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Turning Trash into Cash – Small Smart Financial Habits to Boost Your Income

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves accumulating things that we no longer need or want. Whether it’s clothes, gadgets, or household items, these things end up collecting dust in our closets or garages. But what if I told you that you could turn your so-called “trash” into cash? By adopting small, smart financial habits, you can create a side income stream that could cover your daily expenses like gas or lunch, without having to become a full-time reseller.

The Concept: Turning Trash into Cash We’ve all heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This couldn’t be more accurate in the digital age. There are countless platforms available where you can sell items you no longer need. Whether it’s clothes that don’t fit, an old phone, or kitchen gadgets you never use, there’s a market for almost everything.

You don’t need to become a full-time seller or dedicate hours to managing an online store. Simply take a few minutes to snap some photos of your items and post them on sites like Poshmark, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. These small efforts can add up, bringing in cash that can be used for everyday needs or even saved for something bigger.

Small Habits, Big Impact The key to making this work is developing small but consistent habits. Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Declutter Regularly: Every month, take some time to go through your belongings. Identify items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go.
  2. Post Items Online: Take good-quality photos of your items and write honest descriptions. Set reasonable prices and be open to negotiating. Remember, the goal is to get a return on something you no longer need.
  3. Track Your Earnings: Keep a simple log of the money you make from selling your items. This will motivate you to keep the habit going and give you a sense of accomplishment as you watch your earnings grow.
  4. Reinvest or Save: Use the money you earn for small expenses like gas, groceries, or even a treat for yourself. Alternatively, you could save this money and watch it grow over time.

Why It Matters: Financial Well-being Through Small Changes These small financial habits may seem insignificant at first, but they can have a considerable impact on your overall financial health. Not only do you get rid of clutter, but you also gain extra cash that can make a difference in your daily life. It’s a way of getting a return on things that would otherwise be forgotten or thrown away.

By turning your trash into cash, you’re not only helping yourself but also contributing to a more sustainable economy where items are reused rather than wasted.

You don’t need to pursue reselling as a full-time career to benefit from it. By simply adopting the habit of regularly selling items you no longer need, you can generate a side income with minimal effort. This extra cash can help you cover small expenses, give you a financial cushion, and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how these habits can positively impact your financial well-being.

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Green Bonds: Investing in a Sustainable Future for Financial Growth

Understanding Bonds: A Simple Explanation

Before diving into the world of Green Bonds, let’s start with the basics: What is a bond?

A bond is essentially a loan made by an investor to a borrower. Typically, this borrower is a government or a corporation. In exchange for the loan, the borrower agrees to pay back the principal amount on a specified date and to make periodic interest payments to the investor. Think of it as an IOU, but with more structure and legal backing. Bonds are a popular investment choice because they provide regular income through interest payments and are generally considered less risky than stocks.

Why Invest in Green Bonds?

Green Bonds are a special type of bond designed to fund projects that have positive environmental benefits. Here’s why investing in Green Bonds is not only beneficial for your portfolio but also for the planet:

1. Sustainable Investment

Investing in Green Bonds means putting your money into projects that promote sustainability. This includes renewable energy projects, energy efficiency improvements, clean transportation, and more. By investing in these bonds, you’re directly supporting efforts to combat climate change and protect our environment.

2. Growing Market

The market for Green Bonds has been growing rapidly. Governments, municipalities, and corporations are increasingly turning to Green Bonds to finance environmentally friendly projects. As awareness and demand for sustainable investments rise, the Green Bond market is expected to continue its growth trajectory.

3. Diversification

Adding Green Bonds to your investment portfolio can provide diversification. They offer a way to balance risk, especially if your portfolio is heavily weighted towards traditional stocks or other forms of bonds. Since Green Bonds are often issued by governments or large corporations, they tend to have lower default risks.

4. Tax Incentives

In some regions, Green Bonds come with tax incentives. These can include tax-exempt interest payments, making them an attractive option for investors looking to maximize their after-tax returns. Check with your local tax advisor to understand the specific benefits in your area.

5. Positive Public Image

Investing in Green Bonds can enhance your public image, especially if you are a business or organization. It shows a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, which can resonate well with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

6. Regulatory Support

Many governments and regulatory bodies are encouraging the issuance and investment in Green Bonds. This support often comes in the form of favorable policies and frameworks that aim to make Green Bonds more accessible and attractive to investors.

Conclusion

Green Bonds represent a powerful tool for driving positive environmental change while offering solid investment opportunities. By investing in Green Bonds, you are not only contributing to a more sustainable future but also diversifying your portfolio and potentially benefiting from tax incentives. As the demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow, Green Bonds are poised to play a crucial role in the financial markets for years to come.

If you’re looking to make a difference with your investments, consider Green Bonds as a viable option. They are more than just a financial instrument; they are a commitment to a better, greener future.

Check out my youtube where I will talk more on Green Bonds, and how you can buy them. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC65jbqaU_fh3IWn7Hc4y1Qg

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Understanding the Power and Risks of Crypto: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a powerful tool in the financial world, primarily because of the revolutionary technology behind it—blockchain. This technology offers numerous benefits that have the potential to transform the way we handle financial transactions globally.

The Power of Crypto

One of the most compelling aspects of cryptocurrency is that it eliminates the need for a traditional banking system. With crypto, there is no middleman; all you need is a smartphone, and you can access various markets worldwide. This accessibility is especially beneficial for people who do not have access to traditional banking services. With just a phone, individuals can invest in cryptocurrencies and even earn interest on their holdings.

Risks Involved

However, the very factors that make crypto valuable also introduce significant risks. It’s relatively easy to fall victim to scams, lose your seed key, or have your wallet hacked. I experienced this firsthand during the fall of Terra, a stablecoin. My computer was damaged, and despite having my seed phrase, I was unable to regain access to the Terra ecosystem.

How Crypto Works

For those interested but unsure about how crypto works, let’s break it down simply. Cryptocurrencies operate on a decentralized network using blockchain technology, which ensures secure and transparent transactions. Each transaction is recorded in a block and added to a chain, creating a permanent and unalterable ledger.

Investing in Crypto

Many people are intrigued by the economic opportunities that crypto presents, and it has indeed seen significant growth. At Robinthepeople, we prioritize safe investment strategies. For beginners, I recommend starting with Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC), and now, Solana (SOL). Although I have reservations about Solana due to its system crashes, it is gaining traction and is rumored to be starting ETFs like ETH and BTC.

As of now, I prefer to invest in ETH and BTC because they are the safest and most well-known cryptocurrencies. While I don’t suggest putting all your funds into crypto, I do believe it’s a viable investment avenue, especially considering the Federal Reserve’s policies of printing more money and lowering interest rates, which devalue traditional currency.

The Impact of Interest Rates

Crypto is considered a risky asset because it is sensitive to interest rates. When interest rates are low, making debt cheaper, the value of crypto tends to rise. Conversely, when interest rates increase, making debt more expensive, the value of crypto typically decreases. This is the basic play on how interest rates affect crypto values.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in learning more about how to buy crypto or want to discuss investment strategies, check out my YouTube channel where I cover these topics in detail. You can also reach out to me via email at robinthepeople1@gmail.com to set up a Zoom meeting or a phone call.

Crypto offers exciting opportunities, but it’s essential to approach it with caution and knowledge. Happy investing!

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Why Gold and Silver Are Even More Important 2025

close up shot of silver and gold round coins

I previously wrote about Gold and Silver years ago. If you go back to my previous post you can read on why I was suggesting people buy it not just as an investment but as insurance. Fast forward years later, and the situation has only intensified. The global economy has faced new challenges, including unprecedented inflation rates and increasing geopolitical tensions. Central banks worldwide have continued their quantitative easing policies, further devaluing fiat currencies. In this environment, gold and silver have proven to be not just stores of value but essential hedges against economic uncertainty.

Recent data indicates that gold and silver have outperformed many traditional investments, offering stability amidst market volatility. Moreover, the demand for these precious metals has surged, driven by both institutional investors and individual savers seeking refuge from the eroding value of their paper currencies.

In addition to their role as financial safe havens, gold and silver have gained renewed importance in technological and industrial applications. Silver, in particular, is crucial for the burgeoning green energy sector, being a key component in solar panels and electric vehicles. This increased industrial demand further solidifies silver’s value proposition.

As we enter the election 2025 things are only going to get crazier. In addition to their role as financial safe havens, gold and silver have gained renewed importance in technological and industrial applications. Silver, in particular, is crucial for the burgeoning green energy sector, being a key component in solar panels and electric vehicles. This increased industrial demand further solidifies silver’s value proposition.

In conclusion, gold and silver are not just relics of the past; they are vital components of a resilient investment strategy in today’s uncertain world. By holding these precious metals, you can safeguard your wealth against the inevitable devaluation of fiat currencies and the economic turmoil that lies ahead. I will write a post on how to buy gold and silver because I believe in holding it physically. If you have any questions or things you would like to ask me, send me a email at robinthepeople1@gmail.com

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The Great Illusion: Stock Market vs. Real Economy

In today’s financial landscape, there’s a growing disparity between the booming stock market and the struggling real economy. This divergence is not coincidental but rather a constructed illusion orchestrated by governmental policies and financial manipulation. In his book The Great Taking, David Rogers Webb delves into the mechanisms behind this deception, revealing how governments and financial institutions create a facade of prosperity while underlying economic issues remain unresolved.

The Illusion of Prosperity

One of the key points Webb makes is that the stock market’s rise does not accurately reflect the economic well-being of the average person. Stock prices are often inflated by government policies such as quantitative easing and low-interest rates, which provide cheap money to corporations and investors. This influx of capital drives up stock prices, creating an illusion of economic health. However, this prosperity is not felt by the general population, who continue to face stagnant wages, rising living costs, and job insecurity.

Suppressed Depression

Webb argues that we are in a state of suppressed depression, a term that describes a situation where the true economic conditions are masked by artificial measures. The government employs various tactics to prevent the economy from collapsing outright, such as bailouts, stimulus packages, and fiscal interventions. While these measures can stave off immediate disaster, they do not address the root causes of economic distress and often lead to long-term consequences.

Government’s Endgame: Global Collateral Control

According to Webb, the ultimate goal of these policies is to centralize control over global collateral. By indebting nations and individuals, governments and financial institutions can seize assets and resources when debts inevitably become unmanageable. This strategy allows for a significant transfer of wealth and power from the public to a select few entities, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and control.

Conclusion

The gap between the stock market and the real economy is a carefully constructed illusion designed to mask deeper economic issues. As we navigate this suppressed depression, it’s crucial to recognize the underlying tactics at play and question the long-term implications of government and financial institution policies. The Great Taking provides a sobering analysis of these dynamics, urging readers to look beyond surface-level indicators and understand the true state of the economy.

References

Webb, D. R. (2022). The Great Taking.

By exploring these ideas, we can foster a more informed and critical perspective on the current economic landscape and the forces shaping it.

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What is CBDC?

Lately, in all the leading financial news, everyone has been discussing CBDCs. If you are not familiar with CBDC, it’s okay because it’s not discussed frequently in mainstream media. CBDC, an acronym for Central Bank Digital Currencies, is just a digital form of cash but with a concept inspired by Bitcoin. As of now, 80% of central banks worldwide are testing out to get ready for the new monetary policy shift/reforms that are taking place.

Digital Currencies issued by the central banks are essentially being put in place to go side by side with cash. But we all know the central banks want an all-digital monetary system. The adoption of digital currencies would rapidly change everything we see and how we use money today.

A World Where Cash Doesn’t Exist

The Federal Reserve is conducting a Fed Now system where you would essentially have your own account with the Federal Reserve, giving the Fed direct access to your bank account to be able to issue your funds directly. This is huge

With the Fed having direct access to provide you with money, it will also enable them the power over how you would be able to spend the digital cash or “currency.” With millions of Americans and people worldwide falling into poverty, this system would allow Governments to issue funds right away. For instincts, remember when Corona Virus first hit, it took the Fed and the Government weeks to issue out the 1200$ in relief aid for households that were hit the hardest.

The Fed Now system would allow the funds to be distributed immediately. And why this may sound great, operating under this type of design or structure would give the Government even more power and control.

People already complain about certain ads popping up on their phone or about their legal rights being taking for granted but imagine if the Government had all access to your money and how you spend it. In a world with no cash, everything would be TRACED, TRACKED, and TAXED. It’s essential to understand the changes taking place among us to prepare and understand the real consequences of big Government where they control everything.

The times we live in are very peculiar. With poverty rising daily, people are looking for a savior. The Government is happy to help, as long as you hand over your rights, freedom, and submission to control.

A Digital Dollar

A digital dollar would also allow the Government to introduce UBI, Universal Basic Income, a system that would send a set amount of money to Americans every month to reduce poverty in middle-class households. But sending free money to families won’t solve the problem. Americans need better-paying jobs.

We have to bring production back because consuming goods we don’t make or can’t afford only puts Americans in a deeper debt hole. The reason now why the American Government can provide as much as it does is because the Dollar is the World’s Reserve Currency. But with digital currencies and globalization taking place, this allows more division and freedom among countries, meaning they won’t have to transact with the Dollar. But that’s the only thing that gives the Dollar value now since it is not backed by any real assets or production, only debt.

Americans don’t produce anything, so if countries stop using the Dollars for transactions, we as Americans are nearly left to rely on the goods and services we provide at home, which is nothing! That’s why the Fed is taking its time rolling out the Digital Dollar because it knows the ripple effect it will have on Americans. A Digital Dollar would create even more financial instability for Americans.

That’s why it is crucial to learn ways to protect your cash because of its loss in value by the day. And don’t be surprised if one day you wake up and you get a text from your bank telling you to download an app and access your “digital dollar” think about how this could affect you. Think about an all-digital world.

Here are a few links to some sources that go more into the depth of CBDCs and explain some of the Feds latest moves with digital currencies. Any feedback or questions be sure to email me here.

https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/brainard20200813a.htm

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What is Crypto and Why Should I Own It

I am sure that even if you are not familiar with crypto precise functions, I know you have at least heard of Bitcoin. Crypto is a digital currency in which transactions are verified in real-time, and records are maintained by a decentralized system using cryptography rather than a centralized authority. Cryptocurrency is becoming more potent in America by the day with the current economic conditions we are experiencing with the dollar being printed and interest rates being historically low. How crypto helps the average person is that it allows you to store your money in a digital coin that can essentially convert into any currency in the world. Something like gold. No matter if that’s dollars, yuan, or the renminbi. It also makes it useful to transfer any amount of money, even millions, within seconds with low transaction fees.

Crypto is still in its infant stages, but it’s getting more adaption by the day. Cryptocurrency can be viewed in multiple ways when looking through the lens of the use case scenario. Crypto can be traded because its value goes up and down like gold or the stock market, but what makes it powerful is that the Government does not have any regulation over it, so there is no manipulation. It’s a fair game. When it comes to investment for the future, cryptocurrency is a spectacular instrument.

With the economic storms brewing in America with our corrupt Government and two-sided Federal Reserve, despite the fact, it’s new, crypto has the 2nd best protection incentives for your capital. I will never say anything is better or safer than gold, but crypto does have great value and room for growth. The downside of crypto is that it’s still in its early stages, so storing and security issues are currently significant.

Also, there are thousands of different types of cryptocurrencies, so knowing the legit ones can be critical if you look at crypto from an investment point of view. There are thousands of platforms/exchanges where you can purchase cryptocurrencies and even store them. However, since crypto is still new and very vulnerable to fraud, I only recommend official platforms like coinbase.com or binace.com, but there are multiple platforms. Even Robinhood.com allows you to buy crypto from their platform.

As mentioned earlier, there are thousands of cryptocurrencies, but as I said, anyone can create a coin, and with that in mind, you have to be mindful of what cryptos you purchase. The top 6 cryptos with the most validation on established platforms like coinbase.com are Bitcoin, Etherium, XRP, Litecoin, Stellar, Etherium cash and many more, but those are the most official in my eyes. In the coming years, I think owning crypto will be an essential asset because as people get more untrustworthy of the Government, they will want to have their money out of a corrupt system and into something less regulated and decentralized so that they can access and exchange into any currency at any time. Cryptocurrencies will be vital in America’s coming times as governments lose the people’s trust, so I hope this post was able to encourage you to secure you some crypto!

If you have any questions or need any insight on crypto, you can send me an email and I would love to discuss different options.

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How to Save Money in the 2020s

Saving money is difficult, especially in America, where the economy functions on Americans being consumers. The US has changed drastically from its founding principles of the ” American Dream” where it used to be if you worked hard, got a good job, you will most likely run into success. Oh, how that is far from the truth these days.

I want to talk about how to save in New America, where there is no dream in sight unless you are already rich. One thing you must do is PAY ATTENTION to what’s going on around you. You must pay very close attention to the Government and the decisions Congress makes. I hate to sound like one of those conspiracy theorists, but it’s true. Unfortunately, the Government controls the economy today, which is why most people feel left behind.

How can you participate in the economy or keep up with rising prices if the person who controls the printing press( which is merely printing money into existence) is playing the same game as you? You go to work for your money and purchase things you want like a house, car, stocks, etc. But the FED prints up money and buys mortgages, bonds; there even talking about buying stocks! Which is against the constitution. But in effect, when they make those types of purchases, it pushes up asset prices.

That is why the average joe works over 80 hours a week and still can’t afford to buy a house or even keep up with basic living because the FED is printing money pushing up prices, all while work wages are staying the same. So back to the title How to Save Money in the 2020s?

Control Your Debt:

I can’t stress how important it is to understand debt and how it affects your situation. Many folks get into debt for there own reason, most not understanding what they are doing. But the only way debt works in your favor is if you use it to produce something. Such as buying an income property or a business that can make a revenue for you.

Unfortunately, in these times we are in now people go into debt for anything. Debt is very dangerous and is a dark cloud that is hanging over the future of America. If you want to know how to save in the 2020s, reducing your debt and keeping it to a minimum is one thing you must try and do.

How does reducing debt look? By living by your means. If you cant afford it, don’t go into debt for it. Many have forgotten to live by this standard due to the pressure of society and desiring instantaneous gratification. It’s a dangerous way to be.

For students who are waist-deep in debt with school loans, the way you save in the 2020s is to VOTE. School loan debt is a big part of the Presidential campaign, so you must vote correctly for whoever is talking about forgiving student debt.

Cash Flow is King

Cash flow is everything in our debt-based economy. With money not worth much these days and losing value year over year due to the Feds policies, it’s essential to create extra cash flow to secure income as we do not know how stable our jobs will be in the future.

Cash Flow is also a hedge against inflation because the more cash flow you create, the less you have to depend on your job wages to keep up. Creating Cash Flow means becoming creative in ways of making money, and with that, you can charge whatever price you want.

When thinking about ways to create Cash Flow, it is essential to seek knowledge and start small, give yourself a small goal of making 500$ a month without your job.

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What is Gold and Silver really Worth ?

The title says it all! What are Gold and Silver worth? The truth is, in this debt-driven economy, it’s priceless! As long as the FED keeps printing the US dollar into oblivion, gold, silver, and land are likely to continue to increase. Investors are oblivious to gold and silver because they feel like its a thing of the past, but what they are missing is that history always repeats itself, and nothing is new under the sun. The US Federal Gov is printing trillions of dollars daily to keep the economy from total collapse. Still, with the American people heavily in debt and the dollar already losing 97% of its value, I believe printing money will make the situation worse.

I feel now is the time more than ever for investors and the middle class of America to own gold and silver so they will be able to protect their purchasing power over the coming years.
No one knows precisely how this fiasco will end, but when looking back at history, gold has protected people for over 5,000 years. Currencies fail all the time around the world, but what we are witnessing in America today, we have never been here before, so its best to hold gold and silver to protect your family and assets for what’s to come. A good example to compare America today is to the Roman Empire. Our government is heading down the same road.

If you’re not familiar with the collapse of the Roman Empire, I suggest you watch Mike Maloney secrets of Money on Youtube. It’s very informative and easy to understand that way. You can paint a picture in your head to whats going on.