Did you know that you can be a millionaire without knocking off a convenience store or winning the lottery? Have you ever thought about what you spend? For example, if you make $36,000 a year, after 30 years you will have made (and probably spent) just over $1 million dollars -- not accounting for growth or cost-of-living adjustments. Over your lifetime, you will spend well over a million dollars. What are you spending it on? How much are you saving? If you are like the average American, you are saving less than 3% of your income. That is less than $30,000 over your lifetime -- not accounting for interest and growth. Can you save a million? Yes, with the compounding of interest, it is definitely possible. For example, let's say that you have $$35,000 in your tax-deferred savings right now. You started early and saved a bit. If you can find $200 each month to save at a 9% rate of interest, it will take you just under 33 years to save $1 million. If you don't have 32 years, you will simply have to increase your saving allotment to fit into the time frame. You don't need to have a million before you retire, but sometimes it can be nice to know that you have more than you have to have. You can simply sit back and dream about being a millionaire, or you can get up and make it happen. Take tips from the wealthy. Run your life and family like a business. Track every penny that is spent or saved. Set goals and live frugally. Protect yourself from potential financial disasters. Create an emergency savings account as the first savings you devote money to. You should have at least three months' worth of expenses in this account. It will protect your budget from accidents, repairs, medical emergencies and job losses. You won't have to worry about taking money from your retirement when the washing machine breaks down. Your budget won't be blown when a tire goes flat. You have money that cushions you from emergencies. You should also make sure that you have good insurance coverage. Have it on your home, your car, your expensive luxury items and your health and life. You can have a lot of money in savings, but a car wreck without insurance will land you paying up in court. Don't let your lack of health insurance drain your savings if you develop a serious condition. It isn't silly or self-serving to make having $1 million your financial goal. Keep your goals in mind every day. Manage your finances, don't let them manage you. With the right goals, a little self control and a lot of dedications, you too can find your million. It's too much money to spend on things you won't even remember in 30 years. |
