My life

Upon graduating from college in 1976 my first job paid $2.37/hr.  I worked a six day week; the overtime greatly helped my situation.  I lived with my parents for a brief time before renting an apartment with a roommate.

I first began saving and investing money that year by investing $10 from every paycheck.  It was a struggle however I knew I must prepare for the rainy day sure to come and retirement.

I was transferred to Chicago in 1977 and I made $12,000 a year, gross pay.  I had three pieces of furniture in my apartment and could barely pay my bills.  I wasn’t happy with my situation and committed myself to become more valuable to my company as to increase my income.

I continually improved my standing in the company with various promotions and transfers.  Each promotion resulted in an increase of the money I saved and invested.  It wasn’t a smooth ride by any measurement.  I was demoted once however rather than being defeated I persisted until I had secured a better (higher paying) position than the position I was demoted from, with the same company.

I was laid off from this company in 1994 due to downsizing.  I received a fair settlement package and I received unemployment benefits before finding a new job. 

My new position paid about half of what I was earning at my old company.  I could afford to take the job as I had saved and invested, without fail, since 1976.  I again dedicated myself to proving my worth to my new company and in 5 years I was making 100% of what I was earning with my old company.

I resigned my position in 2003 and took jobs again making less than half of what I was earning.  My goal was to cover expenses for a couple of years until my nest egg was large enough to provide living income.

I stopped working in 2005.  I watch my expenses however I live a comfortable life, one free from the daily grind of working for someone else.  I do manage my nest egg as it will provide retirement income, along with Social Security, until the day I die.

In the January 2008 stock market correction my nest egg lost over $70,000.  I’m not concerned as the odds are great it will recapture those losses and grow to become even bigger.

I am of average intelligence and I invest in certificates of deposits, 401K and IRA programs, a few individual stocks and mutual funds.  I firmly believe anyone, regardless of background, education and intelligence, can accomplish what I did and more.  It is about discipline; discipline to always save and invest money, no matter how small the amount, consistently through life.

It is a wise person who watches their expenses and keeps an eye on the big (future) picture while living life today.  Sure, have fun, smell the roses and let your hair down once in awhile.  Life isn’t worth living if you aren’t happy.

Always think about the future, it will be here before you know it.  Why not be able to enjoy it as much, if not more than the present?