Getting Started

Save money.

It's yours. You worked hard for it. Spend it wisely. It sounds so easy, and straightforward - yet just about everyone I know wastes theirs on frivolous items or things they don't need.

I'm not saying to be a miser, or to worship money. In fact, I think it's nice to be a good tipper, and to indulge every once in a while.

I'm saying to shop around, and look for values - because they're everywhere. Don't pay for stuff you'll never use or only use once. Don't pay more for something that cost much less somewhere else.

There are lots of things we can't have too much of. One of those things is certainly money - no matter what anyone, ever tries to tell you. Because things go wrong: the roof needs to be replaced, the car breaks down, you lose your job, the furnace breaks, the price of oil goes up...

You name it, it can go wrong, and money will be very nice to have some of, when that happens.

Ordinary people can't afford brand new luxury cars - but they somehow manage to drive around in them, all the time. Ordinary people can't afford first-class tickets - but you see them flying first class. It looks impressive and all, but after the ride's over, they just have emptier bank accounts, higher credit card debt, and worst of all: regret.

So, shop around for lower cost insurance. Compare prices online. Plan for tax breaks. Carpool. Buy the value size if it won't go bad. Clothes? My shirts don't last much more than several months, simply because washing causes the fabric to deteriorate. Do I buy designer fashion? Hell no!

Train yourself to spend prudently. You might be surprised at how much further your paycheck can go.