Yesterday, I decided to sit down and re-read The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach. I've read this book numerous times in the past, and I employ several of the principles that he recommends. What surprised me is that I still found several actions that I could take to improve my finances.
I assumed that because we were doing well, and I've read the book more than once, that I was probably already doing everything that he recommended that also seemed appropriate for my family's situation. I guess this just proves that you can always learn more, you can always continue to improve, and that there is probably more wisdom in whatever resources you've found valuable in the past. (Keep in mind, those resources could be books, blogs, radio programs, friends or family who have actual financial sense, or something completely different.)
On that note, I encourage you to figure out what steps you could take to move towards becoming an Automatic Millionaire. Could you start contributing to TSP, or increase the amount of your contributions? Could you open an IRA, or increase your contributions? Could you build an emergency fund? Could you add an extra $20 or $50 to your mortgage payment each month? Do you have self-employment income? Open a SEP IRA, a Simple IRA, or a Solo 401k.
Maybe you're more focused on paying off debt. Could you pay an extra $20 or $50 or $100 a month towards your credit card, your car loan, or your student loans. I am surprised at the number of people I meet who have the thought that they will be paying off a car loan for the entire original term. Even a few dollars here and there can shave months off a loan. Who wouldn't love that?
I am going to make a point of re-reading my favorite personal financial books, and seeing what actions I can take to further improve my family's finances. Please join me!
