Diamonds in the backyard??

I've been reading this forum (and two others) since August 2002. The theme (and it's a good one), always seems to be: Take action, have multiple streams of income, take action, learn, take action and take more action.

Anyway, Mike's line about "Diamonds in your own backyard" seems true in my case.

I've lived in my home nine years now. I've always dreaded pruning my Forsythia, Lilac and Hydrangea. Every year I've pruned them and got it over with.

By reading these forums and learning new things, I now realize that I was literally throwing money away. Cuttings from each one of these awesome Bushes/Flowers (done the correct way), can bring in some extra nice $$$.

I'm not trying to promote anyone (I'm still new and learning), but Mike Mcgroarty's info is awesome. I found him posting on the boards and he's the real deal.

I agree that having multiple streams of income is the way to go. The hardest part about that philosophy is that, I believe, you should learn all you can and be the best you can be in each area. So, in reality, or at least my case, I'll choose (at the most) three areas of interest, and concentrate on learning all I can and being the best I can be (might even be two).

I'm 40 years old. I hear so many of my neighbors saying "I'll probably have to work until I'm 70. I won't be able to retire"

Well, I can understand that to some degree. I've been working for my local County for 13 years. I'm not throwing that away. But at the same time, I'm finding new things to do, and I don't plan on retiring if I live to be 90 by finding these new areas of interest and making some $$$ from it.

If you find your niche and enjoy doing it....why consider retiring?

So, Mike is correct that there can be Diamonds in your own backyard (even on a smaller scale).