Yesterday I had the privilege of enjoying a lunch with a stranger from Uruguay. He was a self taught PLC technician. He came to American in 2002 when his country was in turmoil. He barely spoke English.
He enrolled in an English as a second language class. Apparently Elderly Americans often volunteer to help at these classes. He met an old white couple who taught him finance and credit. They taught him to never buy anything on credit you can't pay for in cash, and then pay your credit down immediately. This includes a home.
With home prices in LA $400,000+ he thought this impossible. He has been in America for 7 years. He speaks perfect English. He is self employed. He has watched his Uruguayan friends buy homes, cars, stuff on credit. He said they made fun of him for not buying new stuff (his car is 8 years old and running strong). Then he told me he watched all of them lose their 'stuff' as their own personal credit bubbles burst. He still hasn't bought a home, but he is saving. He intends to do what most of us would think impossible. To buy a home in cash.
He has stuck to the advice of the wise old couple. He works hard and proves his worth to his customers. His customers are loyal because of it. He lives within his means, only buying what he can afford. He has built great credit, yet has zero debt. What he has he owns.
This is the 'American Dream'. This man is succeeding where so many of us born in America have failed.
Hard work, thrifty living and perseverance brings true wealth. This is the lessen we should be teaching our children. I'm glad the wise old couple volunteered their time and set this man on the right path. He came with nothing, he overcame the barrier of language, and he is thriving because he put forth the hard work and sacrifice to succeed.
One last note. He warned me "Don't ever mistake Wassabi for Guacamole" Apparently he had never seen either before he came here. He is truly wise.
