A Million Bucks by 30
A Million Bucks by 30
A Million Bucks by 30 tells the story of how twenty-two-year old Alan Corey vowed to become a millionaire by thirty, and then how he actually achieved his goal — early. (It does have some words in it that might be bleeped by prime time TV, so if that kind of thing offends you, be warned.)
I think he achieves his goal, which was stated in the introduction as, “My hope is that you’ll see that there is no magic secret to being a millionaire, but, instead, that with focus, dedication, creativity, and sacrifice, you can earn a big payday just like me.” I especially liked the way he showed how he was willing to do things that are outside the norm in order to get where he wanted to be. While there were some things he did that I wouldn’t do because they are questionable at best, there are others that I’m all for. For example, he:
- Invested in real estate in neighborhoods that seemed likely to improve (after doing lots of research)
- Lived WAY below his means
- Didn’t waste his time worrying about “what people might think”.
- Found like-minded friends who either helped encourage him toward his goal or at least tolerated what he did to get there.
- Used the library.
- Kept a steady job and did well at it. Boring paid the bills while he worked on creative ways to earn additional money.
- Used coupons.
- Kept track of his spending & investments
- Got roommates.
A Million Bucks by 30 is an enjoyable and useful read. I especially liked the way that it helped my son see that it is indeed possible to achieve large financial goals and the way it made personal finance sound fun. My son’s review of the book? “It was creative, funny, and full of useful information. I really liked the book.”
I’ll be passing along my (read twice) copy to a random commenter. If you’d like a chance at receiving the book, just leave a comment on this post by September 14th, 2008. (U.S. & Canadian participants only, unless you agree to pay actual shipping costs. Void where prohibited.) I’ll attempt to contact the winner on September 15th, 2008, and will need to hear back from them no later than September 22nd, 2008 or I will choose a new random commenter to win.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:05 am
I loved this book too. It made me laugh and think. Don’t enter me in the giveaway though because I already have it.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:25 am
I have a 15 year old that NEEDS to change his money habits. PLEASSSEEE ENTER ME.
Love your blog. Keep up the good work.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:21 am
I need this book. Well, for my 50 year old husband. We are still working on the balance needed to not be eating catfood at retirement. I am the saver, the billpayer. He’s the spender. Yes, enter me onto your dang list to draw for the book! It would make a nice B-day present (yes really my B-day is the 14th)
September 9th, 2008 at 8:00 am
I am avid reader of books. Please enter me in if it is random draw otherwise Kimberly deserves it (Happy B’Day in advance)
September 9th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I’m 26 and an avid saver. I probably won’t make that goal by 30, but this entertaining book could help me make it happen!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Sounds like a pretty good read - I like it when PF books use a little humor to get their points across. Sign me up for the contest!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I would LOVE to read this book…. I only have 5 years before 30, think I could still make it?!?!
September 9th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Sounds like a great book. I work on helping people overcome debt and prevent digging themselves into that hole in the first place so I’d love to read it…And as a twenty-something graduate student I could use a few tips myself!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Yup — sign me up! I’m well past 30 but I’ve got a few years til 60! So if I didn’t make the million in my first 30, maybe I can get there in my second 30!
Love your blog, btw.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
This sounds like a great book! I have to read it. :)
September 9th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I could use a good snort of laughter. Add me in there, too :)
September 9th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Sounds like an interesting read…please add me :-)
September 9th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I’ve read a couple other reviews on this book that said it wasn’t the greatest… It’s nice to see someone actually like it. I wouldn’t mind being able to read it sometime. :) (I’m always on the lookout for good books.)
As far as lofty finance goals, I guess the highest I’ve gotten is eventual millionaire, a home in Jersey and, of course, my Ferrari. Not sure about the first two, but I absolutely plan on having my pretty baby before I’m 40. That gives me twenty years to save, I should manage that. ;) (My beautiful $125k car ought to come down by then… I just hope she doesn’t go too far back up by that time!)
September 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Please add me..I read this book and it’s great but once i lent it to a friend..and never sawa it again. =(
September 9th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Sounds like a fun read!
September 10th, 2008 at 11:24 am
I’d like to read that book too!
September 10th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Great book! Want to have.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I sit at B&Nobles for 5 hours straight to read this book. Very interesting. I did not buy it so it would be nice to own one.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:35 am
I’m 29 and a half. Spent the years from 17 to 27 in a drunken stupor!!! I’m in England so if I win can I get a pdf?
September 13th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Adding my entry as well. 1–Winning is fabulous. 2–I want to know what stuff he did that you wouldn’t note. :) Sounds scandalous!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Oops, I meant to update this earlier. If you’re curious, the winner was commenter #9. She’ll be getting her book shortly.