Target2026
Dryer sheet wannabe
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2020
- Messages
- 24
Hi everyone,
I’ve been a long-time lurker on this forum and have finally decided to introduce myself. I apologize for taking so long. First, I want to thank this community. As an immigrant to this country trying to get a footing, you've given me the opportunity to achieve my American Dream.
I came to the U.S. 24 years ago with $1,000. It was just me and my wife, and in the beginning, it was difficult for us to settle in. We struggled to figure out many things, especially when it came to investments. I was always curious about how people were able to build wealth outside of their salaries. I’d often read forums where people talked about achieving 5% returns, and I just couldn’t imagine how. At the time, banks were offering less than 0.1%, so I couldn’t see where all that interest could come from.
I knew that with such low returns, there was no way I could accumulate the kind of wealth needed to sustain us for 50 years from the time I started working. But then I found this forum, and it completely changed my perspective. I learned so much, especially about things like Treasury bonds, total stock market ETFs, and, most importantly, trusting in the resilience of the American economy.
I’ve witnessed several market downturns—during 2008, 2011, the mid-2010s, and of course, during COVID—but I always turned to this forum for guidance. What I found was a community that remained confident, and that confidence gave me the strength to keep going. I also read many of the books and materials recommended here, which gave me the knowledge I needed to succeed.
Now, after 24 years in this country, I’m planning to retire by the end of this year. My wife and I have one child who’s currently in medical school, and we’ve set aside funds for him, so he’s all set.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for the guidance, support, and encouragement you’ve provided. I’ve never seen a single derogatory or negative comment here—it’s always been such a welcoming and uplifting community, and that’s something special.
Going forward, I hope to contribute more actively, share my thoughts, experiences, and hopefully, help anyone who may need it.
Thank you all!
I’ve been a long-time lurker on this forum and have finally decided to introduce myself. I apologize for taking so long. First, I want to thank this community. As an immigrant to this country trying to get a footing, you've given me the opportunity to achieve my American Dream.
I came to the U.S. 24 years ago with $1,000. It was just me and my wife, and in the beginning, it was difficult for us to settle in. We struggled to figure out many things, especially when it came to investments. I was always curious about how people were able to build wealth outside of their salaries. I’d often read forums where people talked about achieving 5% returns, and I just couldn’t imagine how. At the time, banks were offering less than 0.1%, so I couldn’t see where all that interest could come from.
I knew that with such low returns, there was no way I could accumulate the kind of wealth needed to sustain us for 50 years from the time I started working. But then I found this forum, and it completely changed my perspective. I learned so much, especially about things like Treasury bonds, total stock market ETFs, and, most importantly, trusting in the resilience of the American economy.
I’ve witnessed several market downturns—during 2008, 2011, the mid-2010s, and of course, during COVID—but I always turned to this forum for guidance. What I found was a community that remained confident, and that confidence gave me the strength to keep going. I also read many of the books and materials recommended here, which gave me the knowledge I needed to succeed.
Now, after 24 years in this country, I’m planning to retire by the end of this year. My wife and I have one child who’s currently in medical school, and we’ve set aside funds for him, so he’s all set.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for the guidance, support, and encouragement you’ve provided. I’ve never seen a single derogatory or negative comment here—it’s always been such a welcoming and uplifting community, and that’s something special.
Going forward, I hope to contribute more actively, share my thoughts, experiences, and hopefully, help anyone who may need it.
Thank you all!
