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March 12 2007
Hi David, I received your book "The Automatic Millionaire" from my banking institution. My 31 year old son borrowed the book then made me an offer - give him my book and he would give me a gift, which turned out to be - "Start Late Finish Rich."

He swears by your methods and during one of our usual healthy debates, we talked about the perception of wealth. The real success story is two prong:
1. I got rid of my high interest credit cards and have made strides to secure my financial future.
2.I am a teacher and after preparing a lecture on identity formation/values clarification, I realized that the activity which required learners to rank order a prepared list of perceptions of poverty could use a contrast. It then hit me...why not ask learners to list what they think about wealth.

Lo and behold, almost all of the [mis]perceptions of wealth that you state in your book were mentioned - inheritance, marriage, lottery etc.

I seized the moment [giving you credit of course] to help my students understand that none of the above yields wealth - "ya gotta pay yourself first, and invest wisely!!"

- Moreen Jones Weekes
Canada


March 12 2007
I signed up for a first time home owners information session a week ago sponsored by a local bank. The information session was so uninformative that i was very disappointed. One good thing came out of it though; they gave us a free copy of your book. It had everything I was looking to know and more, and answered all my questions. I wish there was a law that mandated all renters and first time home buyers to read the book - its worth it! I wish I knew this long ago, but better late than never.

- Patricia M
Minneapolis, MN


March 12 2007
Hi David,

First of all let me say thank you for setting me on the path towards financial security. A few years ago I came across your book, The Automatic Millionaire, while browsing in a local bookstore. I bought it and read it in a day and immediately set out to putting some of your recommendations into action. In particular, I moved back home with my parents to get out of the rent situation; I set up an automatic savings account with ING; and I increased my 401(k) contributions at work. I've read a couple of your other books and have seen you in person during your Automatic Millionaire Homeowner tour. All of these things helped keep me focused on my financial goals.
Now, here's the biggest part of all:
I submitted some of my savings ideas to Kiplinger's Personal Finance, a magazine I began subscribing to a couple of years ago. And guess what? Not only did they include one of my methods of saving, I made the front cover of their April 2007 issue! What an unexpected surprise! Friends and people who know me are coming up to me now and asking me for better ways to save. I hardly consider myself a financial expert, but I do tell them how I began on my road to financial freedom and always refer them to your books, which I found so helpful.
I hope you get to check out the magazine (I\'ve heard it's on newstands now). If you get the chance let me know what you think.

Thanks a Million,
(p.s., I did mention you and your book in the interview with the magazine as one of my influences that got me interested in saving more; unfortunately, that, along with some other information from my interview, did not get printed.)

- Michal Sharabi
Encino, CA


March 12 2007
Just by picking up your book. I saved $16,368.28 on my home loan. Not only the money but I knocked 2 years 5 months off of a 11 year loan. I purchased The Automatic Millionaire, unfortunately, I am 41. I am going to purchase Start Late, Finish Rich. I run a small trucking business and need to learn more. Thank you!!!

- lesha breeding
Columbia, KY


March 8 2007
David,
I wanted to pass along a big THANK YOU for saving me money on my car insurance. I've been with the same car insurance company for almost 14 years and didn't bother to shop around because I figured they were giving me the best deal for sticking with them so long...BOY was I wrong! I took your advice and shopped around on line (It was really easy an fast!), and found BETTER coverage for a price $600 less a year then what I was paying. I couldn't belive it. I called my current provider to see if they would match the rate - no such luck so I switched. Now I save $50 a month AND feel safer on the road knowing I was able to add roadside assistance to my plan.
Thanks for helping me out- a grad student out trying to make the most out of a paycheck.

- Charmaine Dahlenburg
Baltimore, MD


March 8 2007
I am a Realtor in San Francisco (Paragon Real Estate Group) and I specialize in renovation and relocation. I also work with first-time home buyers and move-up buyers.

Last year I was introduced to a couple who were about to have a baby and who wanted to buy their first home but were not certain they could afford it. I gave them a copy of The Automatice Millionaire Homeowner. At the time I gave them the book they had decided to wait to move forward until after their baby was born. After 8 months went by I got a call from this couple - they wanted to get into the market and a lot of their inspiration came from the book! I give the book to almost all of my potential and current clients!

The book opens eyes and changes ways of thinking about home ownership not only the benefits but also the possibilities.

Cheers,

Paragon Real Estate Group

- Lisa Thompson
San Francisco, CA


March 8 2007
Last January 2006 we saw David at a Mortgage seminar with Wells Fargo in Phoenix, then we also watched him on Oprah and listened how he did the debt diet. At that time we had $50,000 of debt. Right away we took a saturday and a marker board and put all of our debts, credit cards, overdue taxes, business expense accounts on the board.
Then we followed his plan. It took us a little over a year to get rid of $40,000. We still have $10,000 of past taxes that we make payments on per month. At that time we had no savings, we now have a emergency account of $14,000, and we have set aside $31,000 to pay our self employed business taxes for 2006.

Our next step it to start an investment and 401k's and save for a home purchase.
Thanks David we are so thankful we could find help to reach these goals!!

- Jacqueline Baker
Maricopa, AZ


March 8 2007
David,

My wife and I have read a number of your books, the latest being The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner. At that point we decided to make our financial future automatic. We started making automatic bi-weekly payments on our mortgage and extra payments to pay off my wife’s car. We continued to make monthly car payments (investments) “automatic” plus a little extra to good growth stock mutual funds. One year later, we were able to purchase an SUV for my wife for cash, and we continue to make monthly investments automatic in the hope that in 3 yrs we will be able to purchase another car for cash. We figured if we replace the car every 3-5 yrs for cash, we will never have another car payment and in 20-30 yrs we will have $400,000 to $500,000.

We also opened up 6 ING accounts and made that automatic as well. Every week we get paid, money is automatically taken from our checks and deposited into our ING accounts. If we don’t see it, we don’t miss it. A couple of those accounts are our “Vacation Fund” and “Christmas Fund”. Next month we are going on another cruise with the same group. A few years ago around Christmas we were trying to buy gifts for everyone and not spend too much. My wife started the Christmas account first. Since Christmas comes the same time every year I started making automatic investments to our ING account. This year each of us will have money set aside to buy gifts for family and friends.

Lastly, because we have made our financial life automatic, we are in the process of building our dream house. Thank you for your books and guidance. We have been given your books as gifts and recommend them to anyone that wants to get their financial life on track.

- Alex Pugh

March 7 2007
I have only finished reading Start Late, Finish Rich. I am only 21 years and I have big plans because of that book. I did my Latte Factor and found out how much I waste on contious shopping with the girls. I am cutting down on my purchases and decided to save a quater of my income. I am a student and get my income from my parents. It's quite enough with a suplus to save ofcourse. I am in Botswana Africa, my yearly income if i save 300 Pula a month and 20 pula weekly is 2900appx if my calculations are correct. In addition, my small profits from the small business I am about to open on my dad`s farm will also go towards my savings. I also intend on buying a house in the next year. The next time i will be writing in this column I will have a real sucess story. im so excited that i came across this book so young!!!

- kgabiso senau

March 7 2007
I don't have a success story yet, although I hope to soon! I just wanted to say that before I even finished reading "The Automatic Millionaire" I had ordered eight more copies and have already given them out to friends and relatives. Now my husband and I are looking forward to our own journey!

- Deb Solis

March 7 2007
David, you have changed my life! I always thought that those 'self help' books were short term feel good band aids. After reading, Start Late, Finish Rich, I'm transformed - a true believer in changing your financial future! I have finished a marathon, a huge accomplishment and let me tell you - your book/advice is right up there with the inspiration I received from running a marathon. I instantly connected with you and your style of helping ourselves to achieve much more out of life.

I now 'pay myself first', contribute 50% more to a RRSP (Canada), I am obsessed with mutual funds and other avenues of making my savings grow - not to mention eliminating the power of high interest credit cards. My husband laughed at first then recognized the same look he saw when I mentioned that I was running a marathon. I am driven, inspired and truly grateful to you.

Sincerely,

- Anne Canario

March 1 2007
Hi!

I attended your workshop in Seattle, WA last year, and I am about to become a homeowner! I close on April 19 on a 2 bedroom condo with a view of the sound!

I would not have been able to doit without your book. I read each chapter and I gave myself a week to do homework - the checklists at the end of every chapter.

I created an automatic plan to pay off all my credit card debt and opened an automatic savings account with ING direct for my house ( thanks for the suggestion!)

I also started a game with the latte factor. Every time I wanted to buy a latte in the coffe shop downstairs form my office I would walk across the street from my work to the bank and deposited the money in my house account.
I also had a garage sale and put all the money I made in the house account. Tax return house account!

All of the sudden I had 1000, then 2000 and then 3000.

I found a great loan officer and real state agent and attended a couple of workshops for condo and home buyers in my area. I also checked the programs offered by my credit union and the State Department of Housing and I found a great loan!

I got so into this that my friends started to ask me for advice and a couple of them already have anough to cover their closing costs!

Anyway, I found a place, made and offer and, oh boy! This has been the most stressful thing I have ever done!

I am stretching myself, but hey! I figure that a year of not going out to dinner every night, bringing my lunch to work and not taking trips here and there every month are worth letting go for a future of financial security.

Your workshop made such an impact in my life that I am even thinking on becoming a loan officer so I can help others to start their path to wealth.

Thank you so much!

- Jacque Larrainzar
Seattle, WA


March 1 2007
I spent about 5-7$ a day on coffee so did my wife wow...Well we already own our home but needed a new car, we so drink our coffees at home now and the difference well pays for the car.

I bought my townhome less than 9 months ago. We have gained about 40k in equity over that time. Put 0 down 100% financing. Now we are looking into pulling the equity and buying an investment prop!

- aaron graziano
Kihei, HI


March 1 2007
Hi Mr. Bach! In one year, I paid off my car loan early and two credit cards. I was about $6000 in debt...and I am a teacher! The awful thing is that I had the money just sitting in a regular ol' savings account (at .75% interest - lest to say I don't "store" money in this low earning account anymore). Now that I am debt free, I opened up a money market account and tranfered a good chunk of my savings. I also set up an automatic ING savings account which withdraws $200/month out of my local account, and I am planning on upping that amount in April so that I have a vacation savings plan as well. I finally paid attention to my accountant and opened a Roth IRA, and then upped myself one by buying a CD ladder! I also "give" more money away, and devote an afternoon to driving to my favorite charities and dropping off checks - that is kind of fun. All this within one year! I attribute my personal growth to being given the task of creating a money management workshop for adults on probation. Please appreciate that before being forced to teach a "budgeting class" my idea of handling money was to always keep $1000 in my bank account so I would never overdraw! It didn't always work! As a single working woman I totally enjoy ALL my latte factors too much: Dinners out, $50 tickets to a charity event, a $300 shopping spree for something I really didn't need THAT much...I just was not "thinking" about my future (thankfully I have a state retirement plan that will save me....somewhat). BY developing a workshop called "Show Me The Money" I had to walk the walk and talk the talk. By throwing myself into reading and watching all I could on financial management techniques (and listening to you speak in Tucson in 2006) I dove in and began to lose my fear of money (my father was a farmer so I learned a lot about fear of losing money). My workshop is a success not because I teach budgeting (I hate the word and don't use it in class), but because I inspire others to dig within and find self-motivation. I help them remove their fears and enjoy life as they work to reduce debts, pay off court fines, and live life more fully. My students are challenged by all the things we each face, but there is so much more weight on their shoulders: counseling, drug checks, reporting in, and community service are added responsibilities - most are to exhausted to think about how to save money! Hopefully my class gives them hope by giving them knowledge and returning them some control. Thank you for re-enforcing that saving money does not have to be as hard as we make it.

- Shanon Easterday
Tuscon, AZ


February 28 2007
Since I've read your books, The Automatic Millionaire and Start Late, Finish Rich, my life has been changed. I've taken action to achieve my goals. Before, I was only putting $50.00 per pay period in my 403B account, now I put 12.5% per pay period. I've openned up a ROTH IRA account, I've opened up a MM savings account, I've now purchased a share in REITS (Cohen & Steers) and a share in 1-3 year Treasury Bonds. You see, I've always had money to play with, so thats exactly what I did. PLAYED. I did not think in terms of long-range goals as far as my finances were concerned. Now, I am serious. Your books made me look at myself, ask myself some honest questions, and I found that I really needed to take action. I am also in the process of purchasing a home (1st time home buyer)So although I am starting Late, I WILL finish Rich.

Thank You David.

- Wanda Hegens

February 21 2007
Dear David,
I have just recently read "The Automatic Millionaire." By reading and understanding this book it has opened my eyes to what the future may hold for me if I take advantage of it now. I now save $150 a month and what ever else I have saved that month in an ING Mutual Fund along with $2500 I have saved since the age of 10. I now understand what little I do today could result in an automatic, financial free future. Also by reading this great book I now know not to start little bad habits that result in a catastrophic lost that could help me later on in my life. I only read about 20 minutes a day of this book but got years of information on how to live a financial free, happy life. By understanding the "Latte factor" I now see and realize the importance of just a few dollars a day. At the age of 15 I understand this book and put it to good use "NOW."

To all of the people reading this, if I can do it, you can do it to. This book has made a life changing experience mentally, physically, and spiritually and I'd like to express my thanks to David for making a difference in my life. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Jim and Sue McIntyre for inspiring me to live life happy in one way by being financially free.

Sincerely,

- Juston Knaust
Mesa, AZ


February 21 2007
David, I think someone must be watching out for me. I saw you on the Oprah show in January which is amazing because normally I am at work at that time and can't watch the show. But on this day it snowed and I couldn't get to work. The next day I bought the Automatic Millionaire and Start Late Finish Rich. I couldn't believe I'd been so stupid. You see, I make 91,000 a year and my husband makes about 20,000. He has a heart condition and works here and there as a carpenter. I work in a barber shop which I own. But for some reason I was always struggling to pay bills. We own a house and have no other bills. When I refinanced a year ago, I paid off all our bills, including our two vehicles and his hospital bills. I couldn't understand it until I read your books. My latte factor was in the form of guitar lessons, cd's to learn new songs, and eating out. I was spending 100 dollars a month on guitar lessons when I learned I could go to weekly and monthly jam sessions held locally where there were always more advanced pickers than myself whom I could learn more from than my lessons for free! I've cut my eating out down about halfway and cut corners in other areas and opened a Roth Ira account.(I know you don't like those as much as a traditional IRA but my financial advisor convinced me it was right for me.) I will be opening one up for my kids too and teaching them what you have taught me. I don't worry so much about their future or mine now; in fact I look forward to being able to retire comfortably at 65. (I'm 43, and my husband is 51.) I've added extra principle to my bi-weekly mortgage and should have my house paid off in 15 years! Whenever my husband or kids whine about why we can't buy a new bass boat or whatever, I tell them one day they will thank me for saying "no" and thinking of their future. By the way, everything I am doing is automatic! Thank you so much for your passion and dedication to teaching us the value of money. And continue to fight for our childrens' financial security by pushing for mandatory financial planning courses in public education. Thank you,

- Pamela Smith
Louisa, VA


February 21 2007
Dear David,
I never knew that I could...achieve things and get my life somewhat organized until I have met you, here in Baltimore Convention Center with your latest book. The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner(I read all of your books)...Since then we bought our vacation condo in Ocean city and we took advantage of 401k and 403b.
We came to this great country 1989 with two suitcases (I wish we had met you then- I know we would have been millionaires by now). We made lots of mistakes and it is costing us dearly but that is life:"Live and Learn".
Now we have the american dream:3 mortgages, 2 kids, 1 dog, 1 house with 2 car garage and condo for vacation. But thanks to you we also have: will, retirement basket, saving basket, security basket. Now my goal is to get rid off "Credit cards" since they are not helping me to get a STATUS!!!My bills are still working progress but in few years hopefully we will DOLP them down.

Thanks again,

- Silvia and Peter Petrik
Bel air, MD


February 21 2007
David,
My husband and I were recently married on 4/29/06. I read your book the Automatic Millionaire while on our honeymoon! I started reading sections of the book to my husband on the beach and we were both in agreement that the minute we get home we will take your advice. We both work and I take care of all the bills. I set up every last bill on autopay so every month no matter where I am or what I'm doing I have no fear of a late payment or a late fee....ever. I've also set up our ING account which now collects 4.5% to take $1,000.00 weekly from our checking account. Every now and then I take a peak and transfer an extra thousand or two to plump it up even more. Now we have $52,000.00 in Savings in ING alone, not including our other accounts such as IRA's, eTrade, and Fairholme Fund. We are so pleased that we have been able to save this money in under one year. It could have gotten lost in haphazard spending, but instead we pay ourselves first!! Thank you for all the fantastic advice. I wish more people could read your book and realize how truly simple it is to save if you think of yourself first and take the first steps. We also own 2 condos, 1 we rent out and the other we own. We are looking to buy a house now.
Our best,

- Debra and Jim Hall
Boynton Beach, FL


February 20 2007
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My Dad shared the Automatic Millionaire with me about a year ago. At that time I had 4 credit cards with a total balance of about $10,000 and no money in the bank. Not only did your program have great tips and ideas but mostly it motivated me to look at where my money was going and take control of it.
Since then I have paid off my entire credit card debt, and have made all my payments automatic.
I am now debt free at 26 and am looking to purchase a home this year!
David, you rock!

- Ann B.

February 20 2007
Hi David,
I just had to e-mail you to let you know how your book "The Automatic Millionaire" has changed my life. Once I started reading the book, I just could not put it down. I have shared this information with my husband who is in the credit industry, as well as friends. My husband is a chairperson of a Finance Ministry at our church, who I am also involved with, we give
monthly workshops on Credit and Finances. I could not wait to tell other's at the workshop about your book. I also told them to purchase the book and give it the a young person. I
am so anxious to read your other books. Thanks alot for sharing your knowledge, wisdom and your experiences with the public.

- Wyn-ne Carter
Sicklerville, NJ


February 20 2007
Hi, I saw your book while browsing the bookstore the other day. I picked it up and started reading the first couple of pages and was hooked. I bought it and read it in 3 days!
Even though I'm from South Africa, the book still made so much sense to me. I even read some passages to a friend of mine who needs financial help urgently! You have really inspired me to make an effort to get saving and its great to know that I can be a millionaire even though I am just an employee.
Im now looking for your "start late" book as I am already 32 and need some more direction!
Thanks again!

- Lizanne Spencer
Durban, South Africa


February 14 2007
I am a Financial Advisor working for a large canadian insurance company, I picked up your book at a grocery store and read 3 pages, I was instantly hooked, and I share it with everyone I meet, I went as far as buying 4 copies to lend to clients to read. I am currently reading the Smart Couples finish rich, and although I am not married. I find that it is a huge benefit to help my clients.
Both books have helped me be a better person, and reading about value based financial planning is incredible, and has helped me become a better advisor.
As of January this year I obtained my CFP designation and along with David's series of books I feel I am much more capable of helping myself & more importantly my clients.

- Grant Galloway

February 14 2007
This is not a success story , just writing to say thank you. I finished reading your book "Start Late finish rich" and am reading it a second time. Have started my first IRA, started an account with Emigrant Direct, for the first time have brought IBonds. No one ever told me that I could finish wealthy, I never considered it. I'm actually looking forward to buying my 1st home. Just writing to say Thanks for the encouragement and giving me the tools to do this for myself. I'm doing this because you made me believe this can be done so....Thanks

- Avie Howard
Virginia Beach, VA


February 14 2007
Mr. Bach, I too want to thank you for your inspiration and suggestions on how to StartLate/Finish Rich. I found your book while browsing in the airport and have been totally caught up in making a direction for myself. I lost my husband 11 months ago and have started on a journey none of us expect to have to go on so early. My husband and I had been on an adventure of life since marrying 18 years ago and did not plan for either one of us being left alone. However, with the help and support of my employer who has allowed me to stay in my present job, I have been able to start saving, pay off all our credit cards, pay off our vehicle and become totally debt free. I have maxed out my IRA with a tax-free deduction from my payroll, have joined a flex-spending program which allows for tax-free deductions for health insurance and $3200 medical expenses. This brings down my earned income to allow me to collect the full amount of survivors benefits with social security. I have increased my actual cash flow and are saving over $14,000 a year which will certainly help my situation.

One of the perks of my job as a resort manager is to be provided housing and utilities. This saves me a huge sum of money each year, but in the meantime, I am not buying a home which is one of the main things you suggest to increase your retirement savings. I am not sure what part of the country I will retire to so therefore, I am unable to purchase a home. I am 62 years old and feel that my best option is to save as much as possible and then when I retire in 3-5 years, I will have a good sized down payment for a home or condo. This is the only part of your life plan that I am unable to do at this time and sometimes, I wonder if I have thought it all through properly. Anyway, thank you for making my direction clear and the answer will be there when I am ready. Wonderful books--have sent them to my son--I want him to get excited also.

- Nancy Bomers
Hurricane, UT


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