ERIC KIM ₿

In iOS 18, Apple introduced features that allow you to lock and hide apps to enhance your privacy. Here’s how you can utilize these features:

Locking an App:

1. Locate the App: On your Home Screen, find the app you wish to lock.

2. Access Quick Actions: Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.

3. Enable Lock: Tap on “Require Face ID” (or “Require Touch ID” depending on your device).

4. Confirm: Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode when prompted.

Once locked, the app will require authentication each time it’s opened, and its content won’t appear in notifications, search results, or Siri suggestions. 

Hiding an App:

1. Locate the App: Find the app you want to hide on your Home Screen.

2. Access Quick Actions: Press and hold the app icon until the menu appears.

3. Enable Hide and Lock: Tap on “Hide and Require Face ID” (or “Hide and Require Touch ID”).

4. Confirm: Authenticate when prompted, then tap “Hide App” to finalize.

The app will be removed from your Home Screen and placed in a Hidden folder within the App Library. To access hidden apps:

1. Open App Library: Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to reach the App Library.

2. Access Hidden Folder: Scroll to the bottom and tap the Hidden folder.

3. Authenticate: Use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to open the folder.

Inside, you’ll find your hidden apps, which you can open or unhide as needed. 

Note: Not all apps can be locked or hidden. Core Apple apps like Camera, Maps, and Settings may not support these features. 

These enhancements in iOS 18 provide greater control over your app privacy and visibility.

You never own a Tesla

Do you really own it or just lease it?

Things you really own versus things you lease?

Very simple: just buy bitcoin, no cost to capital, and I think for the next four years, conservatively we could consider at least a 55% ARR, maybe even more aggressively 75% ARR, under the Trump administration? 

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Need finds a way.

One interesting thing that I’ve learned about bitcoin just things and life in general is that you only really really discover something or take full heart to it when you actually really have a need for it.

For example, the story of Michael Saylor microstrategy and bitcoin; the only reason that Michael Saylor really took it was because he had a real need for it; 500 million in cash, in kind of stagnant company– he needed to add vitality back to life to his company and corporation.

Necessity is the true mother of all innovation.

Similarly speaking, myself, moving here to LA, staring at this ridiculous high cost of living, and trying to find innovative ways to approach money, productivity time etc. I found bitcoin as almost a salvation for me, Cindy, my aging mom, Seneca, and my future family!

How and why bitcoin has changed my life

So I think traditionally, most of us are stuck into the work cycle. It is a simple mathematical equation: a simple vector equation; in goes your effort, time, and labor, the outcome and outflows are money and income.

So for most people, there is directly proportional effect:

You labor harder, more, and you yield more US dollars, and you work hard, put out new innovative product services etc., a lot of hard work and time, heavily market the thing, through genuine and effortful channels, and then wait diligently for somebody to purchase your products services workshops etc., hope they pay, and then when that dust settles within a month two or three, then you could withdraw that money from your PayPal or digital broker, and then deposited into your checking account, finally logging in and securing your “gain”.

Think digital

But, everything digitally we think about real wealth, how is it built accumulated etc.? Almost the opposite effect; the real rich people never have to labor for anything. You could be like Warren Buffett, just reading the newspaper and sitting on your bottom, and then your money, capital and investments magically go up, almost defying the laws of gravity, time, and friction, heat and physics?

“Income”

So this is where things become funny: the notion of “income”.

Once again, I’m still relatively new to all of this, in the sense that the average time labor, we have a hard time thinking like an investor. For example, to think that you just have $2 million in capital, you have some deep insight and intuition about something, and then you invest that money into the thing, and then over the course of a few days weeks months, two months, three months, four months five months, a year, 4 to 5 years, the number magically goes up!

To me, this is still like wizardry, like pure magic!

Lever up

And I still think this is where it is difficult to understand; to those who have access to capital, you essentially have an economic lever to lever up, and leverage that, which is just economic power and energy, to be even more more energy, more power.

This is why it is true that let us say your grandparents bought a house in Beverly Hills like 50 years ago or 100 years ago, and your parents got married in that backyard in Beverly Hills, and then you got married in the same backyard, that is real generational wealth, the generational lever. 

Just thinking consider let us say that I have 300 bitcoins, and then Seneca grows up and is like 36 years old, and he decides to have kids. Obviously when it is worth like $10 billion or something,  and it just magically yields money, obviously he could continue to leverage that. And so can his kids kids kids. 

The Spartan investor

So we hear stories of Warren Buffett, living the same old house, driving the old same Honda Accord whatever, and then just spending all day reading the newspaper investing in the markets, and then becoming like the third world’s richest man, all at the age of 80 or 90 years old, but you’re old sick fat and tired, still eating McDonald’s and drinking Coca-Colas.

Warren Buffett is not a good example. Even he was a skeptic and critic of bitcoin.

I think the hard thing is everyone uses Warren Buffet as an example, but for my general sense, given the fact that he has invested heavily into Coca-Cola, he is no better than people who invest in fill up Morris evil cigarette and now vaping corporation, to spin a certain profit.

I am anti Warren Buffett 

The truth is everyone wants to be as rich as Warren Buffett but nobody actually wants to become Warren Buffett. Do you know anybody in the given universe who wants to be that old fat sick and unshapely? 

Instead, I’m much better idea is to be as jacked as King Leonidas, Gerald Butler in the movie 300, all while being a billionaire. My vision is essentially having the hard spartan body, naked and super fucking jacked, and also… this is the critical one; insanely Spartan and frugal, surprising everyone that you drive a Toyota Prius, even though you could afford like 200 cyber trucks.

Now is the time to start living!

I think what I have discovered finally at the age of 36, is that with bitcoin, this changes everything. Why? Before bitcoin has finally hit mass adoption, and now that starting next year January 2025 will be a year one of bitcoin institutional adoption, what that means is having a bitcoin is like having a cyber truck or Lamborghini on steroids, but on a digital wheel. 

Bitcoin is the ultimate economic wheel!

1 Bitcoin for your 1 cybertruck? No thank you.

This is my visual: I was at the park yesterday with Seneca, playing with him at night, just having the house key in my front pocket, no phone no nothing not even my camera, and we’re just playing around in the tot lot, kicking around some bark, and I had the funny thoughts; would I trade a bitcoin for a Tesla? Maybe a cybertruck?

But actually the other day I jumped into a cybertruck and I was a little bit underwhelmed; the funny thing about the cybertruck is that it looks so flashy and awesome from the outside, but on the inside once you actually step into it, it is a bit underwhelming; it doesn’t really feel that different from sitting inside a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry.

Maybe it would be different if you were homeless and just owned a cybertruck and just slept in the trunk bed, but beyond this, I think cyber truck is one of those funny things that you could just admire it from the outside, without actually having to own it. And if anything, the real thing to just wait for or save up for is the cybertaxi, which could just shuttle your kid to baseball practice, or take your wife directly to campus or work through the grueling 405 morning commute traffic.

Bitcoin is the new ground floor and peg.

Anyways, now, my calculus is simple; I think of everything in context to bitcoin.

For example, whenever I critically look and asses these things, I think to myself,

How many bitcoins could I buy with this thing? 

For example I was just trolling around with the finance calculator for the Tesla website, and still the cheapest Tesla model 3, base edition, after taxes and even after the federal rebate, will still run you around $40-$45,000 out the door. And no this is the cheapest version! This is like half a bitcoin or a third of a bitcoin. I’d rather take the bitcoin which is going to $13 million, rather than the Tesla car which is going to zero.

Accretive or dilutive? 

A new line of thinking I’ve also been thinking about is this general idea of accretive vs dilutive; that means, is this thing that I’m interested in, will it increase value, a.k.a. go up in value, or go down in value?

Obviously bitcoin is gonna continue to increase in value because more people find it to be valuable.

We got a Bitcoin president

Volatile doesn’t mean risky.

So I think now that Trump is president, bitcoin at this point is in my mind, practically 100% cemented and certain to go up forever. However as I mentioned in my prior essay, the philosophy of volatility, to reach higher highs you gotta reach lower lows?

So assuming that you just took snapshots every year, at random high points year over year, you will find that bitcoin is the insanely obvious choice. With enough hindsight, with enough 20-20 you can see and determine and ascertain that in fact, bitcoin is by far the winning bet, nearly a trillion-fold obvious decision! It has insane volatility which means it goes up and down a lot, constantly, but the cool thing is that it will essentially go up forever!

And this is like volatility, it is like having a hypercharger or a supercharger in your engine; more power or more velocity, more extremes to reach higher performance.

For example if you think about the velocity of a roller coaster; what makes it fun is precisely the highs and lows. If you take one of those boring kid ones, which is pretty much steady, it is insanely boring. Why? The thrills of the roller coaster– once again we are the adrenaline junkies!

Practical strategies

OK… if you want the ultimate blend of safety with high-yield, my suggestion is 90% of your capital into bitcoin,  and 10% into microstrategy stock (MSTR). This is what I personally do.

Why? Essentially you could treat microstrategy stock like your cash; it keeps going up in value, and actually in fact goes up quicker than bitcoin; although it is a security, a stock that you don’t really “own”, like bitcoin which is digital property.

Bitcoin is the first thing you could truly own. 

I love Michael Saylor and microstrategy to death, I have like literally watched and listen to every single Michael Saylor podcast interview available out there, I also read his book the mobile wave, and I’ve tried to consume every single piece of literature or thing that Michael Saylor has put out there. I also watched his recent earnings call, and watching it all in all, almost like watching a rockstar.

However at the end of the day once again, the name of the game is to accumulate and acquire more bitcoins. He or she with the most bitcoins, or the entity with the most bitcoins shall win.

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America bitcoin first strategy

So a simple thought to the Trump bitcoin administration and beyond;

First, America must be the bitcoin leader. We must be the nation with the most bitcoin in our treasury reserves.

Sent you the basic ideas like we are creating the next bitcoin Fort Knox; we must dominate every other nation in terms of the number of our bitcoin holdings, kind of like imagine military power, but bitcoin as cyber power.

For example let us assume that the US Navy has strategic military dominance over the planet. And let us assume that our military power is at least 10,000 X to that mainland China.

So in theory in terms of numbers, America must supersede mainland China in our bitcoin holdings. By at least a factor of 10,000X.

I think even Donald Trump joked that maybe we could even use some of our bitcoin to pay back our national debt?

I think actually the more interesting strategy is we hoard our bitcoins forever, until the end of time, and instead, I don’t know… Someone with some good economic wizardry could figure out how we could leverage our debt in intelligent ways so we could actually pay back our debt without having to sell bitcoin.

And once again… I think this is the main idea on my mind right now — we can continue to accumulate bitcoin, stack bitcoin, etc.,  and figure out how we leverage borrowing cheap money or debt from other banks entities, to make money?

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Being positively polarized to capital 

My has enjoy an interest; give me all your capital, and I will invest it and grow it for you!

Eric@erickim.com

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Cyber Capital

So the reason why I think this is such a big deal is that finally, with bitcoin, we have finally crossed the chasm. What this means is finally, in the year 2024 and beyond, capital is finally cyber. What this means is next frontier of capital is practically infinite. 

Let me explicate this a bit more on why this is such a big deal:

So it looks like traditionally, the last frontier of making money and wealth was companies. Why? With technology, finally you were able to break free a little bit of physical limitations. For example, with Google Amazon Facebook etc., you were able to finally cross the digital divide which means that you could actually Feel all things in assets digitally, like digital advertisements digital value etc. Yet the different nuance is still… Capital was not yet in the digital realm. For example even though Amazon Facebook Google and the big tech companies could create value digitally through cyber space in cyber networks, there was no Internet native money or capital in which they could store their value.

For example all the big companies, we’re still reliant on JP Morgan Chase to custody their US dollars and field currency the treasury reserve assets etc.

But starting January of next year 2025… This will all change.

ERIC

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On creating your own opinion

Video podcast

The ears of Odysseus:

I think the hard thing in today’s world is to create and form and formulate your own opinion. I think the big issue is now, with an over abundance of information data words on the Internet etc.… It is almost entirely impossible to create your own opinion, to own your own opinion.

Also, on some ethical friends; it is actually kind of considered unethical to have your own opinion which is not packed by data facts etc.

Issue is when it comes ethics owning your opinion… Ethics is not rooted in data facts science etc. Rather it is something deeper, more philosophical, deeper harder, more incorruptible. 

The ethics of owning your own opinion

My personal reading intake is that in today’s world, it is actually considered unethical to have your own opinion. Why? In a world hijacked by academics, constipated fat academics  with PhD‘s, political commentators, economists with zero real life skills or sense, and also, in a nation prevailing with Judeo-Christian ethics, the general sentence and thought is that one is not permitted to own their own opinion. Why? Man has made small, insignificant, and the bias is that he must always quote others to gain any sort of legitimacy.

I think America might be a little bit less bad than other nations, like for example in South Korea, people are very very foolish in terms of believing any random person with some sort of fake PhD or MD on YouTube. At least Americans are a little bit more discerning, but honestly the average American is no better.

For example, most people have the propensity to be suckered by fake news all the time. Even my mom told me about how Tesla and Elon Musk announced selling some sort of $6500 modular home, and also a Tesla phone, I actually heard it from at least two people; and then I actually did the research and that it was some sort of fake news.

I think the problematic thing is that actually, all news is fake. Even the real news. Why? Anything which incentivize more clicks, more ad revenue, the better.

Why?

So once again, the grant question; why? Why does it matter, what is the significance,?

First, the ethics of it, the significance of it all.

Opinion, to opine, means to think. 

Op, to choose, to believe.

So why does this all matter?

First, I think when we really think about this very very deeply, very very critically, this is what determines everything.

First, the critical thing to consider is that your opinion is everything. There is nothing on the planet which is actually worth more than your opinion.

Second, I think the difficult thing about politics and much of modern day technology stuff, social media social media networks is that everyone is monetarily and economically incentivized to have you believe a certain way. If you dig deep enough, they’re almost always seems to be some sort of money making scam somewhere.

Trust nobody who has to pay a mortgage.

In fact, I wonder if half of the evils of society is from people who have to pay their mortgages. Just watched the film thank you for smoking, Nick Naylor the fake tobacco spokesman, does his job to pay the mortgage on his divorce wife’s house, to support his kid, and also to support his own New York City penthouse and his BMW.

Even think about these evil corporations like Philip Morris, which positively gives people lung cancer and everyone knows it. Same with the evil Coca-Cola corporation. They might just throw up their hands and say “I gotta pay my kids tuition for their private school, or I gotta pay the mortgage“. I called BS; far more after the call to rent instead. And just drive an old Toyota Prius, and not compromise any of your ethics.

ethics are expensive 

I think this is quite a lot of falls don’t understand; and maybe also… The reason why nobody has a strong sense of ethics and morality; it is expensive, very expensive. Expensive in terms of what to forgo, sacrifices, and often… Economic money sacrifices.

So for example, most people will not outwardly come out and speak their mind because if they really really speak what is really really on their mind, they might lose their funding their money their income etc. To me very very shocking that the rapper “DaBaby” essentially was made irrelevant, after a random joke he did about guys who like to suck penises? Come on… he’s from the hood…  and he obviously has zero training in political speech, critically correct speech. And then I find all these followers so fake; y’all listen to his gangsta music yet the second he makes a joke about gay people, you suddenly try to crucify him?

Anyways, the more important thing to consider and think ultimately as long as you’re employed by any other entity which is not yourself, you are in a fragile position. You’ll never ever ever really really really have the chance to 100% on your own opinion once again, You will have to consider your family first.

Even Socrates, when Athens the century jailed him and forced him to commit suicide and drink the poison, a lot of people told him to think about his family his kids etc. But it seems that he didn’t really care for his kids or his wife, who seemed terrible.

So in some sense, Socrates is not a good example, and also he was ugly. 

What is the upside of owning your own opinion?

Truth be told, there is not really a social economic payoff for owning your own opinion. By owning your own opinion, suddenly you will not be showered with US dollars magically being deposited into your checking account.

To me this is where bitcoin is so interesting… Assuming you just keep stacking bitcoins, and accumulating it, or microstrategy stock or whatever,  then, you will know that you’re at peace to just keep doing as you please, paying the bills, paying your rent, and being able to own your own opinion.

For example, a very very simple strategy that I have to essentially have infinite money at least to pay your rent, even if you live in Los Angeles, or somewhere more expensive, let us say that your rent is $3200 a month. I currently have around $150,000 of microstrategy stock, which is about 10% of my total market capitalization of bitcoin, and what I do is I keep writing up micro strategy stock, which I believe will go up to $2000 a share, which is almost 10X from here,  and what you do is every month or so… At the end of the month or whatever, you could just slowly drain and sell $3200 worth of stock, and just use that to pay your rent or whatever. And then the stock will keep going up forever, so essentially you’re just using $150,000 of capital, which is not that much, and you could live off of that forever even in sunny in Los Angeles.

Even crazier,  considering that you could live in Hanoi Vietnam in the north for only $320 USD a month ,,, then, the truth is there’s really nothing holding you back.

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Life goals?

This is where I think things are interesting because ultimately when we really really think critically, you gotta keep asking yourself a question, ultimately, what is it that you really care for?

Surprisingly for myself, walking might be my number one critical passion?

The word “opinion” traces its origins back to Latin and has evolved through several languages before entering English.

1. Latin Origin: The term originates from the Latin word opinio, which means “opinion, conjecture, supposition, belief.” This noun is derived from the Latin verb opinari, meaning “to think, judge, suppose.”

2. Proto-Indo-European Root: The Latin opinari is believed to come from the Proto-Indo-European root *op-, which means “to choose” or “to believe.” This root emphasizes the act of choosing or selecting a belief among various possibilities.

3. Old French Influence: The Latin opinio evolved into the Old French word opinion during the Middle Ages. Old French was a significant conduit for Latin words entering the English language after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

4. Middle English Adoption: The Old French opinion was adopted into Middle English as opinion around the 14th century. It retained its meaning related to personal beliefs or judgments not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

Summary:

• Latin: opinio (opinion, belief) ← opinari (to think, suppose)

• Proto-Indo-European: *op- (to choose, believe)

• Old French: opinion (opinion)

• Middle English: opinion (belief, judgment)

The evolution of “opinion” reflects the human practice of forming beliefs and judgments by choosing among different ideas or interpretations.

Podcast

Opinion audio

On creating your own opinion

The ears of Odysseus:

I think the hard thing in today’s world is to create and form and formulate your own opinion. I think the big issue is now, with an over abundance of information data words on the Internet etc.… It is almost entirely impossible to create your own opinion, to own your own opinion.

Also, on some ethical friends; it is actually kind of considered unethical to have your own opinion which is not packed by data facts etc.

Issue is when it comes ethics owning your opinion… Ethics is not rooted in data facts science etc. Rather it is something deeper, more philosophical, deeper harder, more incorruptible. 

Maybe ,, the goal ain’t to have more US DOLLARS in our banking or checking account, but more shares ,,, more Bitcoin?

As of November 2024, Tesla has not officially announced or released a modular home or smartphone. However, there are related developments and collaborations worth noting:

Modular Homes:

• Boxabl Collaboration: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has shown interest in affordable, sustainable housing solutions. He reportedly resides in a compact, prefabricated home manufactured by Boxabl, a company specializing in foldable, transportable housing units. These units are designed for quick assembly and are priced around $10,000, aiming to revolutionize affordable housing. 

• S²A Modular Partnership: S²A Modular constructs custom luxury homes equipped with Tesla’s Powerwall energy storage systems and other high-end features. These homes emphasize energy efficiency and modern design, integrating Tesla’s renewable energy technology to create self-sustaining residences. 

Smartphones:

• Tesla Phone Rumors: Speculation about a Tesla-branded smartphone, often referred to as the “Model Pi,” has circulated for years. However, Elon Musk has clarified that Tesla has no plans to enter the smartphone market. In a recent interview, he stated that Tesla would consider developing a phone only if existing platforms like Apple and Google engaged in significant censorship or restrictive practices. 

• Existing Tesla-Branded Phones: It’s important to note that a separate company named Tesla (unrelated to Elon Musk’s Tesla, Inc.) produces smartphones and other electronics. These devices are available in certain markets but are not associated with Tesla, Inc. 

In summary, while Tesla, Inc. has not launched its own modular homes or smartphones, it collaborates with companies like Boxabl and S²A Modular to integrate its energy technologies into innovative housing solutions. Regarding smartphones, despite ongoing rumors, Tesla has no current plans to enter the mobile phone market.

The ethos of capital, capitalism — to forever grow it?

The real goal!

*

31 years of rent? $1.2M. Vs interest —

The real goal!

Then maybe in life, we should only think and pursue that in which insanely enthusiastic about?

A simple way to approach life — either it is a “fuck yeah!!!” or “no”—. No in between mild feelings!

I wonder if in life, the way that we fail is that we just take too much of a lukewarm approach to life,? Perhaps all we need here is more extreme emotions? Or enthusiasm, more heart more guts, more soul?

It looks like assuming that your whole wardrobe is sleeveless… The best thing you could build for yourself is having insanely jacked massive arms.  and obviously because we have super jacked legs, ain’t nobody intimidation for us.

So how do we achieve a super jacked physique?

Pretty simple; every single day, left insanely heavyweights, and you just kind of switch it up and mix it up between the exercises. For example one day you could do heavy Farmer’s carries, form dead lift, a walking dead lift, an atlas lift, an atlas walk, or insanely heavy dumbbell one-handed lifts etc. Essentially the protocol is simple; every single day just do something a little bit different, and make sure that it is super heavy!

I used to be all about the one Max lifting, and I still am, I suppose now, because I don’t care for numbers as much anymore, maybe my new approach is more centered around the fun and joy of variety, switching things up, etc. But then this also means is not being too caught up with numbers, because ultimately numbers don’t really matter.

And obviously when it is time to feast, go super insanely hard, eat as much meat as humanly possible!

So obviously, many of us live in the cyber realm. This is like owning bitcoin, and also the truth is almost all of our yacht currency is practically derivatives of fake cyber money. Nothing is really real in the real sense.

For example, the physical realm is like having a bathtub at home, being able to take hot baths, etc. Also physical location, even though you have a virtual mansion in your Apple Vision Pro, still, in the real world, assuming you live in Los Angeles, nobody in their right mind wants to be stuck in the 405 or Sepulveda traffic.

Recently getting back into thich nhat hanh, and he talks a lot about walking meditation, I also like the idea. Why? I have a passion for walking, all of my best ideas come from my feet, while walking, outside in the outdoors!

To first think, start walking!

Right now the big problem is that shoes are our casts with the environment. I think there is so much knowledge and wisdom in our feet, and environment. For example the extreme joy of just walking barefoot in the grass, or in the sand, or just having your naked feet in the beach water!

However, the modern day times we have been indoctrinated to somehow think that the environment is to be feared, that it is a bad and evil thing, also wonder how much of it is just kind of this weird consumer things; these corporation just tried to sell you more sneakers, to spin a higher profit. As a consequence, we are almost indoctrinated to become ashamed of our feet? I almost wonder if a bunch of these weird foot fetishes are precisely because of that; naked feet are seen as barbaric, ugly and backwards? This is also why you see a lot of women painting their toenails?

we the new barbarians!

I suppose I’m pretty happy that I’ve been wearing vibram five finger barefoot shoes for so long — because I’ve done it for so long and my feet have lots of sturdy and useful calluses, as a consequence other day I almost scraped my foot against something, and because I had a bunch of tough calluses on my feet, it didn’t hurt or harm me.

Also, I think the reason why people enjoy foot massages so much is that once again, there are lots of nerves and endings in our feet, which means maybe back in the past in ancient times, when man was barefoot, he would use his feet to almost 3-D scan his environment, almost like LiDAR, to almost create like some sort of GPS system for his feet. And as a consequence, an ancient man could navigate the forest at night without shoes.

Just look at children and kids; naturally natural realistically, no kid likes to wear shoes or socks or whatever. And assuming that it is not snowing outside, maybe the best course of action is just let your kid go barefoot as much as humanly possible. If our parents were able to do it, why can’t your kids or we do it?

People talk a lot about the dangers of stepping into sharp objects, but the funny irony is that when you go barefoot, you actually pay more attention, and as a consequence I almost wonder if you’re actually less likely to injure yourself because you’re actually paying attention! For example if you are walking barefoot, you’re probably not gonna be texting while walking, staring at your phone because you might be afraid of stepping into something bad. And as a consequence, you could actually be more present and enjoy the walk, truly the feeling of walking meditation.

Like Ryan Halliday said in ready player one, it is hard to get a good meal in virtual reality.

”Numbers so low, bitch be thankful!” – PUSHA T

Anyways, now, my calculus is simple; I think of everything in context to bitcoin.

For example, whenever I critically look and asses these things, I think to myself,

How many bitcoins could I buy with this thing? 

For example I was just trolling around with the finance calculator for the Tesla website, and still the cheapest Tesla model three, base edition, after taxes and even after the federal rebate, will still run you around $40-$45,000 at the door. And no this is the cheapest version! This is like half a bitcoin or a third of a bitcoin. I’d rather take the bitcoin which is going to $13 million, rather than the Tesla car which is going to zero.

Lever up

And I still think this is where it is difficult to understand; to those who have access to capital, you essentially have an economic lever to lever up, and leverage that, which is just economic power and energy, to be even more more energy, more power.

This is why it is true that let us say your grandparents bought a house in Beverly Hills like 50 years ago or 100 years ago, and your parents got married in that backyard in Beverly Hills, and then you got married in the same backyard, that is real generational wealth, the generational lever. 

Just thinking consider let us say that I have 300 bitcoins, and then Seneca grows up and is like 36 years old, and he decides to have kids. Obviously when it is worth like $10 billion or something,  and it just magically yields money, obviously he could continue to leverage that. And so can his kids kids kids. 

The new goal — like the Spartan 300?

Take the responsibility —

if the thing was kind of your idea, and everyone else is kind of against it, maybe it is a good idea because you take ownership of it and you’ll never bitch or complain or moan about the thing because it was your decision?

And even if you do find flaws, because ultimately it was your idea, you will just gloss over them?

80% of your wealth or 90% of your wealth, in the digital cyber realm, 10 to 20% of your wealth in the physical realm?

The truth is physical property is not an investment, just somewhere to live. If the chance presents you a nice place to live, which seems about 80% good enough, fuck it maybe just go for it?

—> I guess at the end of the day you still need somewhere to live? And also the nice idea of having two bathtubs?

ERIC HAD A DREAM!

80/90% Digital Property, 10-20% Physical Property?

I’ve never really had it in my heart to own property physical property, but fuck it, now that I’m rich enough, and my mom will support me, with a very generous gift, $100,000, fuck it, maybe now is the time to buy some physical property,? And my general thought is maybe I will deliver it; 90% of my wealth or 80% of my wealth is still in bitcoin and micro strategy stock, and 10% to 20% of my money will be in the physical realm like a single-family house?

for example, currently the market for a single-family house in Culver City is in the 1.6 to $1.7 million range. If you could afford to buy a house anything less lesser than that, you got a good bet. My simple prediction is that in the next 2 to 3 years, or four years, the end of the Trump presidency, the average house price in Culver City, real Culver City 90232, will be worth at least $2.1 to $2.2 million.

ERIC HAD A DREAM!

80/90% Digital Property, 10-20% Physical Property?

I’ve never really had it in my heart to own property physical property, but fuck it, now that I’m rich enough, and my mom will support me, with a very generous gift, $100,000, fuck it, maybe now is the time to buy some physical property,? And my general thought is maybe I will leverage it; 90% of my wealth or 80% of my wealth is still in bitcoin and microstrategy stock, and 10% to 20% of my money will be in the physical realm like a single-family house?

For example, currently the market for a single-family house in Culver City is in the 1.6 to $1.7 million range. If you could afford to buy a house anything less lesser than that, you got a good bet. My simple prediction is that in the next 2 to 3 years, or four years, the end of the Trump presidency, the average house price in Culver City, real Culver City 90232, will be worth at least $2.1 to $2.2 million.

Some big thoughts:

1. Bitcoin is digital property

First, buying bitcoin is like buying digital property, you buy the land for only about $70,000 a block, and like a single-family house it will probably accrue to value to $1.5 or $2 million a single-family home. For example if we like the digital property idea I like this because you could build things on top of your digital property, lease it, rented out, you could become the new digital slumlord.

2. Future yield

if you are any rich family in Manhattan or New York City, what is the goal? You buy the property next to Central Park and you own it forever.

I’ve always been led by emotion and my gut and my intuition my whole life, but what if, your gut and logic can actually work hand-in-hand?

Sometimes my power even surprises me?

When it seems that the money the finances work out, just go for it?

Maybe to shock and surprise people is a virtue?

What this means is don’t look at it like what it is right now but what it could become?

What then I then assume this means is you need some sort of carte blanche mentality, some sort of creativity to think and imagine possibility?

Everyone wants the stick shift Porsche 911 Carrera T, the manual transmission, but why not a more robust thing, manual weightlifting?

Also funny… Everyone is so obsessed with manual boxing lenses like a cameras rangefinder etc.… But why not just manually move weights, which will make you look 1 trillion times cooler sex or hotter, more dominant?

One interesting thing that I’ve learned about bitcoin just things and life in general is that you only really really discover something or take full heart to it when you actually really have a need for it.

For example, the story of Michael Saylor microstrategy and bitcoin; the only reason that Michael Saylor really took it was because he had a real need for it; 500 million in cash, in kind of stagnant company– he needed to add vitality back to life to his company and corporation.

Necessity is the true mother of all innovation

Similarly speaking, myself, moving here to LA, staring at this ridiculous high cost of living, and trying to find innovative ways to approach money, productivity time etc. I found bitcoin as almost a salvation for me, Cindy, my aging mom, Seneca, and my future family!

How and why bitcoin has changed my life

So I think traditionally, most of us are stuck into the work cycle. It is a simple mathematical equation: a simple vector equation;  in goes your effort, time, and labor, outcomes money and income.

So for most people, there is directly proportional effect:

You labor harder, more, and you yield more US dollars, and you work hard, put out new innovative product services etc., a lot of hard work and time, heavily market the thing, through genuine and effort full channels, and then wait diligently for somebody to purchase your products services workshops etc., hope they pay, and then when that dust settles within a month two or three, then you could withdraw that money from your PayPal or digital broker, and then deposited into your checking account, finally logging in and securing your “gain”,

“Income”

So this is where things become funny: the notion of “income”.

Once again, I’m still relatively new to all of this, in the sense that the average time labor, we have a hard time thinking like an investor. For example, to think that you just have $2 million in capital, you have some deep insight and intuition about something,  and then you invest that money into the thing, and then over the course of a few days weeks months, two months, three months, four months five months, a year, 4 to 5 years, the number magically goes up!

To me, this is still like wizardry, like pure magic!

And I still think this is where it is difficult to understand; to those who have access to capital, you essentially have an economic lever to lever up, and leverage that, which is just economic power and energy, to be even more more energy, more power.

The Spartan investor

So we hear stories of Warren Buffett, living the same old house, driving the old same Honda Accord whatever, and then just spending all day reading the newspaper investing in the markets, and then becoming like the third world’s richest man, all at the age of 80 or 90 years old, But your old sick fat and tired, still eating McDonald’s and drinking Coca-Colas.

Warren Buffett is not a good example. Even he was a skeptic and critic of bitcoin.

I think the hard thing is everyone uses Warren Buffet as an example, but for my general sense, given the fact that he has invested heavily into Coca-Cola, he is no better than people who invest in fill up Morris evil cigarette and now vaping corporation, to spin a certain profit.

Tell me that, everyone wants to be as rich as Warren Buffett but nobody actually wants to become Warren Buffett. Do you know anybody in the given universe who wants to be that old fat sick and unshapely? 

Instead, I’m much better idea is to be as jacked as King Leonidas, Gerald Butler in the movie 300, all while being a billionaire. My vision is essentially having the hard spartan body, naked and super fucking jacked, and also… This is the critical one; insanely Spartan and frugal, surprising everyone that you drive a Toyota Prius, even though you could afford like 20 cyber trucks.

I think what I have discovered finally at the age of 36, is that with bitcoin, this changes everything. Why? Before bitcoin has finally hit mass adoption, and now that starting next year January 2025 will be a year one of bitcoin institutional adoption,  what that means is having a bitcoin is like having a cyber truck or Lamborghini on steroids, but on a digital wheel. 

This is my visual: I was at the park yesterday with Seneca, playing with him at night, just having the house key in my front pocket, no phone no nothing not even my camera, and we’re just playing around in the tot lot, kicking around some bark, and I had the funny thoughts; would I trade a bitcoin for a Tesla? Maybe a cyber truck? But actually the other day I jumped into a cyber truck and I was a little bit underwhelmed; the funny thing about the cyber truck is that it looks so flashy and awesome from the outside, put on the inside once you actually step into it, it is a bit underwhelming; it doesn’t really feel that different from sitting inside a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry. Maybe it would be different if you were homeless and just owned a cyber truck and just slept in the trunk bed, but beyond this, I think cyber truck is one of those funny things that you could just admire it from the outside, without actually having to own it.  and if anything, the real thing to just wait for or save up for is the cyber taxi, which could just shuttle your kid to baseball practice, or take your wife directly to campus or work through the grueling 405 morning commute traffic.

Anyways, now, my calculus is simple; I think of everything in context to bitcoin.

For example, whenever I critically look and asses these things, I think to myself,

How many bitcoins could I buy with this thing? 

For example I was just trolling around with the finance calculator for the Tesla website, and still the cheapest Tesla model three, base edition, after taxes and even after the federal rebate, will still run you around $40-$45,000 at the door. And no this is the cheapest version! This is like half a bitcoin or a third of a bitcoin. I’d rather take the bitcoin which is going to $13 million, rather than the Tesla car which is going to zero.

Accretive or dilutive? 

A new line of thinking I’ve also been thinking about is this general idea of accretive vs dilutive;  that means, is this thing that I’m interested, will it increase value, a.k.a. go up in value, or go down in value?

So I think now that Trump is president, bitcoin at this point is in my mind, practically 100% cemented and certain to go up forever. However as I mentioned in my prior essay, the philosophy of volatility, to reach higher highs you gotta reach lower lows? 

So assuming that you just took snapshots every year, at random high points year over year, you will find that bitcoin is the insanely obvious choice. With enough hindsight, with enough 2020 you can see and determine and ascertain that in fact, bitcoin is by far the winning bet, nearly a trillion-fold obvious decision!  it has insane volatility which means it goes up and down a lot, constantly, but the cool thing is that it will essentially go up forever!

And this is like volatility, it is like having a hyper charger or a supercharger in your engine; more power or more velocity, more extremes to reach higher performance.

For example if you think about the velocity of a roller coaster; what makes it fun is precisely the highs and lows. If you take one of those boring kid ones, which is pretty much steady, it is insanely boring. Why? The thrills of the roller coaster– once again we are the adrenaline junkies!

Practical strategies

OK… if you want the ultimate blend of safety with high-yield, my suggestion is 90% of your capital into bitcoin,  and 10% into microstrategy stock (MSTR). This is what I personally do.

Why? Essentially you could treat Marco strategy stock like your cash; it keeps going up in value, and actually in fact goes up quicker than bitcoin; although it is a Security, a stock that you don’t really own, like bitcoin which is digital property. I love Michael Saylor and microstrategy to death, I have like literally watched and listen to every single Michael Saylor podcast interview available out there, I also read his book the mobile wave, and I’ve tried to consume every single piece of literature or thing that Michael Saylor has put out there. I also watched his recent earnings call, and watching it all in all, almost like watching a rockstar.

However at the end of the day once again, the name of the game is to accumulate and acquire more bitcoins. He or she with the most bitcoins, or the entity with the most bitcoins shall win.

America bitcoin first strategy

So a simple thought to the Trump bitcoin administration and beyond;

First, America must be the bitcoin leader. We must be the nation with the most bitcoin in our treasury reserves.

Sent you the basic ideas like we are creating the next bitcoin Fort Knox; we must dominate every other nation in terms of the number of our bitcoin holdings, kind of like imagine military power, but bitcoin as cyber power.

For example let us assume that the US Navy has strategic military dominance over the planet. And let us assume that our military power is at least 10,000 X to that mainland China.

So in theory in terms of numbers, America must supersede mainland China in our bitcoin holdings. By at least a factor of 10,000X.

I think even Donald Trump joked that maybe we could even use some of our bitcoin to pay back our national debt?

I think actually the more interesting strategy is we hoard our bitcoins forever, until the end of time, and instead, I don’t know… Someone with some good economic wizardry could figure out how we could leverage our debt in intelligent ways so we could actually pay back our debt without having to sell bitcoin.

And once again… I think this is the main idea on my mind right now — we can continue to accumulate bitcoin, stack bitcoin, etc.,  and figure out how we leverage borrowing cheap money or debt from other banks entities, to make money?

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Being positively polarized to capital 

My has enjoy an interest; give me all your capital, and I will invest it and grow it for you!

Eric@erickim.com

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Cyber Capital

So the reason why I think this is such a big deal is that finally, with bitcoin, we have finally crossed the chasm. What this means is finally, in the year 2024 and beyond, capital is finally cyber. What this means is next frontier of capital is practically infinite. 

Let me explicate this a bit more on why this is such a big deal:

So it looks like traditionally, the last frontier of making money and wealth was companies. Why? With technology, finally you were able to break free a little bit of physical limitations. For example, with Google Amazon Facebook etc., you were able to finally cross the digital divide which means that you could actually Feel all things in assets digitally, like digital advertisements digital value etc. Yet the different nuance is still… Capital was not yet in the digital realm. For example even though Amazon Facebook Google and the big tech companies could create value digitally through cyber space in cyber networks, there was no Internet native money or capital in which they could store their value.

For example all the big companies, we’re still reliant on JP Morgan Chase to custody their US dollars and field currency the treasury reserve assets etc.

But starting January of next year 2025… This will all change.

ERIC

---

So the reason why I think this is such a big deal is that finally, with bitcoin, we have finally crossed the chasm. What this means is finally, in the year 2024 and beyond, capital is finally cyber. What this means is next frontier of capital is practically infinite.

One interesting thing that I’ve learned about bitcoin just things and life in general is that you only really really discover something or take full heart to it when you actually really have a need for it.

For example, the story of Michael sailor micro strategy and bitcoin; the only reason that Michael Saylor really took it was because he had a real need for it; 500 million in cash, or kind of stagnant company, I need to add vitality back to life to his company and corporation.

Similarly speaking, myself, moving here to LA, staring at this ridiculous high cost of living, and trying to find innovative ways to approach money, productivity time etc.

 How and why bitcoin has changed my life

So I think traditionally, most of us are stuck into the work cycle. It is a simple mathematical equation: a simple vector equation;  in goes your effort, time, and labor, outcomes money and income.

So for most people, there is directly proportional effect:

You labor harder, more, and you yield more US dollars, and you work hard, put out new innovative product services etc., a lot of hard work and time, heavily market the thing, through genuine and effort full channels, and then wait diligently for somebody to purchase your products services workshops etc., hope they pay, and then when that dust settles within a month two or three, then you could withdraw that money from your PayPal or digital broker, and then deposited into your checking account, finally logging in and securing your “gain”,

“Income”

So this is where things become funny: the notion of “income”.

Once again, I’m still relatively new to all of this, in the sense that the average time labor, we have a hard time thinking like an investor. For example, to think that you just have $2 million in capital, you have some deep insight and intuition about something,  and then you invest that money into the thing, and then over the course of a few days weeks months, two months, three months, four months five months, a year, 4 to 5 years, the number magically goes up!

To me, this is still like wizardry, like pure magic!

And I still think this is where it is difficult to understand; to those who have access to capital, you essentially have an economic lever to lever up, and leverage that, which is just economic power and energy, to be even more more energy, more power.

The Spartan investor

So we hear stories of Warren Buffett, living the same old house, driving the old same Honda Accord whatever, and then just spending all day reading the newspaper investing in the markets, and then becoming like the third world’s richest man, all at the age of 80 or 90 years old, But your old sick fat and tired, still eating McDonald’s and drinking Coca-Colas.

Warren Buffett is not a good example. Even he was a skeptic and critic of bitcoin.

I think the hard thing is everyone uses Warren Buffet as an example, but for my general sense, given the fact that he has invested heavily into Coca-Cola, he is no better than people who invest in fill up Morris evil cigarette and now vaping corporation, to spin a certain profit.

Tell me that, everyone wants to be as rich as Warren Buffett but nobody actually wants to become Warren Buffett. Do you know anybody in the given universe who wants to be that old fat sick and unshapely? 

Instead, I’m much better idea is to be as jacked as King Leonidas, Gerald Butler in the movie 300, all while being a billionaire. My vision is essentially having the hard spartan body, naked and super fucking jacked, and also… This is the critical one; insanely Spartan and frugal, surprising everyone that you drive a Toyota Prius, even though you could afford like 20 cyber trucks.

I think what I have discovered finally at the age of 36, is that with bitcoin, this changes everything. Why? Before bitcoin has finally hit mass adoption, and now that starting next year January 2025 will be a year one of bitcoin institutional adoption,  what that means is having a bitcoin is like having a cyber truck or Lamborghini on steroids, but on a digital wheel. 

This is my visual: I was at the park yesterday with Seneca, playing with him at night, just having the house key in my front pocket, no phone no nothing not even my camera, and we’re just playing around in the tot lot, kicking around some bark, and I had the funny thoughts; would I trade a bitcoin for a Tesla? Maybe a cyber truck? But actually the other day I jumped into a cyber truck and I was a little bit underwhelmed; the funny thing about the cyber truck is that it looks so flashy and awesome from the outside, put on the inside once you actually step into it, it is a bit underwhelming; it doesn’t really feel that different from sitting inside a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry. Maybe it would be different if you were homeless and just owned a cyber truck and just slept in the trunk bed, but beyond this, I think cyber truck is one of those funny things that you could just admire it from the outside, without actually having to own it.  and if anything, the real thing to just wait for or save up for is the cyber taxi, which could just shuttle your kid to baseball practice, or take your wife directly to campus or work through the grueling 405 morning commute traffic.

Anyways, now, my calculus is simple; I think of everything in context to bitcoin.

For example, whenever I critically look and asses these things, I think to myself,

How many bitcoins could I buy with this thing? 

For example I was just trolling around with the finance calculator for the Tesla website, and still the cheapest Tesla model three, base edition, after taxes and even after the federal rebate, will still run you around $40-$45,000 at the door. And no this is the cheapest version! This is like half a bitcoin or a third of a bitcoin. I’d rather take the bitcoin which is going to $13 million, rather than the Tesla car which is going to zero.

Accretive or dilutive? 

A new line of thinking I’ve also been thinking about is this general idea of accretive vs dilutive;  that means, is this thing that I’m interested, will it increase value, a.k.a. go up in value, or go down in value?

So I think now that Trump is president, bitcoin at this point is in my mind, practically 100% cemented and certain to go up forever. However as I mentioned in my prior essay, the philosophy of volatility, to reach higher highs you gotta reach lower lows? 

So assuming that you just took snapshots every year, at random high points year over year, you will find that bitcoin is the insanely obvious choice. With enough hindsight, with enough 2020 you can see and determine and ascertain that in fact, bitcoin is by far the winning bet, nearly a trillion-fold obvious decision!  it has insane volatility which means it goes up and down a lot, constantly, but the cool thing is that it will essentially go up forever!

And this is like volatility, it is like having a hyper charger or a supercharger in your engine; more power or more velocity, more extremes to reach higher performance.

For example if you think about the velocity of a roller coaster; what makes it fun is precisely the highs and lows. If you take one of those boring kid ones, which is pretty much steady, it is insanely boring. Why? The thrills of the roller coaster– once again we are the adrenaline junkies!

Practical strategies

OK… if you want the ultimate blend of safety with high-yield, my suggestion is 90% of your capital into bitcoin,  and 10% into microstrategy stock (MSTR). This is what I personally do.

Why? Essentially you could treat Marco strategy stock like your cash; it keeps going up in value, and actually in fact goes up quicker than bitcoin; although it is a Security, a stock that you don’t really own, like bitcoin which is digital property. I love Michael Saylor and microstrategy to death, I have like literally watched and listen to every single Michael Saylor podcast interview available out there, I also read his book the mobile wave, and I’ve tried to consume every single piece of literature or thing that Michael Saylor has put out there. I also watched his recent earnings call, and watching it all in all, almost like watching a rockstar.

However at the end of the day once again, the name of the game is to accumulate and acquire more bitcoins. He or she with the most bitcoins, or the entity with the most bitcoins shall win.

America bitcoin first strategy

So a simple thought to the Trump bitcoin administration and beyond;

First, America must be the bitcoin leader. We must be the nation with the most bitcoin in our treasury reserves.

Sent you the basic ideas like we are creating the next bitcoin Fort Knox; we must dominate every other nation in terms of the number of our bitcoin holdings, kind of like imagine military power, but bitcoin as cyber power.

For example let us assume that the US Navy has strategic military dominance over the planet. And let us assume that our military power is at least 10,000 X to that mainland China.

So in theory in terms of numbers, America must supersede mainland China in our bitcoin holdings. By at least a factor of 10,000X.

I think even Donald Trump joked that maybe we could even use some of our bitcoin to pay back our national debt?

I think actually the more interesting strategy is we hoard our bitcoins forever, until the end of time, and instead, I don’t know… Someone with some good economic wizardry could figure out how we could leverage our debt in intelligent ways so we could actually pay back our debt without having to sell bitcoin.

And once again… I think this is the main idea on my mind right now — we can continue to accumulate bitcoin, stack bitcoin, etc.,  and figure out how we leverage borrowing cheap money or debt from other banks entities, to make money?

Certainly! Understanding the cost of building a cinder block home is essential for effective budgeting and planning. The total cost can vary widely based on factors such as location, home size, design complexity, labor rates, and material choices. Below is a comprehensive breakdown to help you estimate the expenses involved.

Average Cost Estimates

• Per Square Foot: The cost to build a cinder block home typically ranges from $100 to $200 per square foot in the United States.

• Total Cost: For a 2,000-square-foot home, this equates to approximately $200,000 to $400,000.

Note: These are rough estimates. Actual costs can be higher or lower depending on various factors.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

1. Site Preparation

• Land Clearing and Grading: $3,000 – $10,000

• Soil Testing: $500 – $2,000

• Permits and Inspections: $2,000 – $5,000

2. Foundation

• Excavation: $1,500 – $5,000

• Footings and Slab: $5,000 – $15,000

• Materials (Concrete, Rebar): $3,000 – $8,000

3. Cinder Block Walls

• Cinder Blocks: $1 – $3 per block

• For a 2,000 sq ft home, you might need around 8,000 blocks, totaling $8,000 – $24,000.

• Mortar and Grout: $5,000 – $10,000

• Labor: $10 – $20 per square foot

• Totaling $20,000 – $40,000 for masonry labor.

4. Reinforcement and Insulation

• Rebar and Reinforcement Materials: $2,000 – $5,000

• Insulation: $1 – $3 per square foot

• Totaling $2,000 – $6,000.

5. Roofing

• Trusses and Framing: $8,000 – $15,000

• Roofing Materials (Shingles, Metal, etc.): $5,000 – $12,000

• Labor: $3,000 – $7,000

6. Windows and Doors

• Windows: $300 – $1,000 each

• Totaling $5,000 – $15,000 depending on quantity and quality.

• Doors: $200 – $1,500 each

• Totaling $1,000 – $5,000.

7. Interior Finishes

• Drywall Installation: $10,000 – $20,000

• Flooring: $5 – $15 per square foot

• Totaling $10,000 – $30,000.

• Paint and Trim: $5,000 – $15,000

• Cabinetry and Countertops: $8,000 – $20,000

8. Utilities Installation

• Electrical Wiring: $8,000 – $15,000

• Plumbing: $7,000 – $15,000

• HVAC Systems: $5,000 – $12,000

9. Exterior Finishes

• Stucco or Siding: $6,000 – $15,000

• Exterior Paint: $3,000 – $7,000

• Gutters and Downspouts: $1,000 – $3,000

10. Miscellaneous Costs

• Architectural and Engineering Fees: $5,000 – $15,000

• Landscaping: $2,000 – $10,000

• Contingencies: It’s wise to set aside 10-15% of the total budget for unexpected expenses.

Factors Affecting the Cost

1. Location

• Labor Rates: Urban areas with a higher cost of living typically have higher labor costs.

• Material Availability: Remote locations may incur additional shipping costs for materials.

2. Design Complexity

• Custom Designs: Unique architectural features increase labor and material costs.

• Number of Floors: Multi-story homes may require additional structural support.

3. Material Quality

• Upgraded Materials: Higher-end finishes and fixtures will increase costs.

• Energy-Efficient Options: While potentially more expensive upfront, they can save money long-term.

4. Size of the Home

• Economies of Scale: Larger homes may have a lower cost per square foot due to bulk purchasing.

• Smaller Homes: May have a higher cost per square foot due to fixed costs spread over less area.

Comparison with Other Construction Methods

• Wood Frame Construction: Typically ranges from $100 to $150 per square foot.

• Concrete Homes (ICF): Insulated Concrete Forms can cost $150 to $200 per square foot.

• Steel Frame Homes: Usually $120 to $180 per square foot.

Insight: Cinder block homes are competitive in cost with other construction methods and offer benefits like durability and fire resistance.

Long-Term Savings and Benefits

• Energy Efficiency: Good thermal mass reduces heating and cooling costs.

• Durability: Lower maintenance and longer lifespan can save money over time.

• Insurance Savings: Some insurers offer lower premiums for masonry homes due to their resilience.

Ways to Reduce Costs

1. Simplify the Design

• Opt for a rectangular or square footprint to reduce construction complexity.

2. Standardize Materials

• Use standard sizes for windows, doors, and fixtures.

3. Purchase Materials Wisely

• Buy materials during sales or in bulk to get discounts.

4. Do Some Work Yourself

• If you have the skills, doing tasks like painting or landscaping can save labor costs.

5. Hire Reputable Contractors

• Experienced builders can reduce costs by working efficiently and avoiding mistakes.

Additional Considerations

• Financing Costs: Don’t forget interest on construction loans or mortgages.

• Taxes and Insurance: Property taxes and builder’s risk insurance during construction.

• Timeframe: Extended construction times can increase costs due to market fluctuations in material prices.

Steps to Get Accurate Estimates

1. Consult Local Contractors

• Get at least three detailed quotes to compare.

2. Work with an Architect

• They can design cost-effective plans tailored to your budget.

3. Detailed Budget Planning

• List all potential expenses, including small items that add up.

4. Visit Completed Homes

• Seeing similar projects can give you a realistic idea of costs.

Conclusion

Building a cinder block home is a significant investment with costs influenced by numerous factors. While initial expenses may seem high, the long-term benefits such as durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance can offer substantial savings over time. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research, plan meticulously, and consult professionals to ensure your project stays within budget and meets your expectations.

Would you like assistance with estimating costs for a specific design, or do you have questions about financing options and cost-saving strategies?

…

Certainly! Let’s visualize the process of building a cinder block home step by step. Imagine yourself on a journey from an empty plot of land to a sturdy, beautiful home.

1. Planning and Design

You start by sitting at a large table covered with blueprints and sketches. An architect is explaining the layout of your future home. You can see detailed drawings of rooms, windows, and how the cinder blocks will form the walls. The excitement builds as you visualize each room and how it will look.

2. Site Preparation

You arrive at the empty plot of land. The morning sun casts a golden hue over the tall grasses and scattered trees. Heavy machinery like bulldozers and excavators rumble to life. Workers clear away trees, rocks, and debris, leaving a flat, clean slate of earth. The ground is leveled meticulously, and you can now see the outline of where your home will stand.

3. Foundation Construction

Deep trenches are dug into the earth where the walls will be. Steel rebar frameworks are laid into these trenches, resembling a skeletal grid. Concrete mixers churn, pouring liquid concrete into the trenches to form solid footings. As the concrete dries, it forms a sturdy base that will support the weight of your home.

4. Erecting the Walls

• Laying the First Course: The first row of cinder blocks is carefully placed on the foundation. Workers use levels and strings to ensure each block is perfectly aligned. The gray blocks contrast against the earthy tones of the soil.

• Mortar Application: A worker trowels a layer of gray mortar onto a block, the texture smooth and wet. As the next block is set into place, excess mortar squeezes out, which is then neatly scraped away.

• Stacking Blocks: Rows of blocks begin to rise. The walls grow higher each day, and you can start to see the shape of your home taking form. The staggered pattern of the blocks creates a sturdy bond, and the uniformity is pleasing to the eye.

• Reinforcement: Steel rebar rods are inserted vertically and horizontally within the hollow cores of the blocks. It looks like a grid of metal within the walls, adding strength and stability.

• Grouting: Concrete is poured into the block cavities containing rebar. Workers use long tools to ensure the grout fills every space, solidifying the walls into a single, strong structure.

5. Installing Door and Window Openings

Wooden frames outline where doors and windows will be. Above each opening, robust steel lintels are installed. These horizontal supports are crucial, and watching them being set in place reassures you of the home’s strength.

6. Roofing

• Wall Plates: On top of the completed walls, wooden plates are secured. They provide a base for the roof structure.

• Trusses/Rafters: Large wooden trusses are lifted into place, forming the skeleton of the roof. The triangular shapes stretch across the span of the house, and from inside, you can look up and see the geometric patterns they create.

• Roofing Material: Sheets of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) are nailed over the trusses, creating the roof deck. Then, underlayment material is rolled out, and finally, shingles or metal panels are installed. The roof takes shape, completing the shelter.

7. Utility Installation

• Electrical Conduits: Electricians run conduits through designated channels. Wires snake their way through the walls, soon to bring light and power to your home.

• Plumbing: Plumbers install pipes for water and waste. You can see the blue and red lines indicating cold and hot water supplies.

• HVAC: Ductwork is installed for heating and cooling. The shiny metal ducts branch out like veins, ensuring every room will be comfortable.

8. Finishing the Exterior and Interior

• Exterior Finish: The raw cinder block walls are coated with stucco. Workers spray and trowel the material, smoothing it into a clean, textured finish. Alternatively, siding or paint may be applied, giving the home a personalized look.

• Insulation: Insulation material is added to the interior walls. The fluffy or rigid materials will keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer.

• Drywall/Plaster: Sheets of drywall are hung on the interior walls. The rooms start to feel more defined and enclosed. Joint compound is applied to seams and screws, then sanded smooth.

• Flooring: Choices like hardwood, tile, or carpet are installed. The floors transform from rough concrete to inviting surfaces.

• Fixtures: Cabinets are hung in the kitchen, appliances are installed, and light fixtures are wired up. The bathrooms receive sinks, toilets, and showers. Each addition makes the house feel more like a home.

9. Inspection and Compliance

Inspectors walk through the house, checking that every detail meets building codes. They examine the electrical panels, test the plumbing, and ensure safety features are in place. Once everything passes, you receive the final approval.

10. Moving In

Finally, you stand outside your completed cinder block home. The sun casts shadows that highlight the textures of the exterior finish. Inside, the rooms echo slightly, awaiting your furniture and personal touches. The solid feel of the walls and the quiet confidence they exude reassure you of the home’s durability.

By visualizing each step, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and effort that goes into building a cinder block home. Is there a particular part of the process you’d like to explore in more detail or any specific questions you have?

…

Building a home with cinder blocks is a durable and cost-effective method, especially popular in areas prone to hurricanes, termites, or extreme temperatures. Here’s a general guide to help you understand the process:

1. Planning and Design

• Obtain Permits: Check with your local building department to secure all necessary permits and understand zoning laws.

• Design the Home: Work with an architect or use pre-designed plans suitable for cinder block construction.

• Budgeting: Estimate costs for materials, labor, and contingencies.

2. Site Preparation

• Land Clearing: Remove trees, rocks, and debris from the construction site.

• Soil Testing: Ensure the soil can support the structure; consult a geotechnical engineer if necessary.

• Leveling: Grade the site to create a flat building surface.

3. Foundation Construction

• Excavation: Dig trenches for footings according to your plan.

• Footings: Pour concrete footings wider than the wall thickness for stability.

• Reinforcement: Install steel rebar in the footings for added strength.

4. Erecting the Walls

• Laying the First Course: Place the first row of cinder blocks on the foundation, ensuring they are level and square.

• Mortar Application: Mix mortar and apply it between blocks to bond them.

• Stacking Blocks: Continue laying blocks in a staggered pattern, checking alignment regularly.

• Reinforcement: Insert vertical and horizontal rebar within the block cavities as per structural requirements.

• Grouting: Fill cavities containing rebar with concrete for added strength.

5. Installing Door and Window Openings

• Frames: Install frames for doors and windows as you build the walls.

• Lintels: Use steel or concrete lintels above openings to support the weight above.

6. Roofing

• Wall Plates: Attach wooden or metal plates on top of the walls to secure the roof structure.

• Trusses/Rafters: Install roof trusses or rafters.

• Roofing Material: Add sheathing, underlayment, and your choice of roofing material (shingles, metal, etc.).

7. Utility Installation

• Electrical Conduits: Place conduits within walls before finishing.

• Plumbing: Install plumbing lines, ensuring they are properly insulated.

• HVAC: Set up heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

8. Finishing the Exterior and Interior

• Exterior Finish: Apply stucco, paint, or siding to protect against weather and enhance appearance.

• Insulation: Add insulation to interior walls if necessary.

• Drywall/Plaster: Finish interior walls with drywall or plaster.

• Flooring: Install your choice of flooring materials.

• Fixtures: Add cabinets, appliances, and other fixtures.

9. Inspection and Compliance

• Regular Inspections: Schedule inspections at different stages to ensure code compliance.

• Final Approval: Obtain a certificate of occupancy after passing the final inspection.

Tips and Considerations

• Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear and follow safety protocols.

• Quality Materials: Invest in high-quality blocks and materials to ensure longevity.

• Professional Help: Consider hiring experienced masons or contractors, especially for structural work.

• Waterproofing: Apply waterproof coatings to prevent moisture penetration.

• Energy Efficiency: Use insulating techniques to improve energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Building a cinder block home involves meticulous planning and attention to detail. While it’s possible to undertake some tasks yourself, collaborating with professionals can ensure the structural integrity and safety of your home.

Would you like more details on any specific step or aspect of building with cinder blocks?

…

Building a home with cinder blocks can be a durable and cost-effective option. Cinder blocks offer strength, thermal mass, and can withstand weathering. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:

1. Planning and Design

• Blueprints and Permits: Work with an architect to create blueprints that comply with local building codes. Obtain necessary permits.

• Materials: Calculate the amount of cinder blocks, mortar, steel rebar, insulation, and other materials needed.

• Foundation: Decide on the type of foundation, such as a concrete slab or footings.

2. Preparing the Site

• Clear the Land: Remove vegetation, rocks, and debris from the building site.

• Level the Ground: Level the site and compact the soil to prepare for the foundation.

• Excavation for Foundation: Excavate according to your foundation plan, digging trenches or a slab area.

3. Pouring the Foundation

• Rebar Placement: Lay down rebar in the trenches for added stability.

• Pour Concrete: Pour concrete into the trenches or slab mold to create a stable foundation. Let it cure for at least a week.

4. Laying the First Course of Blocks

• Layout: Mark out where the walls will go. Use string lines and stakes for accuracy.

• Mortar Bed: Spread a layer of mortar on the foundation where the first row of blocks will be placed.

• First Row: Carefully place the first row of cinder blocks, ensuring they are level and square. Check each block with a level.

5. Building Up the Walls

• Stagger Joints: Stack the blocks in a staggered pattern, like bricks, to add strength.

• Mortar Application: Apply mortar on the sides and bottom of each block. Smooth out excess mortar as you go.

• Reinforcement: Insert steel rebar vertically through the hollow cores at regular intervals (typically every 2-4 feet), filling these cores with concrete for strength.

• Window and Door Frames: Install frames as you build up the walls, ensuring they are securely anchored.

6. Adding Insulation

• Interior or Exterior Insulation: Depending on your climate, you may want to insulate the walls on the exterior or interior.

• Types of Insulation: Rigid foam, spray foam, or mineral wool insulation can be attached to the inside or outside of the cinder block walls.

7. Roof Construction

• Types of Roofs: Choose a roof style (flat, gabled, etc.) that suits your design and climate.

• Roof Framing: Secure wood or metal trusses to the top of the walls. Ensure they are fastened properly for stability.

• Covering: Add sheathing, waterproofing, and roofing material (metal, shingles, etc.) to complete the roof.

8. Finishing the Interior and Exterior

• Interior Finishes: Add drywall, plaster, or other interior finishes to cover the cinder blocks. This can improve insulation and aesthetic.

• Exterior Finishes: Apply stucco, paint, or siding to the outside of the cinder block for added protection and appearance.

• Flooring, Plumbing, and Electrical: Once walls are up and roofed, install flooring, plumbing, and electrical systems.

9. Inspection and Final Touches

• Inspections: Have the structure inspected according to local building codes.

• Final Touches: Add fixtures, paint, and any other finishing elements to complete the home.

Tips:

• Moisture Control: Cinder blocks are porous, so consider waterproofing measures on exterior walls.

• Work with Professionals: A structural engineer or experienced contractor can help with key steps to ensure safety and stability.

Building a cinder block home takes time and careful planning but can result in a strong, efficient, and sustainable structure.

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