How to Get the First $20,000

Admittedly, I have a distinct advantage over most people when it comes to this particular challenge. Most people, probably don’t have $20,000 just sitting around waiting to be doubled. So how did I come up with this money?

I did it the old-fashion way. Actually, inheriting the money is the old-fashion way. I did it the second-to-oldest-fashion way. I saved. I saved every cent I could and didn’t buy things that I didn’t need. My obsession with saving almost borders on the ridiculous. There were times I literally had to develop a SPENDING PLAN, so that I would loosen up the purse strings and actually spend some of my money. I earn a very good living, and I live very modestly. This has allowed me to save a tremendous amount of money over the past few years. Enough so that I could probably take five years off of work, and still be in OK shape. I wouldn’t do that, because I actually like working, but it is feasible.

As Rick points out in his post about this site, I love to talk about money. I especially like to help my friends realize how important it is to save money, and not get into a cycle of constantly buying what you want whenever you want it. Through hard work and discipline you can get to a point where you can either quit your job or start a crazy idea like trying to double your money. If you are lucky, you can do both :) I have gotten to the point where I have zero debt of any sort. I don’t have any credit card debt, student loans, or car payments. Since I don’t own a home, I don’t have a mortgage. It is times like this, when I don’t have any income, that it really pays off.

I can’t talk about saving money without posting my all-time favorite SNL skit on the subject, Don’t Buy Stuff You Can Not Afford. I laugh every time I see it. The sad thing is, there are lots of people just like this couple.

Steve Martin says it best when he ask, “I think I got it. I buy something I want, and then hope I can pay for it, right?” You would be surprised how many times I have had a conversation with someone just like this.

About terrence

I'm a guy in his 30's who likes to write about life, money, and work. I went to a great school and got a great job doing something I really enjoy, leading smart people build great things. I like to give advice to people so I can help them achieve whatever it is they want out of life.