David,
I heard an interview on the radio one morning with you the day your Start Late, Finish Rich book came out. I ordinarily don’t listen to talk radio in the morning since it doesn’t seem to wake me up, but your principles where so simple and true that I just kept listening. Needless to say, I bought that book, finished it within the week, then moved onto Smart Women Finish Rich. I had meeting with a financial advisor on my 2004 “to do” list, but didn’t get it accomplished. So, come 1/1/05…I set up the appointment! My husband wasn’t ever worried about or future since he has a decent pension plan and only has 15 more years to go to collect. He will only be 47 at that time, and could if he wanted, seek out another career with another pension as well. I on the other hand, currently have no plan except for some old small rollover IRA accounts to try to build on my own now and retire on.

In light of recent political events, I don’t foresee there being a social security plan by the time I can retire in 40 years! So, it was time to convince my husband to get on the same boat as me in planning for a future together that won’t be as financially strapping as we seem to be now. It took a bit of explaining, but once I told him about the latte factor, (and pointed out ours!) I was able to get him to also open a Roth IRA with me with the promise that his investments didn’t have to be as risky as mine. The accounts are now open and I finally can sleep better knowing we have some sort of plan set up for our future. I looked at every angle, and this is the only place currently we can invest in. But my 5 year plan looks great! Before you know it, I will be one of your new smart women who finish rich.

Thanks!