I grew up poor, the second of eight children. My father earned $12,000 per year as a college professor. As a teenager, I was ashamed of our small house, my hand-me-down clothes, and my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I dreamed – literally dreamed – of living like a rich man.

And so, when I got my first job at age 9 as a paperboy – and then at 12 as a lackey at the local car wash – I’d spend my money on luxuries, like a pair of brand-new Thom McAn shoes.

I worked every chance I got through high school. And then, I worked two or three jobs during college and graduate school. I spent 80% of my money on necessities: food, clothes, and tuition.

But I always spent a bit on little niceties. Even then, I felt I didn’t need to deprive myself now for some better life later.

 

Live a Rich Life While You Grow Rich

I tell you this to emphasize a key part of the simple money-management system I’ve used to generate more than $50 million in wealth…

I don’t believe in scrimping severely to optimize savings. I believe you can live a rich life while you grow rich, so long as you’re smart about your spending and willing to work hard.

Think of the typical earning/spending/saving pattern of most wealth seekers…

During their 20s, they spend every nickel of their modest incomes to make ends meet. At that age, it’s almost impossible to put aside money for the future.

During their 30s, their incomes increase. But this is also when they start families. Expenses soar. There are more mouths to feed, a “family” car to buy, and the dreaded down payment on a first house. They manage to save a little during these years, but not nearly as much as they thought they would.

If they work hard and make good career decisions, their incomes will climb much higher in their 40s and early 50s. They’ll have more money to put aside for the future. But they’ll also be tempted to buy newer cars, nicer clothes, more exotic vacations, and – the biggest wealth stealer of all – their dream house.

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