1. Develop written financial plan goals-putting the pen to paper some how makes it more real, and having a plan to work with right from the start will get you going in the right direction.  Come up with a workable plan you can put into action and making changes as you evolve and grow.  Revisit your plan every quarter to ensure you are always on the right track.
  2. Live below your means-you do not need to be a walking fashionista with overpriced designer clothes, shoes & accessories.  Invest in a few smart pieces and build inexpensively off of that.  Don't allow on overpriced house or car to kill your budget.  Cut coupons to save a few bucks and grocery shop smart by reading and comparing products and prices.  Do live and eat well, while enjoying activities that don't cost money, like biking, walking, hiking, gardening, going to the park or beach. 
  3. Ditch your credit cards-credit cards should not be used if you are not able to pay off your purchases within two to three months.  Just think about how much extra money you would have to spend if you didn't have to pay interest on the money you borrowed.  Instead pay them off every month, and don't pay interest at all!  And why not get a credit card that offers you miles as well?  Be smart about having your money work for you!  If you can not pay it off, do not buy anything unless it is an absolute necessity.  You only need a few credit cards.  If you have a bunch in your wallet, pay them off and cancel them.  This may even help your FICO score.  Debt will only hold you back.
  4. SAVE IT! - Get into the good habit of saving money!  You should aim your plan to be a systematic investment.  Build an emergency fund so you don't have to raid your savings in the event of an emergency.  Save no less than 10% of each paycheck & half of all pay raises.  You did without the $ before, and will cherish it more later than you will an old pair of shoes.
  5. Start your own business-they say two thirds of millionaires are self-employed, with 75% of them being entrepreneurs, and the rest being professionals such as doctors and lawyers.
  6. Get professional financial advice-Find a trusted professional that you can work with.  Learn about your investments, pay attention to how they perform, and do not be afraid to ask questions and make decisions for yourself. 
  7. Have your money work for YOU-You don't need a lot of money to get started.  Many money market accounts can be opened with only $1,000.00.  Look for companies that offer no-load funds, and low expense ratios.  Build yourself a diverse portfolio and where you can reasonably expect to earn 8 to 10 percent annually on your investments over the long run.
  8. Re-think your purchases - ask yourself...do I really need this or do I want this?  That $5 cup of coffee can accumulate to over $1,210 per year.  Cut back and treat yourself less often and watch the savings add up.  Going to the bank to get cash?  Make sure you go to the bank you bank at, or you can incur major fees.  Choosing to bank at banks that are easily accessible in your area is a smart choice to cut high cost fees.

 

What do you do to save money? 

What is your retirement plan?

 

2 Comments on Simple Steps to becoming a Millionaire

APR
02
2008
Localism Sponsor
Noelle ~~ Great list.  These are the basics that are true in any economy.
3:52pm • #1
451,016 Points Outside Blog
Hi Noelle..sounds so simple...somewhere I get lost in the shuffle....trying to do it..but you have inspired me... :) 
5:55pm • #2

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Noelle Hipke

Huntington Beach, CA

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Star Real Estate

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