The "big secret" that you can find published in pretty much any self-help book published before the 1940s is simply this: Spend less than you earn and invest your savings wisely.
There was a fellow here posting about how he felt he was trapped in slavery. Let me tell you: slavery has been going on since the dawn of mankind, and people have been BUYING their way out of slavery for just as long.
How is it done?
Spend less than you earn. Invest your savings wisely.
That's it.
Take an assessment of your life. Where is your money coming from? Where is it going to? No matter what, never spend more than you earn. In fact, when money comes in the door, immediately take a chunk of it and put it in your savings, whatever form that is. Then, with the leftovers, go ahead and buy your food and clothing and such. If you can't afford it -- don't buy it. Learn to go without. Your ancestors lived on way less than what you think you need to survive.
Don't get into debt. Debt is for losers. If you borrow today what you pay back tomorrow -- you are enslaving your future self! If you are in debt, do whatever it takes to get out of debt, RIGHT NOW. Remember that BANKRUPTCY is a last-ditch effort to reset your life, so don't be hesitant to take advantage of it if necessary.
And because bankruptcy is an option -- you can settle, RIGHT NOW, your unsecured debt for pennies on the dollar. The credit card companies would rather get something than nothing.
Don't be stupid about this. Be smart with your money.
Invest that money wisely! Don't give OTHER PEOPLE that money so that THEY can get rich! Start today investing in your own businesses and buy things that are worth money now and forever.
The ideal life is this: You make money by doing nothing because your investments grow over time. You only ever work for yourself, building your own wealth. You have such an abundant life that you don't know what to do with the surplus, so you give it to God, your children (especially), your extended family and dear neighbors, WISELY, so that they too can succeed.
Success really is that simple: SPEND LESS THAN YOU EARN, AND INVEST YOUR SAVINGS WISELY!
