What does "providing value" mean?
The thing about becoming wealthy: you don't need to be making high six-figure salary to retire wealthy. Make your money work for you. In other words, invest invest invest.
We live in a culture so obsessed with shopping. Think hard about what you need vs what you want. A big-screen tv is a want, not a need. A new Lexus is a want. A fun shopping spree at the mall is a want. STOP SPENDING!
If you put just a small % of your salary away now, when you're older you can be quite wealthy. It's the amazing power of compound interest.
I personally found it helpful to have a savings account that automatically takes $xxx out of my checking the 1st of every month and puts it into an account not hooked to my ATM card. It does the saving for me. And if the money isn't there in my checking acct, I can't spend it.
Get rid of credit cards. Live within your means.
I found that by refusing to buy a car on credit, it's really freed up alot of spending money. A $20,000 car can turn into a $40,000 purchase with a long enough term and with a higher APR. No my car isn't new or expensive, but it's relaible. It feels *good* not to have a car payment.
I found that by just refusing to do some things, it made a big difference. I can look good on a $20 shirt that was on sale at an outlet store just as much as someone wearing the full-price $80 version. Maybe I have to wait for a sale, but oh well. Maybe I don't need a new wardobe every year. Maybe I can have a really nice vacation without going to a big-name waterfront resort.
In short, cut expenses and always invest a % of income, and you don't need to be a workaholic to live a really comfortable life.
