Mr Navone is happy to live a frugal life. He doesn’t own a phone or a television, he buys most of his stuff second hand, and drives an old car. Yet, he does not miss a thing. He is disciplined, and happy to be. His strategy is simple.

“My motto back then without realizing it, and it is now, is that I’ll work for the money, and then I want the money to work for me” -Paul Navone

As Mr Navone wants his money to work for him, he saves a fair share of his income every month. This enables him to invest regularly.

He started by building a steady stream of income from renting out properties; properties he bought with his savings. He then started to invest in the stock market.

His investments always are for the long term. He never acts on impulse, and do not panic when the market are tumultuous.

“Paul has always been the perfect client. He gave me money and never took it out” – R. Douglas Smithson – Broker

Mr Navone is a great example of a simple plan well executed. His strategy is to give his money the time to grow. And it did grow ! He was steady, he was consistent, and he is rewarded with a net worth in the millions.

Mr Navone became a paragon of Personal Finance Strategy in the recent month. Many have discussed his achievements over the past few months. You can follow some of them on the following PF blogs:
Life Well-Lived is Not About the Bling – get rich slowly
Seven steps to wealth – the example of Paul Navone – Lending Club
Case Study: Multi-Millionaire Made on $11/hr Job – Consumerism Commentary

What to make of this poll?

The first thing which popped into my mind is that most choices are too specific. I believe this totally screwed the outcome of this poll.

• To make sure your kids kid will have everything you not have you need to be financially secure. So I understand why most people choose the second option as it comprise more opportunities.
• Do you know many who would recognize they would only be happy should they have more money? I don’t myself, they may say life would be easier with more money, but to say they are not happy because of it? Furthermore, if you are financially secure you can afford it.
• “So I can quit my job” is an easy one. It actually boils down to the same explanation as for the kids reason. If you are financially secure you can afford to quit your job. You should have a safety net worth 6 months at least ensuring that you have time to find a more rewarding job; Still, 12 percent is not a bad number. I’m actually quite surprised so many took this answer; maybe a spur of the moment while voting at work…
• I actually like the fact that people want to make a difference to the world. Yet they would only do it once they are a millionaire? Is changing the world linked to being a millionaire? I don’t think so. And I believe quite a few would agree with me. To some of those, money can even be the problem! Hopefully, we have CSR gaining popularity (think Acumen Fund)

In the end, the answer which stand out is as general as one can expect. It comprises a lot of things, and is as precise as a politician answering a question. It was destined to win. So what’s the point of this poll?