268 THE PRINCIPLES OF SELF-MASTERY
The nickels, dimes, and pennies that the average person allows to
slip through their fingers would, if systematically saved and properly put
to work, eventually bring financial independence.
Through the courtesy of a building and loan association, the table on
the following page has been compiled showing what a monthly saving of
$5, $10, $25, or $50 will amount to at the end of ten years. These figures
are startling when one considers that the average person spends from $5
to $50 a month for useless merchandise or so-called "entertainment:'
The making and saving of money is a science, yet the rules by which
money is accumulated are so simple that anyone may follow them. The
main prerequisite is a willingness to subordinate the present to the future,
by eliminating unnecessary expenditures for luxuries.
A young man, who was earning only $20 a week as chauffeur for
a prominent New York banker, was induced by his employer to keep an
accurate account of every cent he spent for one week. The following is
an itemized list of his expenses:
Cigarettes
Chewing gum
Soda fountain
Cigars for associates
Moving-picture show
Shaves, including tips
Newspaper, daily and Sunday
ShoeshinesBoard and room
Money on hand$0.75
$0.30
$1.80
$1.50
$1.00
$1.60
$0.22
$0.30
$7.47
$12.00
$0.53
$20.00