I retired from the dreadful world of working for others back in January 1996 at 32 years of age. It was like getting out of jail. It is still incredible not having to get up and listen to people that do not have enough integrity to lead their own families trying to lead me. I am around people every day that are a great deal more intelligent than myself and should have retired before me. For those of you that are really serious about retiring early, and have decipline to follow your game plan, this post is for you. First some background(excuse all the personal pronouns):)

After completing high school in 1982, I could not find a job and my ACT scores were too low to get into college. My mother told me to either get a job at Burger King or go into the Army. Upon completing the Army test, the recruiters decided my capabilities would best be used driving a tank. Man, what a blow!

Well growing up poor (and all this time you wondered what social class most tank drivers come from) taught me an important lesson about saving one's money. While I was in the service, I saved just about all my income (it is hard to spend money in the woods) and bought these weird things called series E bonds. After my four years of hell on earth, I was ready to be gainfully employed.

Some of the money saved was used to purchase a used truck and the rest was put in a savings account. I could not believe someone would pay me to save. This was really cool. Within weeks of getting out of the Army, I had a job at a manufacturing plant, and after a few years of working hard and getting promoted through the different manufacturing jobs, I requested from management the opportunity to work part-time, while I tried to get a 2 year degree. Not wanting to lose me, they finally agreed.

Before starting school, I purchased an affordable home with low payments with a plan to pay the note off early. A great deal of time was spent reading and learning about investing. (TMF was not around then;what internet?) I started investing in stocks through a discount broker and always maxed-out my 401K. Little did I know that one of the greatest bull markets in history was starting. (Thank You Lord!)

After completing the 2 year degree, the company promoted me to purchasing. The money was better but the job required at least a 65 hour work week. This was also during the "downsizing" of companies. I knew that my capabilities were maxed and started saving more. Things were rough with friends and peers, fearing their good paying job was in jeopardy, they started back-stabing each other and me. (Funny how the "aids ribbons" come off before the battle)

A few years later I asked again for the opportunity to go back to school. I hadpaid my house and automobiles off at this time by living within my means. My associates laughed at my life-style of going to church and saving most my income. At this time I had no debt and was able to quit work. Good thing, because my duties, the company felt, would not allow me to return to school. I quit, retook the ACT, and with remedial classes, was able to attend Louisiana State University.

Now, I had spent 10 years at this company and spent my time paying off debt, saving most my income, and investing this income in great companies I had researched. The compounding effect of saving, earmarking those savings buying great companies, and never selling the investments now allowed me to sell some of these investments and open a money market account and live off the dividend.

This allowed me to obtain a degree in Economics. I could have never made it through school at this institution, while working more than part-time. A special note: I tithe to the Lord and believe that He met my needs all this time.

Most of you reading this probably have more abilities than this tank driver. The problem I have observed with people is no discipline to save, invest, and stay on the path.

The younger people reading this have a great opportunity (investing in fiber optic, networking infrastructure, and other information technology) that rivals that of the industrial revolution. Do not let this opportunity to retire early pass you by.

Regards

Hanson