So You Wanna Be a Millionaire?

In 2007, there were roughly 9 million Americansmore than twenty years. Another real-life
who had a net worth of one million dollars orexample is billionaire Warren Buffet, who lives in
more. Representing only 3% of the entire U.S.the same house in Omaha, Nebraska he bought
population, they are indeed a special group offor $31,500 in 1958.
individuals who have achieved more than theAre they smarter and more intelligent than us?Of
American dream - they are the American dream!course not! About 65% of millionaires have a
Since 2003, the number of American millionairesbachelors degree, 18% have obtained master's
has increased every year by 15% on average.degrees, 8% law degrees, 6% medical degrees,
Are they financial geniuses compared to the restand 4% PhD's. Most millionaires will tell you what
of us? What do they know that you and the restthey learned in college helped them somewhat,
of America does not, and how can you learn tobut real-life business experience was a far more
become one of them? These financially superioreffective instructor. What about a business plan?
Americans may know the formula for creatingThe average millionaire relied more on instinct,
wealth, but they don't own it. In capitalist America,ambition and daily goals rather than a formally
the formula for wealth creation is available to thewritten business plan to achieve their business and
bank teller, barber and Mary Kay consultant, butfinancial success.
the question is, will they seek it out and use it?Finally, how do you become a millionaire?
What millionaires do for a living?Well of course it's not some secret wealth
The typical American millionaire is a self-employedformula that "white folks" are hiding from us! You
(hustler) or business owner (baller). Of the 9 millionnow know what the average American millionaire
millionaires, about 65 percent are self-employed.looks like, what they drive, how much they save,
About 4.5 million are business owners, who ownhow they make money, and how they behave
restaurant franchises, auto dealerships, realand think financially. They don't spend money on
estate, and car washes. Another 1.5 million arethings that decrease in value. They invest their
self-employed professionals consisting of doctors,money in assets or objects that will increase in
lawyers, and accountants. About 66% ofvalue or put money into their bank accounts.
millionaires work between forty-five and fiftyThey don't have to look wealthy because they
hours per week, but most enjoy what they doknow they are wealthy. They write down daily
and don't consider it work.weekly business and financial goals to make
How much is a millionaire's salary?certain their everyday moves are related to
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a millionreaching those goals. They know they can't do
dollar salary to become one. The averageeverything themselves so they employ leverage,
millionaire only makes about $130,000 per year,which is using other people's time, money and
but they do something the majority of Americansefforts to achieve results.
have proved they simply can't do -- SAVE andWhere average people see financial disaster they
INVEST! Another millionaire misconception is thatnotice business opportunity and immediately
most are wealthy because of an inheritance.capitalize on that opportunity before the window
However, roughly 80% of millionaires arecloses. According to Dr. Thom Stanley, author of
self-made business people who had ambition,Millionaire Next Door, it takes the average
discipline, financial education, and goals, andmillionaire 17-18 years to become one and most
received no inheritance.are first generation and started with little or
How do Millionaires live?Most millionaires savenothing.
between 15-20% of their income, wearRemember, the average millionaire only makes
inexpensive clothing and drive late-model cars. Forabout $130,000 a year, but can live on $50,000
example, billionaire Warren Buffet drove a 2001and save and invest the rest. Get ready! Now
Lincoln Town car before he auctioned it on Ebayyour goal should be to see how you could make
in 2005 for charity and drove a 1983 Oldsmobile$130,000 a year. Get set! Take $130,000 and
for 15 years before purchasing the Town car.divide by 12 and you get about $10,800 per
Also, you won't catch Bill Gates in the MayBach ormonth. Now find 1,000 items (your labor, cars,
$400,000 Rolls Royce Phantom (Jay-Z's favoriteclothes, real estate etc.) that you can sell and
car), instead he drove a 1999 Porsche 911make an average profit of at least $10.80 or
Convertible and a 1988 Porsche 959 Coupe.more and keep your cost of living at $50,000 a
About 97% of millionaires own their home andyear and it should only take you about twelve
their homes on average are worth $320,000.and a half years to become a millionaire. Go!
Most of them have lived in the same home forCreate Wealth, Enjoy Life!