I’m excited to share something I’ve been building with @base_44: Savory, a fresh digital space designed for food critics, home cooks, chefs, and culinary creators.
Savory brings together two worlds that often orbit each other but rarely cross paths online. Food critics get a place to discover rising talent, review dishes, and connect with passionate cooks. Cooks get a platform to showcase their flavors, share recipes, build credibility, and receive real feedback from experts and fellow creators.
With Savory, the goal is simple: Create a community where food isn’t just posted — it’s experienced, discussed, and celebrated.
Whether you’re plating a masterpiece or breaking down the story behind a meal, Savory gives you a place to be seen, heard, and inspired.
By the time you reach 40, something profound happens — not just physically, but mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. You begin to understand that life moves in cycles, and at this stage, you’re standing at what many call the Pinnacle of Life.
This isn’t about getting older. It’s about awakening.
At 40, most people realize that every decision from here forward — every “yes” and every “no” — determines the quality of the rest of their life. You’re no longer building toward the person you’ll become; you are that person. And from here, refinement and purpose take center stage.
Let’s look at the four major life cycles that both men and women experience — and how the fourth one, beginning around 40, can either bring transformation or stagnation depending on your choices.
1. The Cycle of Discovery (Ages 0–20)
This is the stage of becoming — learning who you are through experience, rebellion, and exploration.
You try, fail, dream, fall, and get back up. Everything feels infinite.
For women, it’s the discovery of self-image, identity, and worth — often shaped by family, culture, and early heartbreak.
For men, it’s about proving strength, independence, and belonging.
This cycle is about becoming aware. It’s not yet about purpose, but about understanding that you have one.
2. The Cycle of Building (Ages 20–30)
Here, you start constructing your foundation — career, relationships, lifestyle, reputation. You make choices that begin to define who you are in the adult world.
Women often face pressure to “do it all” — succeed in their career, nurture relationships, and perhaps start a family.
Men often enter the provider mindset — working tirelessly to establish success, sometimes at the expense of emotional balance.
This is a period of ambition, but also identity confusion. You’re building, but not always in alignment with your true self.
3. The Cycle of Realignment (Ages 30–40)
Now, the cracks begin to show. The foundation you built gets tested by reality.
You begin asking hard questions: Am I happy? Is this truly who I want to be?
Women may start redefining beauty, success, and family roles. They crave authenticity, not approval.
Men may face the quiet onset of the “midlife mirror” — a deep urge to reclaim lost dreams or redefine masculinity.
This cycle is often marked by internal conflict — the feeling that life is moving faster than your fulfillment.
4. The Cycle of Mastery (Ages 40 and Beyond)
And then comes the awakening — the Pinnacle.
At 40, you are no longer guessing who you are. You’ve lived, loved, failed, and grown. But now, the question shifts from “What do I want?” to “What will I create from what I’ve learned?”
This is the season of clarity, maturity, and power.
However, it’s also the most pivotal point — because what you decide here determines whether the rest of your life unfolds in peace or regret.
For women, turning 40 often brings liberation. Many shed old identities — no longer chasing validation, but purpose. They choose health, peace, and authenticity.
For men, it’s a moment of reckoning. The external trophies (money, status, possessions) lose their shine. Legacy, meaning, and emotional depth become the real goals.
The Crossroads of 40
At 40, you either evolve or repeat.
You either choose growth, healing, and courage — or cling to patterns that no longer serve you.
Every decision now has long-term impact:
The partner you choose (or stay with) shapes your peace.
The work you pursue defines your sense of purpose.
The health habits you form determine your vitality after 50.
The forgiveness you extend — to yourself or others — determines your freedom.
40 is the pivot point where wisdom meets willpower.
It’s not the end of youth; it’s the beginning of conscious living.
Final Thought
The greatest tragedy isn’t aging — it’s staying the same.
At 40, you’ve earned the right to live deliberately. Whether you’re a man stepping into quiet strength or a woman reclaiming her divine power, this is your era of mastery.
What you decide now — how you love, what you chase, what you let go — will write the next forty years of your story.
Make it a masterpiece. Thanks for reading.
In a world where authenticity is celebrated more than ever, living “on the down low” — hiding one’s sexual identity or relationships — remains a painful reality for many. Men and women who conceal their sexuality often do so out of fear: fear of rejection, cultural pressure, or potential loss of family, career, or community standing. These fears are valid, but the consequences of secrecy can be devastating, both personally and for those around them.
When someone lives a double life, partners may unknowingly be exposed to emotional betrayal or even physical risks, such as sexually transmitted infections. Beyond the immediate harm, the deception erodes trust and perpetuates shame — reinforcing the very stigma that drives secrecy in the first place.
Honesty about one’s sexuality isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s an act of respect toward others. It allows for real connections built on truth rather than fear. Creating a culture where people feel safe to be open is everyone’s responsibility — because the cost of silence is far greater than the courage it takes to speak.
⚠️ Warning to Young Gay and Lesbian Individuals About the “DL” Trend
The “down low” or “DL” trend on social media might seem like harmless fun, but it carries serious risks. When you post or joke about being “DL,” you’re opening yourself to misunderstanding, exposure, or even dangerous backlash. Many people online don’t respect privacy, and once something is shared, it can spread far beyond your control.
This kind of content can be weaponized against you — by classmates, employers, family, or strangers who don’t have good intentions. Beyond that, it can reinforce harmful stereotypes that hurt the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
Be mindful of what you post. Protect your image, your privacy, and your safety. The internet doesn’t forget — and not everyone watching online means you well.
Stay safe, stay proud, and remember: your identity deserves respect, not risky trends.
There comes a time in life when the noise quiets down, the relationships fade, and the world seems to slow just enough for you to finally hear your own thoughts. That time is often the phase of singlehood in solitude—a sacred season not meant for loneliness, but for rediscovery. It’s a period where you aren’t just alone—you are being refined.
1. Rest Without Guilt
You don’t have to be constantly busy to prove your worth. Take this time to rest—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Let your body and soul reset. Sleep in. Journal your thoughts. Breathe deeply. Rest is not laziness; it’s preparation for what’s next. Think of it as the soil being nourished before a new season of growth.
2. Pray and Reconnect Spiritually
Solitude creates space to hear divine whispers that get lost in the noise of relationships and responsibilities. Use this time to pray, meditate, and seek clarity. Whether it’s through scripture, affirmations, or simply quiet reflection, align your spirit with peace. Let prayer become your anchor—it’s where your next chapter begins to unfold.
3. Learn New Skills and Explore Your Passions
Singlehood is fertile ground for personal growth. Try new things—take that online course, learn a language, pick up painting, or finally start that business idea that’s been sitting in your notes app. Every skill you build adds another layer of confidence and independence. Remember: when you invest in yourself, you attract what’s aligned with your higher self.
4. Take Care of Yourself—Inside and Out
Use this phase to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Eat better, move more, read books that inspire you, and surround yourself with positive energy. Create rituals that make you feel loved—morning tea, skincare routines, walks in nature, or quiet evenings with music and candles. Self-care isn’t vanity; it’s healing.
5. Reflect on Who You’re Becoming
Singlehood is not a waiting room for love—it’s a training ground for purpose. Reflect on what you’ve learned from past relationships, but don’t dwell there. Focus on who you’re becoming, not who you were. The more you grow into your authentic self, the more peace you’ll find in being alone—and eventually, the more aligned your future connections will be.
Final Thoughts
This season of solitude isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. It’s where you rest, reset, and realign with your purpose. One day, you’ll look back and realize that this quiet chapter was where you found your strength, peace, and clarity.
So rest. Pray. Learn. Heal.
You are not waiting—you are becoming.
UFE, also called Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Its goal is to shrink or eliminate uterine fibroids by cutting off or reducing their blood supply.
It is an alternative to more invasive surgeries like hysterectomy (removal of uterus) or myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) when fibroids cause symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, urinary or bowel problems.
Procedure & How It Works
A catheter is inserted, usually via the groin (femoral artery) or sometimes wrist, under imaging (fluoroscopy) guidance.
Embolic agents (tiny beads or microspheres) are injected into the uterine arteries feeding the fibroids. These block the blood supply, causing the fibroids to “starve” and shrink over time, relieving symptoms.
No large incisions; uterus is preserved. Recovery is quicker vs open surgery.
Effectiveness and Outcomes
Many patients (estimates: ~80-90%) experience significant symptom relief.
Shrinkage of fibroids is on the order of roughly half (though depends on size, type, and number).
Some risk: pain/cramping (especially early after procedure), possible temporary effects on ovarian function or fertility. Recurrence of symptoms or need for additional treatments occurs in some.
History / When Introduced
UFE was first described in 1995 in a small case series of women.
By the late 1990s it was adopted more broadly in the US and elsewhere. UChicago Medicine notes its first use in the U.S. around 1997.
Who is a Good Candidate / Limitations
Best if you have symptoms (bleeding, pain, pressure) that affect quality of life.
If pregnancy in the future is not a priority, or you accept some risk to fertility. UFE may compromise fertility in some cases.
Not ideal if there is a pelvic infection, certain bleeding disorders, very large or degenerating fibroids, or in some cases fibroids that distort the uterine cavity severely.
Recovery & Aftercare
The procedure takes about 1 to 3 hours.
Hospital stay: often outpatient (go home same day) or one night.
Recovery: mild to moderate discomfort (cramping, pain, possible nausea), usually subsides within days, many resume light activities within a week, full recovery in 1-2 weeks in many cases.
IVF & Its Alternatives: Timeline, Key Milestones, and What Options Exist
Here’s a look at IVF, its history, and other fertility treatments that are or have been alternatives. For each, I’ll include when it emerged / became established, what it involves, and pros & cons (especially relative to IVF).
Treatment
Established or Major Milestone Date(s)
What It Is / How It Works
Pros & Cons / When Used
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
First successful human birth: Louise Brown, England, 1978. First US IVF baby: 1981.
Eggs are retrieved from a woman, fertilized in a lab with sperm, then embryo(s) transferred into the uterus. Can use own or donor eggs/sperm. Controlled ovarian stimulation is often used to produce multiple eggs.
Pros: high success rates (especially with modern techniques), genetic testing possible, effective for many causes of infertility. Cons: expensive, physically demanding, risk of multiple pregnancies if multiple embryos, risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, emotional burden.
Mid-20th century: Clomiphene citrate approved in 1960s, use of gonadotropins followed.
Drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce one or more eggs; cycle monitored; sometimes used with timed intercourse or IUI.
Pros: less invasive than IVF, lower cost, fewer risks. Cons: lower success per cycle than IVF; risk of multiples if more than one egg; not effective if severe infertility factors (e.g. blocked tubes, very low sperm count).
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Use traces back centuries for artificial insemination; IUI in modern form became more common in 20th century; combined with ovulation induction became well-established mid-20th to late 20th century.
Sperm are prepared in the lab (washed, concentrated) and placed directly into the uterus around ovulation. Can be done in natural cycle or stimulated (medications).
Pros: simpler, cheaper than IVF; less physically burdensome. Cons: lower success rates; less useful if severe female or male factor issues; may require several cycles; risk of multiples with stimulation.
Gamete (Egg or Sperm) Donation
Egg donation IVF established in the 1980s; sperm donation earlier but formal egg donation for IVF in ~1984.
When one partner’s gametes are not usable, a donor’s sperm or eggs are used in IVF.
Pros: allows many infertile couples to conceive; donor options broaden choices. Cons: legal, ethical, and emotional considerations; costs; sometimes recipient’s body more likely to reject or have complications.
Frozen Embryo / Egg Transfers (Cryopreservation)
First baby from frozen embryo: Australia, 1984; frozen donor egg babies somewhat later.
Eggs or embryos are frozen for later use; allows delaying cycles or saving excess embryos.
Pros: flexibility, reduced ovarian stimulation multiple cycles; preserves fertility. Cons: freeze/thaw reduces viability; may require specific labs and costs; not all frozen eggs/embryos survive.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
First successful pregnancies via ICSI in 1992.
Single sperm is injected directly into oocyte; especially used in male factor infertility (low sperm count or poor motility).
Pros: very helpful for male infertility; large increase in possibilities. Cons: more manipulation; may have slightly different risk profiles; more expensive; ethical concerns in some contexts.
Alternative/Less Common ART Techniques (e.g. GIFT, ZIFT, embryo transfer, mitochondrial replacement)
GIFT & ZIFT developed in the 1980s as alternatives to IVF (gametes or zygotes transferred into fallopian tube rather than uterus). Embryo transfer (from one woman to another) first successful in 1983 with birth in 1984.
These alternatives vary: GIFT = gametes are placed in fallopian tubes; ZIFT = zygote placed in tube; embryo transfer between women, etc.
Pros: sometimes more “natural” in that fertilization or early embryo development occurs in body rather than exclusively in lab. Cons: invasive surgeries in some cases; reduced control; fewer clinics offer them nowadays; often overshadowed by advances in IVF.
Comparing UFE with Fertility Treatment Options
Since UFE is about treating fibroids whereas IVF and the above options are about assisting fertilization / overcoming barriers to creating a pregnancy, the role of each is different. But sometimes the presence of fibroids is a reason someone considers IVF or other fertility treatments. Key comparison points:
Purpose: UFE treats fibroids (uterine growths causing symptoms), not directly infertility or fertilization. IVF & alternatives treat infertility or barriers to becoming pregnant.
Uterus preservation: UFE preserves the uterus (but may impact fertility), whereas some fibroid treatments (myomectomy, hysterectomy) may carry different risks. IVF alternatives often rely on intact reproductive anatomy.
Fertility outcomes: If fertility is an aim, fibroid treatment strategy matters. Some women with fibroids undergo myomectomy (if fibroids distort uterine cavity), and then may do IVF if needed. UFE's effect on fertility is less certain.
Invasiveness & recovery: UFE is less invasive than major surgery; many IVF-alternatives (like IUI, ovulation induction) are less invasive but IVF involves egg retrieval (surgery under sedation).
Summary & What to Know
If fibroids are causing symptoms and interfering with fertility, it’s important to talk with your care team about all options: UFE, myomectomy, possibly combining fibroid treatment with fertility treatment.
If fertility is a priority, especially desire for pregnancy, then treatment plans should consider not just symptom relief but long-term prospects.
One night Kara had a car accident on the road with a truck driver.
The truck driver was at fault. When the truck driver exited the truck to see if Kara was ok he rushed to be by her side when he saw the car was on its side.
Kara was screaming for help. The truck driver said hi my name is Tony I'll get you out. Tony pushed the car until it was right side up and pulled Kara out of the window.
Kara was crying and couldn't believe she was safe. Kara thanked Tony for saving her. The Police, Ambulance 🚑 and Fire 🚒 Fighters Arrived to care for the injured. They rush Kara to the Hospital 🏥 and Tony was right by her side. Kara fractured her leg and shoulder. Tony was worried he'd loose his Commercial Driving License 🪪.
Now at the hospital a day has passed and Kara woke full a deep sleep from all the medicine 💊 💉. Tony said Hi Kara, I couldn't leave you until I knew you were safe and well.
Once Tony saw that Kara was up and on her way to a speedy recovery, he could finally leave and go home to get some rest
Several weeks had passed. Tony arrived at the hospital to check on Kara but she wasn't there. Tony asked the front desk for Kara's last name. The clerk said Kara's last name is Richard’s.
Tony went to his car and called the police station about the car wreck and to retrieve a number for Kara Richards. They gave it to him.
Tony called for Kara, she answered his call on the first ring. Hi Kara I'm Tony the man who hit your car on the road I was calling to see how you were. Is everything ok can I do anything? Kara replied that she was fine. Sadly the wreck made me miss carry my 🍼. Although Kara was unaware she pregnant.
Hope you don't find this odd but would you consider going on a date with me Tony said.
Kara agreed. They'd become close the more they frequent themselves. The car wreck was their destiny
The information age turned into the “scroll age” because our attention became the most profitable resource on the planet.
1. Attention = Money
Social media platforms don’t sell content — they sell your attention to advertisers. The longer you stay on an app, the more ads they can show you, and the more data they can collect about your habits, emotions, and desires. Infinite scrolling and algorithms that reward outrage or instant gratification were deliberately designed to keep you hooked.
2. The Brain Loves Dopamine
Every like, comment, or video gives your brain a little hit of dopamine — the same chemical released when we eat something sweet or win a game. Over time, your brain starts craving those quick hits instead of deep focus or meaningful learning. So instead of using the internet to grow, we use it to feel stimulated.
3. Algorithms Favor Emotion Over Substance
Information that makes people feel — angry, amused, shocked, validated — spreads faster than information that makes people think. That’s why you see more viral memes than thoughtful essays in your feed.
4. Overload + Fatigue
We now have access to more information than any human in history, but our brains haven’t evolved to handle it all. Constant exposure leads to fatigue — so people retreat into easy, mindless scrolling rather than intentional exploration.
5. Loss of Purposeful Digital Culture
In the early internet, people went online to create, discover, and connect. Now, the platforms themselves create the content, curate what you see, and nudge how you react. Users have shifted from participants to consumers in a digital attention economy.
In short:
The information age promised empowerment, but without awareness, it turned into an age of distraction — because systems designed for profit optimized for addiction, not enlightenment.
Many of us grow up with the belief that “family is everything.” But what happens when the very people who are supposed to nurture, guide, and love us unconditionally are the ones who cause the most pain? Toxic parents often leave scars that follow their children well into adulthood. And despite the pain, many adult children make excuses for their parents’ behavior — clinging to hope, obligation, or fear.
Common Excuses Adult Children Make for Toxic Parents
Even after years of mistreatment, many adults minimize or rationalize their parents’ behavior:
“That’s just how they are.”
“They had a tough childhood, too.”
“They did the best they could.”
“At least they provided food and shelter.”
“Family comes first, no matter what.”
While empathy is important, constantly excusing toxic behavior only prolongs the cycle of pain.
Recognizing Toxic Parenting Patterns
Toxic parents don’t all look the same, but their patterns are consistent. Some common signs include:
Control disguised as love – Dictating your life choices, undermining your independence.
Emotional manipulation – Guilt-tripping, silent treatment, or playing the victim.
Conditional love – Affection and approval based only on achievements or compliance.
Criticism and belittling – Dismissing your feelings, mocking your goals, or comparing you negatively to others.
Lack of boundaries – Ignoring your privacy, overstepping into your personal life, or expecting you to parent them.
Gaslighting – Denying your experiences, twisting the truth, or making you feel “crazy.”
Favoritism and scapegoating – Pitting siblings against one another or designating one child as the “problem.”
If these patterns sound familiar, you’re not alone — many adults wrestle with the invisible weight of toxic family dynamics.
How to Break Free from Toxic Patterns
Cutting ties isn’t always possible or desirable, but you can protect your peace and well-being. Here are key steps:
Acknowledge the reality. Stop minimizing their behavior. Call it what it is: toxic.
Set clear boundaries. Decide what behaviors you will and won’t tolerate. Communicate these boundaries firmly.
Limit or cut contact. It’s okay to reduce visits, ignore phone calls, or go no-contact if necessary.
Stop justifying them. Their pain doesn’t excuse the harm they’ve caused you.
Seek support. Therapy, support groups, or trusted friends can help you untangle years of emotional manipulation.
Redefine family. Family isn’t always blood. Create a chosen family of people who respect and uplift you.
Prioritize your healing. Journaling, therapy, meditation, and self-compassion practices help rebuild self-worth.
Final Thoughts
It takes courage to admit that your parents are toxic — and even more courage to stop making excuses for them. Breaking free doesn’t mean you hate them; it means you love yourself enough to stop tolerating harm. Remember: you are not obligated to carry the weight of their dysfunction. Your healing, boundaries, and peace are valid — and they matter.
My goals are to save money, write more, produce more art, direct a film based off my novel Love Is Not Enduring and travel. I want a few houses and cars 7 years from now.
1. Financial Foundation (Years 1–3)
Save money intentionally: Set a monthly savings target (e.g., 20–30% of income). Automate it.
Invest smartly: Use index funds, ETFs, or real estate to grow wealth.
Build credit / reduce debt: Strong financial health helps with buying homes & cars later.
2. Creative Output (Ongoing)
Writing: Commit to a daily or weekly writing routine (even 30 mins/day adds up).
Art: Create and release art consistently—consider online platforms or exhibits.
Film project:
Year 1–2 → Develop screenplay from Love Is Not Enduring.
Year 2–3 → Build connections, crowdfunding, grants, or investors.
Year 4–5 → Direct the film.
Year 6–7 → Push into festivals, distribution, or streaming platforms.
3. Lifestyle & Assets (Years 4–7)
Travel: Start with smaller trips (Year 1–2), then longer international travel as savings/income grows.
Homes & cars:
Year 3–4 → Purchase first home (primary residence or rental).
Year 5–7 → Expand into multiple properties & upgrade vehicles.
4. Milestones by Year
Year 1: Save aggressively, refine novel into screenplay, finish one major art project.
Year 2: Begin networking in film/art communities, take 1–2 meaningful trips.
Year 3: Secure financing (grants, investors, or personal savings) for your film. Buy first property.
Year 4–5: Direct Love Is Not Enduring. Expand your art portfolio.
Year 6: Travel more extensively, showcase your film, buy second property.
Year 7: Multiple houses/cars acquired, established as a creative and financial powerhouse.
You have six digital download items for sale. (Etsy) Each is priced at US $10.00. (Etsy) The pieces seem to be high-resolution art or planner files suited for DIY, crafts, or personal use. (Etsy) Here are some specifics:
Item
Type / Theme
What it says about the product
Whimsical Character Clipart: High-Res DIY Images
Clipart / whimsical / character illustrations
Probably various characters you can use for crafts, scrapbooking, digital work. (Etsy)
Good Ole American President
Patriotic / Americana / humor or art
A themed art file likely referencing U.S. Presidents or American style imagery. (Etsy)
Jesus Art: High Res Digital Image for DIY Projects
Religious / Spiritual art
For DIY spiritual or religious projects. Could be used for printing, crafts, etc. (Etsy)
Black Royalty Art: High-Res Digital Images for DIY Projects
Cultural / identity art
Emphasis on Black culture / royalty – perhaps portraits or imagery celebrating that. (Etsy)
2026 Daily, Monthly and Annual Planner
Planner / organizational tool
A planner for the next year, likely with several calendar views etc. (Etsy)
Galactic Space Aliens
Sci-Fi / space theme art
Outer space themed artwork or illustrations. (Etsy)
Also from the shop description / announcement:
Each “digital collection” consists of 5 digital files, each under 1 MB. (Etsy)
The shop is advertised as “Digital Art” with a variety of fun themes (outer space, magic, “true American patriarch”) and DIY-friendly art. (Etsy)
The creator is based in Texas (Fort Worth) and identifies as a digital artist & writer. (Etsy)
What is good / what you could think about
Strengths
Variety of themes: You cover different interests (religious, cultural, whimsical, space, organizational). That helps attract different kinds of buyers.
Consistent pricing: All at $10 makes things simple for customers.
Clear format: Items are labeled “Digital Download” and the file-size / number of files is specified, which helps buyers understand what they’re purchasing.
Possible opportunities for improvement or expansion
Preview images: If not already, ensure there are multiple preview images showing the digital art in use (e.g. mockups, printed versions, as planner pages, etc.). Buyers like seeing context.
File formats / specs: Clarify what file formats buyers will receive (PNG, JPG, PDF, etc.), the resolution, whether transparent background, etc. Though you note “high-res,” more detail helps.
Licensing / usage rights: It can help to include what buyers can and can’t do with the art (personal vs commercial use). That avoids confusion.
Bundled vs single-theme items: Since each collection has 5 files, perhaps offering both individual files and collections might appeal to some who want just one design rather than the whole pack.
Seasonal / trending themes: Perhaps an opportunity to make seasonal art (holidays, etc.) or themes that are trending.
I was tuning into Minority Mindset on YouTube about were to invest 1000$. He spoke about investing in royalty trust and treasury bonds along with traditional ETF's (Trading Stocks). So I did a little digging on a 90 day plan on how to make 20$ work for me and turn into more money and here is a break down.
Step 1 — Multiply, Don’t Just Save
With $20, you want to invest in something that can grow, not just sit in a bank.
High-yield savings apps (for safe growth)
Apps like Chime, SoFi, Varo sometimes offer up to 4% APY.
Try Acorns, Stash, or Robinhood fractional shares.
Put $5 into an S&P 500 ETF every week. Historically, that grows 7–10% yearly.
Step 2 — Turn $20 Into $100+ Quickly
Leverage small, fast-turnaround investments:
Flipping items (high profit margin)
Go to thrift stores, yard sales, Dollar Tree, buy undervalued items, and resell on Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, or eBay.
Example: Buy a $3 mug → Sell for $12 → Reinvest profits.
Print-on-demand & digital products (scalable income)
Use $20 to design a logo, T-shirt, or digital planner on Canva and list it on Etsy, Redbubble, or Amazon KDP.
No inventory, passive income after setup.
Step 3 — Invest in Knowledge (Highest ROI)
Turn $20 into skills that create income streams:
Buy a $15 Udemy course on AI, freelancing, or investing.
Use free resources: Coursera, Skillshare, YouTube.
Learn high-demand micro-skills:
Canva design
Copywriting
AI prompts & automation
Social media marketing
A $20 investment in skills can turn into $200, $2,000, or more over time.
Step 4 — Automate & Reinvest
Set up recurring micro-investments: $5/week into ETFs or crypto.
Use cashback apps like Rakuten, Honey, or Fetch Rewards → free money to reinvest.
As profits grow, divide income into three buckets:
50% reinvest into growth
30% save or invest
20% enjoy or keep liquid
Step 5 — Think Long-Term Wealth
Once your $20 becomes $200, $500, or $1,000:
Diversify into ETFs, dividend stocks, or high-yield savings.
Start a side hustle that compounds over time.
Use profits to build passive income streams — so your money earns money.
Quick Start Example
Today: Put $5 into an S&P 500 ETF.
Tomorrow: Use $15 to flip thrift items on Facebook Marketplace.
Next Week: Reinvest profits into digital products on Etsy.
Next Month: Take your first $100 profit and split: $50 invest, $30 flip, $20 learn.
Repeat. Small, consistent moves = big results.
September 8th, 2025 Update: "I'm reorganizing some of my small investments on Fidelity.com, including mutual funds, royalty trusts, and ETFs. I'm reinvesting capital gains in certain holdings while allocating a portion of the dividend gains to my core account."
Over the decades, wages have struggled to keep pace with inflation—most of America’s promise of upward mobility has been eroded. From 1979 to 2011, inflation-adjusted median household income rose shabbily by just 26.5%, or 46% when accounting for after-tax income and household size. Yet during that same era, the top 10% saw a 78% jump in gross household income, while the bottom 10% experienced a 40% increase. Between 1979 and 2007 alone, after-tax income for the top 1% soared 275%, while the bottom 20% saw only ~18% growth.
Real Wages: Broken Promises Fulfilled?
From 2006 to 2025, the nominal average weekly wage rose by about 78.7%, but inflation ate most of it—real wages increased a mere **11.9%**. Over that period, only about $130 of a $540 nominal weekly gain translated into real purchasing power. Even worse, certain periods were disastrous—June 2022 saw inflation at 9.1% while wages only grew 4.8%, deepening the squeeze.
Wage Growth by Occupation
Between 1979 and 2023, real wage gains (cumulative) were minimal for most:
Low-wage (10th percentile): +17%
Lower-middle (20th–40th): +20.8%
Middle (40th–60th): +17.4%
Upper-middle (60th–80th): +23.4%
High-wage (90th percentile): +46.2%.
Pre-pandemic, such growth was nearly stagnant—0.1% annually for low-wage workers between 1979–2019. The pandemic briefly reversed the trend, with low-wage real wages leaping 12.1% (2019–2023), but that may be a blip in the grand scheme.
Middle-Class Squeeze
The term captures how wage increases fall behind runaway inflation, especially in essential costs like housing, groceries, and rent—and while the well-off accumulate assets, the middle class loses ground. In real terms, median household income around 2000 was barely higher than in 1970, erasing decades of progress.
Wealth in the Hands of Few
Millionaires and Billionaires: Where Does the Money Go?
By 2024, the U.S. added 379,000 millionaires—over 1,000 per day.
The country boasts ~6 million millionaires, ~10,800 centi-millionaires (>$100M), and 850+ billionaires.
Forbes reports 902 billionaires in the U.S. as of 2025.
The Wealth Concentration
The top 20% of U.S. households owns a striking 71% of the nation’s wealth; the bottom 50% holds just 2%, averaging $52,000 in assets.
From 1983 to 2016, the richest households' wealth rose by 147%, while middle earners gained only 13%, and lowest-earning households actually lost **8%**.
In 2019, the top 1% of earners received 27% of total income, compared to just 10.9% in 1980.
The Paradox
Despite soaring numbers of millionaires, wealth remains deeply unequal. The U.S. holds 34% of global liquid wealth and 37% of all millionaires, but most gains go to the ultra-wealthy.
Timeline: Wage Raises vs. Inflation (1980s–Present)
Year(s)
Wage Growth
Inflation / Cost of Living Impact
1979–2007
Top 1%: +275% (after-tax)
Bottom 20%: +~18%; rising disparity
1979–2023
Low-wage: +17%; Middle: +17–20%; High-wage: +46%
CPI and housing costs up sharply—wages lag drastically
2006–2025
Nominal wage: +78.7%; Real wage: +11.9%
Inflation ate much of wage gains
June 2022
Wages +4.8%
Inflation +9.1%—a steep negative divergence
2024–2025
Nominal weekly wages +3.4%
Real gain: ~0.6%
Bottom line: Though wages have nudged upward, inflation and living costs—especially housing—have increased much faster, denying most people meaningful gains.
Why Even Raises Feel Like Setbacks
Housing: In 2024, to afford a median-priced home (~$126,670 income required), you needed 60% more income than in 2021, yet median income only rose 1.3% to $80,610.
Basic Expenses: Rising prices for food, rent, childcare, and healthcare continue to outstrip wage growth. Even earners making $100K+ often feel “poorer than their parents,” thanks to crushing costs, higher debt, and fewer benefits.
Household Debt: With high interest rates, personal interest expenses soared sharply—one household had to tap home equity just to stay afloat.
Conclusion: The Great Squeeze
Despite gains in nominal wages and massive wealth generation, most Americans feel stuck. Wage increases—especially for lower and middle earners—haven't kept up with inflation and skyrocketing living costs. Meanwhile, an ever-growing class of millionaires and billionaires absorbs most gains, pushing financial stability further out of reach for ordinary households.
Love Is Not Enduring by Cecilia Okugo is a dramatic contemporary romance following Clarissa, an ambitious interior designer and caterer who moves from Utah to San Diego for a fresh start. After meeting Tommy, a charming contractor with a shared vision for business success, the two form a personal and professional partnership that quickly turns romantic. But their engagement is tested by jealous exes, workplace drama, and the lingering shadow of Tommy’s late former lover, Lisa. Betrayals, elaborate schemes, and manipulative games from Tommy’s old friends threaten to destroy Clarissa’s reputation, career, and relationship. As Clarissa navigates heartbreak, professional opportunities, and the constant battle between trust and deception, she must decide whether to fight for love or protect herself from further emotional damage.
Book Description
Set against the sunlit backdrops of San Diego’s high-end design and construction world, Love Is Not Enduring blends romance, suspense, and workplace intrigue. Clarissa arrives in California eager to expand her catering and design businesses, but her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Tommy, a sophisticated contractor with big dreams. Their whirlwind romance leads to a proposal, but the arrival of Tommy’s ex-girlfriend’s memory—and the meddling of Clarissa’s own past lovers—puts their happiness at risk.
Through a mix of lavish parties, high-stakes business deals, steamy romance, and bitter confrontations, the story explores themes of ambition, betrayal, jealousy, and resilience. Clarissa’s journey takes her from boardrooms and construction sites to exotic vacations and emotional stand-offs, forcing her to confront the question at the heart of the novel: can love truly survive the tests of trust, loyalty, and the ghosts of the past?
This emotionally charged tale is ideal for readers who enjoy relationship drama with layered characters, business-world backdrops, and the kind of twists that keep you turning pages until the very end.
