Learning from others

This weekend I got to meet a bunch of new friends:  my fiancé’s coworkers wives.  It’s interesting because in my previous post I mentioned how nothing has really changed since the 1950’s and I think a lot of that is because even though women are now educated there are still the same roles that need to be taken on in marriage.  I’m talking about raising the kids.

When you have a child who is so little and helpless you can’t imagine someone else raising it, am I right?!?!?  That means there has to be a decision; someone is staying home for a few years.  It naturally turns to women because men still have a greater earning potential today just like they did in the past.  In the few cases where I see men staying at home it’s because they have married a successful woman who is making significantly more than them.

My new friends are no exception.  All of them had babies for different reasons: they were getting to old and it’s now or never, accidents, trapping a man into marriage, or wanting to start a family.  Whatever the reason they all stay at home and a few of them reminded their men repeatedly what they have given up for them…..awkward!   

This brings me to the main point of why I am so set on owning investment property.  I want to stay at home and raise a quiver full of kids.  I’m looking forward to it.  But I also am reminded that I need to know that I am contributing financially to the piggy bank.  In no way am I leaving the responsibility of being the breadwinner or raising the kids on one person in this marriage.  I just hope someday I remember to reread this post and remind myself when I feel fat, pregnant and unhappy at homeJ

Back to the 1950's

I recently starting getting Time magazine to make me look smart to the world during my commute to work and I read something that surprised the feminist in me, nothing has really changed from the 1950’s—the most common job among women today is being a secretary.  WHAT!?!?!  That shocked me because I’m a secretary.  Oddly enough being a secretary feels rebellious to me because I was a teacher, another job filled by mostly women.  What am I doing? Why am I a secretary if I’m not changing the world’s view on women?

After my panic attack and thoughts about where my life was going I remembered why I left teaching, because I will not stay in a job where I must depend on a paycheck.  Although I currently need the paycheck I am receiving there is a lot to be said for the change of mentality.  Minus this wedding I am planning, I no longer find myself beholden to my boss.  I work towards a goal that is bigger than a pension at the end of the 35 year tunnel with one company.  I work for the start up money needed to create monthly cash flow.

I've strongly considered obtaining my MBA but right now I see that as being a step back.  I need to step forward and that’s why I think it’s important to still have panic attacks now and again in order to make sure that we are living life to the fullest, that we aren't just another secretary.  That we all have the right to work as we see fit.  And thrive how we want to thrive.

Warren Wisdom

I apologize for the delay in posts!  But maybe I was just waiting for something worthwhile so you get to read something interesting? No that’s not it, I recently got engaged!  This means I am completely distracted and my usual excitement towards rentals turned into excitement about dresses.  Luckily my trusted circle has gotten me back on track. 

One of my favorite people in the investing world is Warren Buffet.  A long time ago my parents took me and a friend to his conference in Omaha and I have been in awe of his humor since.  Maybe it’s because I’m a Nebraskan and find him relatable but his wisdom is always so simple and clear, don’t invest in something you know nothing about.    Example “tulip bulbs.”  Seriously!  Just Google the ponzi scheme on tulip bulbs and you will find yourself judging people in history who thought tulip bulbs would make them rich.  Regardless, hindsight is always 20/20 and you can’t help but get excited thinking something as simple as tulip bulbs might get you rich.   Well back to the point, Warren Buffet’s company, Berkshire Hathaway, recently acquired a new company, Hendricks-Berkadia, formally Hendricks & Partners.

Now in some of my earlier posts I commented on how you need a group of people to help you successfully find a property.  You would need a management firm, a bank, accountant and a lawyer to have a successful investment.  What if you are too lazy to find all of this?  Well Hendricks Berkadia looks like a nice solution.  They solely focus on multifamily investment and can cater to any sort of “team” you need.  They help fund investments, find, sell, market and analyze properties.  They only thing I don’t see them doing is the actual management.  They are there to help you in the beginning and end of your investment.  I see that they have an office in San Diego and I think I just might have to stop by.  More to come on that experience!