Andrew Lokenauth

https://mastodon.social/@FluentInFinance

I write https://TheFinanceNewsletter.com, trusted by 100,000 to get smarter with the economy, geopolitics, personal finance, and decision-making.  

20 years of finance experience — Follow for daily insights & turn on notifications!

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Last Notes

2026-08-09 14:03:15 UTC

I had a hospital visit where they gave me two options.
Pay $500 out of pocket or bill my insurance.
I told them to bill my insurance.
They billed my insurance $20,000.
Very normal healthcare system.

2026-07-21 19:18:35 UTC

TRUMP coin is now down 98% from its peak.
A $10,000 investment at its peak would be worth $204 today.
Around 1 million wallets have now lost a combined $3.81 billion.
Why would anyone invest in this??
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/959/571/358/986/846/original/959bdc1444cf85ad.png

2026-03-13 23:11:16 UTC

People don’t realize what’s happening.
$2,000,000,000,000 wiped out from the US stock market in the past month.
Truly insane numbers.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/224/391/445/607/061/original/f1e4a3c8bf7d02bf.jpeg

2025-12-17 22:52:46 UTC

A $400,000 mortgage is $2,600 per month today.
A $400,000 mortgage was $1,600 per month in 2022.
$1,000 more a month for the same home. Crazy.

2024-12-27 23:10:58 UTC

- reply

Here's a simple way to think about Accrual Accounting:
Say you own a store and sell Avocados:
• You buy 100 Avocados for $1 each ($100 cost)
• You sell 50 Avocados for $5 each ($250 revenue)
Let’s calculate profit:
• Cash Method:
Expenses = $100 (all Avocados bought)
Revenue = $250
Profit = $150
• Accrual Method:
Expenses = $50 (cost of 50 Avocados sold)
Revenue = $250
Profit = $200
Accrual Accounting shows a higher profit because it matches the cost of Avocados sold to the revenue earned

2024-12-26 21:49:08 UTC

First time in history when 1% of interest rate cuts raised the 10-year note yield by 1%.
So what will happen in 2025 and beyond?
Here's everything you need to know:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/721/327/401/245/374/original/8dcf9320fda3c24b.png

2024-12-25 00:29:22 UTC

- reply

When you win the lotto, take the lump sum payment instead of the annuity.
The annuity option pays a very low rate of return, it's a bad investment.
You can get a better return by investing the lump sum in an S&P 500 index fund.
Most lotteries pay around 4.5% annual return, which is less than you can get by investing in an S&P 500 index fund which has a historical average return of 11%.

2024-12-25 00:28:42 UTC

- reply

5. Do these things to go private (because 70% of lottery winners end up broke and 33% declare bankruptcy)
• Get a new phone number and e-mail address
• Change your address to a PO Box
• Delete all social media
This will help stop strangers from showing up at your home.

2024-12-25 00:28:25 UTC

- reply

4. Make copies of your ticket (both digital and print copies, on both sides)
Keep digital copies of the ticket in encrypted cloud storage and an external hard drive.
Then hide the ticket somewhere safe in case you lose the original.

2024-12-25 00:27:43 UTC

When you win tonight's $1 Billion lotto jackpot (the 7th largest in history) here are 6 things to do ASAP
1. Don't sign your ticket (create a trust to stay anonymous and protect your money)
2. Never tell anyone (avoid being victim of robbery or death)
3. Hire these 6 experts:

2024-12-22 01:31:24 UTC

You see the BMW but not the $80,000 car loan.
You see the trips to Bali but not the $20,000 credit debt.
You see the designer clothes but not the $0 Roth IRA.
Social media is an illusion. Don't be fooled by what you see.

2024-12-17 20:29:19 UTC

- reply

Here are the top 10 biggest US lottery jackpots you didn't win:
• 2.04 billion (2022)
• $1.9 billion (2022)
• $1.8 billion (2023)
• $1.6 billion (2016, 2023)
• $1.5 billion (2018)
• $1.4 billion (2023)
• $1.3 billion (2022)
• $1.0 billion (2021)

2024-12-17 20:27:46 UTC

- reply

3) If you win the lottery, hire these 6 experts ASAP:
• Lawyer
• Accountant
• Tax attorney
• Security team
• Financial advisor
• Estate planning attorney

2024-12-04 16:23:59 UTC

If you make $20/hour, you take home about $15 after taxes.
So that night out isn't $300, it's 20 hours of your time, or 3 days of work.
That new car isn't $60,000, it's 4,000 hours of your time, or 570 days of work.
Stop thinking in dollar terms. Think in time.
Time is your most valuable asset, use it wisely.

2024-11-26 20:27:52 UTC

The average Thanksgiving dinner now costs $60 for a family of 10.
How much do you spend?
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/550/656/382/335/811/original/45e7df43dee190e1.png

2024-11-17 23:14:27 UTC

My credit score dropped when I paid off my car.
My credit score dropped when I paid off my student loans.
The system punishes you for not owing them money.
Credit reporting agencies told me: "You should get more loans to increase your credit score."
They want you to be in debt.
Credit scoring is one of the biggest scams.

2024-11-01 14:20:22 UTC

BREAKING: October jobs report shows the US only added 12,000 jobs, below estimates of 110,000.
The Labor Department also revised down the last two jobs reports by -112,000 jobs.
August revised down -81,000 jobs.
September revised down -31,000 jobs.
And 8 of the last 11 jobs reports have been revised down.
About 1 million jobs have been revised down in the last 2 years.
This was the worst month of job growth in nearly four years.

2024-10-08 01:04:45 UTC

7 low-cost, life-changing purchases:
• Air fryer
• Robot Vacuum
• Standing desk
• TSA Pre-Check
• Electric toothbrush
• High-quality pillows
• Noise-canceling headphones
What's the best thing you've bought lately?

2024-09-27 18:42:08 UTC

Never feel guilty about leaving your job for a better opportunity.
Layoffs this year:
7,000: Disney
10,000: Microsoft
11,000: Meta
12,000: UPS
12,000: FedEx
12,000: Google
12,000: Walmart
20,000: Citigroup
27,000: Amazon
Job security is an illusion.
Never let a job steal your life.

2024-09-27 01:57:24 UTC

The Flintstones owned this home on a single salary from a husband who didn't graduate college.
This was considered normal in 10,000 BC when the documentary began.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/207/033/391/066/451/original/817b115988a637da.png

2024-09-04 14:52:44 UTC

How to get ahead financially:
• Spend less than you earn
• Invest 15%+ of your income
• Pay down high-interest debt
• Choose a career with high-earning potential
• Limit the Big 3 expenses (Housing, Auto, Food)
• Build an emergency fund to cover 3-6 months of expenses
You will be financially ahead of 99% of people.

2024-09-02 13:53:33 UTC

Financial decisions you’ll never regret:
1. Marrying right
2. Avoiding car loans
2. Avoiding credit card debt
4. Maxing out your Roth IRA
5. Building your credit score
6. Creating a 2nd stream of income
7. Taking your 401k company match
8. Building a 3-6 month emergency fund
What else would you add?

2024-09-01 14:41:17 UTC

If you’re investing with a 10-year time horizon, nothing that happens in the short-term matters.
Invest for decades, not days.
You don’t become rich by buying, you become rich by holding.

2024-08-25 22:58:05 UTC

If you pay your investment advisor 1% on a $1,000,000 portfolio that grows 10% each year, that’s:
$152,000 in fees over 10 years.
$512,000 over 20 years.
$1.4 million over 30 years.
Fees matter.

2024-08-25 21:14:26 UTC

I hate to admit it but being financially stable eliminates 99% of your stress.
Money is one of the most important things in life and we shouldn’t pretend it isn’t.

2024-08-22 14:44:49 UTC

Unpopular opinion:
A 9-5 with consistent income, paid time off, and benefits is better than being a business owner.
Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone.
There’s nothing wrong with having a 9-5 job when you have a great work/ life balance.
Time > Money

2024-08-22 01:29:41 UTC

Financial checklist for having a baby:
• Add to credit card as an authorized user
• Freeze credit with all 3 credit bureaus
• Set up airline mileage accounts
• Update account beneficiaries
• Update estate plan and will
• Add to health insurance
• Consider life insurance
• Open a 529 plan
What did I miss?

2024-08-20 15:01:52 UTC

Currently, the median salary for an American worker is $56,000.
Meanwhile, the average American needs a salary of $186,000 to live comfortably, per Bankrate.
And a salary of $233,000 to feel financially secure, per CNN.
That's more than quadruple.
What do you consider a comfortable salary?

2024-08-19 21:12:39 UTC

JUST IN: Donald Trump says he would offer Elon Musk a cabinet or advisory role if elected President in 2024.
Do you support it?
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/990/745/638/953/583/original/5d434ef60498a63e.png

2024-08-19 19:54:50 UTC

BREAKING: Kamala Harris announces she will raise the corporate tax rate to 28% if elected President.
This would be the first tax hike in over 30 years.
Do you agree?
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/990/439/931/525/029/original/f8a56387d0cd7c28.png

2024-08-19 17:25:05 UTC

I shop at Amazon, I own $AMZN.
I use Instagram, I own $META.
I use an iPhone, I own $AAPL.
I use Google, I own $GOOGL.
I drive a Tesla, I own $TSLA.
I don't buy stocks, I invest in products and services I consume daily.
Do you?

2024-08-14 18:11:33 UTC

I was rejected for an internal promotion even though I was the most qualified.
I later learned that the person hired was a friend of the hiring manager.
I got tired of office politics and started applying to other jobs.
Within a month, I found a much better job.
Three months later, my old company asked me to come back.
I told them, "No thanks."
Stop telling yourself you're not qualified, good enough, or worthy.
There's nothing as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong.

2024-07-21 17:15:11 UTC

Entry-level jobs should not require 3-5 years experience.
Entry-level jobs are to kick-start one’s career.
It should require 0 years of experience.
Not 1 year. Not 2 years. Not 3-5 years.
Spread the word.

2024-07-04 00:44:15 UTC

Monthly mortgage on a $500,000 home today: $3,500
Monthly mortgage on a $500,000 home 3 years ago: $2,000
$1,500 more a month for the same home. Wild.

2024-06-19 03:20:48 UTC

Top Cities people are moving from:
San Francisco, CA
New York City, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Washington, DC
Seattle, WA
Chicago, IL
Top Cities people are moving to:
Las Vegas, NV
Charlotte, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Denver, CO
Tampa, FL
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Where else should be on this list?

2024-06-19 02:09:48 UTC

It takes 21 days to build a new habit.
And 90 days to build a new lifestyle.
Begin.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/640/820/976/596/953/original/25584088ef16aa99.png

2024-06-19 00:34:05 UTC

Life is short.
If you're lucky, you’ll get 4,000 weeks.
Learn that new skill.
Read that new book.
Apply for that new job.
Start that new business.
You have the power to create success.
Make the most of it.

2024-06-18 23:14:13 UTC

8 Soft Skills to Accelerate Your Career
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/640/160/668/629/336/original/7d96a0f386c06c6c.png

2024-06-18 19:18:42 UTC

Using your emergency fund doesn't make you a failure.
It protects you from selling your assets or going into debt to cover unexpected expenses.
It means life happened, and you were prepared.

2024-06-18 16:44:54 UTC

Unpopular Opinion:
If you can’t cover a $500 emergency without going into debt, don’t eat out at restaurants until you can.
Your parents are not your emergency fund.

2024-06-18 14:57:23 UTC

The most important financial decisions in life:
1. The career you choose.
2. The skills you develop.
3. The person you marry.
4. The friends you keep.
5. The location you live.
Take your time and choose wisely.

2024-06-18 01:54:18 UTC

Companies will literally do anything but pay people more money
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/635/127/701/544/305/original/0b2860371672e078.jpeg

2024-06-18 00:50:31 UTC

You need 3 daily wins:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/634/805/513/468/693/original/6e0278b354d3ae4b.png

2024-06-17 22:14:39 UTC

Life expectancy is 77.
Retirement age is 67.
Work 50 years to enjoy 10?
Is that really what you want?
We need to shift this mindset ASAP.
Retirement is a financial goal, not an age.

2024-06-17 20:17:37 UTC

You don't need to:
• Cancel Netflix
• Stop going out
• Quit social media
• Disappear for 6 months
You need to:
• Eat healthier
• Wake up earlier
• Create a routine
• Focus on your goals
Discipline will change your life.
You'll be ahead of 99% of people.
Be the 1%.

2024-06-17 18:25:23 UTC

You don't get paid for working hard.
You get paid based on:
• How hard you are to replace
• How much value you deliver
• How many problems you solve
Focus on being able to produce results and money will always follow.

2024-06-17 15:24:52 UTC

Work Smarter, Not Harder
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/632/478/170/629/544/original/b9841970e864d760.png

2024-06-17 14:01:52 UTC

Old status symbols:
• Expensive cars
• Expensive homes
• Expensive clothes
New status symbols:
• Time freedom
• Location freedom
• Financial freedom
Don't go broke buying things to look wealthy.
Society is built on getting you into consumer debt.
Break free.

2024-06-17 03:51:21 UTC

No job is worth damaging your mental health.

2024-06-17 01:22:21 UTC

If you’re in your 20s, read this:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/629/328/615/093/518/original/c040b5dc6b4c728b.png

2024-06-16 22:12:22 UTC

9 Mindsets of the Most Successful People (that everyone should learn early on in life)
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/628/592/837/578/388/original/a0f9bc65f7ae14c1.png

2024-06-16 20:00:02 UTC

Job titles don‘t make you a leader.
Here‘s what does:
Emotional Intelligence
Providing Mentorship
Empowering Others
Leading by Example
Owning Mistakes
Accountability
Gratitude
Empathy
Integrity
Humility

2024-06-16 18:27:24 UTC

The person you'll be in 5 years depends on:
• The people you spend time with
• The conversations you have
• The habits you develop
• The network you build
• The actions you take
• The books you read
• The skills you learn
Invest in yourself accordingly.

2024-06-16 14:24:52 UTC

You can make $40,000/ year as a school teacher, and people will praise and respect your career choice.
You can make $200,000/ year as a Manager at Walmart, and people will ask, "When will you get a real job?"
Stop worrying about what people think.
Their opinions won’t pay your bills.

2024-06-16 13:07:46 UTC

In my 20s I thought:
• Big house
• Expensive cars
• Expensive watches
• Name-brand clothes
= Wealth
In my 30s I realize:
• Healthy lifestyle
• Control of your time
• More time with family
• Multiple income streams
= True Wealth
Life is about so much more than money.

2024-06-16 03:38:31 UTC

The Sopranos owned this home on a single salary from a husband who didn't graduate college.
This was considered normal in 1999 when the show began.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/624/213/004/447/967/original/c0a727d4db5a6bb9.png

2024-06-16 02:15:44 UTC

Ryan Reynolds is one of the top private equity investors in the World.
He sold Mint Mobile for $1.35 Billion to T-Mobile.
He Sold Aviation Gin for $610 Million to Diageo.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/623/887/483/739/441/original/0686690f1d7e3944.png

2024-06-16 00:58:54 UTC

No job is worth your mental health or well-being.
You deserve to wake up feeling happy and at peace.

2024-06-15 23:44:42 UTC

Profit and Loss:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/623/293/656/169/198/original/440a7a71403a2d7a.png

2024-06-15 21:32:18 UTC

Don't let a job steal your life.
Layoffs this year:
• UPS: 12,000
• FedEx: 12,000
• Google: 12,000
• Amazon: 27,000
• Walmart: 12,000
• Citigroup: 20,000
• Microsoft: 10,000
• Meta (Facebook): 21,000
• Twitter: 50% of employees
• Peleton: 20% of employees
• Coinbase: 25% of employees
• Snapchat: 20% of employees
• Robinhood: 31% of employees
Job security is an illusion.
Never feel guilty about leaving a job for a better opportunity.

2024-06-15 19:25:08 UTC

Google is FREE.
YouTube is FREE.
ChatGPT is FREE.
Podcasts are FREE.
The Library is FREE.
Knowledge is everywhere.
Start learning and earning.
Your future self will thank you.

2024-06-15 17:32:17 UTC

ChatGPT prompt ideas for SWOT Analysis:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/621/829/243/633/851/original/bb38ecc3f0a6907f.jpeg

2024-06-15 16:15:25 UTC

Companies people don't stay at for long:
Google: 1.1 years
Facebook (Meta): 1.6 years
Apple: 1.7 years
Amazon: 1.8 years
Microsoft: 1.9 years
Tesla: 2.0 years
Would you work at any of these companies?

2024-06-15 15:00:18 UTC

I used to be impressed by people living in big mansions or driving flashy cars.
Now I admire people who can wake up and do whatever they want or travel whenever they want.
Time freedom & location freedom > Possessions

2024-06-15 12:49:36 UTC

18-year-old: I'd like to go $300,000 in debt for a college degree
Bank: Excellent, sign right here.
18-year-old: I'd like to borrow $60,000 for a car loan
Bank: Yes, here you go.
18-year-old: Can I also get a home mortgage?
Bank: No.
18-year-old: Can I also borrow $5,000 to start my business?
Bank: No.
Make it make sense.

2024-06-15 04:50:28 UTC

People who locked in a 3% mortgage for 30 years
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/618/833/621/061/678/original/cefc830bfc29b382.png

2024-06-15 02:57:56 UTC

Entry-level jobs should require 0 years of experience.
Not 1 year. Not 2 years. Not 3-5 years.
3-5 years of experience are for Managers.
5-7 years of experience are for Senior Managers.
8-10 years of experience are for Directors.
10+ years of experience are for VP's.
The purpose of entry-level jobs are to jump-start one’s career.
Agree?

2024-06-15 00:40:36 UTC

I never use debit cards.
Credit cards save me thousands of dollars with:
• Reward points & cash back
• Raising my credit score
• Fraud protection
• Travel protection
• Airport Lounges
• Price protection
• Free insurance
• Warranties
If you pay your credit cards on time, and in full, it's "free money".
Do you consider credit card points to be passive income?

2024-06-14 22:43:02 UTC

Good people don't quit jobs, they quit bad managers.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/617/388/835/239/209/original/ec4a1cc9d9db4214.png

2024-06-14 17:36:15 UTC

Real wealth is not:
• Big yachts
• Private jets
• Luxury cars
• Giant mansions
Real wealth is:
• Sleeping in any day you want
• Spending quality time with family
• Watching a movie on Friday at 2 pm
• Going for a walk on Monday at 11 am

2024-05-23 01:07:20 UTC

High School should teach:
• Taxes
• Investing
• Negotiating
• Real Estate
• Entrepreneurship
• Personal Finance
• Financial Planning
What would you add?

2024-05-20 18:06:03 UTC

Money goals to aim for before 30:
• A Budget
• A Roth IRA
• A 401k match
• Term life insurance
• No credit card debt
• A good credit score
• 3-6 month emergency fund
• A HSA (Health Saving Account)
• At least two streams of income
• Basic knowledge of personal finance
What would you add?

2024-05-19 15:46:05 UTC

If you make $20/ hour, that night out isn't $300, it's 15 hours of your time, or 2 days of work.
If you make $20/ hour, that car isn't $50,000, it's 2,500 hours of your time or 357 days of work.
Framing purchases in time instead of dollars will help you make better decisions with money.
Always consider opportunity cost.
Time is your most valuable asset, use it wisely.

2024-05-08 17:16:54 UTC

You will never build wealth with a high-yield savings account.
A HYSA is great for your emergency fund, but you need to invest.
Since 1928 the S&P 500 has returned 11% annually (with dividends reinvested)
No savings account can beat investing long-term.
You can’t "save" your way to wealth.

2024-05-02 20:13:37 UTC

Reading 30 minutes a day is 20 books per year.
Saving $20 a day is $7,300 per year.
Making an extra $100 a day is $36,500 per year.
Focusing for 4 hours of deep work a day is 40 days per year.
Success is the compounding of small habits.
And small habits make a big difference.

2024-02-17 04:01:22 UTC

Good employees don't quit jobs, they quit:
• Low pay
• Bad bosses
• Office politics
• Toxic workplaces
• Micro-management
• Feeling undervalued
• Lack of opportunities
• Zero work-life balance
It's 100% okay to leave jobs that no longer serve you.
Remember, it's important to be happy where you work. You spend a lot of time there.