I'm not asking what your job is. I have a job too. And so far as I can see, not too many people's jobs are enough.
At least mine isn't. I was told to go to college. So I did. I'm halfway through and I'm no further to being self sufficient than when I started. In fact I'd like to wager that I'm even further behind my goals.
I've spent years trying to think of a product/service that I could market. Everything seems to already be taken. Somebody beats me to the punch. It turns out to be a laughable ordeal.
All I want out of this life is to have my own little piece of land and enough stable income that would allow me and my family to survive. Comfortably, that is.
At this point in my life, close to thirty now, I have given up on childish dreams of ever becoming rich. I don't think I'm smart enough to be a tech mastermind making and selling startups. I don't think I have anything worthwhile when it comes to investing. And I seriously doubt my ability to continue on into University at the rate I'm going.
Is a mediocre life of fast food and retail all I'm going to get? I know I'm preaching to the choir here....
From a few conversations I've had with you Phuks, it seems like a lot of you are older men who have been very successful in your endeavors. Many of you have large properties and a lot of cash on hand. You guys have wives and children and several vehicles and big boy toys.
How did you get all that, though? How do I get to where you guys are...legally?
This post is bullshit. I know nobody is going to give away their secret nest egg. I just need some fucking pointers on what not to do.
I can already see a popular comment making its way here : "Don't complain on Phuks, retard!"
Well dipshit I don't have anywhere else to complain and I don't have friends to talk about this shit with. And say goodbye to any relatives who ever gave a shit. Cuz they don't.
I was lucky. Full ride to West Point so I came out with no student debt (other than owing 5 years of my life) and a well-paying job. Did 24 years then became a money sucking contractor for the military.
I know none of that helps you but here's what I do:
Realize there's a huge difference between want and need. Do you really need a new iPhone 10 or is your current phone just fine? Do you need a new pair of Nike shoes or are the $10 Wal-Mart tennis shoes just fine? I don't care if people think I'm cheap. I drive a 17 year old vehicle because I just don't care.
Save money. Every single paycheck. Pick a number to save and stay with it then keep raising it. Savings are supposed to go up, never down.
Make a detailed budget. I literally track every single penny coming in and going out.
Never, ever, allow yourself to impulse buy anything, ever. Research everything you are considering spending money on.
Stay away from credit cards.
Consider renting instead of owning your home. Houses are not only expensive but the maintenance can be huge. I got burned big time on my huge house. I realize there are trade-offs between buying and renting.
Fix stuff on your own. Whether it's a broken pipe or a vehicle, try to fix it yourself before wasting money to pay someone else. I will never pay someone else to do what I can do myself.
Never, ever buy a new car. Used.
As for jobs, always be the best worker. Show up early, don't bitch, volunteer for more, learn. If you are cleaning toilets be the best toilet cleaner there is. Good workers are hard to find, trust me.
Never loan anyone any money unless it's one of your kids.
Hang in there. It takes time. I'm 52 and didn't start feeling comfortable until I was in my mid-40s.