You could marry rich, win the lottery, or, like these 12 people, have a goal and a plan for getting there.
So you want to be a millionaire -- who doesn't? If you're looking for a little inspiration on your quest for wealth, get tips from people who already have made their millions. These success stories run the gamut from Grammy-winning songwriter to first-generation entrepreneur to every-day people who simply lived below their means. Their paths to wealth are diverse, but what they have in common is a 24/7 commitment to their goals. Learn from their experience what it takes to become a millionaire.
Plus, with the help of market research firm TNS Financial Services, we found where the nation's millionaires live. We put together a slideshow revealing the top ten cities and towns in the U.S. with the highest concentration of millionaire households. The results may surprise you.
TIP No. 1: Seize an Opportunity
When the tech industry tanked and her company "was almost down to a liquidation plan," Nina Vaca bought out her partner and reinvigorated the business by changing its focus.
TIP No. 2: Have a Fallback
Josh Abramson and Ricky Van Veen started their college-humor Web site while still in school. "If you fail, you just go back to being students," says Van Veen.
TIP No. 3: Learn From Your Experience
Dave Grotz's losses on tech stocks taught him a lesson about diversifying that helped get his tree nursery off the ground.
TIP No. 1: Seize an Opportunity
When the tech industry tanked and her company "was almost down to a liquidation plan," Nina Vaca bought out her partner and reinvigorated the business by changing its focus.
TIP No. 2: Have a Fallback
Josh Abramson and Ricky Van Veen started their college-humor Web site while still in school. "If you fail, you just go back to being students," says Van Veen.
TIP No. 3: Learn From Your Experience
Dave Grotz's losses on tech stocks taught him a lesson about diversifying that helped get his tree nursery off the ground.