Retire Before 25

As you may know, my (soon-to-be) wife and I are Christians. We also feel called to full-time ministry, possibly working overseas teaching English or maybe even translating the Bible into some obscure language. We don’t really know. But what we do know is that we are called to GO and we need to start fundraising now so that we can be a part of whatever God wants us to do in the future.

This is one of the biggest reasons why I’m working a full-time job at the church and working my personal business as an entrepreneur an additional 20 hours a week on the side.

While owning your own business isn’t right for everyone, it can be a powerful fundraising tool. The type of income you will generate with our company will continue to pay you every single month, even if you’re overseas somewhere in a tiny hut or jungle.

There is no required cost to stay in business, either, which is another thing we like about being in business for ourselves. We have some monthly expenses now that are related to our business (like websites) but as soon as we find ourselves overseas we can eliminate those expenses and simply enjoy God’s work without being financially stressed.

Lastly, (this is seriously one of my favorite things) we have one product in particular (electricity service) that is FREE to sign-up for and saves people money. So if our friends and family can’t afford a “donation” every month to support our efforts we can ask them to see how much they’re paying for electricity. If our service is cheaper (which it usually is) they may be willing to switch to our company and support us in this way. They save and we get funded! Does it get any better than that?

If you’re interested in fundraising for Christian missions work then give us a c all at: 214.682.5331 or ask how you can support our work by switching your electricity service to us. It is 100% FREE and will usually save you quite abit of money. (We don’t want you to switch to us if it ends up costing you more.)

Cheers,
Cody Miller
214.682.5331
cody@retirebefore25.com

Are most entrepreneurs young people? While I couldn’t find any exact demographic statistics to answer this question, I did find an interesting one:

“70.9% of teens say they are interested in becoming entrepreneurs; up from 64% in 2004.”
- Junior Achievement Worldwide, August 2006

Wow! Almost 3/4 of all teenagers say they want to become entrepreneurs. Now, certainly this statistic covers a wide range of entrepreneurship – from restaurants and bed and breakfasts to hair salons and online advertising. These teens may want to open up their own dance or recording studio, television station or car company. And of course we can’t forget that of this 70.9% we are unaware of exactly how many go on to actually achieve or attempt business for themselves.

Here’s an even more interesting and revealing statistic:

“When asked, “What age do you think it would be too late to start your own business?” 60% responded “never too old.”
- Yahoo! Small Business/Harris Interactive, April 2006

And I agree. No matter how old you are it is never too late to begin doing something you love and making a financial investment towards your future. I always tell people, “being an entrepreneur is not right for everyone”, but it’s never too late.

Some may worry that they won’t have the skills or presence to succeed amidst a market of “young guns” but the truth is, going into business for yourself actually levels the playing field. See, in a traditional business setting you have to worry about being replaced by the “new guy”, the “young gun” or the “up and comer”. But when you own your own business, you’re the CEO, you’re the “head dog”, you’re the “big guy”, you’re the “boss” and you aren’t going to fire you, are you?

Entrepreneurship levels the playing field between genders, races and age. It’s the beauty of Capitalism! It’s the freedom of America and it may be right for you.

If you’d like more information on becoming an entrepreneur please call Cody at: 214-682-5331 or email me directly at: cody@retirebefore25.com

Cheers,
Cody Miller

P.S. It’s never too late to get started. Follow your heart.

Contrary to popular belief, success is not measured in dollars signs. As far as I am concerned you can be making more money than Bill Gates and still remain unsuccessful as an entrepreneur. What am I talking about? I’m glad you asked. You see, some people are so interested in money, money, money that they miss the entire point. The point of success as an entrepreneur is freedom. Period.

If you’re trying to become an entrepreneur to show the world how “successful” you can be, then I am sorry friend but you’ll never be truly successful in life. In the words of John Candy from the movie “Cool Runnings”, “the thing about an Olympic gold medal is… if you’re not enough without it, then you’ll never be enough with it.”

Money doesn’t make people successful – successful people make money. Success is a mind-set, a worldview, an outlook on life. Success is that part of you that always wants to believe that the glass is, indeed, half-full. It is belief in yourself and others.

So, What are the Qualities of a Young Successful Entrepreneur?

• Determination – Never quit but be willing to readjust to changing circumstances.
• Vision – Maintain long-term goals and dreams for you and your family.
• Perseverance – When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
• Humility – Develop the attitude of a servant.
• Activity – “Faith without works is dead.” Put some action behind your ambitions.

For continued reading I highly recommend the book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People” by Stephen Covey. For more information on me and my business you may contact me using the information below.

Cody Miller
214-682-5331
cody@retirebefore25.com

For anyone wanting to get involved in any type of investing I highly recommend Dave Ramsey’s book, “The Total Money Makeover”. Though he says that this book is by no means an intensive guide on investing, it does give you a great outlook on money and investments altogether.

I think entrepreneurship is one of the greatest investments you will ever make for you and your family and that’s exactly what it is – an investment. Being an entrepreneur means you are building something, usually from the ground up. It will involve great sacrifice in the beginning, yet it will yield unheard of returns in the years to come.

When you become an entrepreneur you allow your money to move with you. For most people their money is tied up at their job. If they ever get sick, move away or get tired of coming in every day, they will have to forfeit that money.

When you are self-employed you award your family unheard of flexibility and freedom.

So why isn’t everyone self-employed? Being an entrepreneur is great but it isn’t right for everyone. It takes a certain “drive” and “desire” that not everyone possesses. Some people are happy where they are, or maybe they’re unhappy but still unwilling to do anything about it. For these people being an employee is OK. For others, like myself, being an employee is not wretched or awful, but it isn’t what I want for the rest of my life.

Are you ready to make an investment in your future? It doesn’t matter how old you are, now is the time to get started. Call or email me today.

Cody Miller
214-682-5331
cody@retirebefore25.com