Recycling Money: How Cars, Watches, and Other Luxuries Can Grow Your Wealth

Conventional thinking (lead by manipulation from Car Dealers, Jewelers, & other luxury sellers) has lead people to believe that luxury items like cars and watches are liabilities that drain your wealth.

This forces most people to believe that they have to save up some insane amount of money to drive an exotic car, or achieve a salary level that’s simply out-of-reach in the near future.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, it’s actually the mid-level luxuries and low-level consumables that drain your wealth. Things like lease payments, buying brand new cars, buying watches at MSRP (except Rolex), etc..

Today, I’m going to show you how these things can actually be assets that GROW your wealth, instead of liabilities that drain it, and how you can use the same compounding money over and over (recycling) to enjoy even better luxuries over time while your net worth grows.

Let’s run the numbers:

First, I want you to meet my friend, “Hypothetical Joe.”

Hypothetical Joe can have multiple personalities based on how he lives his life and spends his money.

He can be “Average Joe” (boring)…

Or he can be “Joe Exotic” (sexy, exciting, fun).

As a baseline, let’s assume Joe has $30,000 of savings in the bank and earns enough money to cover all his living expenses + $1500/mo to save or use on car payments & luxury spending.

He wants to get himself a sweet sports car with a budget of $1000/mo, and a luxury watch for no more than half of his savings.

Average Joe, who has never heard of Exotic Car Hacks or Watch Trading Academy, would do the following…

First, he decides to lease a new ride and finds an attractive offer for a Lexus RC-F. For $809/mo for 36 mos and $5,999 due at signing, his wheels are secure.

Then he hits up his local Hublot Boutique and for a cool $10,400 he buys a Classic Fusion Black Magic 45mm.

After one year, let’s look at the numbers for Average Joe:

Savings: $30,000 (starting) – $5,999 (downpayment) – $10,400 (watch) = $13,601

Cash in: $1,500* 12 = $18,000

Payments out: $809 * 12 = $9,708

Value of car if sold: $0 – since he is leasing the car there is no value being stored, and still $19,416 to be spent before the lease expires.

Residual value of watch: $5,000 (Source)

Net Wealth after 12 months: $26,893 (from $30,000)

On the other hand, what if he decides to invest in Watch Trading Academy and Exotic Car Hacks so he can learn how to enjoy his luxuries responsibly?

Enter Joe Exotic.

Joe Exotic realizes for his $1,000/mo payment he can afford a 2013 Nissan GTR. He finances the purchase price of $68,000 (after some negotiation) at 1.99% for 72 months for a payment of $1,003 per month. Let’s assume he has no trade-in credits and pays cash for taxes and tags at approx $4,500.

When he starts shopping for watches, he realized (thanks to Watch Trading Academy) that he should never buy a Hublot at retail. Instead of spending $10,300 for a watch worth $5,000, he pays $8,500 for a carbon fiber Hublot Big Bang that was once $21,500.

After year, let’s look at the numbers for Joe Exotic:

Savings: $30,000 (starting savings) – $4,500 (downpayment) – $8,500 (Hublot) = $17,000

Cash in: $1,500* 12 = $18,000

Payments out: $1,003 * 12 = $12,036

Still owed on car: ~$58,000

Value of car if sold: $70,000

Net wealth stored in car: $12,000

Residual value of watch: $9,000

Net Wealth after 12 months: $44,000 (from $30,000)

Difference between Average Joe and Joe Exotic: $17,107

Keep in mind this is also assuming Joe Exotic doesn’t trade a single watch for profit, which, if he was using the rest of his savings to trade part-time, could easily add another $20,000+ in a year.

Plus, Joe can rinse and repeat this process with more cars, using the same dollars over and over to drive whatever he wants.

Let’s say he wants to upgrade to a Lamborghini LP560.

No problem.

His $12,000 in GT-R equity goes with him and continues building in the Lambo.

Here’s what that looks like:

The GT-R sells for $70,000 and he gets $12k returned to him.

Then he buys an LP560 for $125,000 with $15k down and $3k in taxes (using a trade-in tax credit as taught in Exotic Car Hacks, he is exempt from paying the first $70,000).

His monthly payment on a $110k loan is $1,671 at 2.99% for 72 mos.

That’s higher than he’d like, BUT the LP560s are trending up, and in a year he can sell the car for $135,000 with 3k additional miles.

So his $18,000 (down payment & taxes) + $20,052 in payments ($1,671*12 mos) = $38,052 transferred into the asset.

His payoff is just under $93,000 accounting for interest, leaving him with $42,000 in equity.

So AFTER TAXES because he upgraded from a GT-R to a LP560, he’s up $4,000 and that’s before an ~$8,000 tax credit he can use on his next car.

When he upgrades to his Lambo, he also decides he’s tired of the Hublot and want to move into an Audemars Piguet.

So he trades it + $5,000 for a Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad and after that same year, sells that for $16,000.

Here’s what his money looks like after year 2:

Savings: $35,000 ($17k start of year 1+ 6k year 1 savings, + $12k GT-R) – $18,000 (Lambo) – $5,000 (AP) = $12,000

Cash in: $1,500* 12 = $18,000

Payments out: $1,671 * 12 = $20,052

Loan balance on Lambo: $93,000

Lambo price: $135,000

Equity returned from car sale: $42,000

Value of AP sale: $16,000

Net Wealth after 24 months: $67,948 (from $30,000) WHILE driving awesome cars and wearing cool watches.

In the “Average Joe” example, his net worth at this time from staying in the Lexus and wearing the other Hublot would be less than half of that, at $31,185.

The money doesn’t go away. It transfers and it recycles.

My friends,

This is the difference between how wealthy people think about money and how poor people think about money.

Even people who have some money can still be poor: because all they do is spend their wealth instead of recycle it.

What you need to be doing is transferring your wealth into assets that don’t lose their value.

This way you can still enjoy the luxuries you want in life without the depreciation expenses that come with it.

I obviously use cars and watches but the same can apply to designer bags, sneakers, boats, real estate, etc.

There is a right way and a wrong way to upgrade your lifestyle.

Choose the right way.

Join the community at Exotic Car Hacks today and learn how to keep your money in your portfolio. Plus, enjoy lifetime access to our core training (updated annually) as well as our online community of exotic car owners who are constantly participating in market discussions, high-level networking, and more

7 of the Best 007 Cars in the Bond Franchise

daniel craig james bond
Image: MGM

As the 25th James Bond movie arrives in cinemas this week, we say goodbye to Daniel Craig as he retires from the 007 role. However, there is some good news for James Bond fans as “No Time To Die” features an extremely exciting car chase scene.

One of the most iconic aspects of James Bond movies is the various cars that make their way onto the silver screen. While fans everywhere would like to debate who the best Bond is, we’re wondering which Bond had the coolest car? 

  • READ MORE: Tom Ford defines the Measure of A Man for James Bond and regular Joes

1. Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)

james bond db5 aston martin
Image: MGM

Arguably the most famous Bond car of all, Aston Martin’s DB5 made its first appearance with Sean Connery in “Goldfinger” — a movie that would catapult the James Bond franchise into its legendary status. 

It introduced audiences to the famous suite of gadgets: machine guns, tyre slashers, hydraulic rams, and the ejector seat. The DB5 was also launched only three months prior to filming the movie. 

2. Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

james bond lotus esprit
Image: MGM

Another car also made iconic by the film franchise, the Lotus Esprit first appeared in 1977’s “The Spy Who Loved Me” starring the late Sir Roger Moore. This car was especially unique as it was a fully functioning working submarine with anti-aircraft missiles.

The actual vehicle right now is owned by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla.

3. Aston Martin V8 Vantage – The Living Daylights (1987)

james bond v8 vantage
Image: MGM

Another Aston Martin, this time for Timothy Dalton in 1987. Gadgets included a control panel under the armrest for wheel lasers, missiles, pop-out spiked tyres, a rocket booster, and a police radio receiver. 

The car was also bulletproof. If all the gear were real, the car would weigh in at an estimated 800 million kilograms. 

  • READ MORE: Bentley: Master Architect in the Field of Car-making

4. Tuk-tuk – Octopussy (1983)

james bond tuktuk
Image: MGM

Technically not really an actual “car”, this Bajaj RE, or tuktuk or autorickshaw was driven by Roger Moore for the 13th 007 film, “Octopussy”. 

The scene involved Bond winning a high-stakes backgammon game against an Afghan prince, and then hooking up with MI6 agent Vijay for a sharp exit. The duo is then pursued by said prince’s goon, wielding a shotgun in a similar-looking vehicle.

5. Renault 11 TXE – A View To A Kill (1985)

renault james bond
Image: MGM

The car became famous for its ability to soldier on after suffering a mortifying injury: the roof being removed as Bond drives under a lorry, and the rear half of the car being cut off after being hit by another vehicle. Funnily enough, both halves of the car went on sale just a couple of years ago. Watch the iconic scene below:

6. Mercury Cougar XR7 – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

james bond mercury cougar
Image: MGM

This one isn’t technically a Bond car. It belonged to Tracy di Vicenzo (played by Diana Rigg), Bond’s (played by George Lazenby) wife. The Mercury Cougar was the brand’s take on the Ford Mustang, fitted with a ram air hood scoop, rally wheels, high-backed bucket seats, and a full gauge kit. 

7. Citroen 2CV – For Your Eyes Only (1981)

james bond citroen
Image: MGM

While it was lacking in gadgets, this car more than made up for it in boldness. While Roger Moore’s Bond escapes from villains in more powerful Peugeot 504s, the little yellow car manages to escape bullets and drive down the side of mountains without breaking. It also survives being inverted and then thrown back onto its wheels by helpful bystanders. 

For more car reads, click here.

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Rolls-Royce Announces Its First Fully Electric Vehicle, Spectre

rolls royce spectre
Image: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today that it will be releasing its first fully electric car, the Spectre. The vehicle is an ode to its founding fathers, Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce who both wanted to create the best motorcar in the world. 

Rolls had prophesied an electric future for automobiles. In 1900, Rolls created an early version of an electric car called the Columbia and decided electric vehicles would be ideal.

“The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean,” he said. “There is no smell or vibration, and they should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged. But for now, I do not anticipate that they will be very serviceable – at least for many years to come.”

  • READ MORE: Salon Privé 2021: Rolls-Royce Celebrates Bespoke Commissions

The Spectre is the answer to Rolls’ promise to himself. And CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has promised that Rolls-Royce will go electric starting this decade, expecting to be fully electric by 2030.

Müller-Ötvös described the car as “the first super-luxury car of its type”. 

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A post shared by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (@rollsroycecars)

Rolls-Royce has been involved in electric automobiles since 2011, when it revealed the 102EX, an electric-battery operated Phantom. This was followed by the 103EX in 2016, its first entirely electric vehicle. The Spectre, however, is the real deal and is scheduled to hit the market in Q4 2024.

  • READ MORE: Top Luxurious Electric Cars in 2021

It is also said that Rolls-Royce has conceived the most demanding testing programme in its history. It will push the car to its limits, covering 2.5 million kilometres, travelling the world to test them on road. It will be tested in all conditions and terrains. 

Image: Rolls-Royce

More information about the Spectre can be found on Rolls-Royce’s website.

Rolls-Royce isn’t the only automaker with exciting electric vehicle news. US-based Rivian is also set to launch its own line of electric trucks and SUVs, scheduled to be released later this year. Offering electric vehicles to those with an outdoorsy lifestyle. Its hoping to offer consumers what Tesla can’t, in terms of functionality and personality.

For more car reads, click here.

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What Sets Rivian Apart From Tesla

rivian electric suv
Image: Rivian

While Tesla is dominating the world of electric vehicles, some people might be put off by their lineup of vehicles, its eccentric CEO Elon Musk, or both. This could be a blessing for rival company Rivian.

The US automaker is focused on electric trucks and SUVs that are expected to go public later this year. A key part of Rivian’s appeal is how different it is from Tesla.

In an interview with CNN Business, drivers who have pre-ordered with Rivian say that the vehicles are better suited for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and have a more conventional, rugged appearance. Some have also said Rivian’s environmental focus seems more sincere and its mission more people-oriented compared to Tesla.

Electric vehicle enthusiasts have said their opinion of Musk had soured over the years. From his controversial tweets to calling a rescue worker in Thailand “pedo guy”, to mocking the Securities and Exchange Commission. The drivers interviewed said they preferred the low-profile Rivian CEO, RJ Scaringe.

  • READ MORE: Top Luxurious Electric Cars in 2021

“Sometimes Musk can come across as a Bond villain or something, RJ does not give me those vibes,” said Stephen Henken, who has ordered a Rivian R1S.

Scaringe graduated with a PhD in mechanical engineering from MIT and founded Rivian in 2009. From then until now, the company has made sure to turn itself into a full-fledged automaker before ever selling a car.

Rivian purchased a former Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in 2017 and the company has raised US$10.5 billion since 2019 from various sources, including giants Amazon and Ford. The company markets itself as an adventure-focused brand. Its mission? To “inspire people to do more of the things they love, while minimizing our impact on the planet”.

Rivian also offers the option to purchase a tent that mounts atop its vehicles and sells specific mounts for bikes, snowboards, skis, kayaks, and surfboards. Other companies such as Ford and Subaru offer similar attachments, while Tesla does not.

rivian first electric vehicle
Image: Rivian

Of course, there’s a risk that Rivian will overpromise and under-deliver. David Kirsch, a professor at the University of Maryland’s business school, said Rivian’s team, product, and investors all look promising, but there are no guarantees it will meet expectations.

“You see concept images of a car, you get excited. You see a facility to build it, you get excited. You see production versions and get more excited,” said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com. “But none of that means anything once the person buys the car.”

Also happening in car news, Audi Sport has been running tests on its Audi RS Q e-tron in Morrocco in preparation for the Dakar Rally next year in Saudi Arabia. The war was pushed to its extremes in the high temperatures of the desert, along with sandstorms hampering progress.

For more motoring reads, click here.

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Bentley: Master Architect in the Field of Car-making

For more than a century, the Bentley has been synonymous with pure luxury. Many in the world aspire to own one of its vehicles because the quality and prestige it confers are second to none. And because of its lofty position in the market, very few car makers in the world can proclaim that it is of the same status as Bentley.

Without a doubt, cars from Bentleys are built with exceptional comfort, top-notch performance and grandeur in mind. Every car out of its manufacture in Crewe, North-West England, involves the human touch. This is what sets luxury apart from its commercialised counterparts. At the core of the company, it is about providing unrivalled craftsmanship and performance to its customers. To achieve this standard of excellence, thousands of highly skilled craftspeople are involved in every aspect of crafting each car. 

Craftsmanship is an important aspect of design and it transcends boundaries to include an array of industries. In architecture, the construction and design of a project are paramount but equally important is the intent that goes behind the creative process.

A well-designed building is one that checks all the requirements in the brief given but also takes into consideration the intangible aspects. This is where the human factor comes into play — “humanising” buildings such that they are desirable to live in.

No one understands this quite like award-winning architect Yip Yuen Hong. A four-time recipient of the prestigious President’s Design Award, the designer fully understands what good design is. The ability to personalise an experience is the pinnacle of luxury, and this quality is a common trait between Bentley and Yip.

The physical manifestation of this commonality is the Bentley Bentayga V8. This luxurious SUV is the embodiment of what craftsmanship is to the British marque and Yip, and it excels in three distinct areas: performance, comfort and luxury. 

Powering the Bentayga is its twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is capable of reaching 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Bentley’s characteristics of phenomenal torque at low engine speeds and ample reserves of power are spectacular, it can reach a maximum of 770 Nm at an engine speed of under 2,000 rpm. 

The exterior of the Bentayga presents a muscular, broad-shouldered look. When viewed from the front, the SUV exudes an air of stateliness thanks to the wide grille flanked by the cut crystal headlights. And four 21-inch five twin-spoke wheels ensure a smooth and luxurious ride.

Moving into the interior of the Bentayga, this is where craftsmanship is exhibited to the fullest. One of the most striking features of a Bentley interior is the ring of veneer that encircles the cabin. Utilising what is known as mirror-matching, the talented craftsmen at Bentley use sheets of veneer taken from the same section of a single tree to create a continuous grain pattern that rings the driver and passengers. 

Meanwhile, the upholstery of the cabin uses approximately 15 leather hides, all hand-picked from herds that graze high above sea level in Northern Europe. Bentley takes pride in not using any plastic leather substitutes in its cars. 

Bentayga seats
Image: Bentley

The supple leather hides are given an added flair through the various weave patterns. The styles include decorative contrast stitching, hand cross-stitching and embroidery. Owners can even take things up a notch, opting for micro piping instead of conventional piping. The detailing work here epitomise Bentley’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and these are all done by hand. It is only through the masterly skills of the craftsmen in Crewe that the stringent requirements of Bentley can be met.

To be able to personalise a Bentley car is part of the customer experience at the British brand. Each owner’s needs are unique and the Bentayga can be commissioned to match those precise requirements. The team will provide recommendations for any modifications and make the car truly theirs.

Bentayga rear
Image: Bentley

Yip is familiar with this ethos. His completed projects such as Martin Modern and at 44 Kasai Road are representative of the architect’s vision of craftsmanship. The latter even won the Building of the Year at the Singapore Institute of Architects’ Architectural Design Awards in 2019. 

“To create good architecture, you have to understand human nature and how people use space. In the end it is really just for people, so I want to create well-crafted places and houses that are built to last,” says Yip. 

Ultimately, to both Bentley and Yip, craftsmanship is the creation of long-lasting products that are not flamboyant and outlandish — it is about understated luxury that requires no introduction.

For more information about the Bentley Bentayga, click here.

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