06-17-2014, 10:44 AM
Just wanted to share some good news and a lesson I shared with some folks who would rather "have it now" than save for the future.
First off, our Granddaughter Madison Faith arrived this morning at 8:04. Mom and daughter are doing great!
So this had me thinking after reading a thread at another site. When Cindy and I were young no one in our families were saving much. Really couldn't. IRA's were just coming into being I believe (at least the way my folks talked about them). But what if I could have plunked down $1000 for my kids when each of them were born?
Assuming that when each child was born you invested $1000 in their future. Nothing more, nothing less. Reinvesting those dividends. Now let's pick a stock we know they will use, say Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) for all those boo boos they will get (plus baby shampoo, etc).
$1000 in September 1983 would have given our oldest, Kelly 22 shares of JNJ.
In 1990 Jon would have had 17 shares and Liz 23 shares in 1993.
Today? Are you ready?
Liz would have 136 shares worth $13951 up 1306% in 20+ years.
Jon would have 212 shares worth $21799 up 2195% in 24+ years.
And Kelly?
Her 22 shares turned into 534 shares worth $54766 up 5432% !! (30+ years).
Wish I knew this back then!!
First off, our Granddaughter Madison Faith arrived this morning at 8:04. Mom and daughter are doing great!
So this had me thinking after reading a thread at another site. When Cindy and I were young no one in our families were saving much. Really couldn't. IRA's were just coming into being I believe (at least the way my folks talked about them). But what if I could have plunked down $1000 for my kids when each of them were born?
Assuming that when each child was born you invested $1000 in their future. Nothing more, nothing less. Reinvesting those dividends. Now let's pick a stock we know they will use, say Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) for all those boo boos they will get (plus baby shampoo, etc).
$1000 in September 1983 would have given our oldest, Kelly 22 shares of JNJ.
In 1990 Jon would have had 17 shares and Liz 23 shares in 1993.
Today? Are you ready?
Liz would have 136 shares worth $13951 up 1306% in 20+ years.
Jon would have 212 shares worth $21799 up 2195% in 24+ years.
And Kelly?
Her 22 shares turned into 534 shares worth $54766 up 5432% !! (30+ years).
Wish I knew this back then!!
There are people who use up their entire lives making money so they can enjoy the lives they have entirely used up
Frederick Buechner
Frederick Buechner