Thomas J. Ford

“How do you judge the professionals you patronize? Too many people judge them by display factors. Extra points are given to those who wear expensive clothes, drive luxury automobiles, and live in exclusive neighborhoods. They assume a professional is likely to be mediocre, even incompetent, if he lives in a modest home and drives a three-year-old Ford Crown Victoria. Very, very few people judge the quality of the professionals they use by net worth criteria. Many professionals have told us they must look successful to convince their customers/clients that they are.””

“This millionaire’s brand of watch is a Timex; her husband’s is a Seiko (number one among millionaires). The couple buys their clothes at Dillard’s, J.C. Penney, and TJ Maxx. They have purchased only two motor vehicles in the past 10 years: both Fords.””

“A good start is to keep an accurate record of each and every expenditure that your family makes each month. Or ask your accountant to help you set up a system for tabulating and categorizing these expenditures. Then work with her to develop a budget. The goal is to enable you to set aside for investing purposes at least 15 percent of your pretax income each year. By the way, this “15 percent method” is Mr. Gif-ford’s simple strategy for becoming affluent. CAR-SHOPPING””