David, I just read your book Start Late Finish Rich yesterday. I checked it out from the local library for free. I wanted to see if in fact my family and I are on the right track. And, I was pleasanty surprised to see that not only are we doing everything right, but that we are actually ahead of the game. My husband and I have lived frugally enougth over the years that at our age (mid 30’s) we have no car payments, no other bills except our essentials, i.e., utilities and house payment, my husband contributes to his 401(k), we have investment portfolios for us as well as for our children, our kids contribute every week to their savings account thru their school(s). (even if it is just a nickle)AND I was able to finally quit my office job and stay home with my children while I run our home business this year. Even though I gave up a sizeable salary, when you factor in the time, auto expenses and daycare costs, I wasn’t making that much money. And yet, even without my salary, we still pay ourselves first and have a few dollars left over to play around with. Every day we watch our neighbors buy more and more. We also hear time and time again how they are in debt up to their eyes! Last month one of our neighbors who is close to retirement announced that they can’t retire and afford to live in their house! That shocked us! I am so glad that we will never be in that position! Your book was wonderful in that it really went a long way in justifying our life of living frugally. To be honest, the coffee my husband makes at home is 100 times better than that of any coffee house! But it is nice to know that if I do want to go and sit in a coffee house and spend $10.00 for a cup of joe and a scone, I can go there and pay cash for it and not have to worry about it later!
