Dear David,

I’m 42 years old and currently deployed to Iraq as a civilian contractor, supporting the armed forces in “Operation Iraqi Freedom”. I had just started reading your book (“Start Late, Finish Rich”) when I decided that I’d better read “The Automatic Millionaire” first so that I didn’t miss anything. So, I ordered it and went through it within a fews days of its arrival. Being here in Iraq, my first thought was that I didn’t have a latte factor because I eat, live and sleep within a small military camp that is enclosed within several layers of security guarded fences and gates. The only time we leave the gate is when we get to take our 10 days R&R (every 120 days). Because the military provides meals, snacks, housing etc., there is hardly any opportunity to go out and spend money. After reading th entire book, I realized that I really do have a latte factor. I began to go through my bank statements that showed my $47.99 charges each month for Netflix (movies), my cell phone bill that averaged $129.99 for the service for 5 lines alone, my gevalia coffee subscription that has grown to $75 monthly (with all the teas, special coffee, seasonal coffee, etc.). I immediately decided to reduce my Netflix subscription, decrease my cell phone plan, and discontinue my coffee subscription. The math looks this:

NETFLIX – was $47.99 monthly, now $4.99 monthly = savings of $43 monthly or $516 yearly
TMOBILE – was $139.99 monthly, now $79.99 monthly = savings of $60 monthly or $720 yearly
GEVALIA – was $75 monthly, now $25 monthly = savings of $50 monthly or $600 yearly.
That’s a total savings of $1836 yearly. I’ve opened a Mutual Fund/IRA account, purchased some savings bonds, purchased a money market account, and automated everything. Once I mobilize back to the US, I’ll be working in the corporate office where I will have the opportunity to take advantage of the company 401K plan (you’d better believe I will max it out).

Thank you so much David. I would have never dreamed it possible to become a millionaire. Once I saw it in black and white, I went from possibility to probability…..and now it is a reality. I’m so excited.