(Thanks to BlogHer PicApp for sharing this photo.)
Growing up an American, in a family that lived at poverty level has had quite an affect on me. I’ve learned a lot from my parents about money. My Dad, was a cowboy and didn’t ever make much more than typical cowboy wages. A dollar a day, beans and hay. But, he always came home happy. My Mom, also a cowgirl, was a college educated stay at home mom. She (like me) chose to stay at home despite money struggles, to raise her family. I wrote about my choice here.
What I learned from them was this. Money can’t buy happiness or build a loving family.
Fast forward 20 years to Ben and I raising our family. We say it this way…he makes the living, and I make it worthwhile.
As you know, we live debt free except for our farm house. (Thanks to the teaching of Dave Ramsey.) We feel rich even though our paycheck is very average. Yet, my question (up to a few years ago) was this. What is the difference between us and some first generation millionaire? Is it our smell? Do we not have that look? Will we ever have the Midas touch? The surprising answer came a few years ago when we met Marlin, a multimillionaire.
We had no earthly idea Marlin was wealthy. As far as we knew (or cared for that matter) he was just a great guy, with a nice family and a small business. We have grown to be great friends with him and his family and found he is an open book. He mentors anyone who will listen on life and living successfully.
Through all this, I’ve been blown away about people’s misconceptions of wealthy people. So, I’m writing a series called Confessions of a Millionaire based on our conversations, other books on the subject and my observations.
I would love to know what YOU would ask a millionaire if you had a chance? Leave a comment below or email me at sis at reclaimsimplicity.com. I’ll ask him and start to share these confessions Monday.
You won’t believe what I’ve found.
Stay Tuned,
Sis
Tags: american dream, building wealth, characteristics of a millionaire, dave ramsey, evil rich people, how to act like a millionaire, mentoring, mentors, millionaire next door, millionaires, millionaires in america, mindset of a millionarie, secret life of a millionaire
I can’t wait to hear more, what a great idea.
Can’t wait to hear this!! Looking forward to Monday!
Homestead Mommy and Bobbi ~ Thanks gals, I’m lookin forward to it too. He did this for a Financial Peace University class I lead, and they really seemed to enjoy it. Have a fantastic weekend.
Sis
I LOVE Dave! He is just so great- praising Jesus and helping teach us how to save ourselves. My husband (boyfriend at the time) told me about Dave and I listened and have been a fan ever since.
I am also in the process of reading “The Millionaire Next Door: Surprising secrets of America’s wealthy” by Thomas J. Stanley Ph. D. & William D. Danko Ph.D.. It is so simple and yet it seems we sabotage ourselves. I look forward to hearing what your friend has to say.
I created an Etsy shop and a blog this last month I hope you will check it out if you have the chance
I love your blog so much I linked to it from mine! I hope you don’t mind (let me know if you do):
http://firedaisy.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
Emily–I love Dave too. What a God send he has been to so many people. I’ve read the Millionaire Next Door too, great book! Sabotage is a great way to put it, no doubt. I’ll no doubt check out your blog, thanks for telling me and linking what an honor!
Sis
Now that they have made the money they worked so hard to make, do they feel it was worth it and does it bring them what they thought it would?
Michelle–great question!!! It’s funny I’ve heard him say the only thing money allows a sad person to do is vacation is great places, it certainly doesn’t take away their sadness. But, I’m getting ahead of myself…Stay tuned and thanks for stopping.
Sis