From Gratitude to Greatness: Brownlee Global's Path to a Purposeful Life

Guide and Educate Individuals How to Build Long-Term Wealth, Better Manage Their Money, and Achieve Financial Freedom

From Gratitude to Greatness: Brownlee Global's Path to a Purposeful Life

Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

Family Financial Checklist

Posted on by
Reply

Don’t wait any longer. Take the time to sit down with the family members and discuss important financial matters.

There is rarely an ideal time to discuss important financial matters with family members. Yet, it is important to talk to your family about inheritance, guardianship, and living wills.

Important questions like the ones below never seem to get answered or considered until it’s too late:

  • “How will we manage the bills while Dad is in assisted living?”
  • “Does Dad have a durable power of attorney?”
  • “Where does Mom keep her will?”
  • “Has anybody found the key to the safe deposit box?”

Here’s a recommended list of financial topics to cover with family members.

Adult family members might use each item as a platform for discussion. Think of it as a conversation starter:

  1. Do you have an updated will? (Attorneys usually recommend that all adults have one, not just senior family members.)
  2. Are there specific family heirlooms you would like to give to specific family members, or is there something special you would like to receive some day? These decisions can be included in a will.
  3. Do you have guardians for minor children?
  4. Do you have a durable power of attorney?
  5. Do you have a living will and/or a medical power of attorney? You have a legal right to specify the level of care you wish to receive if you are incapacitated. Most importantly, you can designate the individuals responsible for making such decisions.
  6. Are your life insurance, pension, IRA, and annuity beneficiary designations current?
  7. Are all your important documents in one place, such as a safe deposit box? Are designated family members’ names on the signature card?
  8. Do you have an available list of important information? This might include bank accounts, retirement accounts, other financial accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets, as well as the names and contact information of your attorney, accountant, financial advisor, and other professionals.
  9. Do you need to contact your attorney to update your will, or do you need to contact your insurance agent or financial advisor to review your life insurance and other financial concerns?

Source:  New York Life article: How to talk about managing family finances

 

Focus Like A Lion

Posted on by
Reply

“What you focus on expands; results follow focus.” – Marcus Buckingham

“What you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it.” – Oprah Winfrey

Focus and concentration are key components for success, progress, and improvement. Focus allows for, and even accelerates accomplishment.

“Results Follow Focus.”

NBA legend and Hall of Fame basketball player Kobe Bryant often spoke about the importance of focus and how it contributed to his success on and off the basketball court. He believed that maintaining a high level of focus was crucial for achieving greatness, both on and off the basketball court.

Key Points from Kobe Bryant on Focus:

  • Attention to Detail: Kobe emphasized the importance of paying attention to the smallest details in everything you do. He believed that mastering the basics and refining every aspect of your craft were essential for success.
  • Mindset and Purpose: He often talked about having a clear direction and purpose. Knowing what you want to achieve and staying committed to that goal helps maintain focus. “Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise,” convey Kobe Bryant. 
  • Meditation and Mental Training: Kobe practiced meditation to help center his mind and improve his focus. He found that mental exercises were just as important as physical training for peak performance.

The key points are that focus and concentration are essential to winning and succeeding.

Kobe’s dedication to focus and his relentless work ethic are inspiring examples of how maintaining concentration and purpose can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Kobe once said about focus and winning, “I focus on one thing and one thing only – that’s trying to win as many championships as I can.”

Source:  https://thestrive.co/quotes-about-focus/

Maintaining a Positive Outlook

Posted on by
Reply

The human mind tends to jump to the worst possible explanations and then further catastrophrzes the situation.

Most people have a negative filter and are pessimists, and they don’t even know it, and they don’t know how much this is hurting them in time, in energy, in productivity, in sanity, and actual lifespan.”

Recent research shows that maintaining a positive outlook can boost your chances of living beyond 85 by more than 50%, stated Positive Mindset Mentor Darren Daily in a podcast. Additionally, he shares that optimists don’t just live longer, they live better.

Scientists followed over 70,000 people for 30 years, considering every variable that you can think of. Education, lifestyle, health, and even the frequency of their smiles. Their conclusion was undeniable.

On average, optimists lived 15% longer than pessimists, and they weren’t just surviving longer, they were thriving more, and more likely to reach that coveted status of exceptional agers.

Optimism is a skill that you can learn, and it only takes five minutes a day to boost your optimism muscle significantly, Daily explains.

For starters, you can focus your mind on what’s positive and what you’re grateful for to help you ignite your growth mindset and help you become better every day.

Source:  DarrenDaily On-Demand: This Will Positively Save Your Life, Nov 1, 2024

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darrendaily-on-demand/id1449270369?i=1000675324353

 

Chess

Posted on by
Reply

In a game of chess, you don’t speak. You just think, plan and act quietly. The only time that you ever speak when playing chess is to say “check” or “checkmate”.

Life is like chess. Don’t broadcast your plans or intentions. Act quietly. Keep progressing and achieving. Your accomplishments and achievements are your “check” and “checkmate”.

Let your haters only see your reality, never your vision, or you will have division and unnecessary friction.

Tolerance for Failure

Posted on by
Reply

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

A tolerance for failure and learning from the failure is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Several key points to consider include :

  • Resilience: Failure teaches resilience. When you face setbacks and learn to overcome them, you build a stronger, more adaptable mindset.
  • Growth Mindset: Embracing failure helps develop a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve rather than as insurmountable obstacles.
  • Innovation: In many fields, especially in innovation and research, failure is an essential part of the process. It helps identify what doesn’t work, paving the way for breakthroughs.
  • Learning Culture: Organizations that foster a culture of learning from failure tend to be more innovative and successful. They encourage employees to take calculated risks and learn from their mistakes without fear of punishment.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and accepting failure can improve emotional intelligence. It helps you manage your emotions better and empathize with others who are going through similar experiences.

Embracing failure is a fundamental basis of achieving great success in one’s professional and personal life.

Buffett’s Investment Strategy

Posted on by
Reply

“Charlie [Munger, the late Vice Chairman Berkshire Hathaway], in 1965, promptly advised me [Warren Buffett]: “Warren, forget about ever buying another company like Berkshire. But now that you control Berkshire, add to it wonderful businesses purchased at fair prices and give up buying fair businesses at wonderful prices. In other words, abandon everything you learned from your hero, Ben Graham. It works but only when practiced at small scale.” ~ Warren Buffett

Berkshire’s biggest stock holdings are all among the top dogs in their respective industries. Many of them have another attribute that billionaire investor Warren Buffett loved — capital return programs of either paying dividends or repurchasing shares of their stock.

Berkshire, under Buffett, invested in companies that were good values (“wonderful businesses purchased at fair prices”) and had attractive capital return programs through dividends payments and share buybacks.

As an individual investor, it’s important to find the types of companies and sectors you like. It’s also vital to make sure you align your investments with your risk tolerance.

Buffett has often said that Berkshire purposely keeps a massive cash position and is conservative with its investments, but that’s because capital preservation and limiting downside risk are integral parts of his philosophy.

If you have a high risk tolerance or are multiple decades away from retirement, taking on more risk could make sense for you. But only if you are comfortable with risk and have the patience to hold onto stocks through periods of volatility.

Source:  https://www.fool.com/investing/2024/03/10/dividend-stocks-majority-warren-buffett-berkshire/

Veterans Day 2024

Posted on by
Reply

Veterans Day 2024 is a holiday dedicated to honoring and thanking all who have served honorably in the United States military.

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day, which was proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.

Armistice Day recognizes the end of World War I, when fighting ceased at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. (November 11th at 11 A.M, 1918).

Veterans Day – Always Grateful for Our Veterans

Posted on by
Reply

Today is Veterans Day!

“A Legacy of Loyalty and Service”

Veterans Day is an U.S. national holiday which we appreciate, recognize and honor the military service and sacrifices of millions of current and past U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines.

Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank and honor all women and men who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.

These remarkable women and men military veterans either volunteered or were drafted and whom took an oath to serve and protect the their country “against all enemies foreign and domestic”.

On this day and everyday, let’s be grateful and blessed as a nation that such women and men served, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice, to protect and defend the rights and freedoms of Americans.

One meaningful and simple way to express gratitude towards our veterans is by saying “thank you” for their invaluable service and contributions.

Acknowledging the service and sacrifices of veterans will mean a lot.

Let’s always be grateful for U.S. military veterans.

2024 Veterans Day Discounts

Posted on by
Reply

2024 Veterans Day discounts and complimentary meals

Here is the 2024 Veterans Day discounts and complimentary meals list. We will add more as we receive them.

Eleven: Veterans and active duty military members can get a free coffee or Big Gulp. Sign in or register with 7Rewards. Note, 7-Eleven stores are independently owned. Please inquire with your local store to see if they’re participating.

Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active duty service members can enjoy free patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 at participating locations. A valid ID is required. Dine-in only at participating cafes.

Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.

Aspen Creek Grill: On November 10-12 at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Aspen Creek is offering a $15 meal voucher to all Veterans and active duty military.

Biscuit Belly: Veterans eat free on November 11 with choice of Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. All locations are participating, dine in only. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Black Angus: Veterans, active duty, first responders, health care workers and teachers can receive 15% off their dine-in order.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: On November 11, come to BJ’s and enjoy a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with no minimum food purchase. In following, receive a bonus reward coupon to use 11/12/2024 – 12/31/2024 for dine-in or take-out only for a free appetizer with no minimum food purchase.

Bob Evans: On November 11, Bob Evans will be offering a special menu of seven homestyle favorites available to Veterans and active duty military free at their local Bob Evans Restaurant.

Bonefish Grill: Active duty service members and Veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11 with valid ID.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Veterans and active duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11.

Bubba Gump Shrimp: On November 11, Bubba Gump is honoring Veterans and active duty member by offering 20% off their meal when they dine-in.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active duty service members get a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11 with valid ID. Only available for dine-in. Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations will be included for walk-in/order at the counter only.

California Dreaming: On November 11, Veterans and active duty members can receive 50% off on any entrée. Select locations are participating. Inquire with your local restaurant.

California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active duty military members get a complimentary meal from a select menu on November 11. In following, all active duty service members and Veterans will receive a BOGO coupon to use for any pizza, pasta or salad redeemable between November 12 – 25. Please note, CPK is independently owned. Call your local restaurant for participation details.

Caribou Coffee: Veterans, active duty military members and their spouses with a valid ID receive a Small Hot Brewed Coffee of the Day or Cold Press, excluding nitro on November 11.

Carolina Ale House: Veterans and military members receive a free half rack rib platter with coleslaw and fries on Veterans Day. Only select locations are participating, inquire with your local restaurant.

Carrabba’s: Carrabba’s is offering a Heroes Discount of 10% discount with any visit to active duty members, Veterans, and first responders. Restrictions and requirements apply.

Casey’s Convenience Store: On November 11, Casey’s is showing appreciation to Veterans and active duty service members by offering a free, any size coffee or fountain drink.

Chick-Fil-A: On November 11, Veterans and active duty members can receive a breakfast chicken biscuit or lunch/dinner original chicken sandwich (select items). Proof of service required. Offer only valid at the following participating Metro D.C. Chick-fil-A Restaurants. Inquire with your local store to check if they are participating.

Chicken Salad Chick: On November 11, Veterans and active duty military (who come in uniform or present valid ID) can receive a free meal at all locations.

Cici’s Pizza: Veterans and active duty members receive a free adult buffet on Veterans Day. With a valid military ID, both active duty and retired service members are welcome.

Chili’s: Veterans and active duty military members get a free meal on November 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.

Cracker Barrel: On November 11, Veterans can enjoy a free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal. Special promotions run all month.

Denny’s: Veterans and active duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.

Farmer Boys: On November 11, Veterans and active duty military personnel get a free Big Cheeseburger at participating locations. The offer is valid for dine-in only with proof of service and is limited to one per service member.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Veterans and active duty military personnel who visit participating locations on November 11 will receive a meal card valid for a free combo meal of their choice. Cards may be redeemed through Dec. 31, 2024.

Duffy’s Sports Grill: On November 11, Veterans and active duty members can receive a free meal up to $15 meal value between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., dine-in only. Valid Military or Veteran ID required, with 40% off meals year around.

Dunkin’: Veterans and active duty members, get a free donut of choice on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11.

Eureka!: Veterans and active duty members can receive any free burger on Veterans Day!

Freddy’s: Veterans and active military personnel can get a free original double with cheese combo meal card. This promotion can be redeemed until December 2024.

Gold Star Chili: On November 11, Veterans and active duty military get a complimentary meal of their choice (up to $12 off their order with proof of service). For dine-in, carry out or drive-thru.

Golden Corral: On November 11 at 5:00 p.m. to close, Golden Corral is hosting its Military Appreciation Night, including a free “thank you” meal.

The Greene Turtle: Veterans receive a free meal up to $15 with valid ID on November 11. Dine-in only.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurants: All U.S Veterans and active duty military may receive a free large Wet Burrito when they dine-in or carryout on November 11 for Veterans Day. Military ID or Veterans ID required.

Hard Rock Cafe: A free burger for active duty military and Veterans is available on Nov. 11, in addition to a 15% military discount for the entire group. Valid military ID or Veteran ID required.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar: November 11, active duty members and Veterans can receive a free classic burger in honor of their service. Dine-in only.

Hoss’s Steak & Sea house: Veterans and active duty military will receive free soup, salad, bread, nacho and dessert bar, and iced tea on Monday, November 11. Dine-in only.

In-N-Out Burger: On November 11, Veterans, active duty military, Reserve and National Guard receive a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries and beverage on In-N-Out Burger’s menu. Present proof of military service.

iHop: Free red, white and blueberry pancakes for Veterans and active duty military at participating locations. A valid military ID or proof of service is required, dine-in only. Limit one per guest.

Keel’s Farms: Veterans and active duty service members can select any entree from a specially prepared menu featuring delicious dishes. Pair any of these mouth-watering entrées with an adult beverage on the house.

Kolache Factory: Veterans and active duty military receive one free kolache (any kind) and one cup of freshly brewed Katz coffee (any size) on November 11, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. with valid ID. Offer excludes croissants, Polish varieties and espresso drinks.

Krispy Kreme: Free coffee and doughnut available at all locations to honor Veterans and active duty military.

Lazy Dog Restaurants: Veterans, whether active duty, discharged, retired or Reserve, will receive a free entrée on Veterans Day. The restaurant also is extending its weekend brunch hours for the holiday.

Little Caesars Pizza: On Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Veterans and active duty military can receive a free lunch combo. Proof of service is required. Participating locations only, inquire with your local store.

Logan’s Roadhouse: On November 11, Veterans and active duty service members can enjoy a complimentary meal at participating Logan’s locations, choosing from a special menu of fan favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, pork chops and more.

Max & Erma’s: On November 11, Max & Erma’s locations will offer Veterans and active duty military a free cheeseburger, endless fries, a fountain drink and a cookie.

McCormick & Schmick’s: On November 10, active duty service members, Veterans, Gold Star spouses and Gold Star parents can receive a half-priced entrée from a special at participating restaurants. The offer is for dine-in only. Inquire about participation at your local restaurant.

The Melting Pot: On November 11, the Melting Pot will offer Veterans a complimentary four-course meal with the purchase of another four-course meal. To receive the offer, Veterans must show military ID and the offer is limited to one complimentary meal per additional regular priced meal. The offer is not combinable with other promotions, specials or certificates. [Editor: This is the wording we received from The Melting Pot. Presumably, the restaurant means active duty service members with a military ID—and Veterans with a Veteran ID, since non-retired Veterans won’t have a military ID. Please check with your local restaurant to confirm prior to making plans.]

MOD Pizza: On November 11, all Veterans and active military personnel and their spouses get the all new Mega Cookie for free.

New York Prime: On November 11, Veterans and active duty military get 50% off any entrée at select restaurants in Atlanta, Florida and South Carolina. Inquire with your local restaurant about participation.

Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola for Veterans and active duty military. Dine-in and to-go orders valid.

On The Border:  Veterans and current service members will receive a free Pick-2 Combo Meal. Dine-in only. Proof of service is required. Participating locations only.

Olive Garden: On November 11, Olive Garden is having a Veterans Day free meal for all active duty military and Veterans, including entrée from special menu paired with breadsticks and salad or soup.

Peet’s Coffee: Veterans get one free drip coffee or tea of any size on November 11. Valid only at participating Peet’s retail coffee bar locations.

Perkins: On November 11, Veterans and active duty members will receive a free Magnificent Seven Breakfast for Veterans Day.

Perry’s Steakhouse:  Veterans and active military enjoy a complimentary pork chop dinner for dine-in when accompanied by a guest purchasing a dinner entrée. Dine-in only.

Polly’s Pies: Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free slice of pie on November 10-11. Military ID required, in-store only.

Red Lobster: On November 11, Veterans, active duty service members and Reservists can get a free shrimp and chips paired with french fries and coleslaw. Valid Military ID required. Offer is for dine-in only.

Red Robin: On November 11, Reb Robin is honoring Veterans and active duty service members by offering a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger served with bottomless fries. Dine-in only.

Rock & Brews: Active duty military and Veterans get complimentary Pulled Pork Sandwich or Strawberry Fields Salads on November 11. Dine-in only.

Shoney’s: Veterans and active duty service members will receive a free All-You-Care-To-Eat breakfast bar until 11:00 a.m. on November 11.

Sizzler: On November 11, Sizzler is honoring Veterans and active duty service members with a free meal choice of a Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6 oz Tri-Tip Steak entrée. Participating locations only; inquire with your local restaurant. Deal ends at 4:00 p.m.

Starbucks: Starbucks is showing its appreciation to Veterans, active duty service members and spouses by offering a free 12 oz drip coffee (hot or cold).

Sonic Drive-In: On November 11, Veterans and active duty service members can sip on half price shakes in any size and flavor, including both classic and master shakes.

Subway: Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free 6-inch sub or 10% discounted sub sandwich. Subway is independently owned. Inquire through your local store to see if participating in deals.

Texas Roadhouse: At participating locations, active duty military and Veterans can dine in or receive a free meal voucher on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a form of military ID. These vouchers do not expire until May 2025.

Ted’s Montana Grill: Veterans and active duty service members can receive 10% on meals during Veterans Day.

TGIFridays Restaurant & Cocktail Bar: Veterans and active duty military personnel get a free meal on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from a select menu.

TravelCenters of America: On November 11, active duty military, Veterans and Reservists can receive a complimentary meal at participating quick service and full-service restaurants nationwide.

Tuscan Kitchen: On Veterans Day, all Veterans can receive complimentary dining at any of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire locations.

White Castle: On November 11, White Castle is celebrating Veterans and active duty service members by offering a free meal combo. Dine-in only.

Wendy’s: On November 11, Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free small breakfast combo.

Yard House: Veterans and active duty service members will receive a complimentary appetizer on Veterans Day. Check with server for further details on selected items

Gratitude is Powerful

Posted on by
Reply

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

When you shift your focus towards uncovering the goodness in every experience and circumstance, you open the door to a life brimming with gratitude.

By actively seeking out the positives and good in any situation, you’ll find that your perspective transforms, which allows gratitude to flourish and to permeate your daily experiences.

The key to magnifying your blessings lies in recognizing and appreciating the goodness, peace abundance already present in your life.

Rather than fixating on what is lacking or imperfect, choosing to count your blessings cultivates a mindset of abundance and contentment. As you acknowledge and give thanks for the good things that surround you, you set in motion a powerful cycle of positivity and growth.

What you nurture with gratitude and appreciation inevitably thrives and multiplies. So, focus on the goodness and blessings, not the storm

By fostering a spirit of thankfulness for the blessings, both big and small, you invite more goodness into your life. The act of counting your blessings not only amplifies their impact but also serves as a beacon of light, guiding you towards a path rich with fulfillment, joy, and a deep sense of appreciation for the beauty that exists within and around you.

Focusing on the positives in your life and appreciating how a mindset of gratitude can lead to greater abundance and contentment!