This month will mark the seventh anniversary of the release of my first — and still highest-selling — book.
It was a niche book and it made some minor waves in that space, to the point where it even climbed all the way to #2 in that category on Amazon. It didn’t stay there long, however, and my name never cracked the “Wealthiest Writers” listicles.
It never will.
Let’s talk about money.
Most of us have some sort of financial concern. Some estimates show that nearly 80% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and 61% can’t cover a $1,000 emergency. Wages have stagnated, but the cost of everything else has continued to rise meaning that purchasing power hasn’t really moved in four decades.
It takes an annual income of one-third of a million dollars to buy a home in San Francisco, which is fascinating considering the median household income there is about $83,000. It’s not just the coasts, either. Real median household income in New York City is just under $51,000 but in the entire country it’s $59,000. Considering how expensive everything — housing, food, transportation — is, that’s not very much.
Have you ever felt like if you had just a little bit more money it would make an enormous difference? The problem with that thought — one that I’ve had many times — is that the goalposts continue to move.
2016 was my first full year with my own site.
Not coincidentally it is also the first year since 2012 in which I did not publish a book.
Most financial advisors tell you that when you leave a job, don’t forget to take your 401(k) with you.
“I’m out for presidents to represent me.”
– Nas
In his new book, Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday recounts the story of Howard Hughes, Jr. inheriting his father’s company at the age of 18.
I read a lot and I think about money a lot. So, naturally, I read a lot about money.
I’ve read all the experts. I’m well-versed in the Debt Snowball and the Latte Factor and the 50/20/30 rule.
And I think many of them are unrealistic.
My parents are living the retirement dream. I fear I’ll never be able to do the same.
The Passion of Christopher Pierznik 