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October 31 2006
Dear David,
Thank you so much! Your books have changed me. I am an accountant who couldn't handle her own money until now. After reading Automatic Millionaire, Start Late Finish Rich, and for Couples, I been inspired to save money and change my investments. I have paid off all of my credit card debt which at one time hit $15k, I have increased my 401k contribution to 10%, and have 30% of my salary automatically deposited into an ING Direct savings account with 4.35% interest! Until reading your book I didn't even know about ING, now they are my favorite bank! I have decreased our daily "latte factor" and now cook most meals at home, which my husband loves! We are well on our way to buying our first house and I feel confident in our future! I track all of our expenses on a spreadsheet and love to watch our savings grow and grow! I give your book to all my relatives and encourage them to give it a try! It has been a painless journey! Thank you! Best wishes to you and your family!
Take care!
- Katy K
Worcester, MA
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October 31 2006
Hi David-
I am a single mother of 2 who has been reading and rereading your books for the past few years. While I have put into practice many of your ideas and had success with them I want to share my recent experience selling my home as I think it may give others courage to maximize their profit by simply following your advice. When my exhusband and I divorced it was in the middle of the "down" real estate market. I got the house in the divorce but unfortunately the house was not in any condition to sell and the market was such that I would have lost money on it (I would have owed the bank!). Using your principles (my kids have never had cable TV, we made our own pizza, and forget Lattes!) I managed to make that huge mortgage payment for the last 8 years, refinancing once when rates dipped down to 3.75%. About 6 mos. before selling the house (the kids are both off to college) I opened a credit card with an introductory 0% interest for 1 year rate and used that card to pay for improvements for the house. While this was a bit of a gamble I had been watching the market and timed it so my house would be listed in early spring hopefully guaranteeing a quick sale. I spent the next 6 months following the advice about how to stage your home for a quick sale. I repainted almost every room a neutral color, installed new vinyl tile floors myself paid to have inexpensive but nice carpet installed where needed, REALLY cleaned and REALLY decluttered (moving half of my belongings off the premises), and maxed out the curb appeal with flowers, trimming hedges and spot painting the exterior where needed. When it came time to put the house on the market a realtor who wanted me to list the house with him came over and gave me a free price estimate for my home. Now here's the important part. I also asked an appraiser that I knew to give me a price based on recent sales in my neighborhood. The price that the appraiser gave me was almost $25,000 higher than the price the realtor gave me. I ended up listing the house myself at a price just under what the appraiser suggested and sold it within 2 weeks of putting the sign in the front yard. By selling it myself not only did I sell it for $15,000 more than the realtor would have but I didn't pay the 7% commission he would have charged me (another $13000)! With the proceeds I paid off ALL of my credit cards including the one that financed my repairs, my car loan, opened an IRA, and put the rest in a nice high interest savings account. Now that I don't have a mortgage payment I have increased my 401k witholdings as well. Thank you David for all of your advice and encouragement! It really works!!
- Julie Branch
Schenectady, NY
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October 31 2006
Dear David,
I saw you on Oprah a few years back and saw your book Automatic Millionaire. I liked how you made it sound so easy. I was 18 at the time. It's funny to see peoples reaction when I would say I got to put money in my retirement. Now I am 20 years old a going to be a junior in college majoring in finance because I want to put people on the right path like you have. I would like to thank you for helping me get started. I have been maxing out my Roth IRA each year and will be doing the same with a 401k when I get out of school in 2 years. I found my latte factor which was eating out and decided to put myself on a $20 a week eat out so I find myself catching a lot of specials. I have purchased your other books for myself and my family except for smart women, but I got my mom into start late finish rich and now she is on the path of finishing rich she is 51. Now my two older brothers have got into saving and looking to buy homes so my whole family has been inspired by your books. I can't wait to get out of school and put your homeowners book to good use. I know I have a lot of years to save and with some of your ideas I know that I will be able to finish rich and enjoy life while doing it, because your plan has made it to where you can actually live a regular life. Thank you.
- nathan sparrow
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October 31 2006
I just turned 18 last month, and I am heading to college. I am so fortunate that my dad is able to pay for my education, and I can go to school, have the biggest meal plan, and I don't have to pay for it. But where is MY money? Am I really spending $40 a month on Starbucks, McDonalds, and just other fast food? That's nearly $500 a year. If I saved that money in college (while I take advantage of not having to pay for education, and a majority of my meals), I can save nearly $2000 (EXTRA) at the end of my college career. Sure, I'll go out and buy myself that frap once a month, but I'm only 50 pages into The Automatic Millionaire, and I thought... "I'm 18. I'm going to college. I want to be a millionaire! I NEED TO START NOW." Thanks for this awesome book. My friends think I am a geek but I'll show them up. It'll be too late when they realize their latte costs them millions!
- Cleveland Bledsoe Jr.
Prunedale, CA
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October 31 2006
Dear David,
I feel like a new person after reading your books. I have just finished reading "Smart Women Finish Rich", "Smart Couples Finish Rich" and I completed the "Finish Rich Workbook", all within a month. I now feel so much more focused on the things I need to do now to prepare for the future, like retirement. I'm starting to invest in the maximum amount into my ROTH IRA every year. Plus I am opening a SEP IRA to save even more in 2007. As I go through files I'm finding ways to save money, like today I realized we could be saving $43 a month by slightly changing our plan with the cable company. (The first month of savings nearly covered the cost of your three books!) We were paying for cable services we weren't using so it was time to eliminate them. And - get this - I discovered that my husband had a retirement account with a company he no longer works for and that he had $25,000 in it, money I never even knew existed!!! The books say it's crucial to move those kinds of accounts into your individual IRA because you lose control of that money if you just leave it there, something my husband should have done over two years ago. So I've been after him to take care of it, something I never would have done if it weren't for those books. The thing I like most is the file system in the book. I followed it exactly and found all the papers that needed to be in them. After that was done, I went back and alphabetized the file categories to make things easier to find later. Now I have one set of files that are just for dealing with our finances and another set for everything else. I used bold tip pens in different colors to label the file folders. The money file folders are labeled in green (for money) and the other set is in pink, my favorite color. I have already shredded 4 garbage bags of papers we don't need to save and I still have a basket full of papers that need to be shredded. That part is still a work in progress. I bought a shredder at Target for only $12, just perfect for the job. I had 15 years-worth of papers I had been saving and it was crazy to let it keep going like it was. Now all the financial files I do have just go back 7 years and each year is connected with a paper clip along with a post-it note that has an expiration date on it. That way, on New Years Day 2007, all I have to do is go into the files and shred anything dated 1999. And I can keep up that pattern from now on. That way the massive collection of papers will never happen again. Getting financial files organized and getting familiar with what and where all of our investment accounts are was something I have needed to do for a very long time. I’m so excited about all that I have learned in those books, I can’t wait to share it with other people. Now, when I meet people who are 20 years old, I say to them, start putting away just $61 a month into a ROTH IRA and you could be a millionaire when you turn 65! Who knows, maybe I've found a calling I never knew existed, a calling to teach other people about smart financial planning. But first, I have so much to learn!!
So that's the excitement here this summer. Thank you so much for your help in this area of life. It's especially been a delight to give my mother financial advise when SHE'S the one with the accounting degree!
- Becky Dixius
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October 31 2006
Dear David:
I have just finished reading your book, Start Late, Finish Rich, and that was an Awakening!!!
My husband has been in the Armed Forces for 18 years and never took advantage of the TSP(Thrift Savings Plan), like a 401(K), but for federal government jobs! We have more than $35,000.00 of debts and a mortgage payment that is fortunately paid for by our renters. We make a good living, but have no real assets.
Today, I took the first step to finishing rich: I went to open a TSP account, contributing 15% of his basic pay(I am not working). I also made up a plan to pay off all our debts, including our mortgage, in a little over 6 years, just by paying $300.00 extra a month to one bill, and paying minimum to all the others!!! When everything is paid off(in ONLY 6 years!!!) we'll have an extra $2,124.00 a month to invest!!!
I am also contemplating buying a second house, since after reading about your Latte Factor, we found we have much more money than we think we had!!!
Your are a true inspiration David. People say that money does not bring happiness, but I think it truly helps!!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
- Louise Psarras-Bly
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October 31 2006
Dear David,
Two years ago I broke my arm, not the best thing for a hairdresser is it? I was out of work for six to eight weeks, so the Dr. said. I was feeling down but busy at the same time because I also have two kids, at the time my son was nine and my daughter was one. I was watching Oprah and saw you with the Automatic Millionaire, It was very uplifting. My husband was laid off from his job about a week prior to my cast coming off my arm. My husband remained calm even though I was not, it was the layoff that made me get upset. He had been with the Co. for 18 years when they sold to a Co. in Austin TX. A lot of people lost there jobs with the promise of severance that never came. To make things worse they let them all know the day they left they had no more health insurance either, they could sign up for cobra the next day. At $1500.00/month that was not going to happen. I went back to work early which was not easy and has caused me a few lingering problems and my husband had a job within the month. During this time we did as you said and we were living off of one income and continue to do so. Within a few months we bought an investment property with positive income we still continue to live off of. We made all our bills automatic and I created a few more to help us get through the year, I know it sounds nuts but it really isn't. I opened many bank accounts, and the girl at the bank was very helpful by labeling all of them.
1. Christmas
2. Mortgage
3. Vacation
4. Cars
5. Investment
6. clothes
7. child 1
8. child 2
9. our savings
I take my pay check and divide it up in all these accounts and we do not even look at it until the statements come. For example, when Christmas comes it is already paid for and we even have a little left to start the next year. The Vacation one was great because my family of four went to Disney for a week in June as soon as school let out and it was fully paid for before we left. Now my husband and I are going to start to look for our second property in Ocean City, Md. Did I mention our other Investment property is already paid off by using equity in our own home keeping a fifteen year mortgage and our monthly payment only went up by about $90 per month and that was also doing a payoff on my husband’s car. We are on our way to being millionaires. I just bought your book “The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner”, you really inspire me and I would like to say thank you. I also want you to know I am going to teach my children to live this way then when they make it they will keep it.
Thank you for this gift
- Madeline Emm
Fallston, MD
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October 31 2006
First I would like to say Thank You. My husband gave me this CD as a gift for Mother's day and well at first...I really wasn't sure, but I have enjoyed it. I wish that I had heard it when I was younger...but as you say it is not to late. After we both listened to the CD's, my husband and I sat down and started in. We both changed our 401K's (why not it is free money) and moved it to the max. Next (I am happy to say that I have rainy day account) we looked at what we earning on our saving and started to think...why do I have my rainy fund in a account that is only giving me 1%. Well it is not rocket science to see we can do better, so we started shopping around and found that our own Credit Union is paying 5.12% on 6 months CD and 5.38% on 12 months...well it didn't take us long to see that we needed to move it. And yes we did check to make sure that if we needed to get to that money we could with little risk. We both feel good knowing that some of the things you talk about on the tape we are doing.
Thank You,
- Nita Buckler
Plant City, FL
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October 31 2006
A little over a year ago I saw author David Bach on CHCH TV in Hamilton Ontario promoting his new book, "Start Late, Finish Rich". In the short television interview I liked what he had to say so much that I went out and bought the book.
I have read "Rich dad, Poor Dad", and "The Wealthy Barber" many years ago and I found both had their own positive lessons and strengths. In Mr. Bach's book however, I liked his approach to getting out of debt and saving much more practical and I got some ideas that I hadn't thought of that were very easy to put into practice.
My wife and I were not exactly the target audience for the book. We both have investments, not much debt and we're under 35 but we still found some ideas in the book that we adopted quickly to make our financial picture even better. In fact we liked the book so much, we went out and bought it for two friends.
- Christopher Warner
Toronto
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October 31 2006
Dear David,
I want to thank you for saving my life! I am a single mother of two. I happen to catch the last 15 minutes of Oprah two years ago and heard you speaking to another family you had helped in Texas. You inspired me and I ran out while the credits were rolling and purchased Automatic Millionare. I read it twice within two days. Anyone who called I told them, "call me back when you get this book and read it...then we will have something to talk about." My sister and her entire office of 8 bought the book, my mother, two girl-friends, and family members.
I started by writing down what I really wanted to happen in the next twelve months. I was pregnant and wanted a home. I followed all of your suggestions and within 5 months I had improved my credit score from 596 to 620. I was able to purchase a home-- my greatest investment. I was 26 years old. I asked for 300K and then put me head down on the table, secretly thinking "I'll never get it." I was approved for 325K. I am proud to say I am still in my home and making it work for me.
I am currently preparing to purchase investment property with my sister by the first of the year.
Thanks David for saving me and getting me on track to Retire early and not broke.
- Nicole Simmons
San Diego, CA
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October 31 2006
David,
When I saw you on Oprah, I thought it was great to see a topic that was useful to American people and their everyday lives. So many of us do not know how to go about planning for the future. It's not like they teach us this in school. It should be the first thing they teach to us. I am making a point to teach whatever knowledge I have to my 2 children. I practice the latte factor and teach this to my children. Incorporating this practice among other practices, such as having a plan, setting goals etc., my husband and I were able to pay off our mortgage and save enough to purchase a few income properties. We are very pleased with going the real estate route and we highly recommend it to those who may be thinking about it. We are planning to continue with our journey in real estate. Thank you for your highly motivating books. You are inspiring and gave us good direction. God Bless.
Yours truly,
- marisa tedesco
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October 31 2006
Hi David,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am a high school finance teacher who picked up your book "The Automatic Millionaire" at Reagan National Airport when I was heading out for my much needed spring break. I am a non-traditional teacher as I do not hold a teaching license, rather, I received both my undergrad and MBA in business. Marrying into the military has caused me to seek out a career that is easily transferable as we move quite frequently, and so here I am, teaching high school finance and absolutely loving it. To my story...
I share your opinion that our younger generation is not taught those principles that are most important in today's society - money skills. When my class covered a chapter on retirement and our out-of-date textbooks discussed the social security system, I asked my class how many of them thought social security would still be around when they retired. Out of my 2 classes with a total of around 45 students, only 2 or 3 raised their hands. I asked the question, "So how are you are going to pay for retirement?" Not one student made a sound. Keeping in mind these are high schoolers who sometimes need a little prodding to answer a question, I asked again and sat quietly for over 2 minutes, waiting for an answer. Still nothing. I realized I had my work cut out for me. Ever since, I've been looking for creative, innovative ways to get them interested in planning for retirement, among other things (how to open a bank account, how the tax system works, how to plan for goals, etc.). After reading your book, I couldn't contain my excitement as I had finally found something that could keep them entertained, plus teach them a thing or two in the process. We have since been reading a chapter or 2 each week and have tailored our lessons accordingly. Several of my students have even recommended your book to their parents - proving that they have found your book interesting enough to have discussed it after class! My students have gotten especially interested in your chapters on investments.
I agree with your view that most young people come out of school lacking financial sense and knowledge enough to make it in the real world, but I know that my students will not fall into this category. Your book and supplemental guidance stemming from questions regarding topics in your book have fully prepared my students to become the next "Automatic Millionaires". I want to thank you again for laying out such simple fundamentals that are essential to all people who wish to live comfortably and not worry about their finances.
- Heather Wuebker
Spotsylvania, VA
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October 31 2006
I hope my story is encouraging to someone out there. I am a 36 year old, African America mother of two. My credit is destroyed and I have 16 years on the job. After reading both "Smart Couples Finish Rich" and "The Automatic Millionaire" I decided to take charge of my life. Of course I don't feel like I even make enough money to afford coffee, but I do drink it. My philosopy was this, "Yes I want to be financially independent, I don't own a home yet, I don't have a 401K and I sure don't have a savings, but why not start with the basics and start now. That is so important to start something NOW". So today I just began setting up my "automatic system" five minutes ago I took a deep breath and signed up and committed 12% of my income to my employer's 401k by way of payroll deducation. I bypassed the coffee shop today and opted for water. Rather than drive in, I read my book on public transportation. It felt so good. I feel like I'm worth something now, my job means something more because I am now making it work for me. Rather than worry about money I've set up my automatic system and now with all that free stress time, I'm going to spend it with my kids and enjoy life. Worry less about money and concentrate more on being happy. Who want's to be an unhappy, stressed out MILLIONAIRE!!!
- Raquel Colona
Elk Grove, CA
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October 31 2006
Mr. Bach,
I am SO glad I found your book "Smart Couples Finish Rich". It is exactly what I need, and wish I'd found it 10 years ago!
Our situation is, I am a 33 year old teacher (making around $48,000 a year) and my husband is a stay-at-home dad, teaching a few guitar lessons when I'm home from school. After 5 years of infertility/adoption costs and drama, we became the proud parents of two boys three years ago (one by adoption and one home-made). Our #1 priority is our family. (What was $20,000 three years ago is ZERO credit card debt as of July 4th - our financial independence day, 15 year home loan balance of $103,000, student loan $9,000, adoption loan $15,000). Our current focus is to pay off the loans and start looking toward to investing for our futures.
I started reading your book 3 days ago, and just finished it (with the pages of notes on all of our financial action plan steps). Our financial file has all of its folders and I'm working on locating all important documents), I have an appointment with our insurance agent to review our policies, purchased a certificate at a silent auction for a legal appointment to create a will/trust, and will make our appointment with the financial advisor my mother uses through our credit union (I can't wait to see his face when I walk in with my file complete with my FinishRich Inventory Planner filled out).
I am committed to following your steps and had to think hard about your step 9. I'm a public school teacher. We get raises one of two ways, one is by the amount of education we have, one is by how many years we've taught. I made a step up every year my first years teaching on the education raise, maxing that out as soon as possible. I love my job and am emotionally fulfilled by my work. I also moved to the school where my sons will attend (one son starts kindergarten next year, the other will attend the preschool there for a few hours a week). I will stay teaching in this school until my youngest is through 6th grade. Basically I currently make $28 an hour at my teaching job.
I also have a second job as a grader for an online university (starting at $15 an hour, but I was promoted and now make $17 an hour).
I wondered how I could get a 10% raise for myself. I had to think outside the box on this one, as the pay schedule is fixed for all teachers in the state. What I've realized is that I already did it when I became a mom. Teachers are expected to do many things on a volunteer basis, and many teachers put in lots of extra hours because there is always more that could be done. I decided that I would either be away from my children earning money or with my children. My pay is the same no matter how many hours I work, so by going from working 50 hours or more per week to limiting it to the 40 hours I'm getting paid for, I've really given myself a raise in my actualized pay per hour. I just tell myself that at 4:00 I go home, no matter what. Otherwise, there is always something I can find to do.
With that extra time I used to spend doing all kinds of extra unnoticed things in my teaching job, I now spend time grading for the online university (after the kids are in bed). Now all my working hours are PAID working hours. (That extra money goes 100% to debt elimination.)
Thank you for writing the BEST financial book I've read so far! It is so easy to understand, and your "do something about it within the next 48 hours" advice is marvelous.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
- Laura Eliason
Centerville, UT
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October 8 2006
David,
I am happy to write you about my success. I ran into you at the DC National Airport back in June on my way to vacation as you were working on affordable housing issues. It was exciting to meet you and have you sign my copy of the Automatic Millionaire Homeowner that I had as my onboard reading material. I read the book once and was rereading it after deciding to put a deposit on a condo that is in pre-construction set to be built by Fall of 2008.
Besides this great news about my journey to homeownership, I also learned some great lessons and acted on some inspiration I felt from Smart Women Finish Rich. In the last year, I became debt free, increased my contribution to my TSP (like a 401 K - but for government employees) to 15% (with a 5% match from my employer), started an automatic $400 each two week deposit into a high interest savings account that will fund part of my future condo, an emergency fund, and my Roth IRA contributions.
Also, I sold my car and now depend soley on public transportation and the occasional taxi or zipcar ride for getting around. This saves me lots of money, almost $400 a month when you add up the cost of insurance, parking, and title and fees. That does not include maintenance or gas.
I do splurge on a few things, but I find that is what keeps me living richly. I figured out what is important to me through my values ladder and set some goals. It is a great feeling to feel in a good place financially and to see my future possibilities growing.
Another good thing...I got a new job that has higher salary potential. So...life is looking great.
Thanks David for your insight and inspiration!
- Christy K.
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September 29 2006
Dear David Bach,
I know that I will definitely be the youngest to write you a letter of thanks for your series, "Finish Rich". Being fourteen, I do not have any credit card debt (thank goodness), nor do I live paycheck-to-paycheck. However I would still love to thank you from the bottom of my heart, because your book, "Start Late, Finish Rich" (my father's copy), showed me how to control money when I'll be older.
To tell you the truth, I was quite shocked to see the table in the "Double Latte Factor" section. I was amazed to see that if I put only 20 dollars a day, I could be a millionaire by the time I retired! Having a million dollars was a thing I only dreamed about, but after reading your book, "Start Late, Finish Rich", I can visualize such a scenario happening for me while enjoying an early retirement!
Thank you so much, once again!
Yours very appreciatively,
Zoe Prefontaine
(P.S.: I am asking my family for a copy of the "Automatic Millionaire" for my birthday!)
- Zoe Prefontaine
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September 29 2006
Hi David... I recently picked up your book Start Late Finish Rich after reading a reference about it from Rule #1 author Phil Town. I'm in my mid 30's with some significant credit card debt and no savings or investments.
Anyways, I've starting going through my "to do" lists at the end of every chapter. On the chapter about credit card debt, you recommend asking credit card companies to lower interest rates on credit cards that have a balance. I have a whopper of a Master Card with a $7000 balance and a 19.99% interest rate. I did the research into competing offers with lower interest, and called my credit card company to see what they would be willing to do. I honestly expected them to turn down my request, even with the threat of transfering my balance to another competing company. When the first customer service rep asked how he could help me, I simply said "I want a lower interest rate on my card", and he immediately transferred me to a supervisor.
When she got on the phone, she only said "I understand you want a lower rate on your card. We can drop it 5 points for you." No questions asked. No argument. I didn't even have to mention any competitive offers. Anyways, I was surprised and quite happy to say the least. The first month worth of interest savings has paid for your book, and will make a nice difference over the course of the year. I still have lots of work to do getting my ducks in a row, but I'm encouraged so far by the good advice you've given. Thanks! You've saved me some cash!
- Paul Thorburn
Vancouver, BC
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September 29 2006
I LOVED your book "Automatic Millionaire" when I read it after borrowing it from a friend less than a month ago. "This looks intersting" I said. "I don't know - I haven't read it", she replied. I asked if I could take it on an upcoming train ride I had (which I was taking to save money when my frequent flyer miles weren't available).
That night on the train I could not put down that book. That was 3 weeks ago. I have also purchased (Used, from a great used book website, I might add) your "Start Late, Finish Rich" and "Smart Couples Finish Rich" books and more copies of The Automatic Millionaire. As you might have guessed, my husband and I are a lot like Jim and Sue McIntyre that you wrote about. We are really sensible and we watch our "latte factors" - so why am I reading your books? Because I am now your biggest fan and I am giving them as wedding gifts (one to my nephew last weekend, and one to an employee who's getting married in 2 weeks), and to friends who constantly complain about their debt.
We just cannot relate to their spending. Well, I can but not my husband. He did all the things in your book from the age of 21 and now at 53 - he's a millionaire. I was smart enough to dig myself out of $20k in debt in my late 20's, then at age 34 when I was really learning how to save and still live well, I was smart enough to marry a man who was adamant and kept me on track financially.
We are not new car people and for years friends have been saying we could buy a much bigger, fanicier house (which honestly for a while I really wanted to do) But this one is paid for and it is 1.5 miles from work and that is great because of the price of gas - or I can even WALK.
Has saving a million been easy? No, but today I want to say that for the past 3 years I have maxed out BOTH my 401k and 457 plans at work because of the great tax breaks it gives me and because I want to "train myself" to live on about 50% of my income so that when I retire and my retirement plan "only" pays me 75% of my highest average salary - I will actually be "getting a raise" to retire! Make sense?
It doesn't to some of our friends. We have some who actually are trying to sell a house they love and want to keep because they are retired and going deeper in debt each month. It is heartbreaking. But when I read your book I thought this was interesing. They retired when they each could and knew what their incomes would become, with a guaranteed 3% increase annually. They still have a house cleaning lady ($75 week), they send out a lot of their laundry ($50 wk) they have a lawn service ($25 wk in spring-fall), they eat at lavish restaurants (Guessing at least $500 a month), they have high-end cell and cable services, that satelite radio service, vacation timeshare dues, and more - all that on top of a $2000 mo house payment and she's 58 and he's 62. When I calculate their Double Latte factor I could easily cut $1200 a month - and coincidentally my friend told me if they just freed up $1000 a month they could stay in their house and travel more. I guess you can't help some people see the truth: it isn't what you earn, it is what you spend!
Well I am now your biggest fan and biggest promoter. But sorry, I will be buying your books off Alibris.com-- because I have yet to buy one used book there that did not look like brand new -and well, I can pocket the difference which has often been as much as $20 per book for hard backs (in the past not on yours of course!).
Best regards,
- Teresa Lawser
Denver, CO
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September 29 2006
Hello David,
I read your book (Smart Couples Finish Rich) this month. It coincided perfectly in my life, as I am 22, graduating as a software engineer at the University of Ottawa, and have full time employment lined up in January after graduation.
I have found great advice in the book, and am planning on putting away as much money as I can out of my paycheck (by paying myself first).
Your book has truly changed my life. The idea of writing down my values and dreams is very powerful.
I was brought up with the principle of never buying something for which I don't have the money (except for a house of course). I even had my own filing system for financial papers before reading the book. However, I must admit your system is more refined!
I'll write again in a few years to let you know just how rich you made me :)
- Benoit Lajeunesse
Ottawa, Canada
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September 29 2006
Dear David,
I want to write this letter to thank you and to let you know that your book changed my life. I followed your advice and it worked! Thank you David, I am so happy. I purchased my very own Duplex and I am using the rental income to automatically invest in mutual funds and GIC, I also paid off over 70% of my mortgage thanks to your advice, and managed to have over $34,000.00 in liquid cash. Once again David thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
- Victor Demanins
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September 29 2006
Dear David,
5 years ago I was at the end of my rope with no knot at the bottom. My husband of 19 years left me 2 days after discovering I contracted a devastating disease from a needlestick I incurred at the hospital I work at ( I am an ER nurse). I had 6 children ages 9 through 17. Although I have a career and always did well managing my money, my husband always managed to get us in deep financial trouble.
After six months of not working in order to treat my disease, going through a divorce, and watching my ex-husband nearly bankrupt a business we had owned together, I felt I would never recover.
Then I found your book. Today I have money in both 403(b) and 401(k) accounts at both my jobs. I was able to refinance my house at a much lower rate on my credit alone. I have money in savings in addition to helping 2 children through college and having 4 in braces! I also paid off several debts my ex-husband left me since we had joint accounts.
I have loaned your book to many of my friends and all have come away with some good advice. I feel safe in saying that I am able to continue to build wealth despite some major obstacles thanks in part to you. My long term goal one day is to establish a business to assist women in similar circumstances succeed financially no matter how destitute the situation.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
- Brenda E.
Kansas
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September 29 2006
I do not have a sucess story yet but just wait I will one day. I read your article on Yahoo Finance today, Sept. 14th, 2006. The 5 steps I read fit my horrible living situation with my job to a T!! I am only now reading your site and trying to learn how I should go about changing my life. I just really want to thank you for opening my eyes. Don't know how many people say things like that but Thank you so much for saving my life..
- Kevin Meyer
South Carolina
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September 29 2006
Hey David.
I just completed and started your book last night. I couldn't put it down! Because I'm not the age of your average reader, the information didn't change my life... yet. Why? I'm only 18 years-old.
After graduating high school last June I started a career as a performer. I had a really successful summer and put away money basically because I was making way more then I could spend. It just happened to slowly pile. However as my expenses increase I will no longer have this luxury and therefore am grateful for the information in "The Automatic Millionaire".
Due to my age I've decided to invest in my future by putting away 10% for a condo instead of investing directly into a retirement.
Your book taught me more about finances in the last five hours than high school taught me about the subject in the last 5 years.
Thanks Again!
- Daniel Zindler
Vancouver, Canada
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September 29 2006
I was in USA for three weeks and on my way back home(at Raleigh/Durham airport) I decided to buy a book to read on my long way back home to Africa (Malawi). I picked Smart Somen Finish Rich as I have always wanted to be more organised in my finances. I did not make a mistake! It applies to each end everyone and I could relate with the book straight away. I have finished reading it and have already made some important decisions in my life such as: increasing my pension contributions and buying a disability insurance cover. I have re-organised my finances to start saving for our two children who are already in high school and to save for my dreams. All over a sudden I have the feeling of being financially secure despite not having saved much. Its the belief that I have in my future that is making all the difference!
I have to admit that some of the sections in the book do not apply to my country as they are USA specific but that has not stopped me from doing the things that I can do here. I would like to share this knowledge with my friends and relatives, but to my disappointment, I am not able to get these books in our bookshops here. I will however try to find means to get them and share so that more women can benefit.
- Estelle Nuka
Malawi, Africa
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September 29 2006
I was browsing in the local Staples and your book jumped out among several other financial advice books.
I could see leafing through it how you can get to the simple yet important issues that resonate with the reasons for procrastination and ways to overcome them.
Before I saw your book (I didn't know about your TV appearances as I don't have a TV)I had done an assessment of how much I spend. I put my one and only debit card in the file drawer, withdrew the amount of cash I figured I needed for the month. I put the weeks allowance for almost everything in envelopes: grocery, gas, household, meals out and movies, etc. It helps and I was surprised that you recommend this. It's back to basics. Your "Smart Women Finish Rich" is exactly what I needed to fine tune my efforts and to keep me on track and motivated, with a plan. It has especially helped me organize my important papers. That was worth the price of the book 100 times over. I feel that I can really master the complicated world of finances with your help. Your instructions on how to file are priceless. I've never worked in an office or had any experience filing. When I would try organizing things my mind would go in 20 directions and I would get so confused I'd give up in a worse mess than I started with. Now all the papers I need to work with to help me control that part of my life are where I can easily find them and I can work with them. You can't imagine what a pleasure it is to have this much control in an area that was total confusion.
Thank you very much for you help.
By-the-way, I'm 74 y.young and going strong. I don't have a picture of myself yet but will get one.
- Maria Darlington
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