Post by oldman on Oct 19, 2013 7:16:07 GMT 7
Your First Million, 2nd Edition
Chapter 7 - Money & Life
Although I was born into a middle-class family, I did not have a memorable childhood. Unlike my brothers, I was not allowed to use hot water when I showered and hence, every morning, when I showered with cold water, I was reminded of the inequalities of life.
When I was sent overseas to study, I had to find work to support myself during the long school holidays. While waiting for my ‘A’ level results, I traveled to Ayr, Scotland, to work as a dishwasher in the Butlin’s Holiday camp. I worked there for three months and learnt the value of money. I was paid 36 pounds for 39 hours of work weekly, with lodging and food provided for. I also worked overtime as a security guard and pub assistant during the nights as the overtime pay was much better than the basic pay.
(Dishwasher uniform in Butlin's Holiday Camp, Ayr, Scotland. Picture taken in shared accommodation provided)
Most of what I earned was then used to pay for part of my school fees. When I entered university in Belfast, I tried to spend as little as I could. I lived in a house with a very nice but eccentric elderly Irish lady who provided free food and lodging to overseas students. Many students did not want to live in her house as it was very cluttered. However, as Mary was one of the nicest people anyone could ever meet, I decided otherwise and stayed in her house for many years.
(Living cum dining room in Mary's house, Belfast)
Mary made her money from the stock market. Not only did she provide me with food and shelter, she taught me the principles of investing. Many of my investing principles today have been influenced by her. When she passed away many years ago, she left a huge fortune to charity. No one could have guessed that Mary was a multi-millionaire as she lived life very simply.
Life is full of twists and turns. If you find life tough or unfair, do not give up. Fight on as your life can only get better. If I were to have been well-blessed during my childhood, I would not have learnt the value of money early in my life and I would not have met up with Mary. I would then not have the chance of learning how to invest successfully from a lady who started from nothing and amassed a fortune, yet lived very humbly and simply. Mary has influenced my life and those of you who see me in Orchard Road wearing an old T-shirt will know where that trait came from.
Yes, when I was younger, I too had been frustrated with life as I felt that I had been unfairly treated. However, as I age, I realise that life is a journey and the earlier one suffers, the more likely that he will succeed in life.
Hence, having less earlier is having more later.
Chapter 7 - Money & Life
Although I was born into a middle-class family, I did not have a memorable childhood. Unlike my brothers, I was not allowed to use hot water when I showered and hence, every morning, when I showered with cold water, I was reminded of the inequalities of life.
When I was sent overseas to study, I had to find work to support myself during the long school holidays. While waiting for my ‘A’ level results, I traveled to Ayr, Scotland, to work as a dishwasher in the Butlin’s Holiday camp. I worked there for three months and learnt the value of money. I was paid 36 pounds for 39 hours of work weekly, with lodging and food provided for. I also worked overtime as a security guard and pub assistant during the nights as the overtime pay was much better than the basic pay.
(Dishwasher uniform in Butlin's Holiday Camp, Ayr, Scotland. Picture taken in shared accommodation provided)
Most of what I earned was then used to pay for part of my school fees. When I entered university in Belfast, I tried to spend as little as I could. I lived in a house with a very nice but eccentric elderly Irish lady who provided free food and lodging to overseas students. Many students did not want to live in her house as it was very cluttered. However, as Mary was one of the nicest people anyone could ever meet, I decided otherwise and stayed in her house for many years.
(Living cum dining room in Mary's house, Belfast)
Mary made her money from the stock market. Not only did she provide me with food and shelter, she taught me the principles of investing. Many of my investing principles today have been influenced by her. When she passed away many years ago, she left a huge fortune to charity. No one could have guessed that Mary was a multi-millionaire as she lived life very simply.
Life is full of twists and turns. If you find life tough or unfair, do not give up. Fight on as your life can only get better. If I were to have been well-blessed during my childhood, I would not have learnt the value of money early in my life and I would not have met up with Mary. I would then not have the chance of learning how to invest successfully from a lady who started from nothing and amassed a fortune, yet lived very humbly and simply. Mary has influenced my life and those of you who see me in Orchard Road wearing an old T-shirt will know where that trait came from.
Yes, when I was younger, I too had been frustrated with life as I felt that I had been unfairly treated. However, as I age, I realise that life is a journey and the earlier one suffers, the more likely that he will succeed in life.
Hence, having less earlier is having more later.