Two cups of coffee grows into $1 million
Yes, you can turn (2) cups of coffee into $1 million. There are 4 things you need to be wealthy… time, discipline, a little bit of money, and knowledge. The first three you have (Time…how much longer you work; Discipline…you need to do this every month; A little bit of money….$10 per day) and the fourth, knowledge, I will give to you for free.
First, a little background for you. The average rate of return for the S+P 500 index (the stock market) for almost 100 years has been 13% per year. Yes, good years, bad years, world wars, depression, Presidential assassinations, floods, even Elvis dying. It does not matter. Some years produce higher returns and some are less, but, the long term average has been, is now and will always be 13%. If you reduce the return by taxes (use an average 40% combining Federal, State and local rates) you net out about 8% after tax (or tax free).
I watch how people spend their money on their “wants” versus “needs”. Many people enjoy the luxury of “gourmet” coffee shops. (No companies mentioned but I think of one that begins with “S”). The average cup of “Joe” costs about $5 at “S”. Most people consume a MINIMUM of 2 cups per day (or more). That is $10 spent on something you “rent” in your system for about 1 hour. About an hour after consuming the coffee you can see your money being “flushed” down into the city’s sanitary system. On top of that, they had to earn $17 (less $7 in taxes) so they can have $10 to buy the coffee. Thus, in reality they are spending (have to earn) $17 to buy 2 cups of coffee. How long did it take you to earn the $17? I am not saying you should not enjoy the benefits of labor, but, be aware of the “real” cost to you in time and money for that cup of Java.
You know, if you saved, by not buying the coffee, the $10 each day of the month (30 days) you would have $300 per month to invest. At an 8% tax free rate of return, over 40 years, that would grow $1,052,000. See how two (2) cups of coffee can make you a millionaire. So, do not tell me you cannot save money. But, Paul I “have” to have my “S” coffee each day. No, not true! To sustain life the body needs food and water. You see it is want versus need!!!
Table A below shows what different investment amounts, invested at 8% tax free will grow to over 40 years. Think about it… if you were able to have this $1 million value in retirement, then, the interest alone ($84,000/year) would allow you to buy “S” coffee for your whole family in retirement.
| Monthly Investment | Time Period | Tax Free ROR | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | 40 years | 8% | $350,000 |
| $300 | 40 years | 8% | $1,052,000 |
| $1,000 | 40 years | 8% | $3,495,000 |
| $3,000 | 40 years | 8% | $10,485,000 |
Table B shows how much increased monthly saving each month you need to contribute at various ages to accumulate the same $1 million. The longer you wait to start, the harder it is. Start early.
| Age | Years to Retirement | Monthly Payment | Tax Free ROR | Value of Retirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 40 | $322 | 8% | $1,124,000 |
| 35 | 30 | $735 | 8% | $1,095,000 |
| 45 | 20 | $1,821 | 8% | $1,073,000 |
| 55 | 10 | $5,752 | 8% | $1,052,000 |
Again I am not telling you to become a miser and live off bread and water. Rather, be aware of how to make money work for you instead of you becoming a slave to money and your job (Just Over Broke). If you still have (need) to buy the 2 cups of “S” coffee, then, at least own shares in the company. Then, when “S” pay you dividends on your stock take those moneys and invest them for your retirement.
You see… I do not want you to “have” to work at “S” or Wal-Mart in retirement (40 hours a week) just because you “needed” to have your coffee today.
Look at your spending pattern. There are many “coffee” items in your budget to make you rich.
The adage: Discipline or regret. Can you discipline yourself to small changes, or, will you regret it in retirement.