to whoever asked about $6k/month - I do put a fair amount to my 401k, and have my withholdings at zero...I'm going to see what sort of return I'm going to get this year and adjust my withholdings to minimize my tax return
I also started reading "millionaire next door"...not really a book about loans, but it says:
1.)
millionaires typically live well below their means - this is important because the book compares an MD that as $1.2 million in net worth, but lives an extravagant lifestyle, so his savings would only sustain him 2-3 years without a job. This is in comparison to a secretary & fireman who live below their means...and with their $250,000 in savings, can live 20 years without a job - this I do.
2.)
millionaires allocate time, energy, and money efficiently in ways conducive to building wealth - this I do not do. On my days off, I waste it watching tv online instead of researching finance...budgeting better...finding out cheap ways to cook for myself
3.)
they believe financial independence is more important than displaying high social status. - I got this down. I remember when a church deacon that wanted to do some bible study with me and said.."so...you're like, a pharmacy tech, right?" - "no, I'm a pharmacist" - "like an assistant to a pharmacist?" - "no, just a pharmacist." - "do you work under a pharmacist?" - "no, I am the pharmacist."
4.)
their parents did not provide economic outpatient care - oh I know...my student loans remind me of this daily.
5.)
their adult children are financially independent - N/A
6.)
they are proficient in targeting market opportunities - this is where I have no ideas - where the F do I invest once I'm debt free?
7.)
they chose the right occupation - holla @ pharmacists!!
edit: found this link - targeted towards moms, really good for anyone!
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/finance/