Wealth Building Wednesday – Debt Management Strategies

Wealth Building Wednesday – Debt Management Strategies on Clint’s YouTube Channel.

Hey everyone, Clint here, bringing you this week’s episode of Wealth Building Wednesday, with some practical advice on managing debt. Here’s some quick tips on what works and what doesn’t in the realm of debt.

Good vs. Bad Debt: First things first, not all debt is created equal. There’s the kind that’s working for you, like investments in real estate that bring in more than they take out. Robert Kiyosaki likes to promote good debt as debt used to purchase assets. He describes assets as anything that brings you a return.

Then there’s the kind we’d rather avoid—high-interest culprits like credit card debts. It’s OK to have and use credit cards, but not to carry a balance on them. You should pay them off every month either when they are due or before they are due to ensure you don’t pay interest. This is a good strategy if you don’t have a balance or have paid off your balance. If you already have a balance on your credit card(s), see below how to eliminate them.

Mortgages can be a smart play if you’re investing in your future home, as long as you maintain the home and can expect decent appreciation. Even then, it will depend on what your interest rate is. If it is low, as in less than 5%, you may not want to pay off your mortgage, unless you would feel better not owing anything on your home.

Student loans are a mixed bag depending on what you’re aiming for career-wise, what type of loans you have, and again, what the interest rates are. Students should be informed on the expected ROI of their chosen degree program. The same degree program at different schools can range from a moderately positive ROI (165% or so) at one school to an extremely negative ROI (-450% or so) for a music education degree. This information was found here when researching in-state music education undergraduate degrees in Louisiana for my oldest daughter. The fact that Northwestern State University had the highest ROI for that degree and the largest amount of scholarships offered between, she will wind up with an almost infinite return for her degree.

Tackling the Debt Dilemma: We’ve touched on strategies like the debt avalanche and snowball methods before—both solid tactics depending on whether you want to hit the high-interest debts first or knock out smaller debts for quick wins. The goal? Eliminate your bad debt so you’re not bleeding money on interest and can focus on growing your wealth.

Why It Matters: Let’s be real…debt can be a drag on your financial journey, especially if it’s the kind that doesn’t give back. Shaking off that debt means more freedom to invest in your future, and that’s what we’re all about here.

Eliminating your debt will give you options…and thee who hath the most options, wins!

Got a question or a thought to share? Leave a comment or shoot me an email; I’m here to help or dig deeper if needed. And hey, if you found this chat helpful, why not share it with a friend?

Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR®
985.647.4479
clint.galliano@kw.com
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission
Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners
985.262.4400
307 Bayou Gardens Blvd
Houma, La 70364
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated


Mastering Budgeting: The Key to Wealth Building Success

http://clintcgallianorealtor.com

Join us for an in-depth look at budgeting and its vital role in wealth building. Learn practical tips and strategies to take control of your finances and maximize your wealth potential.

Why Budgeting Is Essential for Wealth Building

 Budgeting is not just about managing your expenses; it’s a strategic tool for achieving financial freedom and realizing your long-term goals. By carefully allocating your resources and making informed financial decisions, you can build a solid foundation for wealth creation.

The Power of Smart and Flexible Planning

 Effective budgeting is not about penny-pinching or living a restrictive lifestyle. It’s about smart, flexible planning that empowers you to optimize your spending, prioritize saving, and make informed investment choices. We’ll explore real-world examples of how strategic budgeting can lead to significant wealth accumulation.

Leveraging Technology for Personalized Budgeting

 Discover the benefits of using advanced tools such as Rocket Money, Pocket Guard, or Every Dollar for personalized expense tracking and budget management. We’ll highlight how these innovative platforms can help you identify opportunities for savings and align your financial journey with your lifestyle.

The Importance of Flexibility in Budgeting

 We’ll delve into the significance of incorporating flexibility into your budget to prevent overspending and ensure a balanced financial approach. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls of tight budgets that may lead to impulsive splurges, and find out how to maintain a healthy balance between disciplined saving and guilt-free indulgence.

Mindful Spending and Consistent Saving

 Budgeting isn’t just about restricting yourself; it’s about enhancing your life by cultivating mindful spending habits and maintaining a consistent saving regimen. We’ll provide practical tips for integrating budgeting into your daily life and maximizing its positive impact on your long-term financial well-being.

Engage and Transform with Debt Management

 Get ready for our next episode, where we’ll tackle the complexities of debt management and help you transform daunting numbers into manageable financial milestones. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into effectively managing and overcoming debt.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, mastering the art of budgeting is the cornerstone of wealth building. Incorporating smart, flexible planning, leveraging innovative tools, and maintaining a balanced approach are key to achieving long-term financial prosperity.

Join us next week for an insightful exploration of debt management.

Remember, your active engagement and feedback are invaluable to our journey towards financial empowerment.

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR®
985.647.4479
clint.galliano@kw.com
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission
Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners
985.262.4400
307 Bayou Gardens Blvd
Houma, La 70364
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated


Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

Wealth Building Wednesday: Wealth & Net Worth

Graph on computer, person writing in notebook, AI-generated.

Below is an AI-generated summary of the video along with the transcript. You can also watch it here.

In an era where financial literacy has become a cornerstone of personal growth and security, understanding the fundamental concepts of wealth and net worth is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Drawing insights from a thought-provoking video on these subjects, this post aims to unravel the complexities of financial well-being, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be truly wealthy.

Video Show Notes:

In this episode of Wealth Building Wednesday, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts of wealth and net worth. Clint emphasizes the goal of providing financial wisdom to cultivate a secure and prosperous future. The discussion underscores that wealth transcends mere monetary accumulation; it embodies a lifestyle abundant in opportunities and devoid of financial stress.

As the episode unfolds, the focus shifts to demystifying wealth and net worth. The narrative is geared towards unraveling these concepts to lay a solid foundation for financial empowerment. Through engaging explanations and insightful examples, viewers are guided through the nuances of financial health, investment strategies, and the principles of asset management.

The episode is designed to be an enlightening journey, encouraging viewers to rethink their approach to personal finance. It aims to equip the audience with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of wealth building, fostering a community of financially savvy individuals committed to achieving long-term security and success.

If you are thinking about selling your home or maybe just curious about what it is worth, click here to Get an Instant Home Valuation Estimate.

Transcript

“Welcome to Wealth Building Wednesday, your weekly dose of financial wisdom to help you build a secure and prosperous future.

Today we’re diving into the essentials of understanding wealth and net worth. Let’s unlock the secrets to financial success together!

Hey Y’all! I’m thrilled to have you join us on this journey towards financial empowerment.

Wealth isn’t just about having lots of money; it’s about creating a life that’s rich in possibilities and free from financial worries.

So where do we start? With understanding wealth and net worth.

First off let’s clarify what we mean by ‘wealth.’

It’s not just your monthly paycheck; it’s the accumulation of valuable assets that provide financial security and freedom.

Now net worth—it’s a simple yet powerful concept.

It’s what you own minus what you owe. Assets like your home investments and savings minus any debts and liabilities.

Imagine a scale. On one side you have your assets and on the other your liabilities.

The goal? To tip the scale in favor of your assets. That’s positive net worth and it’s the foundation of wealth building.

Why focus on net worth? Because it’s the true measure of financial health. A positive net worth means you’re on the right track building a buffer against life’s uncertainties and paving the way for future wealth.

So how do we increase our net worth?

Start by paying down high-interest debt which eats away at your wealth.

Next boost your savings—aim to save at least 20% of your income.

And don’t forget about investing. It’s not just for the wealthy; it’s how the wealthy got there. Even small consistent investments can grow significantly over time thanks to the magic of compound interest.

Remember building wealth is a marathon not a sprint. It’s about making smart choices and staying committed to your financial goals.

And that wraps up our first episode of Wealth Building Wednesday. I hope you’re feeling inspired to take control of your financial future.

Join us next week as we tackle the art of budgeting for wealth. Until then keep striving for financial success.

Thank you for watching!

Don’t forget to like subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Wealth Building Wednesday.

Share this with someone who could use a financial boost and let’s build wealth together. See you next week!”


Remember, if you have a real estate need, whether buying or selling, give me a call or shoot me an email. It doesn’t matter if you are outside of my area, I can connect you with a Rockstar Real Estate Agent!

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR® 985.647.4479

Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR®
985.647.4479
clint.galliano@kw.com
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission
Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners
985.262.4400
307 Bayou Gardens Blvd
Houma, La 70364
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated


Build Wealth w/ Real Estate: A 15-Yr Plan

Wealth Building Wednesdays
Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners
Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR®
985.647.4479
clint.galliano@kw.com

In the realm of wealth building, real estate stands out as a formidable avenue for creating long-term assets and generating passive income. A strategy that has been gaining traction among savvy investors was recently highlighted on the Bigger Pockets real estate podcast, offering a practical approach to real estate investment that eschews the allure of quick gains in favor of a more sustainable, long-term plan.

The 15-Year Mortgage Strategy

The essence of this strategy lies in the acquisition of rental properties financed through 15-year mortgages. The key here is not immediate cash flow but a long-term vision. The initial goal isn’t to secure properties that will rake in substantial profits from the get-go but to find homes that, at the very least, can cover their own expenses through rental income. Ideally, these properties should also allow for a small buffer to be set aside for maintenance and unexpected costs.

Year-by-Year Breakdown:

  • Year 1: Purchase your first rental property with a 15-year mortgage. Ensure the rent covers the mortgage and expenses, with a little extra for savings.
  • Year 2 and Onwards: Repeat the process, acquiring an additional property each year under similar financial arrangements.

The Long-Term Payoff

After 15 years, the mortgage on your first property will be fully paid off. This is where the strategy begins to reveal its true potential. The income from this property, no longer siphoned off to pay a mortgage, becomes pure cash flow or can be leveraged through refinancing to extract cash tax-free (note: always consult with a tax professional for personalized advice). This process is then repeated each subsequent year with the next property in line, creating a continuous stream of income.

The Perpetual Money Machine

This approach effectively creates a perpetual money machine. While it does require active management of the properties or the employment of a property manager, the financial rewards can be substantial. It’s a pathway to wealth that, in comparison to traditional career trajectories, offers the possibility of financial independence in a relatively shorter timeframe.

A Sustainable Approach to Wealth

While a 15-year commitment might seem daunting, it’s a blink in the grand scheme of a working life, which often spans 30 to 40 years or more. This real estate investment strategy offers a viable alternative to the traditional retirement plan, potentially allowing for an earlier and more financially secure retirement.

This strategy underscores the importance of patience, planning, and a willingness to look beyond immediate gains for long-term prosperity. Real estate investment, when approached with diligence and foresight, can indeed pave the way to financial freedom and a secure future.

Engage and Learn More

For those intrigued by this wealth-building strategy or seeking further insights into real estate investment, engaging with a knowledgeable professional can be invaluable. Whether through direct communication or following expert-led content, there’s a wealth of knowledge to be tapped into.

Click Here to see Clint talk about this strategy: https://youtu.be/boYDO7XScu4

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR®
985.647.4479
clint.galliano@kw.com
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission
Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners
985.262.4400
307 Bayou Gardens Blvd
Houma, La 70364
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated


Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

Happy 2024!


We’ve come to the end of another year…and the start of a new one.

There were ups and downs in 2023, but we continue to move forward, eager for a better 2024.

My wish for you is that you find happiness and prosperity in 2024. That you are able to enjoy special moments with your loved ones. That you make progress on turning your dreams into reality. And that you are able to live a life fulfilled.

If you need advice, suggestions, or a sounding board, I am here. I am rooting for your success.

Happy New Year!,

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR®
985.647.4479
clint.galliano@kw.com
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission
Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners
985.262.4400
307 Bayou Gardens Blvd
Houma, La 70364
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated


Remember, if you have a real estate need, whether buying or selling, give me a call or shoot me an email. It doesn’t matter if you are outside of my area, I can connect you with a Rockstar Real Estate Agent!

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR® 985.647.4479


Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

Merry Christmas, 2023!


Hey Y’all,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I just wanted to wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and I hope that you enjoy the Happiest of Holidays! While it’s been a tough year, we have strived to make the best of it. I encourage all of you to look to 2024 in anticipation of it becoming your best year ever! I am here to support you in any way that I can.

I would also like to invite you to visit our light show, Bayou Blue Dancing Lights. It’s at 145 Gabriel St, Houma, La and will run from 5:20 pm until Midnight, (17:20-00:00 military time for those so inclined.), daily through New Years’ Day. Be sure to tune to 107.1 FM on your vehicle radio when you do.

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR®
985.647.4479
clint.galliano@kw.com
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission
Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners
985.262.4400
307 Bayou Gardens Blvd
Houma, La 70364
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated


Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

How’s The Market? – June 2023 Edition

How's the market? Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR® 985.647.4479; Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners 985.262.4400

“How is the market?” you ask? It’s doing great!

This information covers the Houma. The numbers are compiled from sales and listings in the month of June, 2023.

Houma

The Houma market is moving towards equilibrium, otherwise known as a balanced market. Figure: 1 shows that we are still in a Seller’s Market but moving towards a balanced market.

Figure: 1

There are 4.88 months of inventory on the market for sale, up 17.59% over May, 2023. This means that more homes are being listed for sale and are available to be purchased.

The List to Sold Price Ratio is at 97.1%, meaning that the average price properties are closing at is 97.1% of the original list price. Stated in other words, the sale price is averaging about 2.9% below the list price.

The Median Days value is the value at the midpoint of the number of days properties are on the market. For June, that was 17. That means some sold quicker and some took longer to sell.

The Median Sold Price was $230,000. That value is up 4.93% month over month, indicating that prices are still rising. This is supported by Figure: 2.

Figure: 2

Figure: 2 shows Median Estimated Value of homes. This is based on the source’s (Realtor’s Property Resource) valuation models. The chart compares Houma to Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, and the whole USA.

June’s Median Estimated Value is $220,860, up 0.4% month over month. This is also up 8.8% over the last twelve months.

Interesting Observations: Houma & Terrebonne Parish data track almost in lock-step due to Houma making up the majority of Terrebonne Parish’s data. Both tend to track with a similar trend as the whole state, but Houma is slightly more affordable.

The other thing I’d like to point out here is how the Houma Market is not as volatile as the whole US Market. US Values peaked in July/August of 2022 then dropped, in addition to being way higher than both Louisiana and Houma Median Home Values.

My interpretation of this information is that we don’t see the price shocks some parts of the country have been experiencing recently. We do have some changes, but nowhere near as wild as the east & west coasts or major markets.

So, if you are interested in buying a home, there are deals to be had as more inventory comes on the market.

If you are considering selling, there is still time to harvest your equity and get top dollar for your home.

Give me a call, shoot me a text, or send me an email if you’d like discuss any of this.

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR®
985.647.4479
clint.galliano@kw.com
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission
Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners
985.262.4400
307 Bayou Gardens Blvd
Houma, La 70364
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated


Personal – A Celebration Being Laid Off

Let's Celebrate two years of Clint being laid off from his 28 year oil & gas career!
04-May-2022 makes two years of being laid off!

I am crappy at posting new stuff here, lately. Been really busy learning marketing for my real estate business. It’s something I’ll never master, but I keep working on it.

I woke up yesterday and my wife reminded me that it was two years ago that I was laid off from Big Red, the Big H, the place where I spent twenty-eight years of my life working first with Baroid under Dresser, then, from 1998 to 2020, with Baroid under Halliburton.

I initially started working as a longshoreman at the Baroid dock in Fourchon, progressed to offshore engineering, got tired of the “offshore life”, and created a position for myself in the office. It’s kind of funny…I just started doing it, then they created the position for me. Then a year of slow down / bad times where I had to work offshore again, but when I came back, it was into a role to figure out how to monetize a piece of software. That turned into creating a whole new service offering for the company, allowing me to travel to places around the world that I would never have dreamed possible, (Aberdeen, Scotland was my favorite, with Calgary, Alberta & Quito, Ecuador tied for second), and meet people of many nationalities, who have become friends.

I rubbed elbows with dock workers and CEOs, had meetings with movers and shakers, and collaborated with some of the brightest minds in the world on problems, projects, and inventions.

These were the things that invigorated me. But…

(Seems like there is always a but…), I had gotten bored. I fought to promote automation and optimization as a profit center only to have it used as a loss leader to make sure that some other service that wasn’t able to sell a lot of jobs would be added to a project. It wasn’t fun anymore.

If you are thinking about selling your home and would like to get a valuation estimate, click here to request a Complimentary Home Valuation Estimate.

My regional position was eliminated because regional management decided that they “…weren’t going to do that anymore.” This was discussed here. Because the Baroid regional manager did not want to lose me from the company, he asked Baroid management if there was another position they could offer me because he felt that it would be a good idea to keep me with the company. They found one, but it was a demotion. Working a fourteen day rotational job with thirteen hour shifts in Houston. I was given a choice between being laid off with a severance package or the position in Houston. I took Houston and regretted it.

Then the Covid lockdowns came. I began working from home, dreading the phone call telling me to return to Houston.

Next thing I know, I have a conference call scheduled with my manager and when I get on the call he introduces an HR person…”Due to market conditions and Covid…”.

I was sooooooo relieved! I got a decent severance package, plus, since it was only 04-May, almost sixty days of Insurance coverage.

So, this is why I celebrate 04 May. I think I will be referring to it as “Liberation Day” going forward.

Remember, if you have a real estate need, whether buying or selling, give me a call or shoot me an email. It doesn’t matter if you are outside of my area, I can connect you with a Rockstar Real Estate Agent!

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR® 985.647.4479

Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

Real Estate Market – Market Update

Market Number for the last 7 days – 14-Feb-2022

Happy Valentine’s Day to all who celebrate it! I would also like to wish my wife of 19 years a Very Happy Anniversary today!

The image above shows the numbers for the local real estate market from the last 7 days. I shared last week’s numbers on social media but decided to use this as an opportunity to also share them as an article here.

New Listings

New Listings are a little bit lower than the numbers from last week. Since I am just beginning to observe these numbers, I don’t have a working theory on why they dropped. It’s possible that the holidays have impacted it, but I have no evidence to show that for certain.

New Contracts

New Contracts have also dropped since last week’s reporting. Again, further study is needed to get a handle on why that is. It could just be a natural fluctuation.

Closings

Closings are only down by 2. Closings are a function of contracts signed in the past. Duhhh…that’s obvious! They are a lagging indicator of contracts written anywhere from two to six weeks ago, typically, but could be from a longer or shorter timeframe.

Overall, things seem to be staying busy…lots of buyers looking, not nearly enough inventory on the market.

Remember, if you have a real estate need, whether buying or selling, give me a call or shoot me an email. It doesn’t matter if you are outside of my area, I can connect you with a Rockstar Real Estate Agent!

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR® 985.647.4479

If you are thinking about selling your home and would like to get a valuation estimate, click here to request a Complimentary Home Valuation Estimate.

Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

Personal – Top 10 Sales for Jan-2022

Congratulation to the agents who made the Top 10 for sales volume at our brokerage!

This is two months in a row that I am in this group. I am deeply honored to be here.

This is an amazing place to work and I really love the family atmosphere of the KW Bayou Partners Brokerage. It is so different than my previous career that I am constantly having to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming.

If you are thinking about a career in real estate, let’s talk.

Remember, if you have a real estate need, whether buying or selling, give me a call or shoot me an email. It doesn’t matter if you are outside of my area, I can connect you with a Rockstar Real Estate Agent!

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR® 985.647.4479

Clint C. Galliano, a native of Lafourche Parish, has lived in the Houma-Thibodaux area for over 36 years and is currently a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners in Houma, La. He has been involved with real estate investing since 2017 and hosts the local Real Estate Investment Association. Real Estate is his passion. Clint previously worked in drilling fluids and drilling fluids automation for 28 years. He lives in Bayou Blue with his wife and two daughters.

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