Tampa, FL - I remember well the temptation to purchase a brand new car upon landing that first job after graduating from college, all too many years ago. I resisted the urge. Today, I look around and see recent grads in the same situation as I, but many succumb to this itch that seemingly needs immediate scratching, often buying a very expensive car that then necessitates a less than desirable living situation... Roommates. You may think that roommates are cool, but in reality, once college has come and gone, they often get old very quickly.

While the immediate gratification of a nice, expensive car may feel good, the euphoria usually fades rapidly and then reality sets in - you are now tied to a car, with its credit/payment ramifications, that limits your ability to accumulate the real wealth that enables early retirement and a better life. A car is... well... a car. It's good a getting from point A to point B. But, as one gets older, even as early as the 30's, it becomes very apparent that retirement is the key to real happiness. Retirement is real freedom. And, freedom equals happiness, which is why so many people move to the USA. Start working toward that today - there's plenty of time for nice cars tomorrow!

Everyone can achieve real freedom, but it comes with a cost... rather than spending tons of money on a depreciating asset - a car, especially an expensive one - one might be far better off by resisting the urge to impress the world at large with things, and focus on accumulating real wealth. One should consider buying real estate - a home - as soon as possible, which today could be as early as the day you land a job. This is how to accumulate real wealth at an early age, and how one can retire young and enjoy life to its fullest for a very long time, rather than just in the so called 'golden years.'

No one gave this advice to me when I was a recent grad, and I'm still working today. It is easy to look back and see how much money I could have accumulated had I just been a little more thoughtful about the choices I had made and the way I had lived my life. Had I simply purchased my first home when I was just 22, I'd have retired long ago.

So, I ask all recent college graduates to take advantage of the great first-time home buyer loan programs available today and get in the game! Resist the urge to purchase a Mercedes when a Honda, or even a Hyundai (e-gads...) will work just as well - even better if you ask some who have had nothing but trouble with their Mercedes. A couple of smart decisions today could give you plenty of time to buy an even nicer car a few short years from now, and you'll also be well on your way to retiring at a young age.

For more information, please visit: www.PrettyDogRealty.com 

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