I’m sure that you’ve heard the following phrase before:
“There will always be those who have, and those who don’t”.
If you’re an observer of peoples’ behavior like I am, then you’ve probably figured out that this phrase should actually read:
“There will always be those who will, and those who won’t”.
In all of the years that I’ve spent trying to encourage others to take charge of their finances in order to make their lives less stressful, I’ve lost count of the excuses people use why they can’t save and invest. But, the one excuse that I’ve heard most often is:
- “I’m not an overpaid pharmacist, I don’t earn enough to save”.
Of course, when someone says this to me, the first thought that comes into my mind is “sour grapes”. Like there’s some kind of magical number you need to reach in order to be able to save.
So, how does one convince others, that no matter how much they make, there’s always a portion that they could save and invest?
The best way that I know of is by example. We need someone with whom we can identify, and there’s no better example of success against the odds than someone like my hero, Mr. Earl.
We all can identify with his struggles against the odds.
According to the MoneyTrack website:
Earl Crawley’s story is featured in the second episode. His real-life tale of how one parking lot attendant, earning no more than $20,000 a year, has amassed a retirement nest egg of over $500,000. Despite being poor, uneducated, and dyslexic, Mr. Earl overcame these odds and taught himself to become a skilled and savvy investor.
Today, Mr. Earl is living a good life. He owns his house and has no credit card bills or debt. He was able to put his three children through private school, and now Mr. Earl is “paying it forward” by reaching out to his fellow churchgoers and teaching them how to invest their money.
Still think that it can’t be done?
After watching this video interview, there should be absolutely no excuse for any able-bodied adult NOT to save and invest at least a small portion of their hard-earned money. If Mr. Earl can do it, you can do it!
It’s just a matter of WILL you do it.