[Big Kenny]

Persistence. Patience. Passion. I've read this thread and thought, "Well...I've been down this road." I just wanted to offer my support for all of you. Obviously, you're well ahead because you're THINKING and TRYING. You have to take the first step to complete any journey. My wife and I married 15 years ago (we're now in our late 40's) and had virtually no savings, some CC debt and modest incomes then. We each owned smallish homes and had very little savings in either tax sheltered or taxable accounts. When married we consolidated our finances, sold her home, fought our way out of CC debt and began to build - slowly - our EF.

Now, what seems like "fast-forward" to 15 years later. We have paid off our home (bought for $135,000 in 1992), almost quadrupled our incomes through a couple key job changes and pay increases; maxed out our 401K savings (EACH OF US) and paid for any home improvement or automobile when we have the cash...and we keep our cars for at least 6 years. We just keep reminding ourselves that we're the "little engine that could"...we think we can, we think we can...then we use discipline and delayed gratification to attain our goals.

This is much like a weight loss program. Keep your eye on the prize and know that there WILL be set backs along the way...but you can and will achieve your goals. Write them down...measure your progress...and chart your success. Good luck to all who have hunkered down and have shown the resolve to achieve their dreams. The effort is worth it and the payoff is incredible.