It’s officially August 1st, 2026. I’m not sure if this date holds any special meaning for you, but for me, it’s a big one. Hitting the back half of the year always warrants a personal check-in. How are my goals progressing? What am I grateful for? How can I keep evolving into the best, kindest version of myself?
If you noticed ClifNotes went quiet for a few weeks, don't worry—we’ve just been living life to the fullest. Let me bring you up to speed.
Honoring History: Emancipation Day & Guyana
Today marks Emancipation Day in Guyana—Happy Emancipation Day! During our trip to Guyana last month, we had the privilege of visiting the iconic monument dedicated to Cuffy (or Coffy) in Georgetown.
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Standing there was a powerful reminder of history. On February 23, 1763, Cuffy led a historic uprising of over 2,500 enslaved people against Dutch colonial rulers. He united the rebels, seized control of the region, declared himself Governor of Berbice, and even attempted to negotiate a partition of the colony.
Although internal strife and foreign reinforcements eventually brought down the rebellion—leading to Cuffy’s death in late 1763—he remains a towering hero of anti-colonial resistance and Guyana’s National Hero. In fact, February 23rd was chosen as Guyana's Republic Day in honor of the uprising.
Our trip was so action-packed that we practically needed a vacation from our vacation! There’s still so much left on our Guyana wishlist that we’re already planning return trips.
The College Search Begins: UCF & Disney
No sooner had we settled back home than it was time for another milestone: our very first college tour. My eldest daughter has set her sights on university next year—a huge leap forward for her!
Early on Saturday morning, July 18th, we piled into the car and drove up I-95 from West Palm Beach through a misty dawn, arriving in Orlando right at 8:00 AM. The energy at the University of Central Florida (UCF) was palpable—parents and excited prospective students were eager to dive into program offerings, financial aid, and post-grad opportunities.
Highlights of the tour included:
- Engineering Faculty Deep-Dive: Meeting the professors and asking detailed questions about the program.
- Campus Scale: Realizing just how massive (and hot!) the campus is. She is definitely going to need a bike or an electric scooter to make it between classes.
After a long day on our feet, we checked into our hotel at the Disney Resort to kick back for the rest of the weekend.
Sunday was all about family bonding. We slept in, floated down the lazy river, lounged by the pool, and did a bit of shopping at Disney Springs before afternoon thunderstorms rolled in. We capped off the trip with a gorgeous evening fireworks show.
Looking Ahead
Time has a way of evaporating when you’re making memories with your kids. Even though we returned to work feeling like we needed a vacation from our weekend, every single minute was worth it.
We’ve finally settled back into our routine, but the calendar is already out as we plan our next round of campus visits.
I hope you’ve been finding a healthy balance between work, family, and play lately. Now, let’s jump straight into this week’s roundup!
Happy weekend! Grab your favorite mug and get comfy, because we’ve got a fantastic mix of reads for you this time around. From rethinking how we manage our tech and our bank accounts to hitting the racetrack in Vegas, this week’s roundup is all about leveling up your life while finding time to enjoy the classics.
1. Should you still buy your next smartphone — or subscribe to it instead?
Source: TechCrunch
The smartphone market is shifting, and the age-old model of buying a device outright is being challenged by new subscription services. This piece explores whether leasing your tech is a smart way to keep up with the latest features or just another monthly bill you don't need.
💡 Why This Matters
As devices get pricier and upgrade cycles feel shorter, understanding the true cost of "ownership" vs. "access" is key to keeping your tech budget in check.
2. I've interviewed dozens of FIRE investors who focus on earning more, and learned the easiest side hustle is often the most time-consuming — Business Insider
Source: apple.news
If you're chasing financial independence, you might be focused on the wrong thing: cutting coupons instead of growing your income. This article dives into why "Type 1" side hustles are easy to start but hard to scale, and why finding your sweet spot between skills and market demand is the real key to wealth.
💡 Why This Matters
It's a wake-up call to stop sweating the small stuff and start looking for scalable, high-leverage ways to increase your total earnings.
3. Doctors Say This Everyday Drink Could Cut Liver Cancer Risk by Nearly 50%, New Study Finds — Women’s Health
Source: apple.news
Good news for those of us who can't start the day without a cup of joe! A new study reveals that your daily coffee habit might be doing a lot more for your health than just helping you wake up, with significant findings regarding liver health.
💡 Why This Matters
Small, simple daily habits can have massive long-term health benefits, giving you one more reason to enjoy that morning brew guilt-free.
4. Kevin O'Leary Says This Money Mistake 'Is How People Get in Trouble' — Money
Source: apple.news
Kevin O'Leary isn't mincing words when it comes to the dangers of credit card debt. He breaks down why financing lifestyle purchases you can't afford is the fastest route to financial disaster.
💡 Why This Matters
It's a harsh reminder that true wealth isn't what you spend, but what you invest; prioritizing your future self over today's luxuries is the name of the game.
5. This Las Vegas Attraction Was Named the the No. 1 Tourist Attraction in the U.S.—and It’s Not on the Strip — Travel + Leisure
Source: apple.news
Forget the slots—the number one tourist attraction in the U.S. is actually a high-performance racetrack. Located just outside Vegas, Exotics Racing gives you the chance to tear around a professional track in a supercar with a pro in the passenger seat.
💡 Why This Matters
Sometimes the best travel experiences aren't the ones everyone expects, but the ones that offer a massive shot of adrenaline and a unique memory.
6. 1884 Book by a Famous Author Was Just Crowned the Best American Novel of All Time — Parade
Source: apple.news
Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has officially taken the top spot as the best American novel of all time. The ranking highlights its enduring impact on literature and social commentary, especially alongside the recent release of James, a retelling from Jim's perspective.
💡 Why This Matters
Great literature evolves with us; revisiting classics—especially through modern retellings—can provide fresh insights into the conversations we're still having today.
I hope these stories give you plenty to think about while you’re out enjoying your Saturday. Pick one article to dive deep into this weekend, and let me know which one resonated most. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
📚 More Weekend Reading
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