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💰55 & UpSides #0016: Clutter too costly? | Self-storage opportunities? | Healthier fast-food

💰55 & UpSides #0016: Clutter too costly? | Self-storage opportunities? | Healthier fast-food

Ronnie Mac James
December 9th, 2024

First time reading? Get your free subscription here. This newsletter’s goal is the extinction of information overload for folks like me who are aged 55 & up. Easily unsubscribe below if you got here by some interwebs mishap.

Morning 55&UpSiders,

Ran across the old photos below on YouTube. Check them out here.

Bonnie & Clyde posing + photo montage of historic photos I've never seen

Here’s what I’m covering for you today in a flash…

Curated topics affecting us & Good News stories
Today’s Poll
Quick visual breakdown on Clutter’s High Cost
Feature Story: Investing In Self-storage
Face The Facts (& do something about ’em)
🍩Reply to this email with “donut” for a chance to win a Dunkin Donuts gift code!

Curated Countdown

🕙  Americans Getting Scammed Then Getting Taxed On Losses

🕘  #1 Reason Not To Move To Florida

🕗  Video: Are Times Harder On Today’s Teenagers Or Past Generations?

🕖  Ponzi Scheme Queen Gets 20 Years In Slammer

🕕  Doctor Says This Is Absolute Best Way To Lower Cholesterol

🕔  Study Shows Soda Spiking Inflammation (Even In Healthy Young Men)

🕓  How To Get Extra Legroom On Your Next Flight (For Free)

🕒  Chart: Top 10 Most Popular Wikipedia Articles Of 2024

🕑  Home Genetics Test — A Good Holiday Gift?

🕐  Save On Water Bills & Avoid Cookie-Cutter Landscaping (Xeriscaping)

Poll: Have you or your friends invested in any crypto?

The High Cost Of Clutter

That quote hit home for me — see the full quote here. I can’t tell you how much time I’ve wasted in 2024 looking for the right notepad. All because I don’t label them. And all yellow notepads look the same otherwise!

Feature Story

Investing In Self-Storage

The problem is...

Lots of 55+ folks can't find easy, safe ways to invest their money
Regular real estate investing takes too much time & work
Some investments are too risky for retirees or almost-retirees

3 organizations that can help you

How you can investigate self-storage

Look into local mini-storage needs & what people want
Think about putting money in self-storage REITs for a hands-off way to invest
Team up with folks who know self-storage inside & out
Go to industry conferences to learn more

Roadblocks

Need a lot of money upfront to buy or build storage facilities
Some areas already have too many storage units
Local rules might change & derail your plans
Big storage companies are tough to compete with

Upsides & ways to beat roadblocks

Steady money coming in from monthly rent
Costs less to keep up than other real estate investments
Holds up well when the economy gets rough
Spread your money around by partnering up or investing in REITs
Focus on special storage needs (like renting out your garage or basement)

Takeaways

Self-storage could be a solid bet for our 55 & up crowd
Low costs to operate & steady demand make for nice returns
Industry is strong even when the economy's slumping
Look at different ways to invest or dabble in storage as just extra income

I know a guy who built & sold a mini-storage property. He cleared about $500k (lucky timing). Also, I’ve read about creative ways to earn income from storing stuff for folks - without going all in. One example is a couple who store kayaks & other outdoor gear for people.

Face The Facts (then punch ’em in the nose)

Know the facts so you can overcome or take advantage of them.

5)  53% of customers say fast-food restaurants offer enough healthy options

4)  Writing about intense positive experiences for 20 minutes a day shown to improve mood & reduce doctor visits (RCSI)

3)  63% of U.S. adults preferred to receive an “experience” gift over a material gift during holiday season (Eventbrite survey)

2)  Georgia Radio Reading Service broadcasts audio versions of newspapers, books, & magazines, for visually-impaired folks (BARD Mobile app offers similar services)

1)  KFC is Japan's favorite Christmas food

👊Let’s punch unhealthy fast-food in the nose.

Ways to eat better on the go:

Squirrel away nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or Greek yogurt in your vehicle or bag
Chick-fil-A: Grilled Chicken Sandwich in a lettuce wrap, no bun
Munch consistently to avoid being hangry & making bad choices
Taco Bell: Go with a Fresco-style taco or Veggie Bowl without cheese & sour cream

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The upside’s always worth looking for,
Ronnie Mac James

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