the time, Saturday morning, I'm looking at the Ramsey mortgage payoff calculator. And like, you know, if we threw an extra this on it- threw this on him, and three years later, knocked it out.
Way to go. How does it feel to be free?
You are not the first person I've said that to that responded with that concern.
You are not the first person I've said that to that responded with that concern.
I promise I will starting now. Yes.
I promise I will starting now. Yes.
Not? Yeah. Yeah, that's true.
Not? Yeah. Yeah, that's true.
I'm, like, imagining, like, I'm, like, fell down bleeding. And I'm, like, can you help me? And they're, like, you're flirting.
I'm, like, imagining, like, I'm, like, fell down bleeding. And I'm, like, can you help me? And they're, like, you're flirting.
Ew. Wow. With no one else going, I have the lead.
Ew. Wow. With no one else going, I have the lead.
Thank you so much, Matthew. Bye-bye. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Matthew. Bye-bye. Thank you.
I actually work at the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education. It's an outreach office where we work with teachers to help them get comfortable incorporating educational robotics into their classrooms.
I actually work at the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education. It's an outreach office where we work with teachers to help them get comfortable incorporating educational robotics into their classrooms.
You are not the first person I've said that to that responded with that concern.
I promise I will starting now. Yes.
Not? Yeah. Yeah, that's true.
I'm, like, imagining, like, I'm, like, fell down bleeding. And I'm, like, can you help me? And they're, like, you're flirting.
Ew. Wow. With no one else going, I have the lead.
Thank you so much, Matthew. Bye-bye. Thank you.
I actually work at the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education. It's an outreach office where we work with teachers to help them get comfortable incorporating educational robotics into their classrooms.