 To make the most of my jet lag, I have decided to write a summary of my amazing adventure to Portugal. I know over the next few weeks people will ask, "Hey Raf, How was your trip?". Although their intentions may be good, it is often a difficult question to answer with a few sentences. As well, I can tell them to read this blog and if they are really interested, I can grab a coffee and chat about my adventures in greater detail.
The only thing worse than asking for a short answer, in my honest opinion, is when people say, "Oh you are so lucky to go traveling." Actually luck has nothing to do with traveling. I guess I could be lucky if everything was paid for and I still generated income in my absence; however, that just means I work my ass off.
My adventure has been filled full of warm, caring individuals. I am happy to say, I have made a few life long friends; as well, I have been introduced to a brand new exciting world with a better frame of mind.
 On Sunday night I attended a comedy show in Gastown, (near the heart of downtown Vancouver). The event was free for all and the venue was at an underground pub called the Guilt and Company. Supposedly it is world renowned for its upscale bathrooms.
The event, Comedians You Should See, was hosted by Brett Martin and headlined by one of my favorite comedians Simon King. My girlfriend and I have been fans of Simon King for years and we had the privilege of hearing his new material.
He welcomes the audience to take his material as though it is a buffet, pick and choose as your please and let others know.
It is amazing what an individual could learn/ realize on a beautiful summer evening, in an underground bar, on a Sunday night.
 What a roller coaster ride these past few months have been. After all that has happened, Canucks fans should be proud of their team for an amazing season and a great run in the playoffs.
As the NHL season came to an end, Vancouver Canucks fever has swept the province when they won the President's trophy. Downtown Vancouver became a hub for fans all over to come together and celebrate what was anticipated as the end of a 40 year drought and getting another chance at Lord Stanley. Generations of hockey fans throughout the past few months shared stories from both the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals (against the NY Rangers) and even 1982 (against the NY Islanders).
With so much excitement and love for the sport, what the heck happened?
 A week and a half ago I told my story about my three year anniversary from the night I was assaulted ( CLICK HERE to view story). I was very happy to share it with everyone and I was very fortunate to receive kind words from family, friends, and even people I never met. I want to thank everyone who took the time to read, share, and/or comment. I ended the three year curse of silence and now my mind is free to explore the next step of my professional life. Within the last three years I decided to leave a well paying full time job to pursue my own business; and with the markets my business has seen its ups and downs. However, I often ponder if I am going down the right path? Am I utilizing my full potential? Do I love what I do? Could I see myself doing this for the rest of my life?
 Enjoying Amsterdam June 3rd is an important day for me. Three years ago I was assaulted on vacation, where I was beaten unconscious and thrown into an enclosed compound with high voltage wires (it may have been an intercity substation/ transmission station). A horrific event that I survived with 2nd degree burns on 45% of my body and 3rd degree burns on 6-8%.
For the past two anniversary dates I tried to write my story but ended up deleting whatever I wrote. I had a difficult time trying to convey my thoughts in an orderly fashion without coming off so angry, bitter, confused, and frustrated. However, over the past three years I have lost several important people in my life as well as coming close to losing a few very close friends. I now realize it is important to tell my story, because no one knows what tomorrow will bring.
If you have time, I have my story to share and what I learned along the way after surviving my near death experience.
 Saving money on everyday purchases can be rewarding, especially if it is for a purchase you need to make. Needs can be defined as your everyday bare necessities required for survival that includes basic food staples, shelter, and clothing. However, many individuals fall into the gray area of savings when they shop with coupons.
Should an individual say they are saving money when they are purchasing goods with coupons that aren't needs but wants?
 Summer is around the corner. Say goodbye to snow tires and your winter wardrobe for awhile. Whether you are planning to go on vacation during the summer time or preparing for a vacation to escape the next winter season, it is time to create a plan.
I love to plan all of my vacations well in advance, because it gives me the opportunity to get feedback from others who may have traveled to that destination. As well, I have something to look forward to; therefore, I will be more motivated to save up over time.
Do you have enough savings to afford your desired vacation? Or will your vacation be hosted by Visa?
 It isn't odd for most people to identify themselves with the career they have or the employer they work for. Realistically, most individuals see their work colleagues more than they see their loved ones during the week.
Often individuals who work on a manager's salary or who work more than one job may suffer from their work/ lifestyle being unbalanced. However, it is easy to get caught up in work and live vicariously through your employer. Most employers strive to encourage their employees to continuously contribute more to the team, even outside of work hours. Most employees may be enticed to devote all of their energy towards work; hoping to be rewarded, as the company grows, for their countless efforts.
When should individuals draw the line when their personal time is continuously being allocated towards work?
 We have all been to family dinners, cocktail parties, or social functions where an individual is telling a story of how they made a fortune on the money and/or real estate market. The stories are usually the same; however, more times than not there are details to the story that are missing and often facts are over exaggerated. Even worse, they feel they are qualified to give advice as though they are a credible professional.
Why do people in general feel comfortable discussing their successes over their failures?
Although when people do discuss their failures in the market it is usually vague and less detailed than the stories from the individual who succeeded. Or the discussions of setbacks are common topics that aren't foreign to most people, such as: being ripped off on a car repair bill, not knowing why the phone bill is too high, the increasing price of gas, etc.
How does self proclaimed investing and money management experts affect the general public?
 You are on your own, no partner, no kids, and the world may be either exciting full of opportunities or it is a tough place just to make ends meet. So what kind of individual are you today?
Are you a SINK (Single Income No Kids), a NINJA (No Income No Job or Assets), or are you an OINK (Owing Income No Kids)?
Most individuals claim that their situation is unique; however, almost all individuals can be grouped into a general category. Whether you are working or not, the challenges within your financial situation have also been experienced before by many other individuals. Therefore, it is not important to stand away from the crowd; rather it is better to know if you can stand period.
What are the pros and cons of being on your own financially?
|
