Last year, me and my brother were competing to see who would be the first to hit $100,000 in our stock portfolios. Now, a mere 12 months later, we are neck and neck about to breach 10x this amount.
When I first moved to Cebu, Philippines I wasn't saving much. My salary was more than enough for my necessities, but month to month I never actually saved much. I guess from the years I spent in the Army; Struggling on a meager salary- I got used to living paycheck to paycheck, and never thinking too much about my financial future.
After about a year in Cebu, I met Gilaine, who at the time was living in Manila. Her profile read "Finding a good man, is like trying to nail Jell-o to a tree". I guess I took this as a challenge, and messaged her anyways. Obviously, she ignored my first few attempts, so I left my number and told her just to call me and give me 5 minutes. (I was an ex-used car salesman).
After that phone call, I was able to trick her into thinking I was a good guy (joke), and even went a step further and convinced her to let me get her a plane ticket to visit me here in Cebu. To give her a much needed break from the stress, pollution, and crowds of Manila.
Since that first visit, we hit it off- And have been sidekicks ever since. Meeting her gave me the absolute inspiration to buckle down and start saving for our future.
I started stocking away 90% of my salary and investing in the Philippines stock market, which didn't exactly fare terribly well for me. (It ended up being a low-yield savings account). A few mining companies I invested heavily in, ended up getting the contractual boot when the Philippines elected Mrs. Gina Lopez (A self-proclaimed environmentalist).
So, when I got into crypto, Bitcoin was about $1,200 and I sold every nickle I saved in the previous 5 years to buy as much as I could. This I guess can be attributed to my love and success of making bad decisions. Actually, I always walked a different path than anyone of my peers, so getting into crypto was a natural progression for me.
My gamble paid off, and along the way I made some good, and some bad trades. Thankfully, more good than bad. So, when I first saw Steemit more than 7 months ago, I knew it was a goldmine opportunity. I have always had good intuition, (obviously since I scored such a great girlfriend!)- I always seemed to have the ability to see through bullshit, and understand the underlying values and motives in different programs and people.
From here, where?
Well, in the next 6 months me and Gilaine will be moving to South America, splitting our time between Ecuador, and Peru. Spending our first real winter together in the Patagonia region of Chile. Now that I am a bit older, I understand why my parents loved the holidays and our birthdays so much, even as they got older. I for once am not selfish, and see the value of lighting other peoples eyes. To watch Gilaine's reaction when she is able to build a snowman, and to equally laugh when she is freezing her ass off- Is going to be priceless. And since I have gotten extremely lucky, I can rest-assured, that no matter what becomes of me- She will be taken care of along with any direct future generations that come after my departure from this earth.
I guess, the moral of this blog is to never give up, and don't be scared to take risks. I would suggest to everyone, to never take advice from anyone else, and to do your own research. After all, you can never not forgive yourself no matter what you do.
And to Gilaine- Thank you for your illumination. Before you- I was wandering without purpose, only thinking days, not years ahead.
_Rob
(This blog is just a memento to myself. I apologize in advance if there are any comments, and I cannot monetize them as 100% of my SP is delegated and my vote is only worth .01)
Thanks for a little insight to your life. Isn't it amazing what a great woman will do for you. You both help a lot of people. Good travels and a happy life awaits you. I hope to one day meet you both!
First things first, sir Rob thanks for being down to earth. Everyone had seen that when we were able to have dinner with you and Gil after the meet up. Also thanks for mentoring us on our long term goals in the community. Your story is definitely one of those successful people who did come from humble beginnings. You took risk and failed not just once but a couple of times but you chose to stand and fought for your dreams. You two are sweet couple with good hearts. Thanks for supporting Filipino community specially Cebuanos. Hope to meet you both again soon.
Regards,
@itinerantph
Really cool story. Sometimes things aren't as black and white as profits = good, I'm sure the people of the Philippines will appreciate a few less mining operations having ruined their potable water supplies or local environment in other ways. Heck even Chile would just be a giant hole in the ground if silver was worth enough today. Thankfully steemit is pretty eco-friendly in comparison to a lot of the other big coins. Glad to hear saving big and your investing timeframe paid off, as well as your new relationship going well!
Awww sweeeet! What a love story. Haha i remember my husband did this to me. Book me a flight and we meet in Thailand. God bless both of you. Xxx
interesting post .. congratulations and success for you ..
Great post @rcarter. Very inspirational. Everyone needs to fail in order to succeed. I hope I do get the chance to meet you and Gilaine sometime in Cebu or anywhere else you may end up.
We all meet people in our lives that end up giving us direction and purpose and I'm happy for the both of you. I wish ya'll the best of luck and continued happiness and prosperity!
Nice! Always always do your research and follow your instinct. Merci.
Great story, thanks for sharing it. I think about going to the Philippines a lot. How do you like it there?
It's great. Aside from the heat and humidity, you will never want to move back. The people, the culture, the food, and the number of places you can visit will change your life. I just moved back to the US after living in the Philippines for the past 11 years and I miss it. I recommend you at least visit.
It's great. I have lived here for 6 years now, and never got sick of it. I will be leaving on good terms, and am open to moving back in the future as well. I tell all my family and friends that are considering the move, to just go ahead with it. If worse comes to worst, they can always go back to their prior lives :D
Sorry you just missed a better upvote, I delegated another batch. I appreciate your stopover! I replied to you on @purepinay's page already.
I think about it a lot. Everyone seems so happy there and the women are nice. Why are you moving back?
Don't worry about the upvote either.
I am moving to South America, as its a place she can travel visa free. The pollution, traffic, and food here have forced me to search for greener pastures. Since I moved to Cebu, I think the population and traffic more than doubled. Or so it seems. Everyone is happy here, and all the women are nice. Its heaven for most guys that discover it :)
I agree.
There are some things I'm concerned about too, which has kept me from going. What country are you moving to?
Hey Mike, anything new?
We will be splitting our time between Ecuador, and Peru. Tourist visas in these countries are good for 6 months apiece, so we will move after they expire. I could pay for the resident visa, but IMHO, I don't see the value in it at this time.
Meet a girl in the Philippines, and then move to a different country seems to be the typical scenario :)
Cost of living in South America is actually cheaper than here in Cebu.
What don't you like about the food?
The woman looks like @purepinay. Hope you enjoy your life
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You are a blessed man, being able to meet such a great girl and your life goals change ever since you met her. This is a heart-warming love story.
Totally agree with this.
Nice! Funny how a woman can change your perspective in life. Great to see of one taking care of their future. I myself have certainly missed out on the Bitcoin gravy train, even after finding out about it at $100. Am now on the lookout for the next big thing. Hoping to have a brighter future. Wishing you and the princess a great life in South Amercas and 20 kids! Aha!
The elusive next Bitcoin :) Currently, about 75% of my holdings are Bitcoin, other than that I hold Steem, Monero and LTC. I think the best way to invest, would be finding a coin with a good dev team, protocol, and one that solves a real world problem. Thanks for the well-wishes!
Thanks for this story. It has given me hope in creating a better future for myself and it was really nice reading about your life and journey. Good luck to your future! =]
Great story. Losses and mistakes can be humbling but it sounds like you learned a ton from them! Hope you keep sharing your experiences. Maybe some more cautionary tales for the novice investors....
It would be sad not having you guys arpund but its great that you guys are moving to greemer pastures. Lovely article. You really poured yoir heart out on thia way. Best of luck for both of you
Awww. This is soooo sweet! @purepinay must be so kilig! Haha.
There's this quote saying
I guess you met her by fate. ❤ Keep the love burning!
Hey what's up Rob!?
Good post, I am a photographer, it passes for my blog and sees my content, I hope that it should be of your taste :D greetings
Hey Rob!
Long time, no speak! You're doing wonderfully well!! I'm so happy for your successes.
You'll have to direct me to what else you've been doing on steemit ( delegation etc) to ramp yourself up so much. It's a fantastic move!
Take care. Speak soon.
Nick
wow! amazing! you are really lucky @rcarter love is so powerful
wow! amazing! you are really lucky @rcarter love is so powerful
Is she also here in Steemit? She look so familiar..
Crypto is a whole new world for sure like a genie. Love your photo here.
What I liked most about this was the story about how Gilaine and you met. So adorable :)
Can we have more of that please?
Your gf is so much pretty!😊
Oh? Have you looked in a mirror today? You are as well :D
Great love story and I was in Vietnam.
How can I get your upvote??
You guys deserve each other! Ate @purepinay has a helping hand and she got a kindhearted man. Looking forward for a pre-nup picture next to this! Aish <3 We love you both, stay strong! <3
You have a new follower @rcarter lovely post!