Before diving into this second column, I feel the need to thank everyone who provided comments and e-mailed feedback regarding this new adventure. It is very helpful since I don't consider myself an "expert," but more of an average Joe, going through the motions like everyone else. My hope is that together, we can get the word out that preparing for the future is not only important, but can be fun as well.

With that said, I'd like to deviate from the norm for a month, and reflect on some special and personal events that have occurred recently. Since starting this column, I've been in 2 wedding parties and also a witness to a proposal (she said "yes"). It's been such a happy time that it became natural to make it a topic of conversation.

Over the next few years, this column should become somewhat of a road map for the process of accumulating wealth over time. It is not a get-rich quick scheme. However, all the wealth in the world will be meaningless if 1) you don't have anyone around to enjoy it with you or 2) your journey to wealth is paved with greed.

This topic can be a book in itself, but here are a few pointers on remaining happy while building your fortune:

RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ONLY NEED A LIMITED AMOUNT OF WEALTH TO BE HAPPY

When I left my parent's home to strike it out on my own, I did a personal experiment which I think every graduate should experience (and most do).

With me were my bed, a desk, clothes, a guitar and my computer. That's it. All of my savings was put into the property I bought, therefore removing my cushion of cash to splurge at a weak moment. I was living paycheck-to-paycheck.

You see, growing up as an only child, I had always been labeled as "spoiled" or someone who always got what he wanted. I wanted to see what it was like to "suffer" like all these name callers. What would life be like starting from the bottom? (Granted I understand that I was fortunate to have a place to live and a car to drive and therefore did not start from the "bottom-bottom," but stay with me).

Interestingly, this became one of the most educational experiences I've ever had. And I was surprised at what I learned.

The first and most shocking item was that I did not miss TV at all. I filled my time reading books, making plans with friends and even just lying in my bare living room, staring at the ceiling. This time of peace opened my mind with ideas of where I would take my life and how I would get there.

Secondly, I was no more or less happy as when I could buy things at my disposal. Ask my wife and she'll tell you that I used to spend money like it grew on trees. Living within a budget forced me to choose what was important, and what was not (and it turns out, not that much is important). Some of the greatest times I've had have been spent sitting on the floor in my living room (since I had no furniture) and playing cards with friends.

As a Realtor, I have the opportunity to talk about finances with a large amount of people. Over the past few years I've been throwing out the idea that individuals should be saving at least 15% of their income. The responses I've been getting are pretty amazing:

"15%!! That's crazy! I can't afford to do that!"

This comment usually comes after we discuss a brand new car purchase, or a new membership to the Honolulu Club.

It's funny to see people become even more defensive when I suggest to them if they are strapped financially, to cut their TV service, or start bringing home lunch to work. The barrier of "needs" vs. "wants" is a hard one to break.

TURN OFF THE TV

Television, video games, surfing the web can be fun from time to time, but why turn your brain to mush when there is so much more to do?

When was the last time you had a conversation with your spouse or significant other that did not start with "so how was your day?" Think of questions that will get a conversation going. Write them down.

Bored? Read a book, call a friend, take a walk. These will all be experiences that YOU'VE had, not some fictional character. If you're in a business like mine, networking is one of the most productive things you can do. Why not do it while enjoying yourself at the same time? It does not have to be expensive. Have some friends over for PBJ sandwiches and play cards. You'd be surprised at how many people enjoy cards and a PBJ sandwich, just as much as dinner and a movie. It's the company that's important.

Fix the leaky faucet you've been putting off for the past month. Paint the bedroom. Make it a family experience.

LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND BECOME GOOD AT IT

One of the partners at the company where I work likes to stay late at the office (as I do quite often). Therefore, we've learned a little bit about each other through conversations that have nothing to do with Real Estate. This person pulls in a HUGE amount of business and could actually retire if he wanted to. However, he's in the office every day plugging ahead as if he's just getting started.

In one of our conversations he asked me why I want to be successful. Was it the fear of failure, or the joy of success? Personally, I like being successful. Failing is easy, I'd done that before, so there was no reason to be afraid of it.

His answer was fear of failure, but his afterthought was what really got to me. He said "no matter what reason for your success, there's definitely something satisfying about being good at what you do."

He's completely right! Every job starts off as being frustrating, and there are times that it is unclear whether or not you are cut out for it. But once you become the expert and people come to you for knowledge, the "job" takes on new meaning. Whether you are an accountant, lawyer, teacher, or plumber, being the best you can be will reward you with pride and will make going to work much more enjoyable.

Look at every challenge, every frustration as a building block as a step toward greatness. When I learned how to play the guitar, it was very frustrating and I could not "get it" for a long time. But perseverance pays and it's those who continue to strive for greatness that will get ahead and enjoy their job as well.

BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE

Look at a person's financial life like a hike up a mountain. There are three major points: The building phase, the peak phase, and retirement.

The Building Phase (uphill):
This is probably the longest and most exciting time of the financial wealth building process. You are accumulating knowledge, contacts and will start to see the fruit of your labor turn into profits. Like a good hike, having good people along with you will make the process that much more exciting and fun. These people will offer advice as they've been up the mountain before you, and will help push you if you get tired.

The Peak Phase (top of the mountain):
This phase usually comes a few years before retirement. You are at the top of your earning potential and considered an "expert" in your field. Probably, you are the boss and are in control of others in your company starting out. If you've planned correctly, you're looking forward to the hike back down.

Retirement (downhill):
As with any hike, going downhill is usually a lot easier than going up. However, if you've got to the top by cheating, or unappreciative of the people that got you there, it will be a LONG hike back down... by yourself.

Just remember, take some time along the way to realize that you are in the process of achieving your goals. Look at the view, smell the flowers and remember to enjoy the company.

Take at least 20 minutes a day to think about what you are doing, where you are, and where you're going. When you're at the beach, or at dinner with your significant other take a minute to remember the smells, the sounds and savor the flavor of the food. Remember that having shelter, food and water puts you in a better position than many others around the world.

Happiness is all around you, most of us just don't take the time to realize that.

See you next month...

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