David,

On the advice of a friend, I borrowed your book, “Start Late, Finish Rich” from the library. I will be 42 in July. I am attending a local University to complete a Master Degree in English. I work part-time and make approximately $23,000 a year. I have two children, ages 6 and 5. Everything I read in the book was things my father had talked about when I was growing up, but never implemented. I decided to actually set up my own children and myself for a better future. I have no credit card debt, but I have $90,000 in student loans. Budgeting does not work (you’re right) because it feels as if there’s no extra money to budget, but I can redirect some of my money. With the help of several local housing agencies, I will close next week on my first home. The sale price is $71,000 and I now know I can shave 6 years off the mortgage and save almost $25,000 in interest by making an extra payment each year. I have opened mutual funds with $1000 for each of my boys. I will add to them when and if I can, but, if nothing else, the funds are established and, hopefully, will grow, and I can begin to develop habits of saving and investing in my sons. Furthermore, I had opened a Roth IRA years ago, but had stopped funding it. It has about $5,000 in it. I have reestablished automatic payments of $50/month.

I know none of this is spectacular, but I have made a start and for the first time in years I feel like I have a plan and that it is possible for me to set a good example for my boys. Being rich would be great, but the feeling of moving forward is priceless.

Thank you.