This book isn't a get rich quick system and it isn't a primer on investing. I'll touch on the subject of investing and what true investing is, including debt as a part of investing. The purpose of this book is to get you thinking about what money is, what it can do for you, what it can't do for you, how much of it you believe you need, how to be comfortable with it and how not to become a slave to it. My biggest wish is that you learn ways to be comfortable with money, how to genuinely enjoy your money and how to get the most utility out of it, no matter how much or how little of it you have. Too many people are afraid to be honest with themselves about money. They fear that they'll look greedy if they pursue money but at the same time they fear being poor. Some people even fear wealth-believing that wealth is evil or that they aren't deserving of it. The biggest problem that I see in others (and I have been guilty of this myself), is a level of denial and innumeracy. Innumeracy is far different than being financially illiterate. Most adults aren't financially illiterate, they know basic math (2+2=4, 10-6=4, etc.). Innumeracy is when someone does not understand the impact of interest, hidden costs and compounding or they are deluded by percentage numbers. They are innumerate when they want $10 to buy them $20 worth of goods or they "buy now" in anticipation of earning the money tomorrow. All of these topics will be gone over as we move through the book.
About the Author: I prefer to consider myself a "writer" and not an author. Author sounds too snooty. I'm unimpressed with myself. As a writer I pass my thoughts along to those who are interested in reading them. Writing requires me to clearly define what is in my mind, put it on paper (or a screen), and convey those thoughts and meanings into another person's mind. I like that challenge. I am an Unapologetic Capitalist. I hold no allegiance to any political party. I support whoever has a good idea. I openly admit that I am cheap. People who know me say, "Oh Mark, you're just frugal." No I'm not, I'm cheap. I don't cheap out on quality, I mostly buy quality products. I don't cheap out with my friends-I share what I have and what I can afford. I am cheap with myself and with my money. I'm not greedy or money grubbing, but I'm cheap in that I won't buy something simply because I can afford it or it falls within my budget. I follow my own advice and wait before making large purchases (unless it's an emergency). I'm cheap because I think through my purchases. "Do I really need this? Do I already own something that will suffice? Will this enhance my life? Will this bring an experience of joy?" I live within a budget and I always pay myself first. If I changed my behavior and became looser with my money I would slowly begin eroding at my own financial security. I've seen me do it in the past. I know from experience that living broke sucks. My personal goal is to continue honing my craft as a writer. The more people I meet, the more I learn. With that, I hope to expand my personal creativity. I write for my own enjoyment, full gratification comes when other people also enjoy my work. I'm not fond of criticism, but I do welcome your feedback. Thank you for spending your valuable time reading something I have created. Humbly yours, Mark A. Tuschel