Personal Finance

📚 Book Club Invitation: The Ape That Understood the Universe by Steve Stewart-Williams Hello curious minds and lovers of big questions, For our February meeting, we turn to The Ape That Understood the Universe, a fascinating and accessible exploration of how the human mind evolved to make sense of reality, from everyday beliefs to science, religion, and culture. Steve Stewart-Williams takes us on a journey through evolutionary psychology, showing how the same mental tools that helped our ancestors survive also shape our deepest intuitions, sometimes helping us understand the world, sometimes leading us astray. If you’ve ever wondered: * Why humans are so good at storytelling * How evolution shaped our beliefs about meaning, morality, and truth * Whether science is just another cultural product… or something more …this book offers plenty of fuel for reflection and debate. 📅 Date: Friday, 21 February ⏰ Time: 11:30 📍 Venue: Carpe Diem, Avenue de Tervuren 13, 1040 Brussels Expect an engaging and open discussion about human nature, evolution, culture, and how an evolved ‘ape’ ended up trying to understand the universe, all in a relaxed setting with good coffee and good company. As always, you’re welcome whether you read every chapter or just grasped the main ideas. Those who wish can stay for lunch afterward and continue the conversation informally. 📞 Questions: 0474.60.83.70 🏡 Book Club Home Rules 1️⃣ You’re welcome even if you didn’t finish the book. 2️⃣ We listen to understand, not to win. 3️⃣ Curiosity, respect, and openness come first — especially when ideas challenge us. Looking forward to another lively exchange of ideas 🧠

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 21 February 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors about 3 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, andmany yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

Op zaterdag 21 februari organizeren we de 51e BBE meetup! 🎉 Nodig vrienden & familie uit 🧡 📅 BBE meetup #51 op 21 februari Little BÚN MAS, Sint Aldegondiskaai 44 Antwerpen 18:00 pre-meetup dinner 19.30 "Bitcoin en de nieuwe meerwaardebelasting door" Thomas Spaas (deze keer geen Bitcoin 101, het podium is volledig voor Thomas). Spijs/drank kan je betalen met bitcoin/Lightning.

Join us for a festive evening to celebrate **Chinese New Year** with great food, warm company, and a lively atmosphere! Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is the most important holiday in Chinese culture — a time for gathering, sharing meals, and welcoming a new cycle of luck, prosperity, and happiness ✨ Let’s experience this tradition together over an authentic Chinese dinner in Brussels 🇨🇳🍜 ### 📍 Event Details **Location:** TBA **Meeting Point:** Inside the restaurant ### 💡 Important • Please arrive on time so we can be seated together • Everyone orders and pays for their own food and drinks • Limited spots - RSVP only if you are sure you can attend ### 🧧 About Chinese New Year Each year in the lunar calendar is associated with a zodiac animal 🐎and symbolizes renewal, family, prosperity, and new beginnings 🌙 --- Come share good food, good conversations, and festive vibes — the best way to welcome the New Year together 🥂 ✨ See you there! ✨

Escape the city bustle and join us for a magical evening walk from the royal gardens of Tervuren, through the ancient Sonian Forest, ending at the picturesque Rouge Cloître. This hike is perfect for anyone looking to unwind after work, breathe some fresh forest air, and enjoy the golden hour colors. 🗺️ The Route We will start at the Tervuren Station (terminus of Tram 44). We’ll begin by walking through the formal gardens and ponds of Tervuren Park, enjoying the open views and the sunset light reflecting on the water. From there, we will dive into the Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud), walking under the canopy of the majestic beech cathedrals. The path will lead us gently downhill towards the historic Rouge Cloître (Rood Klooster), a 14th-century Augustinian priory nestled on the edge of the forest. 🕒 The Plan * Meeting Time: 14:40 * Meeting Point: Just outside the Tervuren Station (Terminus of Tram 44). * The Walk: We depart at 14:50 sharp. * The End: We aim to arrive at Rouge Cloître around 18:00. * Après-Walk: For those interested, we can grab a drink at a local spot near Herrmann-Debroux or at the brasserie in Rouge Cloître (depending on opening hours) . 📋 Practical Details * Distance: Approximately 10 km. * Duration: ~3 hours walking time. * Pace: Casual to moderate. We wait for everyone, but please be comfortable walking this distance. * Terrain: Mostly flat/downhill with some unpaved forest paths. 🎒 What to Bring * Comfortable Shoes: Walking shoes or sneakers (trail runners are great if it has rained recently). * Water: Stay hydrated! * Layers: Evenings can get chilly in the forest. 🚇 Getting Home The walk ends at Rouge Cloître. From there, it is a short 10-15 minute walk to Herrmann-Debroux metro station (Line 5), which connects you easily back to the city center. Note: This event is free of charge. Participation is at your own risk. Please RSVP only if you intend to come so we don't leave anyone behind! See you on the trail! 🌳✨

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Please [register yourself on the website ](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/7QLiiTnqLMxNg6Bdm5Bm)to receive the details of how to join. This powerful healing technique removes the negative energies and blockages to then nbe replaced by life energy or prana. Organized by Juliana Cruz, a Pranic Healing practitioner for over 10 years. These donation-based sessions are in a group session, done by different practitioners who have learned Pranic Healing. The sessions take from 20 to 30 minutes. * **Sunday** **From 11:30 to 12:50** 20 - 30 min session per person First-come, first-served. This practice comes after a meditation (from 10:30 to 11:30) to receive and share energies of loving-kindness to the entire Earth. You can join by [registering yourself here](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/j5YTbU6YaGLgGOXyvMNn). With love, Juliana

Hello, readers ! In February we are reading All Fours by Miranda July. We will meet at Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles. **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

Let’s have our next meetup this coming Sunday at MIR Concept. This meeting is meant to be relaxed, human, and focused on real conversations ,no pressure, no expectations, just people meeting people. I created MIR as a space for genuine human connection, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a cozy and inspiring place designed for conversation, creativity, and positive impact. I warmly invite you to join us and enjoy a great cup of coffee, tea, or matcha, along with delicious pastries. We’ll chat, laugh, share opinions, and see how different languages and cultures connect us. I’m really looking forward to continuing this journey with you and meeting both familiar and new faces.

This Weekend Morning Coffee Meeting - Sunday Edition - will take place at Addies Stories, an Ethiopian Café with traditional Ethiopian coffee. 🗓 **Sunday, 22 February** ⏰ **from 10:30** 👥 **limited to 22 people - registration is obligatory** **This is an extract from the BUZZ from January 2026:** "Ethiopia is the country most often associated with coffee. Arabica grows in the wild, coffee is roasted at home and the coffee ceremony determines the rhythm of social life. The fact that coffee is so deeply anchored gives an extra dimension to the opening of Addis Stories, a place where it is more about real coffee than about fashion trends and trendy specialties." **https://www.bruzz.be/select/resto-bar/bij-addis-stories-draait-alles-om-pure-ethiopische-koffie-en-traditie-2026-01-24** **https://www.addisstories.com/** **Address:** **Addis Stories** **Rue du Vieux Marché 48** **1000 Brussels** This is one of our Sunday editions, which are usually meant to test new places outside our usual coffee locations. These editions are smaller and more experimental, and focus as much on the place and the neighbourhood as on the group itself. ### ### IMPORTANT Please **do not register if you are unsure you can come**. If you register and later realise you can’t make it, **cancel as soon as possible, latest on Saturday afternoon.** There is often a **waiting list**, and it’s only fair to give people on it a real chance to join. Thank you for being fair and respectful. If you’re **on the waiting list**, please **check your status on Saturday evening at the latest**. See you on Sunday ☕

Please [register yourself on the website](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/j5YTbU6YaGLgGOXyvMNn) to receive the full details: Use your Sunday to connect with yourself and the Earth! We will have a short talk about spirituality (a different subject every week), followed by a guided meditation to bless ourselves and the Earth. Topics such as chakras, self development, self connection are examples of themes discussed during the session before a meditation. The Twin Hearts Meditation was developed by Master Choa Kok Sui to connect ourselves and share loving-kindness to the entire Earth! **Sunday** **10:30 - 11:30** Av Louise 505, Brussels Donation-based. There is a box at the entrance to receive your donation. Register yourself on the link a the top to receive all the details. Let's allow ourselves to **shine and share our light with the Earth**! This talk + meditation is followed by a Pranic Healing session, a powerful healing system to bring more inner peace, self-connection, and emotional and physical healing. You can [register yourself for that session here] (https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/7QLiiTnqLMxNg6Bdm5Bm). With love, Juliana

THIS SATURDAY 21.02 – BRUSSELS MAIN EVENT **International Party at Spirito \[Entrée Gratuite < 23:00\] \| Saturday 21\.02 \| Replay 80s 90s 00s** FB > [https://fb.me/e/6mdDawvuC](https://fb.me/e/6mdDawvuC) FREE TICKETS < 23:00 [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15298](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15298) 🎉 WE ARE BACK TO THE SPIRITO! 🎉 February Edition 🔥 INTERNATINAL PARTY IN BRUSSELS Replay 100% hits \- Back to 80s 90s 00s \| Spirito \[Entrée Gratuite < 23:00\] ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🚀 New setup, new energy – BOX/TABLE highly recommended! 📍 SPIRITO BRUSSELS – The legendary church-turned-club is ready to take you on a night through the best hits of the past decades! 🎶 REPLAY – BACK TO THE 80s • 90s • 2000s • 2010s 🎶 📅 WHEN? 📍 Saturday, February 21, 2026 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 💥 POWERED BY: ✨ Just A Night ✨ Les Belges Jeunesses✨ PartyFinder✨ Balagan Brussels✨ Invogue Brussels✨ Expats in Brussels✨ Euro Village ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🎧 MUSIC LINE-UP / 🔥 Palexx / 🔥 Madstone (Fun Radio) / 🔥 Bobounce / 🔥 Zoo Uncaged 💃 Get ready for a night filled with iconic hits, epic vibes & an international crowd! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🎟 FREE ENTRY – BUT ONLY IF… ✅ You download your FREE ticket ✅ You arrive BEFORE 11:00 PM with your QR Code 🔗 🎟 GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE: [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15298](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15298) 🚨 AFTER 11:00 PM: 🎟️ €5 (Very Early Birds - online) 🎟️ €10 (Early Birds - online) 🎟️ €15 (At the door) ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🎵 READY FOR A BLAST FROM THE PAST? 🔥 THIS IS YOUR NIGHT. THIS IS YOUR PARTY. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🚨 VIP EXPERIENCE – LIMITED SPOTS! ✨ Want a premium night? Book your VIP table now & party with ultimate comfort! 📻 BOX & TABLE + BIRTHDAY BOOKINGS 📻 📲 Nicolas: +32 472 30 97 26 📲 TheBrusselsGuy: +32 478 58 60 39 📩 info@justanight.net OR communication@spiritobrussels.com 🚀 We highly recommend registering for the Facebook event & arriving EARLY! >>> [https://fb.me/e/6mdDawvuC](https://fb.me/e/6mdDawvuC) ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🎶 ReCall Earlier Days – Let’s Make Memories Again! 🎶 #BrusselsParty #SpiritoBrussels #JustANight #Replay80s90s00s #InternationalParty #BestHits ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FACEBOOK INFOS > [https://fb.me/e/6mdDawvuC](https://fb.me/e/6mdDawvuC) 📍 SPIRITO BRUSSELS – Stassart Street 18, 1050 Brussels

This is not just a money class. This is a restoration space. The I AM Worthy of Ownership™ Path is a 12-step, sister-centered journey for women who are ready to build financial stability without shame, fear, or pressure—and to do it in a way that honors both wisdom and the spirit. Many women don’t struggle with money because they lack discipline or intelligence. They struggle because of unhealed experiences, survival patterns, and the quiet belief that they are “behind” or “disqualified.” This series gently challenges those beliefs while offering practical tools for peace, clarity, and long-term planning. Together, we will talk honestly about: Releasing shame and money anxiety Building stability as a form of self-respect and spiritual discipline Understanding money as a tool, not a source of worth Managing debt with clarity instead of condemnation Preparing for life’s unexpected moments without fear Laying a calm foundation for future ownership and legacy Each session blends practical financial education with reflection, conversation, and encouragement. There is no pressure to share personal numbers or experiences. You are welcome to speak, journal quietly, or simply listen. This is not about hustle. This is not about perfection. This is about alignment, wisdom, and peace. Who this series is for: Women who are starting over or rebuilding Women who want stability without stress Women preparing for future ownership or housing decisions Women who want their financial lives to reflect wholeness, not fear No prior financial knowledge is required. Come as you are. Bring a notebook. Leave a little lighter than you arrived. Light refreshments will be served along with 30 minutes of networking.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life Sunday, 23 February at 2pm. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.