Gene Steinberg's Financial Shenanigans @ Paracast forums

[nivek]

My own opinion, those changing fortunes should be his chief concern right now, not these "online stalkers" he obsesses over (although I am sure some of that is just a play for sympathy).

So far as I can see:

- He and his wife are not going to start getting higher Social Security checks.

- His podcasts are in decline. His begging drove off not one but two co-hosts, who were apparently the main draw to begin with. I would have to imagine any associated legitimate revenue is also declining.

- He seems to be driving less and less for Lyft and Uber and as he gets older I'd expect that trend to continue. (He could have more years at that than I imagine, assuming he can hang onto an adequate car.)

- Doesn't look like he's published anything for years and years, and I haven't seen or heard any indication he's working on anything else.

- There will always be new blood who might donate but as word spreads about him, the trickle could become a drip. I've already seen him lament he has "worn out his welcome" (after how many years??) with the folks he begs from.

It's not pleasant, it's not good, but it's just kind of reality for most of us as we age, our ability to earn money tends to decline. So much seems to be working against him at this point, and what he has been doing hadn't really worked well to this point anyway.

It is sad but you have made a very key point here, one that could be hard for anyone to face. I fully expect he will continue to blame everyone else and keep marching down the same road, quickening his pace if possible.

Well said, I couldn't agree more, as we get older the ability to make money declines unless something is planned early on...I feel sure Gene has more money stashed away than he let's on or claims and he uses his begging earnings first before tapping into his stash...I know of people like my uncle who is retired now and lives off his social security only, nothing else, he never saved a dime his whole life but he is doing OK living within his means...

In today's American economy there are no shortage of jobs, the economy is booming...I own 2 local businesses and got out of manufacturing 3 months ago only to have companies calling me daily wanting me to work for them...I went ahead and accepted one offer and started today as Plant Manager, it was hard to turn down the salary offered, I'm sitting in my office eating lunch and writing this lol..I'm saying this to show there is so much work available out there, but like Standingstones said, sounds like Gene is lazy and would rather beg, but 20 years ago better planning for his future he wouldn't have to do that, unless of course he has a gambling addiction or some other money spending addiction...If so he needs help, not money...

...

 

[goblin]

If so he needs help, not money...

...

Yep I think that's it - he clearly needs some form of help, just looking even at his recent (say past two years) track record of managing his own affairs. But judging also by recent history and what we know of Gene's history beyond that, handing the Steinbergs cash is not going to help them. Not unless someone is willing to fork over more cash than Gene could possibly fritter away.

From afar and with limited information it seems like someone needs to manage their finances for them. That's probably not possible exactly but that's how it seems - someone take their income, pay the critical expenses such as rent, then give them what's left over at the end of that to do who knows what.

(I don't look forward to living on a limited income in old age but I know it's coming - and that's if I'm lucky! I mean, we know the alternative to old age and few of us would choose that. I certainly hope to enjoy a long life with my spouse.)

 

[UAPwatchdog]

There you go :

Z Fire Light

Whoa you're my hero, thanks a ton! Ironically, I had an urge to watch the movie Alien yesterday, so I put it on. Maybe an omen?

Gene's been attacked by a xenomorph, and Gene needs your money.

 

[Black Angus]

My own opinion, those changing fortunes should be his chief concern right now, not these "online stalkers" he obsesses over (although I am sure some of that is just a play for sympathy).

So far as I can see:

- He and his wife are not going to start getting higher Social Security checks.

- His podcasts are in decline. His begging drove off not one but two co-hosts, who were apparently the main draw to begin with. I would have to imagine any associated legitimate revenue is also declining.

- He seems to be driving less and less for Lyft and Uber and as he gets older I'd expect that trend to continue. (He could have more years at that than I imagine, assuming he can hang onto an adequate car.)

- Doesn't look like he's published anything for years and years, and I haven't seen or heard any indication he's working on anything else.

- There will always be new blood who might donate but as word spreads about him, the trickle could become a drip. I've already seen him lament he has "worn out his welcome" (after how many years??) with the folks he begs from.

It's not pleasant, it's not good, but it's just kind of reality for most of us as we age, our ability to earn money tends to decline. So much seems to be working against him at this point, and what he has been doing hadn't really worked well to this point anyway.

It is sad but you have made a very key point here, one that could be hard for anyone to face. I fully expect he will continue to blame everyone else and keep marching down the same road, quickening his pace if possible.

Summed up perfectly.

Like a gambler feeding his rent money into a slot machine convinced any minute now it has to jackpot. He truly believes that the paracast will start bringing in ad revenue and subscriptions that will make him rich.
He truly believes its a money making business that you can earn a living from, rather than just a hobby.
(I just need to sell more ads.......we had an ad salesperson but we need a new one....)

Any well intentioned attempts to point out the reality, like your post above does. Results in denial on his part.

And his use of them as a begging platform, just drives that revenue away just as its driven the two co hosts away.

All this talk about haters and stalkers is just a way to externalize what deep down he must know is a crisis of his own creation.

Dr Phil Nails it

It doesn’t matter what you think you deserve; it doesn’t matter what you think you need; it doesn’t matter what you think is the bare bones to fit in with your friends or neighbors. If you don’t have the money, then you can’t incur the responsibilities, the debt and the obligation. Put your ego aside and know you will sleep better at night when you have a roof over your head that you can afford. If you can’t afford what you have, like a house, car, or boat, then you must get rid of it. Get out from under it, and you’ll have peace of mind. It’s math, not magic!

 

[Black Angus]

Take the test Gene, its free..................

Financial Self-Tests | Dr. Phil

 

[erickson]

Yep I think that's it - he clearly needs some form of help, just looking even at his recent (say past two years) track record of managing his own affairs. But judging also by recent history and what we know of Gene's history beyond that, handing the Steinbergs cash is not going to help them. Not unless someone is willing to fork over more cash than Gene could possibly fritter away.

Gene's choices over the years still leave me astounded. His Optima was repossessed so he purchased a new $28,000 Passant - at the time he was begging money and threatened with his eventual eviction, he was paying over $670 in car loans. His brother in law needed money after fraud and theft charges were brought against him, so he drained his account and took out loans to give to him.

During the time he was able to receive a $44,000 personal loan and several commercial loans. If these things did not help, clearly he needs something more than I could give.

It does not appear that the financial management course he had to take during his bankruptcy helped. He added Uber and Lyft, but rented a luxury, gated apartment he could not afford. He faced eviction but took no steps to pack and move his belongings - and then complained about the extra costs when the movers came. He wrote checks without any means of covering them - magical thinking or something else?

When facing moving costs he sent a June 28th email to past donors (presumably since my wife and each got one) he needed $400, then on July 5th a similar email stated he needed $800-1200. Is he making this up, or is he being taken by surprise?

A family member works with an organization that helps people manage their resources. Perhaps that is what a Gene needs.

I agree with the posts that asked how long he will be able to drive for Uber and Lyft - assuming he can get his car in order. And it's hard to imagine that begging creates a sustainable income.

I am one of the lucky ones who have a secure retirement short of economic collapse, but I know that aging can be difficult. I am sure he is looking into a bleak future unless he makes some changes now and takes appropriate steps. That seems unlikely.

Still, every time I get one of his emails I wonder about those who do not have the resources that the "Paracast LLC" provides. Who have social security alone. Or homeless seniors who really are living on the street. For that matter, I think about the flood victims who Gene promised to help.

 

[UAPwatchdog]

I don't know how this was missed, Gene commented on how he tested out the new iOS 12 on a 'late model' iPhone, and how's no longer in the $99 Apple Developer Program. Guessing that program only came around after he started his begging emails. And glad to know he can afford a late model iPhone while he's begging for money:

Since I’ve been largely in cheapskate mode in recent years, I seek ways to save money. I no longer pay $99 to join the Apple Developer Program. At most I miss one or two early previews after the annual WWDC. Otherwise, a public beta release is usually released no more than a day after the developer version, unless there’s something really bad that has to be fixed first.

With the release of the iOS 12 public beta, I went ahead and downloaded it for installation on a late model iPhone. It is possible to restore your device if something goes wrong by downloading a previous version (not to worry, it’s searchable). So I took the plunge.

The First iOS 12 Public Beta: But Will You Need Those New Features? | The Tech Night Owl — Cutting-Edge Tech Commentary

In honor of this, I've created some Gene bingo for everyone's entertainment

 

[nivek]

He truly believes that the paracast will start bringing in ad revenue and subscriptions that will make him rich.
He truly believes its a money making business that you can earn a living from, rather than just a hobby.
(I just need to sell more ads.......we had an ad salesperson but we need a new one....)

It's crickets over there, moments ago not one member online and Gene posted last whining about politics...How are ads going to get him rich when there's barely a soul to look at those ads much less click on them...He's doing nothing relevant to truly help his situation...



Oh yes I forgot, all the stalkers and haters have put him in this position...


...

 

[Black Angus]

The last two letters came close together, like a gambler pulling on the slot machine handle faster and faster as the cash runs out.

Yesterday we had:

Midday must have come and gone, and he must have paid because today:

So they are paying day by day.

Actually a pay by day arrangement is the best thing for everyone. The most the motel can lose is a days rent, which beats the thousands hes defaulted on in other arrangements.

Of course he will end up spending all his savings for a new apartment eventually and the begging letters will reflect that.

 

[Wade]

All this talk about haters and stalkers is just a way to externalize what deep down he must know is a crisis of his own creation.

That sums it up perfectly imho It seems he has to manufacture ( case in point today's missive which states that his sister-in-law????? has gotten sucked into this) his battles. St. George it would seem is running low on Dragons

 

[erickson]

So now we learn that someone had attempted to buy a car in his sister-in-law's name. I presume that is the same person who went into an unsuccessful purse business with Barbara and who Gene has stated was left destitute after Stephen's death - either because a legal case could not be settled before his death (Gene's story) or because Stephen pled out after facing fraud and theft charges and before his death could not find investors wanting to take advantage of a proven opportunity to increase their bottom line (my belief based on court records and the old Numis Gems website).

In either event, it is not someone with a name that I would use if I were an identity thief in need of a car. I hope that the stalkers and haters would have more sense than that.

 

[Black Angus]

If i were in his shoes and didnt want to go into a retirement home, I'd be spending the money hes saved for a new apartment and buying a decent tent.

Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park


Lost Dutchman State Park is located near the Superstition Mountains in central Phoenix, about 40 miles from Phoenix. There is a $7 day use fee to enter the park, which is waived if you’re camping ($15/night). The park offers 134 campsites, each with a picnic table, barbeque grill, and fire pit, and 68 equipped with electric hook-ups and water. There are a number of campground facilities, including two shower buildings, numerous restrooms, a dishwashing station, and a gift shop. The campsites themselves are spacious and not too close to one another

10 Of Arizona's Best Campsites

There are even some dog friendly ones

And hundreds of free ones

Arizona Free Camping: 291 Free Campsites in Arizona - Campendium

 

[Black Angus]

That sums it up perfectly imho It seems he has to manufacture ( case in point today's missive which states that his sister-in-law????? has gotten sucked into this) his battles. St. George it would seem is running low on Dragons

And oddly enough i havent seen her name come up in any of the half dozen sites that are talking about his con.

 

[Wade]

I don't know how this was missed, Gene commented on how he tested out the new iOS 12 on a 'late model' iPhone, and how's no longer in the $99 Apple Developer Program. Guessing that program only came around after he started his begging emails. And glad to know he can afford a late model iPhone while he's begging for money:



The First iOS 12 Public Beta: But Will You Need Those New Features? | The Tech Night Owl — Cutting-Edge Tech Commentary

In honor of this, I've created some Gene bingo for everyone's entertainment

The word Brilliant gets thrown around a lot these days and then there's this...

 

[Black Angus]

The word Brilliant gets thrown around a lot these days and then there's this...

Im tempted to make it a drinking game, but i can foresee a massive hangover on that proposition

 

[erickson]

If i were in his shoes and didnt want to go into a retirement home, I'd be spending the money hes saved for a new apartment and buying a decent tent.

Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park

It's a little too hot there for my taste but if Gene found the Lost Dutchman treasure it might help his situation - although Chris might have been the better person for that.

And oddly enough i havent seen her name come up in any of the half dozen sites that are talking about his con.

Gene has mentioned her first name from time to time.

 

[Black Angus]

Center for Problem-Oriented Policing | Problem Guides | Panhandling

 

[goblin]

So now we learn that someone had attempted to buy a car in his sister-in-law's name. I presume that is the same person who went into an unsuccessful purse business with Barbara and who Gene has stated was left destitute after Stephen's death - either because a legal case could not be settled before his death (Gene's story) or because Stephen pled out after facing fraud and theft charges and before his death could not find investors wanting to take advantage of a proven opportunity to increase their bottom line (my belief based on court records and the old Numis Gems website).

In either event, it is not someone with a name that I would use if I were an identity thief in need of a car. I hope that the stalkers and haters would have more sense than that.

As with many of his claims, this using his sister-in-law's name business doesn't really make a lot of sense to me.

Let's assume it even happened - someone went to a car dealership his sister-in-law had dealt with previously. They allegedly tried to use her name to buy a car. What? I... guess that is a crime someone could commit? From my last car purchase I think you'd need a lot more of her identity info and possibly even a driver's license. Plus a down payment....

Anyway, if this happened - the dealership didn't call the police, they just told his sister-in-law about it, and she had to file a police report? Hmmm. OK.

His sister-in-law's name has been posted in comments at the UFO Trail blog, solely (that I have seen anyway) in the context of discussing Gene's claim of donating his life savings to her husband's lawsuit. This of course led to a raft of info on Numis Gems and Gene's involvement there, which I am sure Gene enjoyed.

Gene's logic appears to be that one of his "online stalkers" tried to buy a car using his sister-in-law's name (again I think they'd need a hell of a lot more of her info than that) and just randomly happened to try this at a dealership where they knew her. Because you know, if you've pranked Gene online, the natural next step would be to commit a felony to, what, make life briefly harder for one of his in-laws? Gene are you that desperate for material that makes you seem like a victim of someone other than yourself, or are you truly becoming that paranoid?

 

[goblin]

Hmmm, a quick Google search and, I do see articles stating people commit identity theft and then may lease or purchase a car using the stolen identity. So it is a thing that happens or is attempted. I still think any link to Gene, much less his "stalker" friends, is highly unlikely.

 

[Standingstones]

Steinberg should be paranoid. If he has the law down on his ass for nonpayment of whatever, he is probably looking over his shoulder constantly. The problem is, you can’t believe anything he says these days. What you can believe are court records of his financial problems. I am sure he doesn’t want anyone checking up on him in this manner.

That is why he shuts down any discussion about his finances on the Paracast. He quickly deletes any such posts and then sends out angry e-mails berating anyone who is trying to find out the truth about him.