Comments on: Applying Scott Adam’s Success Formula to Personal Finance

By: Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom

Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 15:03:50 +0000

Thanks, Kyle! Agreed – blending two “good” skills is often a more realistic path to success rather than becoming world-class in one skill.

By: Kyle @ NYPFGuy

Kyle @ NYPFGuy — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 23:00:27 +0000

I’ve heard Scott Adams talk about this point on the Tim Ferriss Show podcast, and it really resonated with me. I consider myself a bit of a “renaissance man” (pretty good at a variety of different things), and not one who is world-class at one skill. It’s such a great tactic to take 2 of your skills and try to blend them together to enhance your value. Really like how you relate it to spending/earning as well.

By: Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom

Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:54:08 +0000

In reply to Cyn. That's awesome to hear, Cyn! It really is amazing how much of a difference spending a little less and earning a little more can make on your finances, especially over the long haul :)

By: Cyn

Cyn — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 19:49:26 +0000

Great post! I’ve been reading this book and it’s been a great read so far! Both insightful and entertaining!

I love how you applied his formula to personal finance. It’s pretty amazing to see the effects with the early retirement chart. I’ve become more intentional with my finances this year to try to widen the gap between my annual income and expenses. It’s so nice to visually see how those efforts will pay off. 😀

By: Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom

Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:46:43 +0000

In reply to Mr. Zero @ TheDividebyZero. The combination of a slightly above average income and slightly below average spending is really the secret sauce to financial success. Glad to hear that you and your wife have been able to use that formula to build up an above average net worth. Thanks for sharing and stay in touch! :)

By: Mr. Zero @ TheDividebyZero

Mr. Zero @ TheDividebyZero — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 02:14:52 +0000

Fantastic insight Zach. I think you are absolutely correct and in fact, you have perfectly described how my wife and I have built an above average net worth.

Our income is not astronomically high (we know couples that make double) and our spending is definitely not rice and beans, but the combination of being a little above average in earning power and a little below average in spending has been the key to our success.

By: Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom

Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 01:16:54 +0000

In reply to Troy @ Bull Markets. I agree, in many cases one skill is likely more important than the other. I think as long as you have two skills that complement each other and can be used in tandem, you'll be in a great position to succeed.

By: Troy @ Bull Markets

Troy @ Bull Markets — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 22:37:20 +0000

I probably agree with 80% of this.

1. It’s true that success is often at the intersection of something. E.g. for Steve Jobs and apple, it was the intersection of arts and tech. It’s rare when someone can combine 2 very different skills.

2. However, I think you still need to be better at one than the other. every business/endeavor has 1 component that’s more critical than the other, and you have to be better at that component than the other.