Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 Next
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
I want to thank you for your inspiration. I bought and read 'The Automatic Millionaire' on my fiance's suggestion (she had seen you on Oprah) and it opened my eyes and kicked me in the butt! About half way through the 5th chapter (Automatic for a Rainy Day) I had an 'aha'. My fiance and I have a 'just in case' savings account, which we never really touch, and I'm earning 0.5% interest on it. I immediately got on the internet and opened a money market account, started it with $1,000, and set up an automatic transfer every two weeks from our savings account. I also encouraged her to finally start her 401(k) at work and we've set up an appointment with a financial advisor to make sure everything's in check. I make regular contributions to an IRA and am in the process of paying off my debt.
I'm 27 and although I am very driven to be successful and retire early, I didn't have a plan. Fortuanately we were on the right track. She has her check direct deposited with a set amount automatically going to our savings, and I have online banking with an automatic weekly transfer to the same account. We own a house and with your inspiration and encouragement we can now take the next steps to becoming automatic millionaires! Thank you for making it all clear and simple. Keep up the good work.
- Mike
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Wow, I saw you on Oprah and thought great, another great idea. I went to our local Chapters Book Store and I noticed your name on a book. I decided to check it out. Was I ever glad I did - a Canadian Version to boot. I started reading it Wednesday and finished it this morning. I found of interest too the fact that you took the time to rewrite the book for Canadians with up-to-date references and facts. I was quite impressed by this and it allowed me to keep reading it. Now I have a good financial reference book.
I have to say it was enlightening to me and a little embarrassing too. You see like most people (I'm sure) I knew a lot of this but it was the automatic thing that got me. Go figure I can pay my bills automatically too right from my own bank account. Well I put some early concepts to use right away and asked about a pay day loan I have had for a while and was always re-borrowing at a ridiculous fee. They waved all interest and brokers fees and are accepting bi-weekly payments until it is paid off. I am now asking others I have similar loans with. This one step saved me $46 this month and paid for the book, the trip to the bookstore and a little bit more. The part on charities, your tithing chapter, was of particular interest as I have always done volunteer work in my local community.
Your automatic method will help me with a lot of my day to day expenses too. I will be setting up a bi-weekly bill payment with my bank for my gas, hydro, cable, home phone and cell phone. I even have a private loan for $300 a month and I will be re-issuing cheques to them for bi-weekly payments.
I just wanted to let you know that you have inspired me to take action and I will be sharing this book with a lot of my friends. Indeed I will be emailing most of them and recommending your book to them tonight. From the bottom of my empty pocket I want to thank you for the opportunity to fill my pocket with some real cash. Thank You.
- Lewis Jenkins
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
“Latte Factor?” How about candy bar, delicious snacks and soda factor? Since the day I started work, there was always a small refrigerator (college style) in our work area that members of my group could use to keep their meals nearby. The community fridge shared by the whole company was always packed. Therefore, it was nice to have our own space.
About a year an a half ago, one of my fellow group members thought it would be a great idea to buy cases of soda from a shoppers superstore, stock our fridge, and sell soda at dirt cheap prices compared to the company vending machine. $0.75-$1.00 at the vending machine (that long walk down the hall) or $0.35-$0.40 just a chair's roll away. It was not uncommon to buy 2-3 sodas a shift. Not only could drinking that much soda cause health problems (high in calories/sodium, bad for the teeth), it could also cause financial problems.
Two or three sodas a day doesn’t seem like much but that is almost $25-$30/month of sugar water!
It did not stop at soda either. A little while after the soda started pouring in, so did the snacks. Chips and cookies for $0.25, candy bars for $0.40, bowls of mac and cheese for $1.00. It was like a mini-mart right in our workspace (except no magazines/cigarettes or frozen drinks). Just roll over to the “café” and you could eat all day. Some of my fellow workers would spend $3.00-$4.00/day or more at this little snack area. That doesn’t include what they spend on real meals. I personally found myself spending $2.00-$3.00/day.
We don’t even need pay cash, we can leave a little IOU slip in the money can. There are people that currently owe $15. I know there was a point, one guy owed $33. $33 IN SNACKS!
I am not sure if it was all the candy or the thought of spending $40-$60/month on snacks that made me feel ill. Trying to increase my 401(K) by 2%, I cut out my snacking. I brought snacks from home and started drinking more water (from a free filtered source and not bottled water).
I increased my 401(K) by 2% yesterday!
- Rich Surace
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Absolutely the best financial and inspirational book I have ever read. This is a very personable, well written, understandable, humorous, educational read.
- Lisa L. Siavelis
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
David Bach's The Automatic Millionaire is an excellent, easy to read, step by step formula for wealth. David eliminates the mystery of wealth by defining its formula in simple and clear to understand terms. He proactively enables and propels his readers towards a different mind set in regards to personal finances while inspiring the reader through the use of examples and charts. He explains how to set up an automated system to pay oneself first before paying anyone else. David shows and explains how to save thousands by paying off a mortgage early and the best way to pay off credit card debt. This is a must have book for 2004!
- Reader
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
David,
First let me say we are excited to be participating and really enjoyed this last call. Rental properties have been our goal. Five years ago, I was renting. Two years ago, Tom was renting. One month ago we moved into our new (second) home and three weeks ago we signed with the first tenant in our first house. I think one new property every few years is realistic for us and maybe more.
Having just bought a house, we have copies of our tri-bureau credit report and did find errors! We are in the process of getting those items corrected and agree this is important information for people to have. Especially in these times where even your insurance agent is checking your score.
Thanks again, we are looking forward to the next call and our next steps toward a financially comfortable life.
- Michelle and Tom Riverson
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Thank you so very much for bringing this information to us is such a personable method. You are making a big difference in the quality of life for so many people!
- Phyll Hurley
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Hi David!
I have never been an extravagant spender, but over the years, I've found some very easy ways to cut spending without affecting my lifestyle one iota.
Here are ten "double latte" secrets others might benefit from:
1) Get a haircut at a pricey NY salon for FREE by going there on the training day. The top stylist cuts my hair in front of 'trainees'. I used to go to Supercuts to save money. Now I get a better cut.. and for free.
2) Buy good quality furniture through North Carolina discounters instead of Pottery Barn. You'll save a ton and get better quality stuff.
3) Buy on Ebay. This week, I needed to replace an old duvet cover. Instead of spending $300 for a top of the line duvet cover at Macy's today (on sale from $500), I bought a new, identical one on ebay for $100 including shipping.
4) I share my metro card with my nanny instead of buying her her own one. Savings $70/month.
5) I order all my prescriptions through mail order-- instead of my local drug store. I get a 3 months supply for the price of one.
6) I convinced my employer to start a flexible transportation spending account (FTA). This way we can put pre-tax dollars into the account for daily expenses. They hadn't thought to do this!
7) Buy the "Entertainment book". Although you'll have to pay a nominal $20 charge, it gives you 2-for-1 at many restaurants, attractions, etc. The book can pay for itself in 1 meal!
8) Buy whatever you can at garage sales--especially childrens toys and clothing.
9) Re-order checks from a mail order company-- instead of through your bank. You'll pay a fraction of the price.
10) Have a regular "phone date" with family members. That way you don't waste time or money on long distance calls.
As you can see, there are easy ways to save money without compromising lifestyle.
I think I'm a good "double latte factor" example.
Can you please send me a mug?
Thanks!
- Erika Greff
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
I have decided to QUIT SMOKING!!! I've been wanting to for some time now. I just returned from a vacation in Mexico where I purchased a carton (10 packs) of cigarettes to bring back to Calgary Alberta with me. The carton cost $19.00 USD plus $10.00 CDN taxes in Calgary - So for simplicity sake let's just say $3.00 per pack Canadian. Cigarettes in Calgary purchased in a corner store cost at least $10.00 per package. I have noticed that I ALWAYS have money in my wallet ever since returning from vacation and smoking the cigarettes bought there.
I am lucky enough to work for an excellent Oil and Gas firm here in Calgary, who match upto 5% of my contributions to my RRSP. They also automatically deduct money (another 5%) from my paycheque which goes into a Spousal RRSP. (My husband makes much more money than I do). We also have around $150K invested in existing RRSP's...
In deciding to quit smoking, I have also decided to drink the FREE coffee offered at work, (therefore I will require a FREE coffee mug - ha ha ha..) rather than spend $5.00 a day @ Starbucks et al... And, just because I know I can afford it, I'm topping up the $15.00 (cigarettes and coffee) to $20.00 a day resulting in $73,000.00 in a decade. Using the Time Value Calculator on the web site, I have a result of $459,418.00 in 20 years. I'm 42 now so that sounds about right...
I will be paying myself nearly 1/2 a million dollars to quit smoking!!! Now that's what I call a motivator!!! And, I'll be healthy enough to enjoy it. Loved you on Oprah!!!
- Liz Young
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Hi David, I am a recent college graduate and a very recent member of the American workforce. I am lucky to be hearing what you have to say so early in my life. Being reminded about the "Latte Factor" made me put your words in to action when going about my daily life in the real world (as opposed to the fantasy land most of us live in while in college.)
Luckily my office provides Starbucks coffee and other beverages so I am able to save money on that each morning. I also have cut back on the number of meals I eat out each month. Rather than going to eat 2-3 times a week I have cut back to a reasonable once a week. It is interesting, I have found that most of my co-workers would actually prefer to also save money and bring their lunches, but there was a preconceived notion that everyone wanted to go out to eat. So now that I have taken the initiative to eat in, others are happy to join me.
I also have begun leaving my credit cards at home when I feel like going shopping during the weekend. I realized that I like to shop and browse but not necessarily buy. I guess I like to shop for the joy of shopping. Having done this for the past couple of months, I found I don't even miss the little knicknacks I'd usually buy. Let me add I have become keenly aware of how many marketing messages really do bombard us every day.
These cost cutting measures alone save me approximately $6,600 a year. And as you know, at 10% interest over 30 years that is ~1.3 million dollars. Thanks!
- Meg Denney
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Thank you very much for a writing such an inspirational book. I was at a bookstore looking for something else when I accidentally saw your book and decided to buy it instead. And I'm so happy I did because it's definitely a much better investment.
Reading your book gave me more confidence in handling my finances and planning towards my future. You've reinforced the idea of being debt free to include paying-off the mortgage early, budgeting and planning, saving ahead even on little stuff such as yearly vacations, having liquid assets available at all times, and investing (unlike some so-called financial gurus, who don't preach anything except stocks, stocks and more stocks). It definitely made me focus towards my goal and actually look forward towards the future with such anticipation.
Thanks a million! Rest assured your book will be read and re-read and will be passed on and recommended to people I know. More power to you and your organization.
- Marie Mills
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
David Bach is the money coach to trust year in and year out to motivate you financially.
- Richard Carlson
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Great book! An easy read, yet contains a great wealth of information. It's amazing that the author has such a sensitivity to the woman's psyche. He makes financial matters simple for all readers. I would recommend this to anyone who has ever wondered how to live without worrying about finances.
- Kim
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
I just wanted to write you a note to say that I really enjoyed your book, The Automatic Millionaire. I bought it after I saw you on the Oprah show. Your message really made sense to me. I received the book yesterday from Amazon.com and finished it today and now am going to start it over again so I can take notes.
So far I think I am doing quite well. I am a 25 year old firefighter in Burlington, Vermont, not making an overly abundant amount of money, but I make it a point of put away 16.5% of my gross pay automatically - 8% goes to the city retirement system which I draw from when I am able to retire at 45 years old and the other 8% goes into a Nationwide Retirement account with an aggressive portfolio. I have been doing this for the past 3 years consistently and it is amazing to see how much it has grown. My wife works for IBM and has been putting 5% of her gross into her 401k with a 50% employer match along with putting an additional 3% into her IBM stock options at 20% off. I really think we are well on our way. We also own our own home which we refinanced to a 15 year mortgage last April so it will be paid for when I'm 39.
Since reading your book I'm thinking maybe we can put a few percent more into each of our funds. The only issue is we haven't got a whole lot of cash in our savings account. Tomorrow I am going to call ING Direct and talk to them about their Orange Savings Account. You mentioned in your book that it was a lot like a money market. You were right when you said that an easly accessible account is to hard to save with. We are going to take $1000.00 of our tax return and open the Orange account with it then fund it with $100.00 automatically from my wife's paycheck every month. It doesn't seem like much but it is something. I really want to have that 3 month emergency fund available and stop worring about funding the inevitable catastrophe.
I'm sure that you receive a hundred of these letters a day, but I had to let you know that your book did help me and I am going to make some changes to help streamline my life and future.
- Michael D. LaChance
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
I read this book as part of the Automatic Millionaire Coaching Program which David did back in the fall of 2003 with 100 participants. This book is an easy, enjoyable read, and teaches how to create a financial plan and STICK TO IT, which so few people actually do. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to achieve the American dream of owning a home, retiring comfortably, and reaching your financial goals. The secret is to automate your finances, and David teaches how to do it in this book. You will not regret buying and reading this book!!
- Reader
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Thank you for inspiring me to finally get my act together, albeit at a very late age (49). I took your Latte Factor quiz & realized I was spending an average of nearly $20/day just on eating out. Combining that with other spending that was beyond my means (e.g. monthly massages), I realized my spending was never going to get me the more important results I desire, such as a home of my own & a retirement without fear.
I just completed my memo to the Company Payroll Administrator to increase my 401(k) from 2% to 10%, and to begin an automatic withdrawal to my credit union of 10% of my gross as well, effective immediately! It will be a bit of an adjustment initially, but I am SO pleased! It took me four minutes to type, and I have only read the first three chapters of your book (The Automatic Millionaire)! Thanks again!
- Lenae Corcoran
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Today I took the latte factor challenge. I pack my lunch, but I do normally buy 2 diet pepsi's ($1.00 each) at work and 2 snacks ($.75 each) during my 8 hour day, which totals to $3.75 per day, $112.50 per month, $1368.75 per year, $13687.50 per decade.
When I went to finishrich.com and saw how much my latte factor would be if I invested it daily, I almost screamed: $3.75 per day, $23,340 after 10 years, $86,524 after 20 years, $257,564 after 30 years, and $720,576 after 40 years.
I just bought your book today after seeing you on yesterday's Oprah - and I am only on page 51 thus far but I am HOOKED!!! Thank you!!!!
- Nicole Bruno
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Watching my father get excited and angry all at the same time while reading The Automatic Millionaire raised my eyebrow. I am a middle class student with a family who struggles through but enjoys life as well. My father told me to read this book, and I did in under three and a half hours. I couldn't put it down. I found my Latte Factor and I could easily put away over ten dollars just from the money my father gives to me. Now that he read this book, things might be changing for me, but saving is now all I can think about when it comes to money. I earn ten dollars an hour doing construction work and I have no real expenditures so I decided to open up a Roth IRA. Looking at the figures from page 48, The Time Value of Money, I almost jumped out of my seat in excitement. Thanks to your book I have realized I have time on my side when it comes to my finances. By investing small amounts over decades I too will certainly become financially secure.
- Joseph Laundrie
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
Hi David and Team,
First I'd like to say, last Tuesday's session was GREAT!! It was a pleasure talking to you.
I’ve read The Automatic Millionaire twice now and it seems to be sinking in better this time around.
THE FILE FOLDER SYSTEM: almost completed; missing some documents, but now I know what is needed. Do you know how many New Years Resolution's I VOWED to be come organized?! And now it is finally happening!
AHH, THE LATTE FACTOR: like you see in so many other stories, I also thought, "Oh, I don't buy coffee or snacks, and I brownbag it to work etc. However, I realized that I spend too much money at the grocery store. Perhaps these Super K-Marts and Walmarts where you can grocery shop and retail shop all in one trip is a bad idea money-wise. I'd find myself saying "I'll just pick up this blouse on sale, or I’ve been wanting this latest CD or DVD". So, from now on it’s strictly groceries. And one more thing we spend too much money on ..TAKE OUT FOOD!
With all this tracking in black and white terms, I know I can save money.
Ok David, you have lit the fire under me! I can't wait to accomplish all these things. With almost 5 years of bankruptcy behind me (one of my darkest times) I now see a bright future. One regret: all the wasted time and money. If only I had known, I could have been an Automatic Millionaire years ago.
Again THANK YOU for sharing your gift of knowledge. Till tomorrow!
Your Student and biggest FAN,
- Michelle Leonar
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
The Latte Factor gave me a way to really see where my money was going. Unfortunately most of it was going everywhere but in my own pocket. Some was spent for bills, most for frivolous things that were bought spontaneously. Little did I realize how much my bad habits were affecting my future. Through the Latte Factor and your books, The Automatic Millionaire, Smart Women Finish Rich, and The Finish Rich workbook, I have seen the error of my ways and am currently working with a financial advisor from Edward Jones, saving 20% of my gross income in a Roth IRA, and went further to set up a Money Market account that is taking 5% of my gross income. 10% of my gross is going to tithe and another 15% will be focused on my dream basket. Before the Latte Factor and your books I never paid much attention to what I was doing with my money. My theory was if I'm paying the bills, I'm doing alright. Through your teachings I now have a real sense of security and a system I can count on. Thanks for showing me how important it is to be aware of my financial status. My future generations thank you as well. :)
- Nikki Rota
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
In his book, SMART WOMEN FINISH RICH, David Bach reveals everything a women needs to know to protect her financial future. If you know nothing about finances or if you are a seasoned investor, I believe there is something for you in this book. Here is a financial investor that has taken the time to educate women across the country and to share that info in a book. Buy this for all the women in your family and all your friends. It will be the best gift they ever receive.
- Mary Harvey
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
I tried the Latte Factor with a lot of skepticism since I consider myself fairly frugal. I was actually ashamed of myself at the end of the day when I realized that I had pilfered away almost $25 on JUNK. I thought about my family at home and what I could have been doing with that "extra" money. Incredible how quickly a convenience store can suck up that retirement money! I have since learned (and am still learning) to pack a lunch, make my own coffee and ease off of the snacks during the day. I haven't shut my funds off completely, but I am now saving about $19-$22 of that money per day. My beach front is calling.
- Jeffery Monnin
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
I was blessed tremendously by your book "The Automatic Millionaire." You provided so much insight about what anyone can achieve with knowledge and discipline. I have already engaged in a step by step approach to what was outlined in your book. Coincidentally, I finished the book the same day you appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. I was especially touched by your comments regarding your thoughts and prayers will be with those who read your book at the end of the last chapter.
My thoughts and prayers will certainly be with you. Continue to be blessed in all that you put your hand to.
- Milton Markland
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
I thought I was already pretty frugal because I thought I was watching what I spent. But after looking at my Latte Factor I was shocked to learn how much it added up to. I do drink Latte's but I thought, it's only three a week, but it was costing me $546 a year on top of the $156 I was spending on regular coffee. I also figured I was eating out $2,600 a year and that is a conservative estimate. I spend on average $2,000 a year on books (now the library doesn't seem like such a bad idea. I also spend approximately $1,100 a year on tapes. I know they are educational, that is how I found David, but there are some I order that I don't like, but I don't take the time to send them back. I also bowl on a league. Bowling and the snack bar cost me over $540 a year. I can sub for free. This is a total of over $7,000 a year. I had no idea. I am 36 years old. I will be well on my way to retirement since I can invest this money for the next 24 years. Thank you David.
- Melissa Toole
|
|
|
|
|
January 26 2005
This program is so amazing! I’ve been excited to do my “homework on vacation”. Now that’s amazing. Over my lifetime I know this program will be worth over a million dollars to me.
I can’t say enough how this program has really helped give me a sense of security in knowing where we are going. We have a plan and its in place. It’s very exciting. I’m also extremely proud of myself for how serious I took this program.
This is the best program I have ever been through.
- Lynda Kucera
|
Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 Next
|
|
