Category Archives: Side Hustles

Common side hustles will often include work in the Gig Economy. These can be app-based services such as DoorDash, Uber, or GoPuff. Other options may be developing apps for Apple and Android devices, or creating eBooks and stationary to sell on Amazon. Further opportunities are available in closed-captioning work, AI prompt designer, completing surveys, playing games for cash, and In-Home Product Testing (iHUT).

Daily Writing, Side Hustles

Past Attempts at Starting a Business

Leave a comment

In late 2012 I first heard about Bitcoin and started learning about how it worked and its potential to replace fiat currency. That never really came to fruition as we now know, but the world is perhaps getting more comfortable with the idea of transacting with crypto on occasion.

In 2013, I decided I wanted to buy one of the ASIC mining machines from a European company, it was called a Neptune or Saturn, I think. I didn’t have enough money in savings, so I headed to Suntrust (now Truist) and spoke with a loan officer.

My loan application was rejected; as I had no verifiable credit history. The only thing on my report was a credit card that had been opened without my consent back when I lived in Astoria, OR, by Wells Fargo, back during that scandal.

So, I went off to build a credit history, and that led me to Doctor of Credit and the FatWallet Forums.

First Business

I picked up several personal credit cards (Delta Blue) and also started mining Litecoin with a couple of old computers. I formed a Sole Proprietorship (Kasanje Technologies 13′-20′) and applied for an ITIN number, which I then used to apply for business credit cards.

All this while still working at nearly minimum wage for CVS/Health. At my peak I had 80k in personal credit and 14k in business credit. This was sometime in 2014-16. Of course by then the chip technology had vastly improved and the mining rig I originally wanted was obsolete.

Many things happened during my crypto period. I added more GPUs to my home rig, I fell for several scams, I bought and spent a couple hundred bitcoin on aging equipment, and my final mining venture was buying several Apollo Scypt miners. I still have those in my closet.

After some lightning strikes in 2019 and legal trouble in 2020, I closed the business and sold my remaining bitcoin to cover a portion of my debt. I had gotten a $3,500 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the Small Business Association (SBA) during COVID. I managed to pay it off in 2021, by paying $100 every month.

A couple of months later, Bitcoin hit 10k and I lamented my decision to sell. I would had enough to more than cover my expenses and been left with profit had I “HODL” a bit longer.

Second Attempt

In the course of my legal problems I struck upon the idea of building a talent agency for YouTubers. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I managed to convince myself enough to file Articles of Incorporation and start an LLC.

This is an old bad habit of mine going back to elementary school. I’ll often come up with an idea and create a framework around the idea without actually having any content to fill the space.

I still do it on this website, where I get hooked on a subject and then go out and design a template tailored to the topic without knowing anything about the topic or even knowing where to start researching.

Typically, I finish the template and then lose interest in the topic. That’s my Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at work.

I had named the business “Bliss in Bloom: Influencers LLC,” I think it was the moment I came up with the name that triggered my old habit. I made social media accounts and a website for it. I designed business cards and had them printed. I went all out; without any idea of how to recruit anyone to join my idea.

That’s all it really was, just an idea. I went all in on an idea.

I did this recently when I coined the MSTT (Marginalized, Sexualized, Traumatized, and Trivialized) acronym. That led me to writing up a post, but all I had was those 4 words, so I had to research and build from the ground up.

That post didn’t really go anywhere because, its not in this site’s niche, and there really isn’t anyway to refer to it in conversation without things getting uncomfortable.

A week after forming the LLC I closed it. But I didn’t do it right, and I got a strongly worded letter from the NC Secretary of States office. I had to pay a small fine and then properly close the business.

3rd Times a Charm?

In July of 2024, shortly before graduating from Vance-Granville CC, I started selling items on eBay in earnest. I had previously sold Star Wars novels on eBay back in 2014-16, so my account had a good rating and history.

I had been getting a bunch of thrifting and reselling videos in my YouTube feed and that led me to getting hooked on the idea of being a full-time reseller.

So far its going slow, but I am making a small profit. Last year, I was in the red by about $30 come New Years Eve. This year, I should be finishing off with around $500 in net revenue from my eBay shops.

My main shop is (fatwalletrefugee). I sourced mostly men’s apparel from Goodwill, Safe Space, and Cause for Paws in the beginning. Over time, I picked up the odd women’s garment, mostly items with the tags attached.

After awhile I hit my free listings limit and looked up whether you could have more than one store. It turns out you can have multiple shops, they just need to have separate email address associated with them.

I have shops for women’s wear (lafemme1st), golf apparel (golfforless), and home hardware/automotive/building supplies (kingcastle).

Golf for Less is the sportsperson's apparel shop that won't hurt your wallet. Enjoy low fixed prices on all shop items, New and Used. Golf for Less, where we always: Aim for green on the field and green in your wallet.
At King's Castle Home Improvement, we believe every home deserves to be a fortress of comfort, style, and functionality—your castle should be as grand as you envision. From expert renovations to premium materials, we’re here to help you reign supreme over your domain. Upgrade your home today and transform it into the palace you deserve. Please reach out to us directly with any questions you may have. Note that we offer free, no-questions-asked returns for up to 30 days after purchase. If you're not happy with the item for any reason after purchasing, simply open a return, send it back for free, and we will refund your money in full. Thanks, and have a great day!
Step into style without stepping out of budget! At La Femme 1st, our women's apparel shop is your destination for high-quality, trend-forward fashion that won't break the bank. Experience a perfect blend of value and elegance, designed to empower you to look and feel your best—every day.

Earning as of November for these other shops are:

  • Lafemme1st: $379.94
  • GolfforLess: $237.92
  • King Castle: $113.46

On my main account, I recently signed a revenue purchase agreement with Liberis (Oct. 30th). I received a $600 deposit to my bank in exchange for 30% cut of my daily sales. There was a $79 fee for getting the agreement completed.

Supposedly, this will be paid off sometime in June of 2026. My sales for the 4th quarter had plummeted so I am a bit concerned. But the 600 bucks was well spent paying down my AMEX balance after that trip to Washington State (Domestic Travel: Washington).

I had tinkered with the idea of this website being a part of my business, but I still feel its more of a hobby, especially now that I have purged the site of certain content (Hard Choices). Although, I have come up with a compromise that I think will allow some wiggle room.

Since I graduated from my college and am now holding a nice Business Degree, I ought to make some use of it.

So here are some tips for getting started with entrepreneurship.

Funding a Business

Securing funding is important for small business success and needs a smart approach to financing options. Considering personal risks and control can help you make informed choices that match your long-term goals.

Where do I get the Money?

Determining how much money you need is the first step in choosing the right funding source, like self-funding, investors, loans, or a mix of these.

Most places will want you to borrow a minimum amount ($1,000) they can charge interest on. For small amounts you might get sent to a Cash Advance site so be careful.

  • Self-funding means using your own money, like savings or family help, which allows you to have complete control over your business.
  • Crowdfunding is a low-risk way to keep full ownership while getting support from many contributors. I used Kickstarter for an art project once. IndieGoGo is another option.
  • Small business loans help you keep control of your company while getting needed funds. A good business plan and financial forecasts can improve your chances of getting better loan terms.
  • Venture Capital is a good choice for startups looking to grow quickly and willing to give up some ownership for funding.
  • Grants offer funding that does not need to be repaid, but competition is tough. Many grants are available for women and minority-owned businesses, like the Amber Grant.
  • Microlending can help startups that can’t get bank loans. It offers small loans that are important for starting up, though they come with interest payments.
  • Peer-to-peer lending platforms connect borrowers directly with investors, often offering better terms than traditional banks.

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is crucial for new businesses. It provides funding options like SBA-backed loans, which reduce risks for banks, helping entrepreneurs get financing.

They also have loans and resources for veterans, women, minorities, Native Americans, and rural businesses.

Using the SBA’s counseling and training services can greatly help entrepreneurs in securing funding and managing their businesses. Your local community college likely has a business aid office.

Long-Term Success

Selecting the right mix of funding sources (family loan?) for your business is essential. Entrepreneurs should consider options like personal savings, loans, grants, and investors, while keeping a balanced approach.

Taking into account risks, control levels, and financial knowledge can help in successfully financing business operations.

Continuous learning and consulting with financial experts (on Reddit) can help optimize capital structure, leading to new opportunities for business growth.

That’s it for today. It’s been rainy so I haven’t been out photographing towns this week. Expect a new Travel post sometime next week.

Thanks for reading!

Side Hustles

eBay Sales 2025 (Q1-3)

Leave a comment

I was checking the dates on another series, WordAds quarterly, and realized I had spaced out the eBay reports.

My last report for eBay was Q4 of 2024.

Early Difficulties

It had been a decidedly slow year for me with my sales prior to the start of the fourth quarter. I also made a $280 blunder along the way, that didn’t help my bottom line by any measure.

I had given some though to looking for other employment after considering my auto insurance bills. I’m keeping that on the table for the time being.

I of course did try to get work after graduating, but found I couldn’t pass the background checks, which led me to self employment.

June and September were my worst months, bringing in under 100 dollars. March through May were excellent by comparison averaging 433 dollars per month.

Estate Sale

In January, I attended my first estate sale. I bought a biker jacket that turned out to be not what I was expecting, but it was actually worth quite a bit. I managed to sell all the items I got there and made a nice profit.

Resourcing

I continued to purchase new inventory at the Treasure Hunt store and Goodwill for a time, but eventually gave up on the Goodwill. Earlier in the year they had stopped accepting American Express at my local Goodwill store and so I stopped going.

I think I went back a couple of times and used my Altitude Go card, but for the most part I got hooked on dollar day at the bin store.

I lost my head at one point and ransacked the bins for all of these swimsuits.

In all I bought 67 swimsuits that I will likely never be able to sell.

Treasures Found

But I have picked up some good items.

I have a large collection of Target brands including Wild Fable, Shade & Shore, and Future Collective now listed on LaFemme1st. I have received deposits of $379 from sales on LaFemme1st so far this year.

The majority of items from the mentioned brands have been swim wear, so these sales are mostly seasonal. But I have had some holiday sales, so I remain hopeful. All of the items are new with tags attached.

I am keeping a list of my Target brand sales included in the eBay Style Code Catalog post. I hope this post will become a resource for other sellers.

Bin Purchases and Pricing Legend (Jan-Oct)

After the recent trip to Washington, I decided to halt purchasing new stock for my shops. I have been good so far and have not visited either the Goodwill or the Treasure Hunt bin store this month.

Wednesday makes up the vast majority of purchases for me at the bin store. I did decide to stop buying air and water filters. There is just too much competition for them on eBay.

Filters also take up a large amount of space and they are heavy. The bag I have them in is a real killer to move about the room.

I’ll see about returning to the store next year in January to see if all the swimwear is gone. I hope to find more dresses and tops. Maybe some jeans if I am lucky.

Personal Health

I’ve also made some changes in my life beyond reselling. I have removed milk, candy, and coffee, from my diet. I am making this change now rather than wait for further bad news from my doctor.

I remain on medication for cholesterol, but I expect my numbers will improve soon. Cutting out candy will reduce my chances of developing type 2 diabetes and eliminating coffee will improve my sleeping habits.

I’ll be turning 40 in nine days. I’m not where I had planned to be, but I am still alive, so I will count that as a boon.

Errant Literary, Side Hustles

Settling back in to old Routines

Leave a comment

My first week back home from the vacation to Washington is nearly over. I think I slipped right back into old habits for the most part. Other than the loss of my watch, much is the same.

On Monday, my eBay shop came off of Time Away, and traffic, organic and promotional, returned to my listings.

I have received 6 orders so far. 3 for FatWalletRefugee, 2 for LaFemme1st, and an AprilAire filter through KingsCastleHomeImprovement.

In the weeks before leaving on my trip, I was involved in getting funding through Liberis for my eBay store.

For several months now, I have seen a banner notice saying I qualified for funding.

I had done some due diligence over on Reddit to see what other sellers had to say about the funding offer. I encountered mixed feelings among the comments.

In the end I decided to go for it. But as the trip approached, I decided it wasn’t a good time to initiate the “loan,” so I declined to sign the contract and after some messages, I let Liberis know I would reapply when I got back.

So two days ago, when I logged into eBay, I saw two banners. One for $600 in funding and the other for a line of credit valued at $1,100. I must say, the line of credit was appealing, but I was wary of the pitfalls of debt and decided to stick with the $600.

It’s not actually a loan per se. What I signed is a revenue purchase agreement. I agreed that 30% of all of my sales would go to paying off the lump sum funding I received. There was also one-time fee of $79.

The estimate I was shown said it would take 4-6 months at my regular rate of sales to pay back the $600 funding.

I received the money in my bank account yesterday and used it to pay off the American Express card that I use for sourcing products.

I also switched to GEICO for my car insurance, so I had another $1,120 charged to it today. I’m saving around $640 annually with this switch in insurers.

Although, I had a heck of a time getting through the application process. Somewhere in this world there lives a web designer; an employee of GEICO, who really needs their head smashed in. I said as much in the exit survey.

Actually, I toned it down. But that web form made me violently, violently angry. I finally got it done after having to clear my cookies and resubmit the form 3 times. No back or undo function. Utter eejits, all of them.

Next goal for my business is to not spend a penny on any new goods. I have backlog of unlisted products, I should be able to finish the year in the black.

Gold and Silver

Putting Gold in your IRA

Leave a comment

Explore how Gold IRA companies can help safeguard your retirement. Dive into in-depth comparisons, reviews of top firms, average fees, and essential tips to confidently select the right Gold IRA provider for your long-term wealth security.

Related Topics

Investing
Get Paid To Sites
Precious Metals

Contents

Why Consider a Gold IRA

Retirement planning is evolving quickly, and more investors are exploring the benefits of Gold IRAs. Gold IRAs offer a way to diversify retirement savings, providing a hedge against market volatility and inflation. Unlike conventional IRAs, a Gold IRA lets you hold physical precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum in your portfolio.

If you’re worried about economic downturns potentially reducing your savings, adding gold can balance your risk. Gold is often considered a safe-haven asset—its value remains more stable compared to stocks and bonds. This makes it an attractive choice if you want additional security for your retirement funds.

Understanding Gold IRAs, how they function, and how reputable companies manage the process is the first step in safeguarding your retirement. The market now hosts a variety of Gold IRA companies with differing fees, offerings, and levels of service. Choosing wisely can deliver peace of mind and greater growth opportunities for your nest egg.

How to Choose Your Gold IRA Company

Choosing the right Gold IRA provider is crucial for your investment success. First, research the company’s reputation—look for customer reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and industry accolades. Experience and specialization in precious metals IRAs are key factors to assess.

Examine the variety of products offered—some companies only deal in gold, while others offer silver, platinum, or palladium. For reliable storage, confirm that the provider partners with IRS-approved, secure depository facilities. Investor education is also vital; leading companies have knowledgeable staff to guide you in making well-informed decisions.

Transparency is essential. Compare fee structures: some companies offer flat rates; others have sliding scale fees depending on account size. Read all disclosures thoroughly and don’t hesitate to ask about hidden costs. The right company will act as your partner, not just your vendor.

Features & Importance

  • Reputation & Reviews: High
  • Transparent Fees: High
  • Range of Metals: Medium
  • Secure Storage: High
  • Experienced Advisors: Medium
  • Buyback Program: Optional

Always verify that your chosen Gold IRA company uses third-party, IRS-approved storage facilities for your investments—this ensures both legality and security for your assets.

Types of Gold IRA Accounts

There are two main types of Gold IRA accounts: Traditional and Roth. With a Traditional Gold IRA, contributions may be tax-deductible, and earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawals. This is often chosen by investors seeking to reduce current taxable income.

A Roth Gold IRA, on the other hand, is funded with after-tax dollars. While upfront tax benefits are missing, qualified withdrawals—including growth and capital appreciation—are tax-free in retirement. Younger investors or those expecting higher tax rates in the future often gravitate towards Roth options.

Both types allow you to hold physical gold or other approved precious metals, but the choice depends on your individual tax strategy and retirement goals. Understanding custodial responsibility is critical: Gold IRAs must be held by a qualified IRS-approved institution rather than personally managed at home.

Best Gold IRA Companies Reviewed

Several Gold IRA companies stand out for their transparency, customer support, and range of services. Leading names include Augusta Precious Metals, Birch Gold Group, Goldco, and American Hartford Gold. These firms consistently earn high marks for their educational resources, responsive advisors, and efficient account setup processes.

Augusta Precious Metals is widely recognized for its comprehensive educational focus and one-on-one customer support, guiding investors through every step. Birch Gold Group is praised for its competitive pricing and detailed informational materials. Goldco is strong in guiding beginners and offering robust buyback programs, while American Hartford Gold is known for its flexible rates and transparent disclosure.

Rating comparison, as compiled from consumer and industry reviews, gives prospective investors a fast way to gauge the trustworthiness and performance of these companies. Evaluate not only fees but also account minimums, buyback guarantees, and customer satisfaction ratings.

Company – Best For

  • Augusta Precious Metals – Education & Transparency
  • Birch Gold Group – Competitive Pricing
  • Goldco – Buyback Options
  • American Hartford Gold – Customer Experience
  • Noble Gold – Beginner Friendly

Request a free information kit from at least two different companies before making your decision. Comparing their educational material and customer support can help you choose the best fit for your investment style.

What to Expect in Pricing

Gold IRA costs can vary by provider, and understanding them upfront will prevent surprises later. Most companies charge a setup fee—commonly between $50 and $150—to open your account. Annual maintenance fees are typically around $80-$150, covering administrative and custodial services.

Storage fees for your physical metals usually range from $100 to $200 per year, depending on the depository and level of insurance. Some firms may offer waived fees for larger initial investments—sometimes for several years. Markups on the metals themselves can vary, often 2% to 5% over the market price, so shop around to ensure a fair deal.

Avoid firms that are vague about pricing. All reputable providers clearly disclose their costs. Transparency builds trust and protects your financial interests as you navigate Gold IRA investing.

Services & Average Cost (USD)

  • Account Setup: $50-$150
  • Annual Maintenance: $80-$150
  • Storage: $100-$200
  • Metal Premiums: 2%-5% above spot

Pros and Cons of Gold IRAs

Gold IRAs offer unique advantages—you gain stable diversification, protection against inflation, and long-term value retention for your retirement assets. Physical gold is not prone to the same market swings as stocks or bonds, giving you peace of mind.

However, consider the drawbacks. Fees are higher than typical IRAs, and gold’s price may not always increase as expected. Liquidity is lower compared to other assets; selling gold takes more time and may incur extra costs. There are IRS restrictions on what kinds of gold can be held, and improper storage can trigger tax penalties.

Weighing these factors will help tailor your investment strategy to your risk tolerance and retirement timeline. Gold IRAs are best used as a supplement, not a replacement for, a diversified retirement portfolio.

Pros & Cons

  • Inflation Hedge / Higher Fees
  • Portfolio Diversification / Potentially Lower Liquidity
  • Physical Asset Ownership / Strict IRS Storage Rules
  • Long-Term Stability/  Gold Price Volatility

Remember, an ideal retirement portfolio usually mixes Gold IRAs with traditional assets like equities and bonds—diversification is vital to reduce overall risk.

Smart Consumer Tips for Gold IRAs

Educate yourself before investing—read independent reviews, visit regulatory sites like the BBB, and check for investor complaints. Stay cautious of aggressive sales tactics or high-pressure pitches. Legitimate companies will let you decide at your pace.

Understand storage and delivery policies—never keep IRA metals at home, which is prohibited by the IRS. Ask companies how metals are insured and what happens if you want to liquidate. A good provider will offer buyback guarantees and transparent settlement processes.

Get everything in writing—ensure all costs, procedures, and timelines are documented. Don’t be afraid to negotiate; some companies may match rates or waive certain fees to win your business.

Tips

  • Read independent company reviews and BBB complaints
  • Ask about buyback policies
  • Check that your metals are held at an IRS-approved depository
  • Document all fees before signing up
  • Never mix IRA gold with personal gold holdings
FAQ

What is a Gold IRA and how does it differ from a traditional IRA?
A Gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds physical precious metals instead of only paper assets like stocks and bonds. It’s structured like traditional or Roth IRAs but is limited by IRS rules for metals and storage.


What are the main fees involved with Gold IRAs?
Expect a one-time setup fee, annual maintenance, storage costs, and a markup on precious metal prices. Setup typically ranges from $50-$150, annual fees from $80-$150, and storage $100-$200 yearly. Markups are usually 2-5% above spot.


Which companies are considered the best for Gold IRAs?
Top Gold IRA companies include Augusta Precious Metals, Birch Gold Group, Goldco, American Hartford Gold, and Noble Gold. These firms feature transparent pricing, strong customer support, and excellent consumer ratings.


Can I store my Gold IRA metals at home?
No, IRS rules require that gold and other precious metals in an IRA be stored at an IRS-approved depository. Home storage is prohibited and can trigger significant tax penalties.


Is a Gold IRA a good addition to my retirement plan?
A Gold IRA can provide diversification and protect against inflation, but it comes with higher fees and different risks. Use it as a supplement—not a replacement—for traditional retirement assets. Consult a financial advisor to ensure it’s right for your goals.

Gold and Silver

Precious Metals and Minerals

1 Comment

Since 2007, I have had a fondness for collecting coins. During a stay in NYC, I got to see an old coin collection and was quite taken with it.

As a child, I had previously collected the commemorative State Quarters and Canadian coins from sailing trips up the San Juan Straight.

However I really got a taste for silver after I received my maternal grandfather’s coin collection. He was in the military and also served during the Korean War. I also received a gift of coins from Madeline, my fathers partner.

While working at the pharmacy I also picked up several silver coins and foreign currency mistakenly accepted at the register. Caribbean coins were often mistaken for dimes and pennies.

I also purchased a set of 5 ‘Pride of Two Nations’ silver coin sets for an APMEX deal that they did not honor. I tried listing them on eBay, but APMEX was selling them for next to nothing there and killed the resale market.

I don’t have any gold items or coins, but my mother is always saying we should buy gold.

In the course of my adventures in the points and miles game I have repeatedly come across deals for gold, whether in an IRA, or an ETF. There was also Bitcoin which was being pushed as a digital gold by some.

I have investment in Canadian gold mining companies, and some royalty trusts that deal in minerals. The vast majority of royalty trusts are in the oil and gas industry which I am not too fond of.

Putting Gold in your IRA

This is a detailed guide to investing in gold through either a Traditional or Roth IRA.

Publicly Traded Gold Mining Firms

B2Gold Corp is a gold producer company in Canada. They have 3 mines; one in Mali, one in Nambia, and another in the Philippines. They also have a 100% interest in the Gramalote gold project in Colombia.

Recently they completed negotiations with the government over a mine and have resumed operations which brought share price up considerably.

I bought in at $2.17 per share back in late 2023, and they are currently trading at $5.23 per share.

The quarterly divided stands at 2 cents per share. Hopefully with productive operations we will see an improvement in the payouts.

Royalty Trusts

Mesabi Royalty Trust (MSB) has ownership of an iron mine and licenses out the mining operation to another company, Northshore Cleveland Cliffs. The Miner pays the Trust for all the iron ore they ship out of the mine plus they pay rental fees for use of the land.

Mesabi shareholders receive a dividend payment each quarter. It’s been steady, maybe more lucrative years past. It varies depending on the price of US Steel among other things.

My Experience with Mesabi (MSB)

I believe sometime around COVID, Cleveland Cliffs idled operations and started refining the scraps from the mine instead of digging out fresh iron ore, which meant they didn’thave to pay for mining, only rental fees.

There was a legal battle over whether the contract allowed the Miner to make such a decision. Mesabi won the case and was paid for the missing months of activity.

In February this year (2025), I received a whopping $909 dividend payment. My average is normally $40-82.

I started with 100 shares and then averaged down with an additional 50 a few years back. I have since made some sales, in part to buy my Nissan LEAF.

My current plan is to sell my shares in the run up to the next quarterly ex-dividend date and then buy them back after the dividend hoppers exit their positions.

I am selling at 35 thru 40 (potentially) with multiple limit orders in place at different price points. My re-entry position should be at $30 per share, if not better.

Oskiko Gold Royalties (OR) has a royalty interest in a smelter at the Canadian Malartic complex. They have other revenue streams but the smelter is what I first heard about.

They recently changed their name to OR Royalties, I prefer Oskiko. They are interested in gold, silver, and diamonds.The

They pay quarterly, not as much as MSB, but it is good to diversify. This year (2025), I bought 1 share in January for $18.75 and another 4 shares in April for $21.21. Then in May I sold all 5 shares  at $24.57.

A Missed Opportunity with Oskiko

I had a small position but liquidated it in order to invest in Joby and Archer Aviation. I did pretty good with the flying car companies, but I missed out on OR shooting up in value shortly after.

I’m not sure which would have been the better deal in the end, but I do sometimes regret not holding on to some shares.

As of posting, OR is trading at $33 per share.

Triple Flag Precious Metals (TFPM) is in to copper, silver, gold, nickel, lead, and zinc. They have interests in multiple countries including Australia, Colombia, and Cote d’Ivoire (Africa).

They acquire and manage precious metals, streams, royalties, and other mineral interests.

Dividends are paid quarterly, somewhere around 5-6 cents per share.

My Tradeoff with (TFMP)

It’s the same story as with Oskiko, I wanted to jump on the flying car band wagon and so I divested myself from precious metals.

In January, I bought 1 share at $16.08, then in April 1 share at $19.83 and 3 shares at $19.86. Finally, in May, I sold all 5 shares at $20.90 each.

At time of posting TFPM is priced at $28.86 per share.

Investing

Trump’s 100% Tariff Crashes Crypto Markets

2 Comments

I got incredibly lucky today. This morning, on a whim, I sold four of the five Litecoin (LTC) in my Robinhood account for $132.36 each.

I spent the day with phone on the charger while I watched cat commercials and put out some updates on the Apex Girl wiki. I went and did some gardening and then had a long conversation on my smart watch.

The call prompted me to go in search of my forgotten phone. When I picked it up, I noticed the crypto widget on my screen was showing LTC at $85 per coin. The numbers kept changing.

I opened the Robinhood app and saw everything was red. Everything, crypto and stocks. My portfolio was down over 25%.

I was very happy to see how low the prices had gotten especially after my timely sell earlier in the day. I was able to pick up some cheap 0.44 Solana (SOL) and 70 Ripple (XRP) and also buy back a single Litecoin for $98.17.

I tried multiple times to get a limit order for 2 coins at $90 each, but the market kept rejecting the orders, so I gave up and used the market order.

Historically, I’ve had terrible timing when buying and selling. Somehow my buys always become the peak and my sells become troughs. What looks like a low price is always a day away from becoming the highest average.

Thankfully, today I had a win.

The information in this post is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. While I have tried to ensure that the content is accurate and current, I make no guarantees. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the information.

Side Hustles

eBay Style Code Catalog

4 Comments

I find it slightly annoying when I search for a style code and Google insists there are no results related to my search. This happens often enough that a post like this has become necessary.

This post is mostly for my own records, but the data may prove useful for others, so it’s not being written on a post-it note.

Further Uses

I’m adding more information that is adjacent to the list.

  • Helpful tidbits for when I am out sourcing and don’t know what something is or how to describe an item for a listing.
  • More detailed descriptions of women’s clothing.
  • A separate list for white-label apparel sold at Target.
Thrift List
  1. Further Uses
    1. Style Code Catalog
      1. Textual List
      2. Visual List
    2. Amazon LPN Codes
    3. Women’s Garment Types and Styles
      1. Outerwear
        1. Women’s Tops
        2. Camisole
      2. Undergarments
        1. Bras
        2. Bralette
        3. Young Adult Bras
    4. Target Clothing Style Codes
      1. Wild Fable Swimwear
      2. Wild Fable Clothing
      3. Shade & Shore Swimwear
      4. Future Collective by Target

Style Code Catalog

Textual List

CodeBrandTypeStyleThemeMaterialOrigin
TL111278Greg NormanShortsChinoGolf, Activewear, Sports90% polyester, 10% spandexJordan
R86271 (Navy Keg)ZeroXposurT-ShirtAthleticSun Protection UPF 50+100% PolyesterChina
A509516QuiksilverButton Down ShirtCasualTropical, Surfer62% Cotton, 38% PolynosicIndonesia
1366130Under ArmourActivewear ShirtAthleticSporty, Chrome96% Polyester, 4% ElastaneHonduras
K53190NauticaFleecePulloverSailing, Golf55% Cotton, 45% PolyesterVietnam
1366691Under ArmourT-ShirtPulloverSport, Jacquard100% PolyesterJordan
UA-NSCRAT3-010ArcadeBeltCustom Fit (40″ max)Adventure, TSA CompliantPolyester,Plastic, RubberChina
B71603NauticaShortsCasualGolf52% Linen, 48% CottonBangladesh
j9657mpzlpButtons by Francesca’sMini DressPulloverParty, Cocktail95% Cotton, 5% SpandexChina

Visual List

The distinction between men’s and women’s for the Under Armour Velocity series appears to be the necklines. Men’s features a crew neck while Women’s have a V-neck.

The firm selling the Arcade belts has an official eBay account, and all of the pictures I found online were from the manufacturer.

It is generally advised not to use the brand’s photos in your listing; take your own photos to avoid getting flagged for copyright or trademark issues.

I have received a VeRO take-down in the past from Samsung for misuse of images and trademarks.

If you need an image and can’t take your own, you can use any of the ones included in this post.

Amazon LPN Codes

An LPN Label is a pre-printed label with a unique number that only fits one pallet or one box. At Amazon warehouses, any item marked “non-deliverable” is affixed with an LPN sticker regardless of whether the item is new or a return.

When reselling, it is important that we check the product’s condition, because often the LPN-affixed packages may have been used by the customer. You’ll encounter this more often with clothing items than with things like hardware or office supplies.

There are distinct patterns in the leading letters of the codes, and some codes have been determined.

CodeStatus
LPN NNew
LPN RRReturned
LPN PM?

Women’s Garment Types and Styles

Outerwear

Women’s Tops

Blouses, tanks, t-shirts, halter, crop tops, and more.

I’ve noticed an odd trend of listing tank tops and camisoles as vests, which is inaccurate. A vest is a piece of clothing, like a jacket without sleeves, that is worn over other clothes for warmth or protection.

Camisole

Camisoles can be both innerwear and outerwear; their function depends on the material, design, and how they are styled. Traditionally, camisoles are worn as an undergarment (innerwear) for coverage or layering under sheer tops and blazers.

However, with their variety of colors, designs, and fabrics, camisoles can also be worn as a standalone top (outerwear) for casual wear, sleepwear, or even dressy occasions.

Undergarments

Bras

The purpose of a bra is to provide comfort, support, and shape to the breasts, though the specific reason for wearing one varies widely among individuals.

For those with larger breasts, a well-fitted bra supports the weight of the breasts, which can prevent pain in the shoulders, back, and neck.

Bras provide a layer of coverage, preventing nipples from showing through clothing, which is important for modesty or to conform to social expectations in certain settings.

Bralette

A bralette is a lightweight, wire-free, and often unpadded undergarment designed for comfort and a natural look, providing soft support without the structure of a traditional bra.

Bralettes are versatile, serving as everyday bras, undershirts, or even outerwear, and are available in various materials like lace, mesh, and cotton, with options for removable padding and different styles such as seamless, strapless, and racerback.

Young Adult Bras

Prioritizes comfort, proper fit, and age-appropriate style with adjustable features like straps and bands.

Featuring soft, breathable fabrics and wire-free designs to accommodate growth and prevent irritation. Comfortable bralettes for everyday wear or supportive sports bras for an active lifestyle.

Target Clothing Style Codes

The following are items I have had to look up when listing items on eBay.

I think Target is generally good at keeping sold-out listings active on its site for some time after the season ends. This makes it easier to find all the specifics of an item we want to resell.

I’ve included links to my eBay listings so you can see photos. I don’t have an unlimited amount of space on-site for photos, so I am prioritizing the mobile game wikis.

Wild Fable Swimwear

Item #NameUPC
238-18-0549Bow Trim Low-Rise Extra Cheeky Side-Tie Bikini Bottom (M)196761364977
238-18-1204Low Rise High Leg Ultra Cheeky Bikini Swim Bottom Black (XS)198420118181
238-18-0336Underwire Adjustable Red Bikini Top (S)196761365097
238-18-1394Removable Rosette Bandeau Red Bikini Top (XL)198420131500
238-18-3838Bralette Orange Hibiscus Print Bikini Top (S)198850409637
238-18-2959Powder Blue Smocked Bralette Bikini Top (XS)198850060838
238-18-0821Pucker Textured Contrast Binding Triangle Bikini Top Orange/Yellow (S)196761345600
238-18-0824Pucker Textured Contrast Binding Triangle Bikini Top Orange/Yellow (XL)196761345402
238-18-1203Wild Fable Women s V-Front Low-Rise High Leg Cheeky Bikini Bottom (XXS)198420116705

Wild Fable Clothing

Item #NameUPC
331-15-2047Square-neck Sleeveless Maxi Side-Slit Bodycon Denim Dress (1X)198850179172
331-05-6970Peek A Boo Lace Mini Skirt Gray (XL)198850132658
238-25-5565Jacobean Denim Shorts Mid Rise EasyRigid (00)198420574062
331-00-8284Interlock Halter Tank Top Gray (M)198850587366
331-05-7144Pull On ‘Whatever’ Boxer Shorts Striped (L)198850325753

Shade & Shore Swimwear

Item #Name UPC
238-24-1963Ribbed Adjustable Drawstring Medium Coverage One Piece Swimsuit (L)198850892590
235-25-5590Jacobean Print Mid-Rise Medium Coverage Bikini Bottom (S)198850496507
238-24-0357Shirred Waistband Medium Coverage Bikini Bottom Brown (L)198420102357
238-24-0268Ribbed Low-Rise Cheeky String Green Bikini Bottom (XL)196761373108

Future Collective by Target

Item #NameUPC
258-10-0304Alani Noelle Relaxed High-Waist Green Trouser Shorts (L)

text

Side Hustles

Wholesale Ninjas

1 Comment

I greatly regret this purchase. What I received was largely junk and included several unsaleable, expired, and defective items, including items that were illegal to sell without a license.

The seller is quite aware of the problem with their product and has carefully worded their terms of service to shield themselves.

I strongly advise anyone considering Wholesale Ninjas, DON’T DO IT!

I recently took a chance on a liquidation shipment from a wholesaler. I had been watching YouTube videos and came across this company, Wholesale Ninjas, being talked about by Lindey Glenn (@LindeyGlenn).

I used a discount code for $25 off a shipment, which brought my total to $280. I selected the 100-piece Personal Care/HBA package for purchase. It took maybe three days for the package to arrive. It was sent via FedEx.

I posted about the order on the Flipping subreddit (r/Flipping) and had a rather productive conversation with several community members.

I even went ahead and live-streamed the unboxing. I didn’t have the 50 subs necessary to go live on the FatWalletRefugee channel, so I opted for GameGirlsGallery, which has 1.8k subs.

The box included 100 items. Most of which turned out to be CVS/Health products. Ironic that I worked at CVS for over 12 years before starting my own business. The store-branded items included 9 boxes of bandages ($4.99) and 4 boxes of lidocaine wound care gel (9.99).

There were 6 makeup remover pads and 2 hair towels, 3 Konjac body scrubs, 2 boxes of condoms ($14.99 each), an adult toy ($59.99) pretending to be a “health aid,” and 5 containers of athletic drink powder ($20-25).

That makes 31 items so far.

The were a bunch of Burt’s Bees products included in the shipment. 7 Dark Spot Corrector (), 8 Moisturizing Cream, 2 Glow Booster, 2 Day Lotion, 2 Night Cream, 1 Eye Cream, 1x Lip Balm.

There were 5 face masks, 1 shampoo hair dye combo, 3 lip balm singles, 1 twin pack of EOS lip balm (dirty), 1 partially used tin of Burt’s Bees facial cream, 3 Beauty Revolution hair sprays, 3 nighttime eye creams, 3 facial rollers of the same brand, and a hair cap.

We’re up to 75.

1 pack of BIC razors, 2 Schick Hydro Razors, an Oral-B toothbrush, a Colgate toothbrush, Children’s Dimetapp: 3 Cold & Allergy, 2 Cough & Cold, 1 Multi-Symptom, and 1 Combo Pack, plus a Dollar General generic Mucinex.

Some body-shimmer, biotin, tampons, and some other assorted items were in there, but I don’t recall exactly, and they are at the bottom of the box.

I can see from checking comps that several other sellers on eBay are ordering the same boxes I did. But the numbers look good for sales. Most items are 20% or higher on the sell-through rating. Free Shipping and Free Returns appear to be standard among listings.

I will initially undercut the other sellers a bit so I can clear this box and get my seed money back. After that, I will price a bit more in line with the trend.

I suspect the bigger sellers have repeat customers who have bookmarked the shops. I decided not to promote the listing for now. That may change if I don’t see any movement.

The expiration dates on all the items were at least October 2025, and many were 2026/2028, so I was happy about that.

I don’t think I’ll be able to sell the individual items like the lip balm or the face masks. I will make a pile of the items that are not worth flipping and count the value ($2.80) per item against my sales.

I paid $280, so I’d like to double that to $560, or at the very least get back my investment with a break-even return.

Side Hustles

Estate Sales, FBM, and a Moped

1 Comment

I recently sold a moped ($200) on FBM and gave another away for parts. I received cash and later realized I couldn’t put it in my online bank account.

My only use for it was as “fun money.” So this week I’ve been treating myself to crafted coffee at the local Packhouse drive thru. I’ve also been buying goods on FBM using the cash.

I had them in my garage for many years, and my family wanted them gone. We may be moving in the next 2 years, so I figured it was a good excuse to let go of some heavy material goods.

After listing the scooters I looked around the market and found several listing for mens apparel that caught my eye. Last month I bought $33 worth of clothing on FBM.

From one of the lots, I was able to quickly flip a Foundry and a Territory Ahead button-up shirt for an $18 profit. I found the clothes are in better condition than those I find at the Goodwill.

I encountered a reseller on the market after we were chatting a bit over the price on some jeans. It was encouraging to meet a comrade. I think I will keep checking FBM for more good clothes.

I managed to sell that motorcycle jacket with the Terminator patch sewn on it. Even though it wasn’t an original, the underlying Biker jacket was a vintage piece and had great value.

FMC Bikers Leather Jacket

Unfortunately, the eBay selling fees ($11) and promotions ($12) cut into my profit. I paid $35 for the jacket at the estate sale, and I listed it for $75. It sold at full price, but my earnings before COGS were $47.

So, I only earned $12 on the sale. I’m just glad I didn’t offer free shipping. That would have killed me.

I’ve started listing some of my mother’s and grandmother’s vintage shirts and coats.

Among the collections, I came across a vintage Grateful Dead shirt with an Om symbol in the “Steal Your Face” skull design.

I checked the comps and decided to list it at $149 for now. It has an original Double Apple Nepali collar tag. The shirt predates the licensing of the brand and subsequent mass manufacturing of Jerry Garcia merchandise.

Investing

An excellent recovery

Leave a comment

A couple of years ago, I tried my hand at dividend hopping. The strategy was to buy a stock in time to qualify for earning a dividend and then sell it right after—”Hopping” from one dividend to the next.

I had two successful jumps before I encountered problems. I managed over a thousand dollars with a few special dividends that showed up quickly. My fourth stock became an issue, partly because I forgot to sell it promptly.

Mesabi (NYSE: MSB) is a Royalty Trust that pays a quarterly distribution to unit-holders of record throughout the year.

The trust owns the right to an iron mine, and they have a separate firm (Northshore) to do the actual mining. The trust gets paid based on the amount of iron pellets that get shipped from the mine.

So, after I got the juicy distribution, I sat in front of the TV and spaced out, forgetting to close my position.

Then the share price began to drop as people jumped away to different stocks. By the time I remembered to sell, it was too late, and the difference between my buy-in value and the dividend payment would have resulted in an overall loss if I decided to close my position.

I decided to wait for the next distribution and make my sale then. At the time, it seemed like an easy answer to my blunder. But of course, it got worse.

Cleveland Cliffs, the parent company of Northshore, which operates the mining operation, announced that they were halting mining due to low prices in the market.

This meant that there would be a much-reduced payment for the quarter. A lot of people closed their positions, and the share price dropped further.

I had bought my shares at $33 each, and I was then looking at $20 per share in value. The mining company went on to use the leftovers or “tailings” from the mine to make rolled steel to sell.

There were maybe 1-2 years of low payments after this. Just the rent on the facility.

As the shares dropped to $16, I decided to buy some more to lower my average cost. I purchased an additional 50 shares last year.

Mesabi ended up saying that the mine operator didn’t have the authority to halt mining even if it wasn’t as profitable. The contract required them to keep mining.

They went into arbitration to get things sorted out, and thankfully, the judgment was in Mesabi’s favor.

Just recently, we (investors) got word that Mesabi would be issuing a large distribution that included the value of the arbitration award. I have 150 units and will be receiving $5.95 per share, for a total payout of $892.50.

Certainly, a happy number to see after all the waiting. I also see that the shares are back up to the 30-dollar range, where I had bought in.

I should be able to make the final payment on my credit card that has the balance transfer for my Nissan LEAF once I get the distribution payment, and I sell out about 50 shares from my position.

It’s been a rough ride, but I am glad there was a bit of light at the end.