I remember reading many "how to become a millionaire" books in my teenage years with dreams of becoming rich and successful surpassing all of my peers. I was so strong on this dream partly because I was a bad student who could not study well or enjoy most of what I was learning. To my liking I found out that many of (if not most) of the characteristics of millionaires already possessed without the need to condition myself like these books suggested. I got burnt when I was 19 by a weak and poorly researched attempt to jump into the business world and since have been scared and decided to go the traditional "safe" route of college. Realizing too late that my bad study habits and lack of desire to learn the information did not completely leave my identity I am now back in the position that I need to go the business route after 3 years of stress, struggling and accumulation of debt later, to get through school.

I am going to do my best to finish this bachelor’s degree but I really need to take the business route because success this route takes way too long and acquires too much debt and stress.

So my question is do you think that this system of education is just a conditioning process to create modernized, obedient slaves to the system like some of these books and my thoughts suggest? Or is the system the safest and sure fire way to achieve success? I have a lot to think about because I'll be married soon and I need to know what to do with the rest of my life and I’m at a cross roads as to what the best path of success is.

Ain't no sure-fire way to success! But I can tell you right now that ye're soon to take on one of the main hazards to achieving wealth ....ye're planning to get married! That'll basically ruin any chance you might have of becoming wealthy.

Baron Max

So my question is do you think that this system of education is just a conditioning process to create modernized, obedient slaves to the system like some of these books and my thoughts suggest?
Absoultely.

I'll be married soon and I need to know what to do with the rest of my life and I’m at a cross roads as to what the best path of success is.
You will be married soon? And you have debt?
Well, good luck! :eek:

You will need a good business idea this time! :m:

Ain't no sure-fire way to success! But I can tell you right now that ye're soon to take on one of the main hazards to achieving wealth ....ye're planning to get married! That'll basically ruin any chance you might have of becoming wealthy.

Baron Max
What if his wife turns out to be a great business partner as well!!?!!?? ;)

If you are born to be rich, college is the last thing you need. College is mostly work horse training ground churning out folks destined to make somebody else rich. You just need to make sure that you are a naturally tuned money making machine.

Ain't no sure-fire way to success! But I can tell you right now that ye're soon to take on one of the main hazards to achieving wealth ....ye're planning to get married! That'll basically ruin any chance you might have of becoming wealthy.

Baron Max
Crushed dreams, huh?

I remember reading many "how to become a millionaire" books in my teenage years with dreams of becoming rich and successful surpassing all of my peers. I was so strong on this dream partly because I was a bad student who could not study well or enjoy most of what I was learning. To my liking I found out that many of (if not most) of the characteristics of millionaires already possessed without the need to condition myself like these books suggested. I got burnt when I was 19 by a weak and poorly researched attempt to jump into the business world and since have been scared and decided to go the traditional "safe" route of college. Realizing too late that my bad study habits and lack of desire to learn the information did not completely leave my identity I am now back in the position that I need to go the business route after 3 years of stress, struggling and accumulation of debt later, to get through school.

I am going to do my best to finish this bachelor’s degree but I really need to take the business route because success this route takes way too long and acquires too much debt and stress.

So my question is do you think that this system of education is just a conditioning process to create modernized, obedient slaves to the system like some of these books and my thoughts suggest? Or is the system the safest and sure fire way to achieve success? I have a lot to think about because I'll be married soon and I need to know what to do with the rest of my life and I’m at a cross roads as to what the best path of success is.

do what you LIKE and the money will follow.;)
a good trade is a surefire way to make a good living,I know plumbers,carpenters, electricians who are rolling in $$$ mainly b/c their services are in demand,mind you here in Alberta every business is crying for skilled workers,dont know where you live but all these basic service trades are needed to life,so you'll never go bust IF you make the customers happy.
all those "make a million" in real estate or whatever the latest fad is,
is fine and dandy for SOME special individuals,but
most average Joes dont have the right atitude on how to make it.
seems like everyone and his brother here is trying to be a realtor with all those houses and properties going thru the stratosphere,sure some are very good and make serious money but most never make it.
I for example bought and old house for 87k fixed it up painted it and flipped it for 135k 6 months later ,paid no comission either cause we have this www.comfree.ca site here,so who needs a realtor? not me not ever.
geting a good education is great just make sure the demand for what you want to be is there,I see so many kids geting into this computer programmer shyt,which is cool,but seriously how many computer geeks does this world need?

Crushed dreams, huh?

Me? ...LOL! No, I was the American success story, and retired at 55 with enough money to never have to worry again.

The secret to success is to spend less than you earn, to put aside money for savings AND never touch it, to invest that money wisely. As it is in the USA, people go deeply into debt and remain their most of their lives. Don't seem to smart, does it?

Save $1 per day, invest it, and you'll be a multi-millionaire when it comes time to retire. But how many people do that??? Most would rather use that $1 to buy a burger or a coke or some candy or.... So fuck 'em, let 'em starve!

Baron Max

Ain't no sure-fire way to success! But I can tell you right now that ye're soon to take on one of the main hazards to achieving wealth ....ye're planning to get married! That'll basically ruin any chance you might have of becoming wealthy.

Baron Max


Baron, thats not exactly true. It depends on who you marry, and what contract you sign.

Also, the key to wealth is having money. If you have money, you can double or triple your money, but if you have no money, you won't get far.

So the key to becoming wealthy is to start out rich. The key to becoming rich is to start out middle class. The key to becoming middle class is to start out lower middle class. The way out of poverty is to get property.

So essentially, society works in the caste and class system. The lower your caste when you start, the more difficult it will be, so don't be born a minority, or a woman. Secondly, the lower the class you start out, the more difficult it will be, so don't be born poor. When you choose your body, choose a rich family, and choose to be a white male, this way you'll have a greater chance of becoming a CEO. If you can't choose your body, fund stem cell research and support genetic engineering so that parents can design their children and choose the gender, the other solution would be to reverse it around so women are CEO's.

Me? ...LOL! No, I was the American success story, and retired at 55 with enough money to never have to worry again.

The secret to success is to spend less than you earn, to put aside money for savings AND never touch it, to invest that money wisely. As it is in the USA, people go deeply into debt and remain their most of their lives. Don't seem to smart, does it?

Save $1 per day, invest it, and you'll be a multi-millionaire when it comes time to retire. But how many people do that??? Most would rather use that $1 to buy a burger or a coke or some candy or.... So fuck 'em, let 'em starve!

Baron Max

The secret to success is to be born into the right body. It's that simple.
Did you know that most CEO's get hired on appearance and not talent?
Did you know it's more important who you know than what you know?
Did you know that Bill Gates was born rich and became wealthy?

That's how the world is, it's not fair, if you are born into the right family, you'll have an easy time becoming rich, if you are born in the third world it will be nearly impossible. All of us Americans are damn lucky, LUCKY AS HELL.

Real estate. Save all of your money, get a job that will pay for your housing(such as a military job or diplomacy), or a cheap apartment if you can. Get enough for the down payment on a 10 year loan on a $100,000 house. Rent the house out for $5 less than house+insurance(for tax purposes). Sell the house. In 10 years, you have $100,000 for $5 a month, assuming the cost of houses doesn't fall(which I doubt). Do this as many times as you can in your life, figure it out however you want, but sooner or later, you'll have money. If you can do this 10 times in 10 years, in 20 years, if you keep it all, you have $1 million(plus any savings interest minus what you spend). Of course, I can't say it will 100% work, because I'm still too young to initiate, but I think it plays out. You could also try stock, but that's kind of a gamble.I forget what else I was going to say..

Me? ...LOL! No, I was the American success story, and retired at 55 with enough money to never have to worry again.

The secret to success is to spend less than you earn, to put aside money for savings AND never touch it, to invest that money wisely. As it is in the USA, people go deeply into debt and remain their most of their lives. Don't seem to smart, does it?

Save $1 per day, invest it, and you'll be a multi-millionaire when it comes time to retire. But how many people do that??? Most would rather use that $1 to buy a burger or a coke or some candy or.... So fuck 'em, let 'em starve!

Baron Max
I always wondered why do people put away pleasures of life into their retirement when those pleasures are most likely not pleasures anymore. You know, you've lost 70% or so of the taste buds by now :) No savings will buy them back. Besides, in the coming turbulent economy paper investments may become quite useless, buy a gun with ammo.

I always wondered why do people put away pleasures of life into their retirement when those pleasures are most likely not pleasures anymore.

Who said I or anyone did that??? The difference is OVER-indulgence versus sensible indulgence ....there's a big, big difference, wouldn't you say?

As for taste buds, I did my fair share of tasting when I was young. but saving $1 per day is not what I'd call starving to death, would you? While on the other hand, when one is old and can't work, $1 per day is a lot!

Baron Max

Who said I or anyone did that??? The difference is OVER-indulgence versus sensible indulgence ....there's a big, big difference, wouldn't you say?

As for taste buds, I did my fair share of tasting when I was young. but saving $1 per day is not what I'd call starving to death, would you? While on the other hand, when one is old and can't work, $1 per day is a lot!

Baron Max
So you want to say that $1 per day has bought your retirement at 55? Now I understand why you preach virtues of the poverty, ascetism and contentment to the people. Besides, what about those who want to die before 50 y.o. Why save?

I bought old houses, fixed them up and sold them. Now, it's all the rage.

I bought old houses, fixed them up and sold them. Now, it's all the rage.

Since you have experience, what do you think of my idea?

Since you have experience, what do you think of my idea?

Renting can be a huge hassle and cost you in the end. You're at the whim of tenants who call you all the time wanting things fixed. They could care less for the condition of YOUR house.

As well, didn't you forget property taxes? How about contractors for doing the work you might not be able to do, like replacing a furnace, plumbing, arborists? I hate doing roofs and usually subcontract.

And I don't know where you're living, but around here, there's no such thing as a $100,000 house.

How to become wealthty without going to skool? Good Luck.

Renting can be a huge hassle and cost you in the end. You're at the whim of tenants who call you all the time wanting things fixed. They could care less for the condition of YOUR house.

As well, didn't you forget property taxes? How about contractors for doing the work you might not be able to do, like replacing a furnace, plumbing, arborists? I hate doing roofs and usually subcontract.
Thank you
And I don't know where you're living, but around here, there's no such thing as a $100,000 house.

There's none in my city, but I've seen them.

Become a soldier of fortune.

I am going to do my best to finish this bachelor’s degree but I really need to take the business route because success this route takes way too long and acquires too much debt and stress.

I know of several wealthy people who made their money with personal services such as lawn care and janitorial services. Choose something with low start-up costs that you can start by doing the work yourself, and that can easily grow simply by hiring people to do the work for you.

Businesses such as this have an additional advantages of generally trading in cash, and of being open to people with criminal records. No-one bothers to do a background check on the yard guy.

I know of several wealthy people who made their money with personal services such as lawn care and janitorial services. Choose something with low start-up costs that you can start by doing the work yourself, and that can easily grow simply by hiring people to do the work for you.

Businesses such as this have an additional advantages of generally trading in cash, and of being open to people with criminal records. No-one bothers to do a background check on the yard guy.

Thats silly, Yes you can make money doing it, but you are wrong about no one bothering to do a backround check. You are also wrong about thinking you can get "wealthy" doing it. You can get rich maybe.

Thats silly, Yes you can make money doing it, but you are wrong about no one bothering to do a backround check.

The proverbial "no-one" is not meant to be taken literally. If someone occasionally does a background check and decides not to hire you to cut their lawn, who cares? Just move on to someone else. The point is that background checks are uncommon for such services.


You are also wrong about thinking you can get "wealthy" doing it. You can get rich maybe.

I know a guy who owns a window cleaning company that started it just the way I suggested, and he lives in a million dollar house and drives a late model mercedes. I know another guy who owns a lawn care service that started it the same way who lives a similar lifestyle. Are these typical cases? Probably not, but they demonstrate what's possible for those who are motivated, who don't even have college degrees, and who have very little start-up capital. Both of these services require virtually no start-up capital. A lawn mower can even be hauled in the trunk of a car if necessary.

I know a guy who owns a window cleaning company that started it just the way I suggested, and he lives in a million dollar house and drives a late model mercedes.

Sure ....and how many other window cleaners have become rich cleaning windows? One out of a hundred thousand? One out of a million?

...but they demonstrate what's possible for those who are motivated, who don't even have college degrees, and who have very little start-up capital.

Anything is possible, but what are the odds? And what happens if they work their asses off and it fails when they're too old to get a job? As always, it's a matter of gambling with the odds ...you can do it, and someone always wins. But how many lose?????

Save and invest $1 per day, at no matter what job you take, and you'll end up a millionaire before ye're 55 yrs old. Now those are pretty damned good odds, ain't they?

Baron Max

Save and invest $1 per day, at no matter what job you take, and you'll end up a millionaire before ye're 55 yrs old. Now those are pretty damned good odds, ain't they?

Baron Max


dear baron

Thank you for the advice and comments

from what age do we need to start saving the one dollar??? but even if you save one dollar a day where would you suggest to invest it?? Surely you got to be quite shrewd in where you invest it??

Thanks again baron

~~~~~~~~~
zak

Figure out what your natural gifts are and what kind of things you enjoy doing, then think of businesses or trades where you can use your gifts to make money.

The most important thing in business is to ensure you have enough cash flow, that means regular income, which is higher than your outgoings. Once you establish cash flow and a decent profit you must invest your money.

The most profitable start-up businesses are the cash businesses, that is where most of your income is in cash. It puts you in control of your money instead of the taxman. This is important for creating liquid capital that you can capitalise on. I'm not advocating tax evasion, but new businesses need as much help as you can give them in the beginning and ultimately the choice is yours to make.

Real estate has proven to be one of the best investments anyone can make. You can buy old apartments or houses in areas that haven't 'come up' yet, do them up and sell them on, or even keep them for a couple of years to capitalise on their rising values. Or, you could buy land. Land is the most stress free investment if not the absolute best. Land will always grow by a better margin than bank interest in any case and if you buy greenbelt or agricultural land, which then becomes development land, you could see profits of 500% or more. Whatever the case, if you buy land regularly over a period of 20-30 years, you will see very handsome profits in the end.

Marriage and kids are a money pit. Either delay both until you are financially established, or make sure that your wife is capable and willing to earn in her own domain or as your working partner.

The most important thing in business is to ensure you have enough cash flow,...

Well, no shit!! But since you're so fuckin' smart, tell everyone just exactly how to do that! Say it or wishing for it won't work.

The most profitable start-up businesses are the cash businesses,....

Ya' mean like dealing drugs to little kids on the streets???

I'm also going to question your statement ...can you prove that the most profitable bussinesses are "cash bussinesses"? Where did you get that info? And my guess is Exxon would disagree with you, woouldn't you?

Baron Max

Start a company that subcontracts military contracts. You don't have to do anything, except perhaps kiss Republican ass.

Start a company that subcontracts military contracts. You don't have to do anything, except perhaps kiss Republican ass.

Yeah, a lot of the military bases use outside contractors to mow the yards on the bases ....you could make millions in, say, just a couple of months!

...LOL!

Baron Max

Here's a piece of advice that is applicable in certain realms of business, especially in retail -- whether store or mail order -- but well beyond that arena as well. It probably will not make you a multi-millionaire, but following it has done a lot of people a lot of good, and given them an agreeable and comfortable living -- and not least has enabled each of them to be his/her own boss.

BE THE BIGGEST!
That sounds an impossible rule to obey, unless you start off rich -- but not so!

Charing Cross Road is famously the centre of the book trade in London. I no longer live in the capital, but I guess there are something like thirty bookshops along the street and in sideroads. But among those that survive, there is something each has in common. Each of the survivors is the BIGGEST.

One is the biggest in eighteenth and nineteenth century travel books; another is biggest in maps; another is biggest in books about the theatre; another is biggest in science fiction; another is biggest in crime fiction; another is biggest in history; another is biggest in books about sport; . . .

Heck, you say, I can't afford any kind of a shop! So you start off with a market stall at weekends, but the rule is the same: SPECIALISE! Make yourself THE guy for old sci-fi mags, or whatever it happens to be.

Choose a speciality where you can become the biggest fish in the pond, or at least your local pond, in the service that you operate or the product that you offer. Make yourself the greatest expert in your field. This will also have the very gratifying result of making you respected for your expertise and valued for your advice.

Choose a speciality where you can become the biggest fish in the pond, or at least your local pond, in the service that you operate or the product that you offer. Make yourself the greatest expert in your field. This will also have the very gratifying result of making you respected for your expertise and valued for your advice.

I absolutely agree in specialisation and also agree to trying to be the absolute best at it.

I'm also going to question your statement ...can you prove that the most profitable bussinesses are "cash bussinesses"? Where did you get that info? And my guess is Exxon would disagree with you, woouldn't you?

Baron Max

Maybe I should have advised the guy to open a bank or dig an oil well, or maybe even a department store. :rolleyes: You are so idiotic in the way you perceive half the detail and react without even thinking about the variables.

In my experience, if someone is just setting up in business with limited resources and capital, then a cash business is best, both for cash flow and for an initial advantage over the tax system (and don't pretend that tax evasion and tax avoidance are not practised hand in hand amongst the self employed and all businesses. The first method is for the small guy the second for the big fish)

Apart from selling drugs:rolleyes: :m: One could buy and sell in open air markets, or make and sell food--kebabs, pizzas, burgers etc, grocery store, fruit and veg, plumber, painter, garden/pool maintenance, all kinds of personal services, buy and sell second hand goods etc etc

So my question is do you think that this system of education is just a conditioning process to create modernized, obedient slaves to the system like some of these books and my thoughts suggest? Or is the system the safest and sure fire way to achieve success? I have a lot to think about because I'll be married soon and I need to know what to do with the rest of my life and I’m at a cross roads as to what the best path of success is.
The Baron is unfortunately right that marriage is at odds with achieving financial success. (A clue to that: I can safely assume that you are male just by your question; hardly any woman would ask it.) Most women don’t want a poor entrepreneur. They want money now and they love to spend spend spend it. Plus most women want children, and you need about $US200K per child. If your wife works, it’ll likely be a low-paying job that barely covers child care. So plan on either being a corporate robot or else putting your marriage on the line.

There is a huge element of luck in becoming well-off. For every dozen people who did what they loved, the money followed for maybe one of them. College is largely about creating “modernized, obedient slaves”, but it can open doors. Don’t expect it to do anything but open doors. It will be an expensive line item at the bottom of your resume and that’s all.

I agree with the Baron that the best way to improve your odds of becoming well-off financially is to be frugal. Saving $US1 a day doesn’t cut it anymore. That worked for Americans who are retired now only because massive federal borrowing pumped up the stock market while they were working. Nowadays you need to save at least $US100 a day. Seek low-risk returns.

One could buy and sell in open air markets, or make and sell food--kebabs, pizzas, burgers etc, grocery store, fruit and veg, plumber, painter, garden/pool maintenance, all kinds of personal services, buy and sell second hand goods etc etc

There are already millions of those businesses all over the nation, yet damned few ever become wealthy ....and most actually fail, if you read the economic news reports.

"You are so idiotic in the way you perceive half the detail and react without even thinking about the variables."

Perhaps that statement was meant for yourself, huh? :)

What I find interesting is the number and names of people who are so bent on becoming wealthy, yet most seem to post vicious, nasty things about wealthy people. Hmm, seems a bit hippo-critical, don't it??

Baron Max

Saving $US1 a day doesn’t cut it anymore. That worked for Americans who are retired now only because massive federal borrowing pumped up the stock market while they were working. Nowadays you need to save at least $US100 a day. Seek low-risk returns.

No, that's not true! While the principle idea sounds right, you failed to remember that the market values also rose astronomically during that same period. My old dollar didn't grow nearly at the rate that it would now.

Baron Max

Sure ....and how many other window cleaners have become rich cleaning windows? One out of a hundred thousand? One out of a million?

I have no idea. The OP indicated a willingness to put in the effort but an unwillingness to take a big risk. I also know a welathy man who owns a sprinkler installation business. He started out doing yard work. I have had occasion to watch the simplest and stupidest ideas make people rich through sheer tenacity. I know many wealthy business owners, and most of them started in personal services, or construction trades.


Save and invest $1 per day, at no matter what job you take, and you'll end up a millionaire before ye're 55 yrs old. Now those are pretty damned good odds, ain't they?

Baron Max

$1/day = $365/year. Assuming you start at age 18, that gives you 37 years worth of compounding. By my calculations, you would have to get an average rate of return of 18%/year after taxes over that 37 year period to reach $1 million. Sure it's possible, but incredibly unlikely. There's no reason someone who is trying to figure out how to get started can't put $1 asside too once they have an income.

No, that's not true! While the principle idea sounds right, you failed to remember that the market values also rose astronomically during that same period. My old dollar didn't grow nearly at the rate that it would now.
You think the US stock market will yield even greater returns than the huge returns it gave in the last 30 years? It's much more likely that its returns will be negative in the next 30 years, after adjusting for inflation. The next generation must pay the piper for the excesses of the last generation.

It's much more likely that its returns will be negative in the next 30 years, after adjusting for inflation. The next generation must pay the piper for the excesses of the last generation.

That's the same kind of crap that "they" were saying in each of the last gazillion decades ......and we're still truckin' right along.

Baron Max

Only Republicans believe that debt can increase forever.

Only Republicans believe that debt can increase forever.

No democrats are in debt? No democratic congressmen voted to spend more money of some projects anywhere?

Baron Max

The government must spend money; it's a question of how much and on what. America's debt, like all debts, must be dealt with eventually, and that point is fast approaching. Those attempting to become wealthy need to plan accordingly. They cannot count on huge returns from the stock market after adjusting for inflation. It will be a struggle just to beat inflation.

The next generation must pay the piper for the excesses of the last generation.
Isn't that what always happen.....? :rolleyes:

I always wondered why do people put away pleasures of life into their retirement when those pleasures are most likely not pleasures anymore. You know, you've lost 70% or so of the taste buds by now :) No savings will buy them back. Besides, in the coming turbulent economy paper investments may become quite useless, buy a gun with ammo.

You really wonder?
It's because not everyone can be business people and making money like a CEO at a Fortune 500. You said it yourself, most of us end up making other people money.

The trick is to take some of the money you earn, and rather than blow it on porn and big screen TVs, and save it for later. Don't just save, invest. Get your money to make money.

Work hard, don't live up to your income, save, and invest. That one way to become a millionaire without business acumen.

Then there's the lottery.

Who said I or anyone did that??? The difference is OVER-indulgence versus sensible indulgence ....there's a big, big difference, wouldn't you say?

As for taste buds, I did my fair share of tasting when I was young. but saving $1 per day is not what I'd call starving to death, would you? While on the other hand, when one is old and can't work, $1 per day is a lot!

Baron Max

If people only live to die, and if life doesnt really matter, why not live for maximum pleasure? Why not have sex with millions of females and have hundreds of wives, and live like a King?

Why not do whatever you want to do while you still can?

... why not live for maximum pleasure? Why not have sex with millions of females and have hundreds of wives, and live like a King?

Why not do whatever you want to do while you still can?

If I could manage to have sex with millions of women and live like a king, why the hell would I not want to do it!!!??

(I'll pass on the wives though. What do I need them for if I have millions of women at my beckoned call?)

These creative replies seem to have lost the interest of the man who asked the original question. Since he has already stated that he plans to get married, anyone who suggests that the route to success involves being single and having dozens of girlfriends is probably not going to snag his attention.

Humans have an instinct for monogamy. Serial monogamy can more or less satisfy it, with a relatively intense committed relationship that lasts for a few years failing and being replaced with another. But a life of bachelorhood with no formation of a family is a vapid and unbalanced life.

But settling down with someone for life, or at least something approaching half of it, grows the spirit in a way that other lifestyles cannot. As Counselor Deanna Troi said on Star Trek TNG, "Marriage is a commitment to share who you are with another person." That is a joyful, unique, enlightening and quite mature experience.

To say that marriage impairs one's ability to become wealthy is to not understand what wealth is.

Well said, Fraggle!

Marry a rich girl ............. problem solved .

:p

Humans have an instinct for monogamy.

Do you have any evidence for that assertion? As I see it, with the rates of infidelity in the world today, my best guess is that monogamy is NOT instinctive. Please provide some evidence that monogamy is innate, rather than a socially-imposed rule.

"Marriage is a commitment to share who you are with another person." That is a joyful, unique, enlightening and quite mature experience.

If that were really true, then why is the divorce rate at over 50%? And why is infidelity at such high rates in marriages?

To say that marriage impairs one's ability to become wealthy is to not understand what wealth is.

So when someone talks about "wealth", you don't think of money and possessions? ...you think only of spiritual wealth? Hmmm? It must be difficult to talk to someone who doesn't have the same definitions, huh?

Baron Max

These creative replies seem to have lost the interest of the man who asked the original question. Since he has already stated that he plans to get married, anyone who suggests that the route to success involves being single and having dozens of girlfriends is probably not going to snag his attention.

Humans have an instinct for monogamy. Serial monogamy can more or less satisfy it, with a relatively intense committed relationship that lasts for a few years failing and being replaced with another. But a life of bachelorhood with no formation of a family is a vapid and unbalanced life.

But settling down with someone for life, or at least something approaching half of it, grows the spirit in a way that other lifestyles cannot. As Counselor Deanna Troi said on Star Trek TNG, "Marriage is a commitment to share who you are with another person." That is a joyful, unique, enlightening and quite mature experience.

To say that marriage impairs one's ability to become wealthy is to not understand what wealth is.

Serial monogamy is polyamory, which means the person is better off having all his or her partners at the same time. It's more efficient.

Also, the key to wealth is having money. If you have money, you can double or triple your money, but if you have no money, you won't get far.

So the key to becoming wealthy is to start out rich. The key to becoming rich is to start out middle class. The key to becoming middle class is to start out lower middle class. The way out of poverty is to get property.

So essentially, society works in the caste and class system. The lower your caste when you start, the more difficult it will be, so don't be born a minority, or a woman. Secondly, the lower the class you start out, the more difficult it will be, so don't be born poor. When you choose your body, choose a rich family, and choose to be a white male, this way you'll have a greater chance of becoming a CEO. If you can't choose your body, fund stem cell research and support genetic engineering so that parents can design their children and choose the gender, the other solution would be to reverse it around so women are CEO's.

true in a way,the problem with many kids being born rich is they dont have any ambition to acomplish anything and are very lazy and bored with life,and end up being boozers dopers and generaly unhapy.
poor people on the other hand have something to fight for a goal to reach,it all depends how quick you learn what it takes to succeed.
reading all the books on whatever you want to exell at would certaintly be the best way to go,asking lot of questions of people who made it big would help too.
biggest mistake is to waste your time associating with lazy morrons who will only drag you down with their problems,
its sometimes hard to avoid these fucks especialy if they are family members who you care about.

easiest way to make small fortune is to start with a BIG one and keep spending :D
caste system and race dont mean shyt,in America anyone with right atitude can make it,smart brain obviously helps too.
look at all the poor blacks who cant even sing and still become great"musicians":rolleyes: rappers.
or how about all those iron workers,welders, building custom bikes and selling them for outrageous amounts of $$.
Jesse James, Billy Lane,Teutuls family etc.
imo you have to think way out of the box,dont become 9 to 5 robot that kind of work just kills/dulls your mind .
if you want to make it big then think BIG.

No democrats are in debt? No democratic congressmen voted to spend more money of some projects anywhere?

Baron Max

Democrats raise taxes to pay for what they spend. Republicans spend (more than democrats, btw), and cut taxes.

What if you made some money, invested it in safe places with slow growth, then moved to a small 2nd or 3rd world nation where your money was worth 10x what it was in the States, and live like a king?

What if you made some money, invested it in safe places with slow growth, then moved to a small 2nd or 3rd world nation where your money was worth 10x what it was in the States, and live like a king?

That's probably what Sir Vincent did. The downside of that is that if you're an outgoing, social animal, city freak type you're liable to get bored/drunk/drugged to death (take your pick).

I like going to school.

It reminds me that I don't know everything and that there are many others who know things that I don't.

.... but If only there was one book that had ALL the answers in it, and told me EVERYTHING I needed to know, including how life came to be, how live forever in paradise with 70 virgins...

that would make things a lot simpler wouldn't it!

...that would make things a lot simpler wouldn't it!

I think that's one of the problems with the world today ....people want things and wealth, but most aren't willing to put in the hard work to get it. They're always looking for the easy way to glories and riches.

Baron Max

Hi baron

you are completely right here that you need to work hard to get what you want.. Only the real lucky ones can doss around and a amass a fortune!!

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take care
zak

Baron Max, I deposit 55 a month in a roth ira, is that good?

become a jew, they'Re all rich :rolleyes:

become a jew, they'Re all rich :rolleyes:
Throw Jews down the well!

nah, they may get back up

These creative replies seem to have lost the interest of the man who asked the original question. Since he has already stated that he plans to get married, anyone who suggests that the route to success involves being single and having dozens of girlfriends is probably not going to snag his attention.
It may not snag his attention, but it's better to tell it like it is, don't you think? Marriage is among the worst financial decisions a man can make. Just ask any divorce lawyer. That doesn't mean that it is always a bad thing. It's just very costly on average. The original poster should plan on being a corporate robot; it's the most likely outcome if he gets married and wishes to stay married.

But a life of bachelorhood with no formation of a family is a vapid and unbalanced life.
At least you don't have to work beyond age 50. All things considered, I think bachelorhood is preferable.

But settling down with someone for life, or at least something approaching half of it, grows the spirit in a way that other lifestyles cannot. As Counselor Deanna Troi said on Star Trek TNG, "Marriage is a commitment to share who you are with another person." That is a joyful, unique, enlightening and quite mature experience.
The type of marriage you're talking about is all but extinct today, thanks to easily obtainable credit. Seen any low-budget weddings lately? There's no joy in working overtime to pay for all the shopping sprees.

do what you LIKE and the money will follow.;)


I like to fly kites. Not much money in that. ;)

Real estate was a good business in the last few years, not anymore. The housing market is collapsing.
Marriage can be a good business, but you have to choose carefully.

The only thing that can give you wealth with a relative small start up money are the markets. And don't trade stocks but futures. You can start with as little as 5K. The education period depends on if you can find a mentor. If not, let's say 1-3 years. You can either pyramid yourself up into wealth or after building a trackrecord, you can get hired by hedgefunds...

So... how do you find a mentor?

So... how do you find a mentor?

If you start buying futures, then you're gonna' need a lot more than a mentor! You're gonna' need a lot of available capital for when you guess wrong!

A smart, economy-knowledgeable investor can make a killing in futures, but my guess is that ain't you! And to be fair, it ain't a helluva lot of people, so you ain't alone.

Baron Max

Yeah, read some behind-the-scenes books on futures. The traders in the pits devour the suckers (i.e. customers). They trade for their own accounts, so you have to be better than them. You can lose much more than your investment.

steal

steal

Many have tried that approach, but few have succeeded at it.

Baron Max

What are we talking about now?

Many have tried that approach, {steal} but few have succeeded at it. Baron MaxI think that depends on how you define "stealing."

If "stealing" is “knocking off” a liquor store for $200 bucks or bank for $20,000 bucks with a gun to insure compliance, then I think in most cases you are correct, in the long run.

I was thinking more of "white collar stealing." You know things like selling pirated CDs at regular prices in your record store or used cars (with heavy oil in the transmission and radio on loud to hid the noise from the broken gear.) etc. for the "small time" operators.

The big time operators back date their stock option purchase prices, cook the company books to hide the funds sent to their dummy corporation etc. - On average they do rather well, although occasionally some public prosecutor, with political ambitions, will "bag a big guy" to further his career, but most I think will be happy with season tickets to the local ball games, case of liquor at Christmas time, etc. (Perhaps a few get free plane trips to the company's vacation facilities in the Caribbean etc. It is also amazing what an unexpected visit from a call girl, photographed by a hidden camera, can do for security from prosecution.) - That is how stealing can move you up financially big time in the US, in many cases.

If all that is still too risky, run for political office. While governor of Texas, GWB ordered the Un. of Texas to cease disclosing anything about the management of the University’s endowment funds, which he then turned over to his friend (Tom Hicks, who owns the Clear Channel network of more than 1000 small, very-conservative radio stations), to manage. Not long after wards, Tom and a few others joined together to set up the Texas Rangers ball club and GAVE 10% ownership of it to GWB. (Well “GAVE” may be a little too strong. - GWB did do something to earn this reward. He used the states power of eminent domain to force the owner of the stadium site to sell, when owner did not want to. - Clearly a new stadium is one of the “absolute public necessities” that eminent domain laws were designed for.:rolleyes: )
---------------------------
GBW is not only easily the worst President the US has ever had, but one of the richest. - not bad for a CEO so dumb that he managed to banrupt the oil company he ran. Tom Hicks saved it - buying up its worthless shares at such inflated prices that the SEC filters were trigerred and an investigation was started. - Fortunately for GWB, Bush senior was US President and told the SEC to archive the investigation. Perhaps now that the democrats control Congress, they can set up an investigation, get the file out of the SEC archives etc.

Certainly pays to be a politician. But do you have to go to school to become one?

So... how do you find a mentor?

Well, good question. There are websites that supposedly teach profitable trading methods, but their results is questionable.
You can hang out where other traders hang out (elitetrader.com) and you might just get lucky.
You have probably more chance of developing your own system. But even if you don't get into wealth (very, very few do), you might be able to make a decent living out of it...

I posted this in another thread. I personally think it is a pretty good idea...

"I would, basically, hunt for businesses that are failing, buy them, fix them and automate them as much as possible (so that the manager problem is not that much of an issue anymore). That way, i can get a good cashflow for a relatively cheap price. All that I need to do is to find someone that is desperate enough to sell their business for practically nothing, analize his financial statements with my cool little ratios and other financial tools, make the necessary adjustments, and voila... a great business for the price of a banana! :D

Well, what I'm planning to do is actually a small variation of that, since I don't have the start-up funds to actually buy the business.... :cool:

And I don't want the liabilities either...."