So I Guess I’ve Always Been a Side Hustler; Being a “Gum Dealer” in High School and Running a Convenience Store from My College Dorm Room

Looking back, I realize now that I’ve actually always been a side hustler; even in high school and college. Earlier today, I published an article declaring that my 5 SEO side hustles all made me a minimum of $1,000 each in 2018. But that mentality has been a part of me, undeniably, since at least when I was a teenager in high school. (See picture above.)

Here on the first day of 2019, I am learning a little bit more about myself. The fact that I have 5 side hustles as a 37 year-old man makes perfect sense, considering my scheming ways back to when I was a teenager.

When I started high school, I couldn’t help that notice that chewing gum was high in demand in the halls of my high school. It just so happened that it was weekly tradition that I would accompany my mom in buying groceries. I noticed that I could buy a multi-pack of Wrigley’s gum at nearly a wholesale price for $1.25; which contained 10 packs of gum (each of which contained 5 sticks of gum), then I could sell each pack for just a quarter. By the time I sold the 10 packs, when I could easily do in a 10 minute break, I had made $2.50. In other words, I was making 100% profit!

It didn’t took long before I became known as “the gum dealer.”

This was great for me. I got to social with all the different groups of friends, and met new ones, by offering them the best deal on chewing gum during each of our two breaks each day during high school.

It was also during high school that I began making my own videos, on VHS. Not only did I direct a horror movie, called “Frosty Bites”…

But I also filmed hair videos, too…

In case you missed it, I made over $4,000 in 2018 from my most popular YouTube channel and its Amazon links, which focuses on men’s hair and beards. And that’s not counting my 2nd YouTube channel, as well. This is not a coincidence.

Then when I moved into my college dorm, Dorm 15 at Liberty University, I took my gum dealer experience and opened up my own convenience store, using two micro fridges, and buying all my products for wholesale price at WalMart.

I sold soda, Little Debbie snack cakes, Ramen noodles, Hot Pockets, and frozen burritos. I even let my customers heat up their food in my microwave, so they could hang out with me while their food was preparing. I appropriately named my store, The Freshman 15.

Those profits went to financing my mission trips to Thailand in the summers of 2003 and 2004, where I was a 4th grade teacher specializing in ESL…

then teaching conversation English to high school students and adults.

Some things just never change. I am and always have been a side hustler. This is simply part of my identity.

At Age 37, My Wife and I Have Begun Investing Our Money, Thanks to Charles Schwab

At age 37, I am fully aware that I am now at the halfway point of the average American lifespan. I suppose this is literally the most appropriate time to have my midlife crisis.

Finally, I can trade in my old paid-off Honda Element for a brand-new Jeep Wrangler, take a spur of the moment trip to Spain, and start training for American Ninja Warrior…

But instead, I am focusing all that energy into planning for the 2nd half of my life- and my wife’s, as well as our children’s future.

My wife and I got married 10 and a half years ago, right in the middle of the 2008 Financial Crisis.

The first half of our marriage was spent building our careers from entry level positions and trying to manage the tens of thousands of dollars of debt we were in; largely due to college loans and our wedding.

The most recent half of our marriage began with us finally becoming debt-free in 2013, buying the last steal-of-a-deal new home in the Nashville area, and both finding ourselves far enough into our careers and side hustles that we started making a comfortable living.

But as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid explains, your goals and motivations evolve as you overcome your previous more basic needs and desires.

Now the focus is… how to invest our steady stream of income into our future.

I thought it was as simple as just paying off our house, then worrying about retirement afterwards.

However, my wife has been listening to the Moneywise program on Moody Radio on the way home from work each day. She explained to me that based on our interest rate on our home, it would actually be a better investment of our money to start building our retirement now, alongside paying off our mortgage early.

My wife then set us up an appointment with Charles Schwab financial investment company, which she had been hearing endorsed on Moneywise.

Today was the big day.

Our financial advisor helped us rollover my 401K from my previous employer to traditional IRA and select a portfolio for it. She also gave us direction on determining our financial goals so we could better plan our retirement and our kids’ college funds.

This was a major milestone for us. Here’s to the second half of life!

4 Things to Consider Before Giving Jewelry to Your Kids  

Pieces of jewelry are great gifts to adults and children alike. While most people consider jewelry as a priceless possession, every piece has its price tag, so you want to ensure that it will be used, kept, and treasured forever.  

Giving jewelry to your kids is entirely different from buying them new toys. Jewelry is far more expensive and can be a source of major disappointment when your child accidentally misplaces or loses it. So, here are the important things you need to consider before you give jewelry to your kids:  

  1. Type of Jewelry 

Jewelry for adults is different from jewelry for kids; hence, you need to carefully choose the type of jewelry that you give as a gift. Here are some examples of jewelry pieces that are appropriate for kids: 

  • Monogram and name necklacesThese types of necklaces are perfect for grade-school kids. They are personalized and are appropriate for both girls and boys. You may have the initials or the name of your child designed or engraved into a beautiful pendant. 
  • Birthstone earrings. Dainty birthstone earrings are classic jewelry pieces that will never run out of style and will never be outgrown. They can be given as gifts not only on birthdays but on all types of occasions. For instance, you can give tourmaline or opal stud earrings to Octoberian birthday celebrants. 
  • Earrings in fun shapes and characters. There are different styles and designs of earrings that girls love, such as tiny hoops with fun shapes, flower-theme dangling earrings, cupcake-inspired design, and favorite cartoon character designs.  
  • Rings in colorful and playful designs. Rings are recommended for older kids because they can appreciate them. Choose colorful and playful designs, and your kids will surely love them and wear them every day.  
  • Charm bracelets. Give your kids charm bracelets to remember the most important events or milestones in their lives. For instance, you can give your daughter a basic bracelet for her 7th birthday. As the years go by, accessorize the bracelet with charms that represent your child’s achievements. 
  1. Age of the Child 

The age of your child is a crucial factor to consider before you decide whether it’s practical and sensible to give such a valuable gift. Here are some reminders when buying jewelry for your kids: 

  • Toddlers and preschoolers tend to damage or lose items, especially jewelry. It’s okay to give earrings such as gemstone or birthstone studs for your baby girl because they hardly notice or remove it.  
  • School-age children appreciate cute necklaces and bracelets. Your son will appreciate a new stainless-steel necklace and bracelet with his name engraved on it, like that of his favorite rockstar. Your daughter will be surprised and possibly request a set for her charming jewelry collection. 
  • Teenagers are starting to develop their fashion sense. They would appreciate a simple jewelry set that they can wear to complete their OOTDs. 
  1. Safety

You may want your baby to wear fine jewelry on her christening or when attending special occasions, but you’re also worried about your baby’s safety.  Here’s how you can keep your child safe when wearing jewelry: 

  • Make sure that there’s nothing around or in the jewelry piece that could pose a choking hazard, such as tiny charms, loose embellishments, and delicate extensions, to young children, especially those aged 5 years and below.  
  • Constrictive jewelry could cut off proper blood circulation, so choose necklaces and bracelets with appropriate length.  
  • Bring your child to the jewelry shop to try a necklace to ensure appropriate sizing.  
  1. Make and Durability 

Invest in a long-lasting jewelry piece that your children will cherish forever and that would possibly become an heirloom that will be handed from one generation to another. According to The New York Times, jewelry changes people, so its make and durability say much about the person’s character and personality, including your child’s perception about what a “priceless gift” is.  

As an example, a pair of diamond stud earrings is a precious gift you can give to your daughter for her graduation or debut. Diamond is a precious and durable material, and so are platinum, gold, and silver.

Conclusion 

Jewelry usually holds great sentimental value for the giver and the wearer. It connects the heart and minds of two people, most especially a parent and a child. Parents always want to give the best for their children, and giving your kids jewelry is like showing them how much you love and care for them. More than the price, it is the thought that truly counts. At the end of the day, what your children will love and appreciate are all the time and effort that you have devoted for choosing the best jewelry gift for them.  

Photos: Shutterstock

Dear Jack: You and Your Sister Willingly Shared a Bed During the Christmas Holidays

8 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

Though you could have slept down the hall in your very own bed in the bonus room while we stayed at Nonna and Papa’s house last week during Christmas vacation, you opted to sleep on the trundle bed attached to your sister’s bed.

But I noticed that all four nights, you and your sister ended up in the same actual bed. She would roll off her bed in the middle of the night onto your bed.

And then by the 3rd night, she decided she wanted to sleep on the trundle bed instead. But of course, she crawled up into your bed those nights after you fell asleep.

The funny thing is, you had no idea. You slept through all of it either way.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Sneaking Chocolate Candy Behind Empty Christmas Toy Boxes

2 years, 8 months.

Dear Holly,

Last week during our Christmas vacation at Nonna and Papa’s, Mommy and I went out for a few hours to get coffee. While we were out, Nonna caught on to a sneaky little trick that your brother set up for the two of you.

He took two empty boxes from Christmas gifts, Scented SlimyGloop and Play-Doh poop, and placed them upright on the kitchen table.

Then he placed the jar of mint chocolate M&Ms behind them and slowly began dispersing them, one at a time, to both of you.

The exact number of M&Ms obtained during this mission remain unknown.

But even though it wasn’t your idea, the look on your face in this picture makes it very clear you were quite the accomplice.

Love,

Daddy