Man I really do think too much....
I've taught all my children my view on setting goals and I've pounded them with as much financial advice as they're willing to listen to. I've also warned them against being a victim or blaming their troubles on somebody else. They've all turned out really well and I couldn't be prouder of them. In my naivete I also assumed that everyone else does this as well but I've come to the realization that that is not the case. Over the last few years I've come to the conclusion that I don't see things the same way as most others. I've always kind of felt this difference but I just figured I was looking at things incorrectly. Regardless of those insecurities I've always trusted my gut feelings and went against the tide most of the times and it's seemed to work out pretty well.
I started reading books again a few years ago and was amazed at the amount of great information that is available. I couldn't figure out why this was not taught in schools since it really could be life changing. I've reached the conclusion that our leaders and our schools have failed us completely. So for all you Millenniums and younger generations who are struggling to get ahead there is an abundance of sound guidance available and the day you decide to take control over your life I guarantee it'll change for the better.
Where to start? Hard to say but I'll start with the last three books I've read that I wish I would have read 40 years ago.
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Baby Steps Millionaires by Dave Ramsey
It's easy to do and it's easy not to do. Your choice.
It would be hard for me to relate any more, but maybe from a different perspective or different "goal", for lack of a better term. I don't know anyone that has done the things I have done or sees things quite the way I do. I know a lot of people that wanted to get out of the very rat race we were in. We did it. When we did it 100% of our family and friends said we were either crazy, we'd be back in a year or they commended the audacity to do what so many talk about. Even the supportive ones were shocked. We put our financial future entirely in our hands and it worked out for us, though it of course took twists and turns that we didn't anticipate, just like everyone else. I don't know that many want exactly what we want, but we set to getting it and looking back, I could have done it in my 20's instead of my early 30's, but I am very thankful that I didn't wait until my 40's or 50's.....or not at all. The only people that can sink us financially are ourselves. No one else has a stake in it.
I have known some people that want to be millionaires and some of them have actually set their minds to doing so and are either there or well on their way. I also know a lot of people that are in virtually the same situation, even living in the same apartment in some cases, in their mid to late 40's that they were in their mid 20's. Like you said, it was easy to do and easy not to do. I have advised my son that he can live like we do, on Manhattan Island or anywhere in between. I think he is currently leaning toward "anywhere in between" and he's out there getting it. The things he may control he will and the things that are out of his hands are indeed out of his hands. Where he takes his life is entirely up to him. If he puts his life in the hands of others, he will get what he is given. If he sits in a rut, he will reap all of that as well.
I turned 30 in '08. My dad's funeral was the day before my 30th and of course that is very personal, but it was the single most shocking moment of my life and I really turned over a new leaf. I learned a lot from the financial ruin that came that year and the following. A stagnant real estate market opened the door for us to make the move we made and add property at absurd prices in the following few years. For the record, I'm speaking of empty space in Klamath County, OR and I make no pretense about being some sort of real estate mogul. It is still cheap compared to any city, but in '13 & '14 people couldn't give away decent property, much less desert scrub. It is amazing the property that we could consider "free" if we simply consider the cost of living in Portland that was removed 10+years ago. Not making a rent or mortgage payment in years is even more liberating than I thought it would be and not just financially. The lessons that my son learned here have been priceless and I'm happy to say that he is ready to succeed or fail on his own terms.
