I've grouted foundations in Vegas, driven piles into the Chesapeake Bay, and helped build some of the tallest wind turbines in the United States.
Nobody ever taught me what to do with my paycheck.
This newsletter is for everyone who builds the world and wonders where their money went.
THE COLD LUNCH LETTER | Issue #001
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💰 MONEY: The One Account You Probably Don't Have
You've got a 401(k) through work? Good. But there's another account most construction workers never open — and it might be worth more to you in the long run.
It's called a Roth IRA.
Here's the short version: You put money in after taxes. It grows tax-free. When you pull it out in retirement — no taxes. Zero. The IRS doesn't touch it.
Compare that to a traditional 401(k): you get the tax break now, but you pay taxes when you withdraw. Roth flips it. You pay now, when your tax rate is probably lower than it'll ever be.
In 2024, you can put up to $7,000/year into a Roth IRA (or $8,000 if you're 50+). That's $583/month. Even $100/month invested at 23 grows into serious money by retirement — we're talking six figures from contributions alone, thanks to compound interest.
How to open one: Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard all have free Roth IRAs. Takes 15 minutes online. Pick a target-date fund matching your retirement year (example: "Fidelity Freedom 2050") and let it run.
That's it. You don't need a financial advisor. You need 15 minutes and a direct deposit.
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🥗 COLD LUNCH: Egg & Rice Bowl
Simple. Cheap. Holds up in a cooler all day.
• 3 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 cup cooked rice (make a big batch Sunday)
• Soy sauce or hot sauce
• Optional: shredded carrots, edamame, sesame seeds
Cook rice once, eat all week. $2–3 per meal. More protein than most "meal prep" recipes charging you $12 a box.
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Rough week? You're not alone. Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, 24/7.
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