Emergency Fund Tips + Your Perfect Workout Plan 💪

Welcome back to the Noble Gents Playbook newsletter and if you’re new round here and it’s your first newsletter - great to have you here 🫡

As always the aim of this weekly newsletter is simple: to help you become a better man. 

Today we’ll be looking at:

• How to Build an Emergency Fund + Best Places to Put It

• Networking Tips for Introverts

• The Best 4-Day Workout Split for Muscle Gain + Mass

How to Build an Emergency Fund + Where To Put It 💰

We all know life can throw some unexpected curveballs, and having a financial safety net can make all the difference. Whether it’s a sudden car repair, an unexpected medical bill, or even a job loss, an emergency fund is your financial armour.

Steps to Building an Emergency Fund:

1. Set a Goal: First things first, figure out how much you need. A good rule of thumb is to save enough to cover 3-6 months of your living expenses. If you’re just starting out, aim for at least £1,000/$1,500 to cover minor emergencies. 

Of course your 3-6 months of expenses can be the bare minimum rent/mortgage, food, bills, you can cut back on extras. 

2. Budgeting: Next, take a good look at your monthly budget. Identify areas where you can cut back. Maybe it’s fewer takeaway meals, cutting down on streaming subscriptions, or scaling back on nights out. Every little bit helps. This isn’t forever, just until you’ve got that fund built up. 

You definitely need to cut back on everything, just enough so you can add a reasonable amount to each month.

3. Automate Your Savings: Make saving effortless by setting up automatic transfers to your emergency fund. Schedule a portion of your paycheck to be directly deposited into a separate savings account. Out of sight, out of mind, but definitely not out of reach when you need it.

4. Boost Your Income: Consider side gigs or freelance work to accelerate your savings. Whether it’s tutoring, driving for a rideshare service, or selling digital products online (we’ve got a guide coming on how to this), extra income can give your fund a healthy boost. 

Until I started Noble Gents Playbook I would do freelance graphic design work in the evenings, and make an extra $300-400 each month.

Best Places to Put Your Emergency Fund:

1. High-Yield Savings Accounts: These are your best bet for storing your emergency fund. They offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, so your money grows faster. Top picks include:

• Chase - up to 5.1% (UK & USA)

• My Banking Direct - up to 5.75% (USA)

• First Direct - up to 7% (UK)

2. Money Market Accounts: Similar to savings accounts but with higher interest rates and limited check-writing privileges. They offer a good balance between accessibility and growth.

3. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) / Notice Accounts in the UK: If you can set aside your emergency fund for a fixed period (say 6 months or a year), CDs can offer higher interest rates. Just be aware that withdrawing early might incur penalties.

4. Avoid Volatile Investments: Steer clear of stocks, mutual funds, or any high-risk investments for your emergency fund. The goal here is stability and accessibility, not high returns.

Conclusion:

Building an emergency fund is all about preparation and peace of mind. Start today, even if it’s just a small amount, and watch your financial security grow. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and consistent.

Got any emergency fund hacks or success stories? Share them with us on social media using #NobleGentsPlaybook!

Networking Tips for Introverts 🤝

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make meaningful connections. Networking is all about building genuine relationships, and as an introvert, you’ve got some unique strengths to leverage.

Practical Networking Tips:

1. Preparation is Key: Before attending any networking event, do your homework. Research the event, the speakers, and the attendees. Having a few conversation starters or knowing common interests can help ease your nerves and make interactions smoother.

Don’t be creepy though and ask about their holiday to Italy back in 2013…

2. Set Small Goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself with the pressure to meet everyone. Aim to make a few meaningful connections rather than many superficial ones. Quality over quantity is your mantra here.

3. Leverage Online Networking: Platforms like LinkedIn are great for connecting without the face-to-face pressure. Engage in discussions, share articles, and reach out with personalized messages.

Email may be better here (if you can find their email…), often people get spammed on LinkedIn and disable messages.

4. Focus on Quality Conversations: Listen more than you speak, and ask thoughtful questions. People appreciate genuine interest and will remember you for it.

5. Prepare Conversation Starters: Having a few go-to topics or questions can help break the ice. Think about current industry trends, recent news, or something specific about the person you’re talking to. This shows that you’re informed and interested.

Networking in Different Settings:

1. Events and Conferences:

• Small Talk: Start with small talk to ease into conversations. Compliment someone’s work or ask about their experience at the event.

• Breaks: Use coffee breaks or lunch breaks to strike up casual conversations. It’s less formal and more relaxed.

2. One-on-One Meetings:

• Coffee Chats: Schedule informal coffee meetings. These settings are less intimidating and more conducive to in-depth conversations.

  If you’re looking for mentor offer to get them a coffee in exchange for 30 mins of their time. I’ve personally done this a few times.

• Follow-Up: After the meeting, follow up with a thank-you note or an email. Mention something specific you discussed to make it personal.

3. Online Communities:

• Forums and Groups: Join professional forums or social media groups related to your field. Participate in discussions and share your insights.

• Webinars and Virtual Meetups: Attend online events where you can interact through chat or Q&A sessions. It’s a low-pressure way to network.

Conclusion:

Networking doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can build meaningful professional relationships. Remember, your strengths as an introvert—listening, thoughtfulness, and depth—are invaluable in networking.

The Best 4 Day Workout Split for Muscle Gain + Mass 💪

Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned gym-goer, having a solid workout plan is crucial to achieving your fitness goals. This week, we’re diving into the best 4-day workout split that balances efficiency and effectiveness, perfect for your busy schedule. 

Workout Split Overview:

A 4-day workout split divides your training into focused sessions, allowing for optimal muscle recovery and growth. Here’s a breakdown:

Day 1: Upper Body Push

• Exercises:

  • Bench Press: 4 sets of 8-12 reps

  • Shoulder Press: 4 sets of 8-12 reps

  • Tricep Dips: 3 sets of 10-15 reps

  • Incline Dumbbell Press: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

  • Lateral Raises: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Day 2: Lower Body

• Exercises:

  • Squats: 4 sets of 8-12 reps

  • Deadlifts: 4 sets of 6-10 reps

  • Lunges: 3 sets of 12-15 reps per leg

  • Leg Press: 3 sets of 10-15 reps

  • Calf Raises: 4 sets of 15-20 reps

Day 3: Rest or Active Recovery

• Activities:

  • Light cardio (e.g., walking, cycling) for 20-30 minutes

  • Stretching or yoga

Day 4: Upper Body Pull

• Exercises:

  • Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldowns: 4 sets of 8-12 reps

  • Bent Over Rows: 4 sets of 8-12 reps

  • Face Pulls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

  • Bicep Curls: 3 sets of 10-15 reps

  • Rear Delt Flyes: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Day 5: Rest or Active Recovery

• Activities:

  • Light cardio (e.g., jogging, swimming) for 20-30 minutes

  • Foam rolling or mobility exercises

Day 6: Lower Body

• Exercises:

  • Deadlifts: 4 sets of 6-10 reps

  • Leg Press: 4 sets of 10-15 reps

  • Hamstring Curls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

  • Leg Extensions: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

  • Calf Raises: 4 sets of 15-20 reps

Day 7: Rest or Active Recovery

• Activities:

  • Light cardio (e.g., jogging, swimming) for 20-30 minutes

  • Foam rolling or mobility exercises

Conclusion:

Consistency is key. Stick to this plan, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed. 

That’s it for this week's Newsletter. As always, drop us a message if you have any topics you’d like to see covered. 

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See you next week 🤝