First, let me say I saw you on the Oprah Show and as always, you were fantastic! As you know, your Finish Rich book for Couples, changed our lives. Sarah had already been doing a lot of the things you outlined in your book before we got married and always got on me about not saving, credit card debt, etc. but as a couple we weren’t doing all of what you outlined. We had some holes in our portfolio that needed to be addressed -things like 401k, Roth IRA, and Term Life Insurance. For 2 years, we have followed your outline to the “T”. I’m happy to report as of 12/31/03, our stock portfolio has recovered to the EXACT balance we had prior to the fall of the stock market in 2000-2002. Our broker had always had us diviersified, but we did some further tweeking and we kept saving in our Retirement Basket. We have kept our Security Basket full for those unexpected “life” things. Lastly, we have faithfully added to our Dream Basket every month and the funny thing is, WE STILL HAVE MONEY LEFT OVER TO PUT IN AWAY IN OUR RETIREMENT BASKET!!!!!!!
Shortly after we got married, due to Sarah’s thrifty saving dicipline, we decided to pay our house off against the advice of our broker due to tax benefits, etc. However, we felt that we could make more of our money by saving that house payment every month and putting it towards our retirement. You confirmed it Tuesday by saying in your opening statement “pay yourself first”.
In closing, I just want to say, I’m sure that besides your wife and family, I’m almost positive that I’m your biggest fan! Instead of giving the usual wedding, house warming, holiday and party gifts this year to our friends, we decided to give them your “Smart Couples Finish Rich” book. Our broker uses most of your guidelines in her council to younger couples and everytime I meet a new couple and after getting to know them, I ask them if they have heard of you. I try to promote you and your books to everyone I meet. I wish every Pastor would teach these principals to their congregations. They wouldn’t have to get up every Sunday morning asking for donations, they would pile in!!! Anyway, I digress.
Just so you know, we have been debt free for over 5 years now. We have no house payment, we have no credit card debt and we average about $700 – $1,200 a month for our 3 baskets! I just purchased your newest book and have signed up for your newsletter. If you are ever in Houston, please let me know. I will fill the house for you!!!!
