An inspiring story of a young 27-year old couple who are determined to retire at the age of 40 with US$1million got me thinking deep about how possible it is for the average to reach a similar goal like theirs.

When I first read that John Rodrigues is a software engineer for Microsoft, I immediately thought, “It’s not surprising if he can make it to the US$1 million nest egg by 40…” But when I read on about his and his wife’s story, everybody could duplicate their success.

Although John and his wife Gina earn a combined $174,000 a year, they do not live their lives in the typical American consumptive way. Most people with their earning power would immediately lavish their days with fancy dinners, gorgeous sport cars, luxury vacations and designer wardrobes. The Rodrigues put aside half of what their earning into their savings, invested in a portfolio of $380,000 in stocks, mutual funds and cash. They choose to live like the average in a $650 a month apartment.

Driven by their determination to retire at 40 with US$1million, they decided not to travel much and spend as little as possible on clothes. John wears free Microsoft T-shirts and Gina wears clothes handed down from her sister. Up to this point I wondered whether they were not too tight-fisted to enjoy life. But a discovery of what they give to the church as a tithe immediately removes my thoughts. Amazingly, they give a big chunk of $18,000 every year to the church. This is more than 10% of their combined income. Selfish, tight-fisted misers would never even think of donating this much to a church. Millionaires would probably donate a little bit for social causes (sometimes even only to earn a good reputation), but not 10% of their income to a church.

What amazes me the most was the way John learned to make his choices for his finances in his sophomore year at the University of California, majoring in information system. Most of the students would take out loans as John’s friends did to pay for their education. His first year was paid by John’s grandfather and for one year, John had to choose whether to continue his studies by taking out a student loan or by working while being a student.

John took the harder path. All his friends who are in debt told him that it would be too hard but John proved otherwise. He worked 30 hours a week while packing his schedule with extra classes. In only 3 years, John graduated with highest honors, free from debt! By the time they turned 24, John and Gina were married and had nearly $70,000 set aside for retirement in addition to their real estate equity. In the meantime, most of John’s friends were struggling with student loans and credit-card bills.

When you read the whole story of John and Gina Rodrigues, you are inspired to see that there actually is a narrow path that could prevent you from living in a life of debt. All too many people choose the easy path by taking out loans and live according to their earning power if not beyond their means.

Read the whole inspiring story of John and Gina Rodrigues here.

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