Sometimes we make becoming wealthy way too complicated of a topic. After 25+ years of: Managing my own finances Studying how to manage money Writing thousands of articles and (probably) millions of words on the subject Achieving financial independence Retiring early with sizable assets I'm more convinced than ever that the way to become wealthy simply … [Read more...]
Millionaire Interview 7
I thought you'd enjoy this interview with another person who grew his net worth to over $1 million. To read more millionaire interviews, check out my millionaire interview category. My questions are in bold italics and their responses follow in black. Let's get started... How old are you (and spouse if applicable, plus how long you've been married)? I’m 51 years … [Read more...]
How to Go from Zero to Millionaire, Part 1
I get asked now and again what steps I would recommend for someone just starting out who wants to become wealthy. At the same time, I look back over my life and see money milestones, mistakes, and successes. It's been good overall, but there are certainly things I would do differently. So I thought I'd address both of these in a single series. In this set of posts I … [Read more...]
You Can Become Wealthy with a Lower Income
In my third millionaire interview, one commenter was a bit put off by the fact that two of the three interviews featured people with incomes of $500k. He was not rude by any means, but wanted to see some alternative interviews: May I then make the request my own… The interview series has been really interesting. It is useful hearing people’s suggestions and their mistakes. I … [Read more...]
2016 Net Worth and Retirement Budget Update
Here's an update on how our net worth performed in 2016. For background on my net worth status and results, see 2015 Net Worth Review and The First Million is the Hardest. In addition to the net worth update, I'll detail how our retirement budget has performed so far (five months into retirement) so you will be all caught up. :) 2016 Net Worth Summary Here are my net … [Read more...]
Millionaire Interview 4
Here's our latest interview with a millionaire as we seek to learn from those who have grown their wealth to high heights. If you'd like to be considered for an interview, drop me a note and we can chat about specifics. My questions are in bold italics and their responses follow in black. Let's get started... How old are you (and spouse if applicable, plus how long … [Read more...]
The Gap is the Key to Wealth
This will go without saying for most ESI Money readers...and yet I have to say it. We've talked a lot about the essentials of building wealth, how to retire early, how to become a millionaire, how to become financially independent, and a whole host of "this is how you become wealthy" posts. There is one aspect of money management that is VITAL to success and is demonstrated … [Read more...]
Stop Acting Rich: The House You Buy Determines Your Wealth
When I posted Stop Acting Rich Overview and Thoughts on Wealth, Habits, and Happiness I promised that I would follow up with some thoughts from Stop Acting Rich: ...And Start Living Like A Real Millionaire on home ownership and how it impacts a person's net worth. This is the fulfillment of that promise. :) There's lots to share, so let's get to it. How an Expensive … [Read more...]
Millionaire Interview 3
Here's our latest interview with a millionaire as we seek to learn from those who have grown their wealth to high heights. If you'd like to be considered for an interview, drop me a note and we can chat about specifics. At the end, I add some comments from the interview. My questions are in bold italics and their responses follow in black. Let's get … [Read more...]
Stop Acting Rich Overview and Thoughts on Wealth, Habits, and Happiness
As many of you know, I read a lot. I read many financial blogs (around 200) and always have a stack of books on my shelf waiting to be read. I've been that way most of my life and thus have read thousands of books in my lifetime. I've probably read a thousand alone on the topic of personal finance, and let me say, most of them are not great. That's why I have a book … [Read more...]