Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to know the awesome feeling of helping to change a life? Do you want to see hope restored to eyes that had no hope? Help someone with their finances! I don't mean that you should give them a bunch of money. I don't mean that you should give them any money. I mean help them with their finances! Sit down with them and help them put together their first ever zero-based budget. Help them understand what a mutual fund is and how to invest. Teach them the concept of dollar-cost averaging or compound interest. Show them that a little bit saved every month can equal a lot in just a few years. It does not take a sophisticated degree or certification to help someone with their finances. It takes caring and understanding! There is an amazing thing that happens when you teach a person to better manage their finances - you gain a friend. You truly helped them make a tangible, real change in their financial future. I would not have learned sound financial management techniques without being taught by friends and family. This is a case where "paying it forward" makes a HUGE difference for the future! It made a huge difference for my family's financial future! Go make it happen! You can do it!

We are crazy when it comes to spending our money! I smile when I think of the different things we buy. Here are some examples that have made me smile.

• Snow White and her seven drawfs in 1/2-size and placed them in their yard
• Yard art - Silhouettes of old people bent over with their rears facing you
• I bought a seed germination heating mat (but I got it 1/2-off!)
• Boiled peanuts (I love them!)
• Having a "grill" installed in your teeth (especially the ones with gold and diamonds)
• Hot tubs that sit unused at least 355 days a year
• Big boats that sit unused at least 355 days a year
• Goats and donkeys
• Ground effects and big tires for trucks
• Huge amp in a Datsun B210 car
• A harp

Bottom-line: No matter what you do, no matter where you live, no matter how much you already have - you will still want just one thing more, and that one thing will seem absolutely crazy to someone else. When you boil it down, most of the items we think we need are really just wants. If you are broke, just say no! If you are not broke, buy it, and just let us all smile!

If you ever wondered how much and how long you need to save to have $1,000,000 - Look no further!

If you want to type in some custom calculations, there is a good calculator here.

HAVE FUN! By the way, if you are saving $30,000/year, I am accepting donations!!! :)