How to Make a Million
You could marry rich, win the lottery, or, like these 12 people, have a goal and a plan for getting there.
From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, May 2006
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So you want to be a millionaire -- who doesn't? If you're looking for a little inspiration on your quest for wealth, get tips from people who already have made their millions. These success stories run the gamut from Grammy-winning songwriter to first-generation entrepreneur to every-day people who simply lived below their means. Their paths to wealth are diverse, but what they have in common is a 24/7 commitment to their goals. Learn from their experience what it takes to become a millionaire.
Plus, with the help of market research firm TNS Financial Services, we found where the nation's millionaires live. We put together a slideshow revealing the top ten cities and towns in the U.S. with the highest concentration of millionaire households. The results may surprise you.
TIP #1: Seize an Opportunity
When the tech industry tanked and her company "was almost down to a liquidation plan," Nina Vaca bought out her partner and reinvigorated the business by changing its focus.
TIP #2: Have a Fallback
Josh Abramson and Ricky Van Veen started their college-humor Web site while still in school. "If you fail, you just go back to being students," says Van Veen.
TIP #3: Learn from Your Experience
Dave Grotz's losses on tech stocks taught him a lesson about diversifying that helped get his tree nursery off the ground.
TIP #4: Take a Chance
Diane Warren, a Grammy-winning songwriter who has composed dozens of top-ten tunes, maximized her earning potential by forgoing a salary and striking out on her own.
TIP #5: Forget Stereotypes
"I'm not a natural businessman, and I'm not motivated by money," says Jeong Kim, who sold his telecommunications company for $1.1 billion. The key to success is "having a goal and the motivation to do something significant."
TIP #6: Simple Ideas Work
Investing regularly and living below their means helped Paul and Doris Cloud amass a million-dollar portfolio before age 50.
TIP #7: Find Your Niche
Emily Mange and Doug Zell run a specialty-coffee business in Chicago that competes successfully with Starbucks.
SLIDESHOW: Where the Millionaires Are
Forget Park Avenue. The highest concentrations of wealthiest U.S. households are in some surprising places. Take a look at our top ten.