Hello everyone. It has been a while since I have had a fresh post to The Heavy Metal Money Blog. I can’t count the number of times I’ve started to write, and just couldn’t seem to find the right words. As the weeks progressed, and the current pandemic spread, It was harder and harder for me to find the motivation.  I’m not going to lie.  I’m feeling uneasy. I’m anxious. At times I really can’t put a name to it.

We are living through the Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak of 2020. It is, no doubt, an unprecedented time. we are all adjusting to a new normal of quarantine, isolation, rationing, balancing home-schooling with working from home.  This does remind me of a couple other times in my life.  This anxious, uneasy and feeling of uncertainty.  I can remember back to when my wife had left me and it turned my world upside down.  I didn’t have a plan. I mean, who would have planned for that? I didn’t know what was coming next. I was afraid. I was afraid for me and my kids. Another time was when my father passed away.  It was jarring and terrifying.  How could I possibly go on without my wife, or my dad?  How was I supposed to cope?  I felt alone, and so isolated.  I seem to have some of the same feelings during the recent weeks.  A feeling of uncertainty. A feeling of temporariness.  It does make anxious. I find comfort with having a plan, and sense of building permanence.  I’m afraid for my children, my family, and all of the thousands and thousands of people that are infected with this virus. It also makes me frustrated. I do get so frustrated hearing of healthcare workers and essential service workers who don’t have the Personal Protective Equipment like masks, gloves, and gowns to help protect themselves. I worry about all the small business, that may not survive this shutdown. There are so many of the workers that are furloughed or laid off, or perhaps let go permanently. This current pandemic is affecting so many companies, employees, and entire industries.  

We are all adjusting to a new normal of quarantine, isolation, rationing, and balancing home-schooling with working from home.

I want to thank Paula Pant from Afford Anything for sharing her story. She is an avid personal finance blogger and podcaster and have been listening for years. I feel like I know Paula. Listening to her, and following her journey of being infected and testing positive for Covid-19. You can read her story here. I’m so glad Paula has recovered, and her for sharing her experience. Hopefully it inspires others to take this seriously, and take action to prevent infection and help slow the spread of Covid-19. You can also watch her news coverage below.

I-Team Exclusive: Recovering COVID-19 patient shares her battle

It is also hard to watch the news, read blogs, and other reports of what is happening throughout the world and how this Pandemic is affecting so many people.  We want to be informed and try and learn what is coming next, or how to be prepared. But, It breaks my heart to see so many lives lost, and the families that have lost their loved ones. 

Those that know me, and have followed my journey thus far, know that I have a small portfolio of rental properties.  I’m early in my investment  career, and obviously don’t own my investment properties outright.  I carry a commercial loan, so I have debt on these investments. My loan payment is due… regardless if my tenants can pay their rent.  This has caused me additional stress and anxiety for sure.  I did reach out to all my tenants and expressed that I’ll waive any late fees this month and next. It’s the least I can do.  I wish I could’ve done more for my tenants. I’ve heard that two of my tenants that have filed for unemployment. Along with my loan payment, let’s not forgot the taxes, insurance, HOAs, and other expenses that don’t just stop during this pandemic.  I have thought over and over again how I should have not grown my investment portfolio so quickly. If I had it to do over again, I’d moved slower, paying off each property in full.

I’m so fortunate that I can continue to work.  I’m very lucky that I can still work remotely, supporting my customers who are supporting their thousands of employees now working from home. Being busy with my day job is good, as it keeps my mind occupied, and free from worry. 

We need to find hope. We need to find the good news. There are some things I’m thankful for during this time. There are some amazing people all over the world that are doing good and sharing good news, things big and small. From people donating a few meals meals to those in need, to celebrities like Tyler Perry purchasing the groceries for elderly peeps at 73 grocery stores! One of the things I’m enjoying is a YouTube show Some Good News by actor, John Krasinski It will put a smile on your face, and help those that need a few minutes of happiness and laughter in this time of turmoil.

I’m thankful for my uncle whom was very sick, quarantined, and has recovered.  I’m thankful for all the selfless healthcare workers helping and caring for the sick.  I’m thankful for all the supply chain workers, and my day job that allows me continue to by groceries and provide for my kids.  I am happy I have worked hard build my emergency fund, and my life of frugality that has allowed me to pay down my primary home mortgage. Knowing that I’m somewhat prepared for an catastrophic event does calm my anxiety a little bit.

We need to find hope.
We need to find the good news.

I’m want to thank you all for following along. I do hope you are safe, healthy. Let’s continue to practice physical distancing while connecting socially.  Wash our hands, and please stay home if you feel ill.  We can slow the spread. 

Song of the Day: Lift Me Up by Five Finger Death Punch Featuring Rob Halford