Starting out with no money?

[Andy Thao]

Hello BP, Just curious. But is it possible to start out with REI with little to no money? Thanks!

[Michael Wagner]

Originally posted by @Joey Hampton:

Just saying,

Not everyone can save up to $500/mo. Most normal people work average jobs and have a mortgage payment if they own a house. Add a car payment and if you make $20/hr or less, it's hard to save up $500/mo with your other expenses.
But I get what you're saying, about saving up..

 I have to disagree.  Most everyone, especially folks with an internet connection, computer, and smart phone can save $500 per month! Making $20 per hour is over $40K per year. $500 per month is only 15% of that....but the truth is the numbers don't matter.  Having a mortgage payment and a car payment are choices.  They are consumer choices that reflect a desire to possess more than you can currently afford (admittedly this is more true about the car than the house...but still true about the house). "Normal" people are just as capable of trading in a car with a payment and buying something that they can afford to own...rather than afford to make payments on.  You, me and all "normal" and non-normal people are in control of their own expenses.  The norm in America is to spend as much or more than you make, promising your future away in the form of never-ending monthly payments. It might be normal in that most people do it that way but that doesn't mean its the best way.  I'm not casting any blame here and hope I am not offending anyone....I just happen to be very passionate about this particular subject. Most folks haven't been taught how to properly manage finances. And my point here is that that particular skill is a Pre-requisite to entering a business that depends 100% on your ability to do just that.