#39: Start where you are and S&P500

Last week Simon and I discussed how much I save. We also marvelled at Conrad Loots, who manages to save 69% of his salary. Over the weekend I thought about our conversation and how far I've come financially. Six years ago I had ten times more debt than income. Back then I would have taken last week's episode as further proof that a better financial situation simply wasn't for people like me. I would love to be able to save 69% of my salary like Conrad does, but I would have to give up things that I love. I don't want to do that. My current lifestyle is worth more to me than the ability to save more. If I happen to receive a windfall (which is definitely not in the pipeline) I'll invest it. Until then, what I save is what I save. Whatever your current financial situation, you can improve it if you want to. You don't need to be saving 69% of your salary. You don't even have to save 6%. Start where you are and make improvements where you can. Eventually it will become easier. You'll see. This week we also received two questions (and stole one) about the S&P500. Simon and I discuss the different ways to invest in the S&P500. We discuss how it affects tax, the impact of currency conversion and whether or not you should be investing in dollars. Kris