Sunday, June 17, 2012

Financial IQ: Can you guess who are the wealthiest in the Philippines?

jesus_savesjesus_saves (Photo credit: airship)
Financial IQ Philippines Quick Hit(s):

This is a good story of amassing wealth through goal setting and discipline.


Self-made fortunes all begin the same way: with a good idea and some startup cash. Steal these savings tips from three millionaires who made a little into a lot.


Winning the lottery is everyone's fantasy, but the better bet is on a plan that relies more on pluck than luck. "You can become wealthy if you're disciplined, consistent and patient," says Andrew Hallam, who pulled it off on a teacher's salary. These qualities are especially important when you're starting out and trying to save the money needed to get your business idea (or investment strategy) off the ground.


To help you take the first steps, we asked three millionaires-none of whom were born that way-to share how they saved the money that launched their fortune. As you'll see, it's not only the rich who get richer.


Super-Saver Tips: Andrew Hallam


High school teacher and author of Millionaire Teacher


SAVED: $100-$300 a month throughout college


WHAT HE DID WITH IT: Invested in mutual index funds and some individual stocks, eventually amassing $1.5 million. Photo credit: Daemon Baizan


"When I was in college, I remember wanting to save $4,000 a year. That was huge-and what I actually started out saving was $1,200 per year. But having a goal, writing it down and keeping the piece of paper where you can see it every day are key. It keeps you committed and accountable, so you're more likely to stick with your program. When I was coming up short, I'd take extra jobs I wouldn't normally have been motivated to take, like washing buses and mowing lawns. Seeing that number in black and white increased my commitment and spurred me to stick with the program. When I reached my goal, it felt awesome.


"Even now, my wife, who is also a teacher, and I write down a savings goal every year. We aim to save 50% of our salaries, post-tax. Besides things like skipping cable TV and not buying the latest tech gadgets, we save a ton by being mindful of how we socialize. For example, we have certain friends who always like to eat out. If we tried to keep pace with them, we wouldn't save nearly as much money. So when getting together with those friends, we ask them to come to our house for dinner instead. Similarly, when we go on vacation with friends, we avoid the big spenders and travel with frugal people." 


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