Robert -

"Education, clergy, architecture, psychology, and liberal arts usually lead to low wages."

If you pay attention to Dr. Stanley, one of the very clear correlations he makes is that it isn't how much you earn, it's how much you keep. I seem to recall that he mentions in one of his books the fact that school teachers are represented to a good degree in his research.

If your road to wealth includes seeking out high paying careers, you should read TMND again...

Robert,

While I agree with you that simply attending college and graduating isn't a foolproof strategy to being successful, I disagree with the assertion that students who choose majors such as psychology, education, clergy, architecture or other liberal arts are dooming themselves to low wages. I'm not entirely sure why you included architecture, which tends to be a generally well-respected and high earning career in that list, but I'll move on. Earnings are a reflection of application, and a particular field of study doesn't necessarily guarantee nor does it inhibit one's ability to produce a high income. For example, I have a B.S. in psychology and leveraged that knowledge of behavior into a successful sales career where I produce an income just under $300,000/yr and have done so for many, many years. Others are not so successful, and I fully acknowledge that I may be an outlier, but the fact remains that I used a particular specialized skill I studied during university to serve as the foundation to a lucrative career. I'm of the opinion that those who enter a field of study simply because they cannot think of an alternative or because they think it will get them through college with minimal study are doomed to a life of low earnings as opposed to the major of their choice determining that outcome. I know plenty of people with liberal arts degrees such as art history that are struggling to get by, but at the same time I know plenty more that used their specialized knowledge to start a successful business or even successful consulting careers. It isn't what you know so much as how you choose to apply that knowledge.

Dear D. Termined,

Your story is truly inspiring, as are all of the stories of the millionaires Dr. Stanley writes about. Kudos to you, sir.

Dear D. Termined,

Far too many people in this country believe that just "going to college" will raise their financial prospects. You obviously chose the "right" career. At the risk of offending someone's politically-correct views; science, math, engineering, medicine and MIS can lead to higher wages. Education, clergy, architecture, psychology, and liberal arts usually lead to low wages. Many students who choose "psychology" as their major
will wonder their whole lives why they cannot get ahead.People need to be honest with themselves up front, and realize they are locking themselves into a life of struggle when they skate through college after choosing one of these "degree paths."

Dear D. Termined,

Far too many people in this country believe that just "going to college" will raise their financial prospects. You obviously chose the "right" career. At the risk of offending someone's politically-correct views; science, math, engineering, medicine and MIS can lead to higher wages. Education, clergy, architecture, psychology, and liberal arts usually lead to low wages. Many students who choose "psychology" as their major
will wonder their whole lives why they cannot get ahead.People need to be honest with themselves up front, and realize they are locking themselves into a life of struggle when they skate through college after choosing one of these "degree paths."

Sir,

Your perspective on your career was a real eye-opener. Your decision to avoid management yielded an epiphany - that it's not possible to out-earn bad spending habits.

Dear D. Termined,

I'm on my way! Here I come! We're in the process of paying off our house. We send everything to the house, camp for vacations, clip coupons, BUDGET, pay for things in cash, etc. I appreciate your letter because you are me -- in 20 years.

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