When I was growing up, certain wealthy families were always in the news.  People who were on the cutting edge of the next new thing were able to amass wealth. It was a common thing to say a person was living like the Rockefellers or Vanderbilts when they bought a lot of things.   But, looking closely, the truly wealthy didn't fritter away their funds on things that did not grow in value. They saved and invested, caring about building generational wealth to be passed down.

Look at the advances in history from the rail car to the train to the airplane. From the stagecoach to the bus to the car. From the pony express to the wall telephone to the cell phone.  From crossing the plains in covered wagons to flying to space in rocket ships.  I remember when the computers on my college campus were across the quad in a big room in what was called the Computer Science Building. Once upon a time, families gathered around the radio to listen to music. Now even the youngest among them has a Bluetooth

I read an article recently about 10 Billionaires. 

What, billionaires!  I can remember when Millionaires were rare. That status seemed and sounded out of reach. As it turns out, saving and investing are key. Sure, some people invent something. And still others steal ideas from others and sell the product. How do they look in the mirror? As you read this, you may muse "with all that money they made off someone else's idea."

It is interesting to watch trends about who is part of a consumer spending culture. They go shopping frequently and always are seen sporting some new things. I wonder how people would feel if instead of a house full of clutter they don't use or wear anymore, they could look at a fat savings account earning interest on their money.  For future generations' sake, I want to encourage us all to set up a conservative monthly budget and see how much money we can save in five years. Ready, Set, Go!