My name is Michael Guzzo, PharmD, RPh. I’m a pharmacist, but I also have a passion for personal finance, investment, and the stock market.
However, I didn’t always have this passion.
For much of my life I didn’t have a clue when it came to responsible money management. We didn’t discuss such things in my family, so I grew up not knowing the importance of saving, investing, and living frugally. I thought that being financially-responsible only involved paying my day-to-day bills. Believe it or not, at one point in my life I was on the verge of living on the streets. That was “rock-bottom” for me, so I decided to change my life and go to college to become a pharmacist. But, that’s another story.
It wasn’t until after I obtained my degree, and when my first ex-employer told me that I had to rollover my 401k, that I became seriously interested in managing my money. I had no idea what the term “rollover” meant, much less how to conduct one. Panicking, and not knowing where to turn for help, I decided to personally take charge of my finances and investments, and become financially-educated.
Luckily, the advent of the internet made my quest easier.
After going online, I serendipitously discovered Morningstar.com, and the Vanguard Diehards forum. It was these experienced, knowledgeable and generous people who initially guided me down the right path towards financial success. Thank you Bogleheads!
I also spent a lot of time at the library and proceeded to turn my financial life around. I learned about the importance of living below my means, saving, investing and became even further interested in all things financial.
I then incorporated these concepts into my lifestyle, and with a little time, effort and persistence, attained what I consider “financial nirvana”. I was able to build and maintain an emergency fund, save considerably towards retirement, and eventually pay off my home and become fully debt free.
Attaining financial nirvana is truly empowering. Being debt free allows one more individual autonomy and independence, and gives one the ability to make better choices in life. It definitely worked for me.
So, why not get started on your own quest? All it takes is just a little time, effort and persistence. Anyone can do it.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
