How to Get Started Investing

   For many people interested in investing the first step of getting started is the biggest hurdle they face.  According to www.sec.gov only 30% of Americans have investments in taxable brokerage accounts outside of their retirement plane.  I know many people that have savings in traditional banks with traditional bank products such as savings accounts or CDs.  These folks...

The Overlooked Small Business Everyone Has Access To

   What if I told you that you have access to a small business opportunity that will bring in extra income and you don't have to do much work at all?  Many of us would say, "Sign me up!"  Others would say, "Give me a break!"  Most seasoned people believe that an opportunity...

How Your Vehicle Purchases May Be Costing You $450,000!!

   In an earlier post I discussed a plan for paying for vehicles with cash.  The plan advocated paying the average new car payment ($554 per month according to Experion) into a savings fund for 5 years.  The built up savings, around $35,000 (assumes a 2% APR), is then used to purchase...

The Real Millionaire

 I am a 39-year-old man with an amazing wife and 4 awesome kids.  I am also considered a net-worth millionaire.  Achieving this goal has always been a dream of mine.  I have carefully planned and plotted a course to this goal starting at the age of 24.  Over the last 15 years we have had a good income, but certainly not an extremely high income.  So, it doesn’t take an...

Vehicle Savings

 As discussed in a previous post, a reliable paid off vehicle helps you minimize your vehicle expenses and should help increase your monthly savings rate.  According to Experion, the average American’s new car payment is $554 per month.   If you happen to have 2 new car...

Vehicle Expenses

 The second largest expense for most people is the expense of a vehicle.  This area is where most people have the biggest opportunity to make progress on building wealth, but they squander it.  This year my hot water heater died after 10 years of service.  When the plumber asked me...

Housing Expenses

As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to start sharing strategies to help you keep your expenses in check.  When attempting to build wealth, your gap between income and expenses is going to be the engine that drives your wealth building progression.  Remember that it doesn't matter how...

The Gap

 As mentioned in my previous post, the gap is the most important factor in building wealth.  What, you might ask, is the gap?  Well, the gap is simply your income minus your expenses.  The larger the gap, the easier and quicker it is to build wealth.  You can make progress with...

A Confession and an Apology

   I have a confession and an apology to make.  When you invited me over to look at your shiny new $70,000 SUV or to take a tour of your 5,000 square foot house, I was dishonest.  I oohed and awed and said a couple of “WOWs!”.  I pretended to be impressed or even excited for you.  In my mind though I was excited for myself.  You see, I was in competition with you. ...