Dear David,
I have read your book, and found it to be truly enlightening. I am 31 and carrying roughly $20,000 of debt primarily from tuition cost and also a little, well ok a lot of frivolous spending throughout my college years. I had convinced myself that it didn’t matter how much money I spent now, because I would be able to pay it off as soon as I got into the work force. I’m sure you can guess what happened next.
Well in truth it took me about 18 months to find decent employment, during which time my debt ballooned. Barely making ends meet, I was living off credit cards and renting a tiny bachelor apartment which I appropriately named the shoe box. Combined with my bills, and living expenses it was only a matter of time before the bottom fell out.Once I started working regulary it did not get better, my living expenses increased in proportion to my new salary. It was at this point that fely utterly stuck.
It was only by pure chance that I stumbled upon your book. But from the moment I opened it and perused several pages, I knew I had to buy it. I have followed it implicitly and it has thus far changed my life.
Once I discoverd my latte factor, which was basically just spending without keeping track of my finances, I have managed to find $500/month to pay down my credit debt and $500/month towards my RRSP. What a difference this has been! In addition, and with a little apprehension I might add, I called my credit card companies and negotiated a drop from 18.5% to 6% on one card and a drop to 6.5% on another and had the annual fee waived on both counts.
I have also managed with the aid of your plan, a 10% increase to my salary.
I am now taking a week off work to start up a small home-based business.
My next step is to buy a home.
I was once the biggest cynic, but I have truly been awakened.
Drowning in debt was not only draining my bank account but also my spirit. I felt emotionally drained. Now watching my debt disappear and my savings grow on a monthly basis is frankly so motivating that my mind is working over time to find new ways to save, and create income. Since picking up your book just over 7 weeks ago I have managed to generate an additional $1000/month by utilizing my skills which I employ at work and offer them out privately for 1hr/day per week, on my own time of course.
I cannot thank you enough for pointing me in the right direction.
Yours truly,