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December 27 2006
Well, it's not a success story yet, but it's going to be! I'll just feel better writing it anyway. I'm a happily married 47 yr old mother of 4 grown children. 6 weeks ago I was unexpectedly "fired" from my job of 8 yrs as a title company closer. I live in a small town, less than 2,000 people. I was salaried and earned commissions. I started out earning 30K, then 40K, the last 3 years earning upwards of 70K. Maxed out my SIMPLE, have a Roth, have 20K just sitting in a savings acct, (I know earning squat!) having had a feeling something was going to happen. New owner--didn't trust ect. I didn't quit my job for ALL the reasons that are in your book. Re-employment in our area won't be easy. I don't have a financial advisor (although my newly college grad son is with Northwestern Mutual Financial) SO, I'm trying to figure out what to do with my Simple Acct. that has $73K in it. My son is advising me to do a variable annuity, but I've never heard anything good about them. So yesterday I was at Menards and they have a nice book selection (I was looking for Christmas ideas for my children) and I saw this SMART WOMEN FINISH RICH. I'm familiar with David Bach. So I open the book~~honest to GOD!to page 194!!! Needless to say, I bought the book and spent the entire evening reading it. Got up at 5:30 this am and finished it! Now I'm going to go back and do the exercises. Not to mention my 20 & 22 year old daughters are getting it for Christmas and my sons are getting one of Davids other books.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DAVID BACH for inspiring me to renew my commitment to myself!!
- JoJean Lamphear
Hayward, WI
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December 27 2006
About 8 months ago my sister Darlene came to me with The Automatic Millionaire. She told me she had read the book, loved it, and recommended it to me. At the time I received the book my wife and I were renting oneside of a 2 family home from my parents. Darlene was renting the otherside with her husband Don and their son DJ. The rent was very cheap for both us. Thanks to the caringness of our parents. At the time I started reading the book I was 26 years old and had been married for 2 years. By the time I finished the book I had set up an IRA account, automatically depositing $200.00 a month. My wife had fully invested aggressivly in her works 401K. We opened a high interest saving account with ING Direct, and were able to cut our debt almost in half. Inspired and determind, I purchased David's latest book about homeowning. My sister also bought the book. 1 month after reading the book, my sister made an offer on a house. She went on and bought the house. When I found out about the news I took David's advice and approached my parent about selling me the 2 family house I was renting from them. They agreed to sell the house to me for $508,000. I found a loan, got approved, and purchased the home. The house was appraissed for 635,000. My father had given me a gift of $127,000 in equity. I still live in the smaller unit of the house, and rent the larger side for $1700 a month. I would just like to thank David for getting me to start thinking about my future and tackling it full on.
- Dave Mulik
Wilmington, MA
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December 27 2006
I'm 36 years old and had not put any money away for savings or retirement. I had short-term thinking: living paycheck to paycheck, and NOT paying myself first. Something hit me like a freight train one day though. After securing a well paying job in my profession that I truly enjoy, I decided to take the next step and get this savings plan going once and for all.
I researched a lot of books. They seemed to deal with people who already had money stashed away and were looking to make more money. I just wanted to start somewhere! I wanted to get a book that was not intimidating, asking me to set unrealistic budgets, or hiring a financial advisor, etc. I needed something that was pretty much "automatic".
I found your book and decided to download your audio book version. I listened on my mp3 player in my home stereo, while in my car, or working out. Your advice really hit home.
Because of your book, I immediately opened up an "automatic savings" account linked to checking account. I am taking one step at a time by putting in 10% of my income. I realize with so much optimism that I can get out of this rutt and towards better handling my finances. Your book helped me to plant seeds for my future.
Thank you for showing me an easy, quick way to start taking control of my money NOW.
- Corey H.
Smyrna, GA
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December 27 2006
David,
I attended your Automatic Millionaire Homeowner event at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, NY on March 9, 2006. I found your words to be very motivating. I received a copy of your book at that event and read it shortly afterwards. I look forward to reading your other titles. We need more people like you to share the wealth of information. Too many people hold on to information; for they know that information is power.
Well the year has not yet ended and I am now a homeowner. My other half and I decided to look outside of our box. We did our research and found that Binghamton, NY offers very affordable housing. It is within our range and we found a home that we like. We are so happy.
I just hope that you continue the work that you're doing and later mentor someone else to continue this work. No one should not be cut off from valuable information.
- Abigail Ryan
Brooklyn, NY
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December 27 2006
My success story revolves around my passion to learn all I can about saving money, investing money, philanthropy and preparing for the future of my wife and children. Mr. Bach's books have been both insightful and inspirational and I certainly intend to continue to utilize the lessons learned to walk along the path that I know will lead to a sound financial future for my family and those we try to help.
- Jamie Shoemaker
Avon, NY
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November 22 2006
Hi David
I bought your book "The Automatic Millionaire" and guess what, I finish reading it only for two days!!! I couldn't put it down because I find this book so informative, direct and very practical. In the middle of the third chapter "Learn to pay yourself first", I immediately went over to the internet and change my 401K contribution rate from 4% to 10% (which after a year, I would change it to 20%). It was so fantastic!!! I even open a money market account in ING direct which is a dream come true when I found out aside from the fact they offer higher interest rate, it is FDIC insured!!!
Thank you very much for helping us to secure our future. I may be 27 years old but life is too short. I am planning to buy "The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner" which I think it will be a great investment.
- cindy macalinao
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November 14 2006
I was truly inspired by your book The Automatic Millionaire and I just finished The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner, in about 3 hours! The chapters are short and very straight forward, I just can't put your books down once I start them. Since reading the first book about a year ago, I have paid off all my credit card debt and my car loan. I'm 25 years old and feel great about being debt free and contributing a combined total of 17 percent to my 401K and Roth IRA, both of which are set up to be automatic. Since paying off my car, I have continued to automatically have those same funds directed to an ING Direct bank account that pays great interest rates, as well as adding another $100 each paycheck. My rent is very cheap so I hope to save enough money in the coming year to purchase a home. I totally agree with your opinion that budgets do not work and that's why I now pay myself first, have my monthly bills taken from one account, have my savings deposited into my ING account, and live on what's left. And I still have a decent amount left to go out and have fun! By the way I make less than $50,000 a year, so it is possible. I wish I had read your books, as well as others dealing with the same topics, when I was just out of high school, I would be so much further than where I am know. But your books make me aware that I should not dwell on my mistakes and they also gave me the confindence to learn from them in order to become wealthy. I wish more of my friends would read your books, even though I suggest them, because I realized that someone should not be embarrassed by their less than perfect financial situation if they are willing to take simple actions to correct it. Your books definitely motivated me to do just that. I'm looking forward to your next book, hopefully I don't have to wait long! Good luck and thanks a MILLION!
- Chris Ott
Allentown, PA
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November 10 2006
Hi David, It's been quite a few years since I've read Automatic Millionaire, along with ALL of your other books. I only recently checked out your online resources after reading Automatice Millionaire Homeowner. After reading Automatic Millionaire and sharing with my wife, I made many positive strides based on your advice. My wife and I started cooking more food for dinner so that I had left overs for work, saving more than $7 per day - this included cutting out the soda per day and switching to water. I increased my 401K match gradually from 2% to 16% and you were right, we didn't even feel it! We started a saving account and started contributing automatically, we setup automatic payment on all of our debts and eventually paid off our $10K+ in credit card debt which allowed us to pay off our last car loan early! I just want to say THANK SO MUCH! Now, after reading Automatic Millionaire Homeowner, I have just decided to take my condo off of of the market and keep it! I have had it for 6 years - it will definitely be a source of cash flow, I just had never considered keeping it.
Thanks again
- Buddy King
Bowie, MD
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November 10 2006
In April, 2005 I met David at the Mark Victor Hansen Mega Book Seminar in Los Angeles, CA. David autographed a complimentary copy of his book "Start Late, Finish Rich". At that time David was offering a course entitled
"Smart Authors Finish Rich". It was the best investment I have ever made in my entire life. Along with the authors' course David coached us on his very smart money concepts. At the time I was over $25,000 in credit card debt, rented an apartment and had less than $10,000 in the bank. I believe the awareness David brought to all of us was beyond any dollar figure of value. That was a year and a half ago. Since then I have reduced my credit card debt
purchased a home as my personal residence as well as an investment home. I have just written offers on two additional homes yesterday and am awaiting responses from the sellers. In addition I have saved over $35,000. Bye the way I am 65 years of age and work as a mortgage broker. I share David's books with my clients constantly. I have not written the book I intended to write yet. I have however put David's strategies into work financially and am moving forward in a way I never dreamed possible.--Thank you David.
- Dolores Davis
San Antonio, TX
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November 6 2006
My name is Tara. I was working at Barnes & Noble a few months back and saw your book on the shelf. I am currently going to school for interior design and I was hoping to flip houses. After reading your book, I started really considering homeowning (rather than flipping) as the smart investment. A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I were driving home and saw an open house sign. I grinned, like always, but this time he finally gave in and we stopped. I have saved $600 in the last two weeks using your latte factor and have interviewed several lenders. We are leaning more towards brokers, since we are 18 and 19 years old and have no credit. (We've found that the big banks really aren't geared towards us) And my dad... who negotiates multi-million dollar contracts for a large company is FINALLY impressed that I have gone through all the research and steps needed to begin such a large investment... all thanks to your book! Everyone says I need to enjoy my youth and taking on a mortgage isn't the way to do that. But in my opinion... if missing a couple of movie nights means I can jump-start my life and quit throwing money away at my shoe-box apartment... I'm all for it. Plus this way, my puppy will have her own fenced in backyard to play in. My boyfriend and I are planning on having roommates also. We sat down and ran all the figures and it turns out, OWNING would cost less (monthly) than RENTING. I can say, even the process of looking for a house is much more exciting than the Vanilla Bean Frappucinos I was having at Barnes & Noble every day.
I'll post back with pictures once we find the first home of our dreams.
Thank you... so much.
- Tara Nordbrock
Omaha, NE
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November 2 2006
After reading your book I finally had the courage to buy a condo. I owned one about twenty years ago, which turned out to be a disaster. This time I was a lot smarter, and the interest rates were not in the double digits.
Thank you for demystifying homeownership.
- Sandre Maxwell
Kent, WA
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November 2 2006
Hi David,
Since the young age of 11 (wish I'd had your book then)I have been working and saving, something I have always enjoyed doing. Making my share of mistakes young, I have owned an in home daycare since age 19, only now being 23 I know so much after reading all of your books AT LEAST 3 TIMES EACH.
I always knew that when I got married that I was to budget off of the secure income only and I am now a 5 month newlywed with my 9 year highschool sweetheart and we are very grateful to have your advice starting out this young. I have always monitored our credit monthly and We bought our first home 2 months after marrying, and we pay 12% extra a month, as also hoping to go to a weekly automated payment resulting in the extra payment a year too! I am working on my personal debts which will be paid for in Jan 2007. Which I will then be putting at least $500 aside for an emergency fund, which will then be seperated into catergories such as emergency fund, childrens fund, etc.. My husband and I make a combined income of around $60,000. We are maxing out his matched retirement account at work and also put another 5% into the companys Profit Sharing account. I plan to open a Roth IRA for myself in January and then we plan to buy our first rental this June in 2007.
So getting started was tough and we have a long way to go, but so worth it to know what our SECURED future will be like and the thought of being able to pay for our children to go to college someday when we have them. I have given your books to everyone I know and make certain my 2 sisters and even my parents and in-laws know what they need to be doing to end up like I will. In which case my in-laws are now also paying 10% over on the 8 remaining years of their 15 year mortgage.
So we wanted to thank you for making our future the most important thing next to family, so that we can relax and enjoy our family when we have one someday.
Wishing the best for You and Your Family,
- Kayla DeHerrera
Guymon, OK
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November 2 2006
I found my latte factor in my gym club dues; I was paying $55+/mo b/c it had a pool, steamroom, and towel service. I've used their pool twice in 6 years! I can bring my OWN towel, and use the steamroom in another club for only $19+/mo. Also, since reading Start Late, Finish Rich, I've signed up for auto/pre-tax VIP, increased the deductible on my auto insurance, signed up for automatic "add" to a certificate, and learned to use my library more efficiently rather than buy every book I see. I'm still keeping my eyes open for other opportunities to get richer.
Thank you.
- Graf Draclan
Seattle, WA
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November 2 2006
David,
I can't thank you enough for giving me the motivation to buy my first home after reading your book. I've known for awhile that I wanted to buy a home, as I was tired of paying rent every month. I didn't know where to start or have the motivation to do so until reading your book. Thanks to your book, within 6 months, I was able to purchase a condo in what everyone's calling a "buyer's market." I negotiated a great deal and my condo has been appraised at $18,000 more than I paid for it before I even moved in. Thanks again for your motivation. I'm off to a great start already.
Regards,
- Ryan Faloon
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November 2 2006
David,
I am in the process of reading your book and I am at FIND YOUR LATTE FACTOR AND DOUBLE LATTE FACTOR. I am a mother of eight little children and I could not figure out where my money was going. I started the worksheet and determined that every morning I arrive at work I purchase a bagel with cream cheese and a small coffee for $ 3.72 per day - 5 days a week - 52 weeks out of the year. I am literally spending about a $1,000 per year. Once I realize what I was spending on my morning treats - I immediately begin depositing $20.00 a week into the household account - within three months I had saved over $300.00. Now when a go for my weekly shopping at the Supermarket I buy 4 - packs of bagels for .99 each and a container of cream cheese - a large container of coffee... This adds up to only $ 15.00 per month compared to $ 80.00 per month - What a revelation....This is my Latte Factor..
- LESSIE REID
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November 2 2006
Hi David!
THANK YOU!! (just wanted to get that out of the way!) ;-)
I really don’t even know where to begin… since buying The Automatic Millionaire a year ago, a lot has happened! I’ve always been very conscious about my Latte Factor (let’s call it my diet coke factor), but there were so many other areas of my financial life that I was just too lazy to deal with. It’s funny how once you start making positive changes in your life, things just fall into place!
The thing that struck me most about the book was the chapter on buying your own home. I’m 38, divorced, with no kids, living paycheck to paycheck, and I just made a huge move from Nebraska to Chicago three years ago. And I honestly believed that there was no way that I could ever own my own home. Once I read your book, it made the entire process seem so simple!! So I set out to get my finances in order.
I double checked my Latte Factor and made a couple of minor changes. I changed my I-Pass and CTA cards so the charges would come out of my checking instead of going onto my credit card. I stopped charging gas. I consolidated a couple of my credit cards and dropped my monthly payment by $100… and it will definitely be paid off in 3 years, instead of carrying an eternal balance. Once I felt like I had better footing, I worked on becoming a homeowner.
In February 2006, I bought The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and started studying. Every time I had a conversation with someone, I told them about wanting to own my own place. Most congratulated me, some gave me tips, and others gave me references! My boss was so glad that I was planting roots that she gave me a promotion, an office, and a 10% raise!
On March 1st, my roommate and I gave our landlord 30-days notice. On April 13th, I became a homeowner!! My realtor and mortgage broker were recommended by a friend and they really went out of their way to help me. They even helped me work out a deal that I could move into my new place two weeks before my closing by paying the seller prorated rent for every day I lived there before closing. It sure beats living on a friend’s couch!
Fast forward to October… I am now the proud owner of a Studio condo conversion and parking spot in a 5-story building with only 28 units total. I know half of my neighbors by first name, and we’re already doing Progressive Dinners together every other month! I’m living alone for the first time ever and discovered that I have a “style”! It’s all mine!! My house payment is double what my rent was, but I have money left over every month. My credit score has increased by 100 points. One of my new neighbors referred me to his insurance agent and my monthly payments are half of what they were now. And best of all, when I see my house payment come out of my checking account, I imagine that I’m paying myself instead of someone else! And even though my payment is much higher, I imagine that I’m putting that money into savings.
My latest financial self-audit is making it abundantly clear that I need to get rid of my car and stop commuting 3 hours a day. That will eliminate my car payment & car insurance. A monthly CTA card will match what I pay in gas, and I can rent my parking spot! (it’s also an investment!) Not to mention that it will enrich my social life and give me more downtime.
The thing that I like most about the experience so far is the feeling of accomplishment! I am capable of so much more than I could have ever imagined! This has given me the fortitude to branch out and take more risks. I am currently researching a new job field and hope to get the job in the City. I’ve already made great contacts and am working on letters of recommendation for my new field!
Thank you for helping me see the light at the end of the tunnel… and for the strength to run for it! Thanks to you and your books, I no longer feel that freight train of debt bearing down on me.
Sincerely,
- Kathy Myers
Chicago, IL
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November 2 2006
David,
I was having dinner with my boyfriend and his two brothers. They were talking about how they are investing their money and talking with a finacial adviser so that they will have no worries in 10-20 years. Then here I sat... amazed and horrified because at 38 I still live paycheck to paycheck. Recently I changed jobs from home health nurse to clinical researcher with an amazing company. At 38 I started my very first 401K with the company and stock purchase in the company. Now I thought, after listening to Rick and David talk,I need to do something more. I purchased your book two days later and can not believe how much money I waste everyday. I did my Latte Factor and $465 - $625 wasted on things that are not life or death items. It is very difficult to suddenly stop everything but I am making a gradual change over the next two - three months. The very first thing I did was to "pay myself". This made more sense to me than anything and it was the easiest to do immediately. Thank you so much for guiding me to my finacial freedom. I will keep you updated on my success. Thank you again.
- Melanie Joyner
Carolina Beach, NC
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November 2 2006
Dear David,
Once I read the first page of "Smart Women Finish Rich" in the bookstore, I found myself unable to stop. I bought it and I am so glad I did. As a 33 yr old single woman, I am very much concerned of how I will live out the rest of my life and what kind of financial protection I can offer to my family. Reading your book has given me a lot of tools and sound advice. Not only do I contribute the maximum amount in my 403(b), but I have also enrolled in our 401(a) plan. I have also started investing in several mutual funds to fund my dream basket, and changed my non-interest bearing checking account to one that gives a 1.25% yield. Furthermore, I bought 5 copies of your book and gave it to my 3 sisters and 2 girl friends, and 3 copies of Smart Couples finish Rich to 3 of my husband-wife buddies. And they warmed up to it so well, all of us remind each other about the Latte Factor, it became a mantra for all of us.
Again, thank you so much.
- Maria Aileen Alfaro
National City, CA
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November 2 2006
I have finished reading your book and was trying to locate my latte factor. I looked at what I was spending each day and thought I had really no “latte factor”. I went to work and ate my sack lunch that I brought from home. I didn’t buy sodas or anything else during the day. I was certain I didn’t have a latte factor.
But there was one thing that I HAD to pay for everyday – it was my parking. I work downtown in a large city and there are parking garages everywhere. They will charge in between $5 - $20 a day to park on their lot. The price would depend on the size of the lot and how close you are to your work. Some parking lots would charge you less if you got there early “the early bird special” but you would have to get their before 7:30am and then park on the highest floor of the parking lot. Some times when I was running late my favorite parking lot would be full and I would have to drive to the next one that would cost more. Sometimes I have been caught with out any cash on me to pay the parking lot attendant. So I would have to find an ATM and withdraw some money. (Don’t get me started on ATM fees)
Finally, I got fed up with the whole thing and looked at taking the bus to work. It was still about the same cost (time and money wise). It seemed that there was no escape from this.
UNTIL, by chance, I was in downtown when I noticed a parking lot some 10 blocks away from my work and it was FREE. It was in a remote but safe part of downtown. I map it out and it was about ¾ of a mile walk to work if I was to park there. For the first couple of times that I tried it, it was a long walk and my legs ached; it was definitely reaching out of my comfort zone. It took me about 15 to 20 mins to walk. I told myself to try it for a month. So to minimize the perception of having to deal with a long walk each morning and afternoon, I loaded up my MP3 player with my favorite music and audio books like “Automatic Millionaire” to listen to. The month went by pretty quickly and I noticed that the walks where getting easier and easier. I even started to look forward to the walks. It would give me 30 – 40 mins a day in which I could listen to other audio books. I am getting ready to purchase a home so I am currently listening to “Automatic Millionaire – Homeowner” for the second time.
It has been a year ago since I have been walking the 10 blocks walk into work. I have saved about $1,200.00 (a great start on a down payment for my home), lost 10 lbs, and listen to some great audio books. Sometimes your latte factor just takes a little step out of your comfort zone to see it and realize the many benefits it will have on your life.
- Andy Galloway
TX
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November 2 2006
Dear David,
At the age of 55, I had no savings at all. Having run in to corporate layoffs and been dwonsized five times over 12 years, I spent what meager savings I had on living expenses. In January of 2006, I started putting $1500 a month in my 401k program. I am up to $9,000 and planning to put an additional $375 a month in an IRA beginning in November.
Thanks for all of your commmon sense, easy to implement suggestions
- Steve Ulrich
Houston, TX
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October 31 2006
David,
I read Smart Women Finish Rich about three years ago. After reading your book, I was overwhelmingly motivated to start saving. I think that your personal story about buying too many clothes and them ending up in storage is what hit home with me. I immediately started an IRA, opened a savings account, and started looking for a house.
I also bombarded my mother with so many nosey questions about her 401K contributions, that she also read your book. She was so intrigued by Smart Women Finish Rich that she also read Automatic Millionaire. Now, she automatically maxes out her 401K, contributes to her savings, and pays two extra mortgage payments each year.
I now have a good start in my IRA, and at 22, just purchased my first home. I owe it all to you David!
Thank you for your inspiration and great books! Please keep them coming!
Sincerly,
- Amanda Hughes
Little Rock, AR
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October 31 2006
I want to say that we are on our way to a success story. We are both in our mid 30s, with 2 young children and this year realized that we needed to take control of our own financial future and change our way of thinking. Both of us are working around the clock, missing out on time with our boys. It is time to take control and stop wishing we had more, blaming others for what we don't have and just talking instead of acting. Your book and taking to the people who recommended it to us, has changed our thought process. We went from thinking, 'that is too risky' and 'how do other people do it' to 'of course it will work'.
Our Plan:
We are already in a home, that due to family location, we are in for a while. We are going to get a rental property in our old college town and take it from there. We know this will work. If my parents - two immigrants from Italy could own 2 homes making less than $20K between the two of them a year, then my husband and I can do this and more.
This isn't just about financial freedom, it is about freedom to live the life our kids want, which is just having time with their mom and dad.
Thank you for inspiring us and we will keep you posted.
- Tina and Marc Betti
Plymouth, MA
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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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