Dear Mr. Bach:

If it were not for your book, Start Late, Finish Rich, I probably would not be a homeowner. I was already quite adept at managing money before I picked up your book. I learned thrift and voluntary simplicity back in my 20s. When I became disabled, these skills were an enormous help in getting by on my limited income.

Nevertheless, I assumed owning a home was out of my grasp. Your book said that a person can’t get rich while renting. That started me thinking. Then a condominium went up for sale across the hall from me in the same complex where I had been renting for several years. I did the math and realized I could own for little more than I was renting. These are not luxury condos; they started out as military housing. I bought one for $70,000. The real estate agent was amazed that a single, disabled mom, could buy her own home.

That was 2 ½ years ago. I have already paid so much extra on the mortgage that my 30-year mortgage is now down to 19 years. I don’t own a palace, but I do own my own home, a goal I had once given up on.

Thank you for writing your book.